The Community School Communicator

Principal's Note

Dear Families and Community Members, 

March was an exciting and engaging month across Alta Vista High School and Major General Murray High School, filled with hands on learning, student accomplishments, and meaningful connections with our community.

One of the highlights of the month was student success in academic and applied learning. Alta Vista’s Iris Ramirez earned second place in the districtwide STEMfest competition, where students designed and built a working zipline using provided materials. Competing against students from across Vista Unified, Iris’s accomplishment reflects the creativity, problem solving, and technical skills that our students continue to develop through real world learning experiences. We also saw strong student voice and leadership through Community School Advisory Committee meetings at both sites, where families, students, and staff came together to share ideas and help guide important decisions about school programs and priorities.

Throughout March, students participated in a variety of “Leave to Learn” experiences that connect classroom learning to the world beyond campus. Students explored career pathways through visits to local businesses like NOIR Salon, attended live performances such as the opera Carmen, and engaged in outdoor experiences including a fishing trip that has quickly become a favorite tradition for many. These opportunities allow students to discover their interests, build confidence, and see the many possibilities available to them after high school.

Our schools also continued to strengthen partnerships with the community. The City of Vista’s City Manager, John Conley, visited students to share insights into local government and leadership, while our cosmetology program hosted an open house welcoming future students and families to learn more about this growing pathway. Additionally, our partnership with Food4Thought brought fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to students, supporting wellness and access to healthy food.

As always, family engagement remained a priority. Events like Coffee with the Principal and Community School Advisory Committee meetings created welcoming spaces for families to connect, share perspectives, and learn more about the opportunities available to their students. These partnerships are essential to the supportive and inclusive environment we strive to build across our campuses.

We are proud of the continued growth, achievement, and involvement of our students and grateful for the ongoing support of our families and community! As we round out the 25-26 school year, we look forward to building on this momentum as we head into the spring months together.

PS- Summer school 2026 is on at Alta Vista High School and Murray High School for in-person offerings and online through Vista Visions Academy (VUSD's online independent study school). More details will be sent to students and families in the coming weeks!