Embedded Files
The Monthly Newsletter for Alta Vista High School & Major General Murray High School
The Community Continuation Schools in Vista Unified School District
November 2025
November 2025
Volume 3 | Issue 3
Volume 3 | Issue 3
Alt Ed's October in Review: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Alt Ed's October in Review: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Welcome to the third edition of our school year newsletter! The month of October was a vibrant showcase of the energy, innovation, and deep community connections that define Alternative Education in Vista Unified. Our campuses were buzzing with activity, both inside and out, embodying the core of the Big Picture Learning model: making education relevant, empowering, and deeply connected to the real world.
Real-World Learning and Student Voice
Real-World Learning and Student Voice
October’s highlights were dominated by hands-on experiences that take learning beyond the textbook. Multiple "Leave to Learn" excursions provided students with invaluable exposure to real-world careers. Students explored everything from the skilled trades at a local auto body shop (with thanks to Sergio Cruz, Russell Gotteman, and David Ayres) to the therapeutic world of equine-assisted therapy at the Reins Therapeutic Riding Center (led by Amanda Streitenberger). Another group visited EES to conduct informational interviews with preschool teachers, and a trip to the Hacienda area allowed students to explore careers and community impact firsthand.
A shining example of student voice meeting professional experience came from Antonio Brimmo's Alta Ink students, who completed their first commissioned job by designing and producing Vista Unified Alternative Education t-shirts. Meanwhile, students from Kirstin DeGeer's class prepared for the Forestry Challenge, applying ecological knowledge to real-world forest management, demonstrating the breadth of our project-based learning.
Creativity was on full display at two key community events: the Vista Art Walk and the Vista Festival of the Arts. For the third consecutive year, students from MGM and Alta, organized by Lydia Trujillo, showcased their talent in photography, sculpture, and modeling projects.
Deepening Community and Partnerships
Deepening Community and Partnerships
We continue to strengthen the vital link between school and home. Coffee with the Principal events at both Alta and AVHS/VVA were successful gatherings where parents connected, shared support strategies, and experienced the heart of our campuses. We're especially thankful to Xochitl Tejeda Robles and Adriana Gamino-Diaz for organizing these fulfilling opportunities for families to collaborate.
Our commitment to authentic partnerships was also recognized as staff and students attended the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) conference in LA, exploring new ways to build bridges between our schools and the communities we serve.
A powerful new initiative, the EL Adventures Program, launched at Thursday night school, with English Learners from MGM and Alta stepping into roles as leaders by debriefing their tutoring work at Grapevine Elementary. This program, championed by Olga Greenlee, Antonio Brimmo, Danielle McKeever, and Rebekka Kinder, is building confidence, language skills, and a strong sense of agency.
The commitment to student support and safety was evident in all areas. We were proud to receive clear SAM inspection reports (School Accountability and Monitoring) for MGM and Alta/VVA, recognizing the great work being done to maintain safe and compliant campuses. And a huge thank you to Willis Rowe for modeling vital proactive communication with families, reminding us all of the difference a single phone call can make in supporting a student.
Program Triumphs and Recognition
Program Triumphs and Recognition
October brought well-deserved recognition for our programs and people. Alta Vista High School received a preliminary recommendation to continue its prestigious Model Continuation High School designation, a testament to the innovation, student voice, and genuine care demonstrated by our staff. We are also looking forward to MGM's similar Model School visit on October 30.
We recognized impactful staff who are anchoring our vocational programs, including David Ayres in welding, and Merry Riebau and Melanie Pagayonan in cosmetology, whose work ensures these critical trade programs run smoothly. Finally, we celebrated Daishun Owens as Murray’s Rising Star Senior of the Month—a student who exemplifies the Bulldog spirit and whose leadership is the voice of our morning announcements.
Alt Ed is on the move, and every single one of these experiences—from nurturing the Community Garden to competing on the co-ed soccer team—brings our students closer to discovering who they are and where they are headed. Thank you
As autumn settled over Vista, our Alternative Education programs thrived with energy, creativity, and community connection. Across Alta Vista High School and Murray High Schoo, students, families, and staff embraced the fall season with the same heart that defines our work year-round: relationship-driven, real-world learning that celebrates every student’s unique path.
As autumn settled over Vista, our Alternative Education programs thrived with energy, creativity, and community connection. Across Alta Vista High School and Murray High Schoo, students, families, and staff embraced the fall season with the same heart that defines our work year-round: relationship-driven, real-world learning that celebrates every student’s unique path.
October rounded out with fantastic Fall Festivals at both Alta Vista and Murray, bringing families together for an afternoon of laughter, food, and games. Led by our dedicated Community Liaisons, Xochi Tejeda Robles and Adriana Gamino-Diaz, these events highlighted the joy of connection that makes our campuses so special. Students also had the opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo's conservation labs to practice using micropipettes and running DNA gels, an incredible hands-on opportunity made possible by Michelle Beeche, Amanda Streitenberger, and our amazing support team.
October rounded out with fantastic Fall Festivals at both Alta Vista and Murray, bringing families together for an afternoon of laughter, food, and games. Led by our dedicated Community Liaisons, Xochi Tejeda Robles and Adriana Gamino-Diaz, these events highlighted the joy of connection that makes our campuses so special. Students also had the opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo's conservation labs to practice using micropipettes and running DNA gels, an incredible hands-on opportunity made possible by Michelle Beeche, Amanda Streitenberger, and our amazing support team.
Our commitment to real-world learning continued throughout the month with Leave to Learn activities, taking students beyond the classroom to engage with community partners in fields like video production, auto body repair, and therapeutic wellness at Reins Therapeutic Riding Center. Each experience helps students connect what they’re learning to their future goals, an essential part of our Learning Through Interests model.
Our commitment to real-world learning continued throughout the month with Leave to Learn activities, taking students beyond the classroom to engage with community partners in fields like video production, auto body repair, and therapeutic wellness at Reins Therapeutic Riding Center. Each experience helps students connect what they’re learning to their future goals, an essential part of our Learning Through Interests model.
Students continued to shine in creative spaces as well, with Alta and Murray artists displaying their work at the Vista Art Walk, while Garden31’s service days brought together students and community partners to beautify our shared outdoor learning spaces.
Students continued to shine in creative spaces as well, with Alta and Murray artists displaying their work at the Vista Art Walk, while Garden31’s service days brought together students and community partners to beautify our shared outdoor learning spaces.
October also introduced a new program for our English Learners, where students from Alta and Murray have been visiting Maryland Elementary to mentor younger learners: a powerful, reciprocal experience that builds confidence and language skills for all involved.
October also introduced a new program for our English Learners, where students from Alta and Murray have been visiting Maryland Elementary to mentor younger learners: a powerful, reciprocal experience that builds confidence and language skills for all involved.
Finally, our co-ed soccer team wrapped up their season with grit and sportsmanship, and our staff continued leading at conferences and trainings, from the Community Engagement Initiative to competency-based grading workshops through Big Picture Learning.
Finally, our co-ed soccer team wrapped up their season with grit and sportsmanship, and our staff continued leading at conferences and trainings, from the Community Engagement Initiative to competency-based grading workshops through Big Picture Learning.
It’s been an extraordinary start to the year, and the sense of momentum and belonging across all three sites is undeniable. Our students are learning by doing, giving back to their communities, and shaping their futures one experience at a time.
It’s been an extraordinary start to the year, and the sense of momentum and belonging across all three sites is undeniable. Our students are learning by doing, giving back to their communities, and shaping their futures one experience at a time.
Thank you, families, for your continued partnership and trust as we build the kind of schools where every student is known, seen, and celebrated.
Thank you, families, for your continued partnership and trust as we build the kind of schools where every student is known, seen, and celebrated.
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