What is a Community Room?

We created a multi-functional space for families to come together and participate in their children's educational experiences. It is meant to be flexible and welcoming and enhance the school environment and its relationship with the broader community. We hope to foster connection and engagement among students, staff, families, and community members. 

Background

During the 2023-24 school year, our district provided us with funding to transform a classroom into a Community Room. The planning team includes Tamara Drummond (Community Schools Lead), Lisa Kilgore (School Nurse), Caitlin Jones (Counselor), and Yuleni Prado-Lopez (Community Liaison).  Together we began planning, designing, and purchasing what we needed to create a space for our Panther families to come together and feel a part of the community. 

Be a part of our rock painting movement to help spread kindness and joy. Let’s make VHS a vibrant place. We hope to see all our Panthers artwork! 

Our school recently completed a site self-assessment as part of the SEL4CA statewide recognition award process. Based on our findings, we applied for and successfully qualified for an official evaluation by the SEL4CA team in the Classroom Practices in SEL (Social Emotional Learning) category. We have received the Thriving Schools Award and recognized with Silver in the Classroom Practices Category.  

In 2023, Vista High School proudly became a PBIS school, embracing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to enhance student success. A dedicated team of teachers and administrators participated in PBIS training through the San Diego County Office of Education, forming a site team committed to expanding collaborative leadership. This team actively includes family and student voices, ensuring a well-rounded approach to school-wide initiatives.

We meet monthly to develop engaging reward incentives, mini-challenges, and school-wide competitions, fostering a positive and supportive environment. Our PBIS store allows students to redeem Panther Praise points for various rewards, reinforcing good character and achievement. Additionally, we analyze behavior and attendance data to inform decision-making, ensuring that our character recognition system aligns with emerging trends and effectively supports our students.