VMMS Community Connection
Week of November 2, 2026 - November 6, 2026
Greetings Viper Community!
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we believe that students should be in the driver’s seat of their learning. Twice a year — once in the fall and again in the spring — VMMS hosts Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) to empower students to reflect, take ownership, and set goals for continued growth.
Purpose: The Student Led Conference is an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning! During the conference, students will share successes and determine areas for growth with an action plan. Conference will take place with your student's Advisory teacher.
When: Conferences are after school on November 18th & November 19th (in-person and virtual options available) These days are minimum days where dismissal is at 12:00. Student Led Conference time slots begin at 12:15.
How: On Monday, November 2nd, Advisory teachers guided students on how to sign up for their Student-Led Conference. We strongly encourage all Viper families to participate in this important opportunity for students to lead their own learning journey and celebrate their progress as reflective, goal-oriented learners.
**See below for the breakdown of the 3 parts of the Student Led Conference
Thank you for being a partner in your Viper's education!
Thank you!
Vista Magnet Middle School
*To view this newsletter in another language other than English, please utilize the translation feature found at the top of the screen.
*Para ver este boletín en otro idioma que no sea inglés, utilice la función de traducción que se encuentra en la parte superior de la pantalla.
Quarter 1 Progress Reports
Quarter 1 Progress Reports are NOW viewable in AERIES. A hard copy will be sent to each student's home this week!
VUSD Tech Time Review Survey
You Are Invited to Our Tech Time Review Parent and Community Forums
Dates: November 4; December 10
Time: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Vista Innovation Center (VIC), Multi-Purpose Room, 836 Olive Avenue
November 4: Synthesis and Ideation. We will bring together what we have learned and identify what VUSD should protect, change, create, or clarify. Participants will help develop potential recommendations and language for a new VUSD Board policy and Administrative Regulation.
December 10: Prototype and Feedback. Earlier that week, students serving on the Superintendent’s Council for Innovative Learning will review a draft Board policy proposal. At this forum, we will share the proposal, share what we heard from the students, and gather final community feedback before preparing the policy for the School Board’s first reading in January.
Digital Citizenship @ VMMS
This week in Advisory, our Vipers participated in a Digital Citizenship Lesson from Common Sense Media. The lesson was focused on building Healthy Tech Habits. See LESSON HERE.
Students explored how their personal tech habits impact their well-being. At IB learners, we encourage our students to be BALANCED. this means that they utilize tech responsibly and prioritize setting boundaries with tech.
Have a conversation with your Viper about their tech habits. Here are some questions that can guide your dialogue:
1. How does technology make you feel?
After spending time online, do you usually feel happy, connected, stressed, or tired? Why?
2. How do you know when it's time to take a tech break?
What signals does your mind or body give you?
3. How does screen time affect your sleep?
What could help you wind down before bedtime?
4. Does technology help you connect with friends or sometimes make you feel left out?
How can we make sure our online relationships are healthy?
5. How does technology affect your focus?
What helps you stay engaged when doing homework or learning something new?
Here are PARENT RESOURCES for your to check out courtesy of Common Sense Media:
VMMS PTA
Become a VMMS PTA Member...
It's NEVER too late!
On behalf of our 2026-2027 VMMS PTA Association we want to invite all the parents, students and other supporters to join our VMMS PTA! CLICK HERE
We look forward to an amazing year at VMMS with your partnership! Please contact Vicky Henry, VMMS PTA President for any questions vistamagnetpta@gmail.com
Own a Business? Sponsor VMMS PTA!
A banner with your COMPANY NAME will be displayed on the VMMS fence line. This is a prime spot for advertisement. See the details below!
CLICK HERE for the fun INFLATABLE lunch time activity VIDEO brought to our Vipers courtesy of the PTA and our school community fundraising from the Viper Zombie Fun Run. Thank you!
VMMS Community School Resources
PIQUE
Tenemos el programa PIQUE en persona aquí en Vista Magnet a las 9:30 am y virtualmente por zoom a las 5:30 pm. Todavía puede asisitir si gusta no tiene que registrarse. Tiene que asistir a por lo menos 4 de las clases para recibir su certificado de graduación del programa.
Do you need help with the eKadence?
Check out the parent guide attached below to learn more about how to use and navigate the eKadence parent application.
Join us on Fridays via zoom for an exciting and rewarding time with other parents. For more information please refer to the flyer.
ASB Fundraiser: Marquee Announcements
Want to give a Birthday or Congrats shout out for your Viper in a unique and awesome way?
Purchase a VMMS Marquee Announcement for $25. It will be displayed for one week (Mon.-Fri.).
Complete this ORDER FORM and remit payment to the front office to guarantee your announcement. *Space is limited to 5 announcements per week.
*Please read the form for additional requirements.
UPCOMING DATES
November 4th-
- No After School Learning Labs
November 11- NO SCHOOL
- Veterans Day
November 18th & 19th
- Student-Led Conferences
- Minimum Day Dismissal @ 12:00
November 23rd-27th NO SCHOOL
- Fall Break
Vipers Belong @ VMMS
What are Enrichment Learning Labs?
Enrichment Learning Labs are teacher-led learning experiences offered before or after school. Our teachers design these opportunities around unique skills, interests, and hobbies, giving Vipers another way to discover something new and develop their talents.
Because space is limited, consistent attendance is required, and waitlists will be created when interest exceeds available spots. Labs are offered in different sessions throughout the year, allowing students and families to choose opportunities that best fit their schedules.
Enrichment Labs Permission Form (ENG/SPAN)
**AI Crew, Broadcasting, Science Olympiad, Viper Fit, Outdoor Education have plenty of space
***Please also REMIND your VIPERS. They cannot arrive to the learning labs LATE. Going off campus and attending the labs late will not be permitted.
Intervention Learning Labs Available
At VMMS, we believe in High Expectations, High Support, and High Belief! Our Intervention Learning Labs provide additional academic support for Vipers who may need extra time, guidance, or practice.
An important part of middle school is learning to self-advocate. We encourage Vipers to recognize when they need help and take the initiative to seek it. Students can always ask questions during class or reach out to their teachers by email, but sometimes dedicated support time before or after school can make a big difference.
Intervention Learning Labs are offered before and after school based on teacher availability. Please review the current opportunities and permission forms below:
English Intervention Learning Lab
Spanish Intervention Learning Lab
ALL Vipers Are Welcome at the Viper Study Lounge!
The Viper Study Lounge is a great place for students to get homework help, organizational support, and extra guidance with projects and assignments. We want our Vipers to know that asking for help is a strength and that support is always available at VMMS.
**Parents and guardians, if your Viper is having difficulty keeping up with assignments, managing their workload, getting organized, or simply needs a little extra support, the Viper Study Lounge is a great place to start!
***The Quarter 1 Progress reporting period closes on October 16th. Vipers should turn in all missing assignments.
VMMS Counseling Support
CLICK HERE for the VMMS Counseling website. Please see who supports your Viper below:
Ms. Ward
Supporting students with the last names [A-Go]
(760) 726-5766 ext. 61041
Ms. Andrade -Hablo Español
Supporting students with the last names [P-Z]
(760) 726-5766 ext. 61040
Message from VUSD in partnership with VMMS:
We recognize and respect students’ rights to freedom of speech and peaceful expression. Our schools are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where students can share their perspectives while respecting the rights and opinions of others. The Community Circle opportunity is a good example of a safe space and action. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed about school and district policies, including Regulation 5145.2: Freedom of Speech/Expression.
If students choose to participate in a demonstration or walkout, we encourage families to discuss the importance of personal safety, respectful participation, and the potential impact on instructional time or leading to unexcused absences. Our priority remains ensuring student safety, maintaining a positive learning environment, and supporting students in making informed and responsible choices. For additional information, families may review the San Diego County Office of Education's Resources for Student Walkouts and Protests.
Request for Assistance Form
Please fill out this FORM if you feel you need support from the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support) team regarding a students academics, behaviors, and/or social-emotional well being.
Our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports) team is made up of our School Counselors, administrators, school psychologist and Student Support Team Lead. This centralized request system will allow for a "whole team approach" in ensuring that we are analyzing needs and collectively combining efforts. We are happy to help. Please reach out!