Embedded Files
The Monthly Newsletter for Alta Vista High School & Major General Murray High School
The Community Continuation Schools in Vista Unified School District
January 2026
January 2026
Volume 3 | Issue 5
Volume 3 | Issue 5
Alt Ed Monthly: Wrapping Up 2025 with Joy and Purpose
Alt Ed Monthly: Wrapping Up 2025 with Joy and Purpose
As we closed out the final weeks of 2025, the energy across our campuses was a beautiful reflection of the creativity and commitment that define our Alt Ed community. From student-led exhibitions to festive community gatherings, December was a powerful reminder of how much we can achieve when we work together.
The Heart of Learning: Exhibitions and Innovation
The Heart of Learning: Exhibitions and Innovation
December is a season of "authentic learning" in our district. This month, students at Alta Vista and Murray took center stage for their Exhibitions. Rather than traditional tests, students shared their learning process and final products with staff and families—demonstrating real-world growth and confidence.
This focus on student voice was also clear at the Superintendent’s Council on Innovative Learning, where students like Brayan Solano Lara (MGM), and Ale Ramirez (Alta), joined fellow student leaders to discuss how Vista Unified can better align learning with student strengths and interests. In fact, our students made such an impression during a visit from local Alt Ed leaders that the visitors spent the entire time listening to our student panel, skipped the classroom tours, and left feeling truly inspired.
Learning Beyond Campus Walls
Learning Beyond Campus Walls
Our "Leave to Learn" program continues to provide students with a bridge to their futures. This month, students explored diverse career pathways:
Career Exposure: Trips to the Oceanside Harbor, Draco Fabrication Works, and the Palomar Institute of Cosmetology gave students a firsthand look at high-demand industries.
Community Service: Our EL students volunteered at Casita Elementary’s Maker Night, helping younger students with hands-on projects and building their own leadership skills.
Authentic Impact: At a recent meeting, Vista Fire Captain Mark Hammes shared that the most meaningful moment of his career was supporting an Alt Ed senior’s exhibition—a testament to the power of our community partnerships.
Building Community and Connection
Building Community and Connection
The holiday spirit has been alive and well on campus. Our Giving Tree, facilitated by our wonderful community liaisons and staff, ensured that families were supported during the season. We also celebrated moments of "Zen" with advisory trips to the beach and festive activities like sewing pillows and building gingerbread houses.
We were also thrilled to host our Combined Posada, bringing families together for tacos, music, and holiday cheer. These events, alongside our Coffee with the Principal/Counselor mornings, are vital touchpoints that allow us to stay connected with you, our families.
Staff Spotlight & New Faces
Staff Spotlight & New Faces
We are proud to welcome Enrique Villalobos as our new School Administrative Secretary for AVHS and VVA! We also want to celebrate Tara Savage (School Psychologist) and Donna Penney for their recent district-level recognition. Our schools run smoothly because of the dedication of our office managers and plant leads who keep the foundation strong every day.
Principal's Note
Principal's Note
As December came to a close, our Community Schools at Alta Vista High School and Major General Murray High School were filled with meaningful learning, celebration, and connection. This season offered many opportunities for students to reflect on their growth, strengthen relationships, and engage in learning that extends beyond the classroom. We are grateful to our families, staff, and community partners for making these moments possible!
Throughout the month, students participated in powerful real world learning experiences. Many took part in Leave to Learn activities that included visits to Oceanside Harbor, the Palomar Institute of Cosmetology, welding and fabrication sites, and internship setup meetings with the City of Vista. December also marked a milestone for our programs with the first ever offsite student exhibition, where a Murray student presented his learning directly at the mechanic shop where he holds an internship. These experiences help students connect school to future careers while building confidence, independence, and purpose.
Family and community engagement remained a strong focus. Alta Vista and Murray each hosted Coffee with the Counselor or Coffee with the Principal events, creating welcoming spaces for families to connect with staff and with one another. December also featured a record-breaking combined Alta/Murray Posada, where families, students, and staff came together for food, games, and celebration. Through the Giving Tree and holiday store, many students received gifts and support thanks to the generosity of our community liaisons and school staff.
We were also proud to celebrate student growth and leadership. Rising Star Seniors were honored for their perseverance, leadership, and academic progress, and English Learner students were recognized through the EL Adventures program for their work tutoring younger students and building confidence as leaders. December concluded with student exhibitions at both Alta and Murray, where students shared their learning journeys, challenges, and accomplishments with families and staff. Exhibitions are a cornerstone of our learning model and provide a meaningful way for students to demonstrate growth through both process and product.
As we move into the new year, we thank our families and community members for your continued partnership. Your support helps us create schools where students feel seen, challenged, and empowered to discover who they are and where they are headed. We look forward to continuing this important work together in 2026.
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