Major General Murray High School

FEBRUARY 2026

Campus and Community

Community School Updates: Building Skills and Shaping Our Future

Welcome to our latest community newsletter! We have an exciting month ahead filled with hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and professional development. Here is what’s happening around campus.

🔨 Trade Skills in Action: Welding & Construction

Our CTE (Career Technical Education) programs are heating up!

Welding Program: A huge congratulations to the 16 students who have successfully advanced into Welding 2! We are also thrilled to welcome 4 new students beginning their journey in Welding 1. Under the guidance of Derek Mendiola, these students are gaining the high-demand skills needed for a bright future in the industry.
Construction Class at RBV: Ready to build? The next construction cohort led by Landon Cardenas begins soon at Rancho Buena Vista.
- Student Interviews: Monday, February 2
- Program Dates: February 5 – April 23 (10-week duration)
- Schedule: Thursdays, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

🎓 Academic Milestones: Exhibition Make-Ups

For those students finishing their requirements, Exhibition Make-Ups are currently underway. Students will continue presenting their work in front of CS Leads and the Dean of Students through the first week of February. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and growth these students are demonstrating.

🗣️ Community Translation Course

We are opening our doors to students, parents, and community members for our upcoming Translation Certification Course. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain professional certification while serving our multilingual community. Please refer to the program flyer for registration details and start dates!

🤝 Leadership & Voice: Get Involved

We believe our school is at its best when students and parents have a seat at the table.

CSAC Meeting: The Community School Advisory Committee (CSAC) will meet on February 5 from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Join us to help guide our school's vision.
Student Advisory Council: Our student leaders meet bi-monthly to spearhead school-wide changes, plan upcoming events, and develop leadership skills. It’s the perfect place to make your voice heard!

Please contact Rebekka Kinder or Danielle McKeever, MGM Community Site Leads,

if you have any questions or would like to be connected to any of these programs.

rebekkakinder@vistausd.org ▪ daniellemckeever@vistausd.org

College & Career News

Happy February! This month, I'm inviting students to stop by and check in about financial aid, including help with FAFSA and next steps.

I'm also excited to share an opportunity for a paid student cohort, where participants will earn money while learning:

Financial literacy
Money management
OSHA & First Aid/CPR/AED
Hands on, supervised work experience
Skill application in real-world environments
Individualized career coaching job search
Assistance and employer referrals

Additionally, we are now accepting applications for the Construction Class starting February 5 at RBV.

Our community college classes begin this week, so if you’re interested in:

Applying for a community college ID number
Financial aid support
Any college or career questions

Please stop by Room 204 or email me at juanrodriguez@vista.org.

I look forward to supporting you!

If you need help with any of these opportunities, please feel free to walk into Room 204 or email me at juan.rodriguez@vistausd.org to schedule an appointment. I’m happy to assist you in navigating these opportunities.

Manny Rodriguez, College and Career Tech (760) 631-2502 ext. 89214

A Message from your Community Liaison

I can be reached by email at adrianagaminodiaz@vistausd.org

or by phone at (760) 631-2502 ext. 89008

Happy February MGM Community!

Join us on any Thursday evening from 4pm - 7pm for our Community Garden (Garden 31), Kainga Music -Steel Drums, or Heavy Breathing - Fitness Club/Open Gym. They’re FREE activities for the community and all levels and ages are welcome to join us!

A friendly reminder that there are resources available to MGM Students and Families, we are here to provide food, school supplies, toiletries, and other essentials for students and families in need through MGM's Basic Needs Pantry. If you'd like to be connected to any of the above resources or additional food opportunities from Frazier Farms or Panera, please reach out to Family and Community Liaison, Adriana Gamino-Diaz at (760) 631-2502 Ext. 89008 or adrianagaminodiaz@vistausd.org for more information.

Attendance News

Message from Ms. Melanie

At Major General Raymond Murray High School, we are committed to supporting student growth—academically, personally, and socially. As part of this commitment, we emphasize the importance of regular attendance and have established attendance guidelines to help all students stay on track for success.

If your child will be absent, please report the absence by calling:
📞 (760) 631-2502 ext. 89005
Kindly leave a detailed message including the following information:

Date(s) of the absence
Student’s full name
Date of birth and/or grade level
Reason for the absence
Your name, relationship to the student, and a callback number

Important Reminders:

Parents/guardians have up to 72 hours (3 school days) after a student returns to report the reason for the absence and to submit any necessary documentation.
After 10 verified excused absences, all future absences must be supported with official documentation from a professional (e.g., doctor, legal representative, etc.).
Documentation must be printed on official letterhead and include the reason for the absence.

Medical and dental notes may be submitted via email or fax:
📧 melaniepagayonan@vistausd.org
📠 Fax: 760-631-2503

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed!

Beatriz Barron: Social Worker Jasmine Suleiman: Counselor Lydia T. Contreras: Community School Counselor

Toni Masciola: Peace Ed Mentor Julie Guo: Pass/Ameri Corps Mentor

If You See Something, Say Something
Is something or someone bothering your student at school?

If it upsets your student, makes them feel unsafe, or affects their safety at school, let us know.

It is a secure, anonymous, and confidential safety tip line.
You do not have to provide your name unless you want to. The report will be forwarded to
the proper staff to help resolve the situation.

Reminder: Tips are only monitored during your school's operational hours. If this is an emergency or your student or someone you know is in danger or harm's way, please call 911 immediately.