Family Newsletter

Para ver el Boletín Familiar en español, solo tienes que hacer clic en el enlace que aparece más abajo.🔽

This issue highlights the dedication, innovation, and achievements that continue to make our special education community thrive. We are pleased to feature Mrs. Shaw’s classroom at Roosevelt Middle School, where students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences that foster growth, independence, and connection.

We are also proud to celebrate the recipients of the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) Excellence Awards. This year, Vista Unified was honored to have three award recipients recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to supporting students with exceptional needs.

In addition, this newsletter includes community resources and information designed to support students and families, including guidance on safety considerations for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, assistive technology tools that promote access and independence, and recommended social and life skills apps and websites.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we remain committed to creating inclusive learning environments where all students can learn, grow, and succeed.

The ENS students at RMS participated in a school-wide Career Day on April 17th. Students learned about what exciting things VATC has to offer. VATC provides our students with additional support beyond high school. Students learned that during the VATC school day they can further their knowledge with academics, learn mobility skills, get support finding a PAYING job and then having support at work, and independent living skills. Sign me up!

• ESY: Classroom assignments are still being finalized based on enrollment and staffing. Families will receive assignment information by email in June.
• Transportation forms for the 2026-27 academic year were distributed to eligible students' families via email in April. Please make sure to fill out the online form by June 30th.

ESY is an extension of the current school year. ESY is for eligible students only as indicated on your child's IEP. The ESY Program will incorporate IEP goal--based instructions within a fun and engaging learning environment that strives to connect students with their teachers and the school community.

ESY DATES: June 8, 2026 - July 2, 2026 (no school 6/19 & 7/3).

Locations: T.H.E. Leadership Academy (T.H.E.L.A) or Empresa Elementary School (site to be determined by District Office), Madison Middle and Rancho Buena Vista.

ESY APPLICATIONS:

Applications for ESY for eligible students were distributed to families via email by the Special Education Department.

*Please note that this application does not included California Avenue or Vista Adult Transition Center. California Avenue and Vista Adult Transition Center will be sending out their communication separately.

• A certified therapy dog will be present at one ESY school site.
• Families assigned to that location will receive additional site-specific information.
• Please contact us if your child has allergies or concerns regarding animal interactions.

If your child qualifies for transportation services through their IEP and will require transportation for the 2026–2027 school year, please complete the Annual Transportation Form. The form was emailed to families on April.

To help ensure transportation is in place for the first day of school, please submit your completed form by June 30, 2026.

Once transportation arrangements have been finalized, the Transportation Department will contact families with bus route information in August.

If you need to make changes to a previously submitted transportation form 2026-27, please submit a new online form with the updated information.

Please note: Transportation services are only available to students whose IEP includes transportation as a related service.

Transportation forms for students continuing at Cal Ave and VATC for the 2026–2027 school year will be provided separately by each school site, not by the Special Education Department.

May 27, 2026 10:00 AM - Level Up: Social and Life Skills Apps and Websites

Families and educators each bring something essential to the table when it comes to assistive technology – and when they work together, students thrive. This session explores what AT is, how families and educators can strengthen their partnership around student access, participation, and growth, and practical ways to stay connected and share observations across settings.

• May 28, 2026
• 11:00 a.m. PDT
• Registration: https://scoe.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I2HUsfVxT0GYKwSEfhuJBg#/registration

This free online session will discuss safety tips and support for people with IDD. The session will include:

• Understanding misunderstood behaviors.
• Preventing bullying and social isolation.
• Addressing wandering and elopement.
• Recognizing and responding to abuse (physical, emotional, sexual).
• Staying safe online.
• Building healthy relationships and boundaries.

Learn what to watch for and what you can do!

• Register on Eventbrite | http://bit.ly/3QjdVUT
• Wednesday, June 10 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Click the below link to open the google word document.

🔗Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC)
A parent-driven organization providing personalized IEP coaching, parent-to-parent mentoring, and expert workshops (available in English & Spanish).

🔗Seeds of Partnership
A California Department of Education project offering fantastic webinars, parent checklists, and tools designed to strengthen the partnership between families and educators.

🔗Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
Connects families to local opportunities. They publish the Flourishing Families guide (with over 1,300 local resources) and host all-inclusive family events.

🔗Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
Learn about special education, public benefits, important transitions, assistive technology, and more.

🔗North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE)

Learn about special education resources, free parent workshops, and the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

🔗San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)

The San Diego Regional Center is one of 21 regional centers in California that provides support and services to persons with developmental disabilities.

🔗TASK

At TASK, we empower families and individuals with disabilities by providing the tools and resources they need to navigate special education and related services. From Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultations to assistive technology, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.

🔗The ARC San Diego

A non-profit organization supporting families of children and adults with disabilities through early intervention, family respite services, and inclusive recreation.

• VUSD Special Education
• VUSD California Avenue School - Parent Resources
• VUSD Vista Adult and Transition Center - Community Resources
• VUSD Family Engagement Network
• VUSD Student Support Services
• VUSD Transportation Services
• VUSD Adult School
• VUSD Special Education School Site Supervisor

🔗https://edjoin.org/vistausd

Location: District Office, 1234 Arcadia Ave., Vista, CA 92084

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone: (760) 726-2170

Email: specialeducationdepartment@vistausd.org