MVHS Newsletter August

Welcome back, Vista Nation!

We are excited to kick off another wonderful year at Mountain Vista. Our campus is already coming to life as our staff and students return for athletics and activities, and we are working hard to finalize preparations for the upcoming school year.

Our 25-year-old building received quite a facelift this summer. Thanks to the support of our voters and the 2024 bond passed, we are thrilled to welcome students back to a refreshed campus, including:

• New Flooring: Upgraded throughout all of our classrooms, the Commons, and the entire lower-level hallway.

• Security Vestibule: A new and improved entry point designed to provide enhanced safety features and increased visibility.

• HVAC System: A new, more efficient climate control system.

• Intercom System: A brand-new system (slated for completion over Fall Break).

It was a fast and furious effort this summer, but everything looks great. We are in the process of moving back in, cleaning, and prepping for the first day of school this week.

I know the beginning of the school year can be a bit hectic for families—it certainly is in my house! To help everyone get off to a smooth start, please take a moment to review the calendar, adjusted bell schedules, new communication device policy and important dates available in the newsletter below. While we will review all of this with students upon their return, it helps to have them prepared ahead of time.

We are incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished over the past 25 years. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the many extracurricular activities we offer, I cannot wait to see how this group builds upon our Golden Eagle legacy and continues to make us one of the best high schools in the state and country.

See you soon,

Rob Ceglie

Principal, Mountain Vista High School

We have adjusted our bell schedule this year to align with the DCSD PLC model and help stagger our start time with Mountain Ridge. With 6th graders now attending middle school, we want to try and alleviate additional traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons. While we will cover all of the new pieces in detail with students when they return, here are some key changes and descriptions to be aware of.

• Block days are green and gold. Periods 1-4 will be on M, W ("GREEN") and periods 5-7 on T, Th ("GOLD"). Periods 1-7 will meet on MOST Fridays (FRIDAY). With the exception of Friday 8/14, all Fridays will begin 45 later to align with the DCSD PLC model.
• Lunches: Students need to be aware that their daily lunch time will now be based on three different classes throughout the week. M, W will be based on their 3rd period class. T, Th will be based on their 6th period class. Friday will be based on their 4th period class.
• PLC (Professional Learning Communities): This is a time on Friday we have set aside for our staff to collaborate with peers and work towards developing and implementing best practices. PLC work continues to be a MVHS and DCSD priority. Students do not have an assigned place to be during this time. However, we have quiet places to study or do work in the building and breakfast in the Commons for those that do arrive prior to our 8:35am start time.
• Homeroom: All students will have a Homeroom. It is a time (10 min) for a quick morning check-in, announcements, etc.
• Structured Academic Support: This time is designed to help support the academic needs of our freshmen and sophomores. Data continues to indicate that our underclassmen need additional support when it comes to items such as organization, executive function skills, and grading practices. Small groups of students (18:1 ratio) will be assigned two staff members to work with on a weekly basis. This program has been a huge success for our underclassmen over the past two years! Juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing will have this time for independent study or make up work.
• Eagle Time: All students will be able to access their specific teachers for extra help, support, and/or to make up missing assignments.

All schedules and calendars can be found under Bell Schedules on the MVHS website. Please bookmark this link as a resource. We will post all Late Start and Special Schedules here as well.

Over the past year, Mountain Vista has been working alongside DCSD to create an implementation plan for the district’s new communication device policy (re: cell phone, smart glasses, earbuds, etc.). Our Consistency Committee, a collection of MVHS staff, has created our own document to more thoroughly describe expectations and protocols regarding this new policy and what it will look like when students return in August.

First and foremost, we believe this is a long overdue adjustment that will drastically improve student engagement and learning in the classroom. While we understand the ease of communication that these devices provide to families, they have long been a struggle and barrier to student success. We will all be working together to best implement this policy and appreciate the support from our parent community.

Please take a moment and review both the MVHS policy and DCSD policy so you are in the know as to what students should expect daily. Over the past few years, many of our teachers have already been utilizing cell phone caddies so we are hoping the practice is familiar for most. Please talk with your student so they understand the new expectations for cell phones and other communication devices.

Planning to pick up your student early? Please help us ensure a smooth departure by calling the Attendance Line - 303-387-1502, as early in the day as possible!

How Advance Notice Helps:

• Digital Pass & Logging – We will immediately log the early release in Infinite Campus for the teacher to see, and we will send a digital pass directly to your student's email.
• Easy Exit – Before class starts, your student can simply show their teacher the pass on their phone or device and head out at the designated time.

Last-Minute Pick-Ups

If an unexpected need arises and you are unable to call in advance, don't worry—we will dispatch a paper pass to your student's classroom as quickly as possible.

A Quick Note on Patience: MVHS is a large campus! Paper passes are hand-delivered to the classroom. We appreciate your patience and grace as we work to get your student to you safely and promptly!

While we always aim to live up to the expectations of our community, there are times when there may be a need to gather information, seek a resolution to a concern, or express a perspective. When a situation arises, it is important for our students to first advocate for themselves. This is an essential part of the high school experience and a life skill that will benefit them in the future.

We also believe in making every attempt for the stakeholders directly involved to collaborate together prior to involving additional individuals. Historically, many of our concerns have been simple misunderstandings, and both parties benefit from hearing each other out, working towards a resolution, and restoring the relationship moving forward.

Whether you’re in it for the yearbook or just trying to survive the semester, getting your photo taken is for your student records. Here is why you need to show up:

• Your Digital Identity: Your photo is uploaded directly to Infinite Campus (IC). This is how teachers, counselors, and staff identify you for attendance, grades, and safety.

• The Golden Ticket (Your ID Card): No photo = no ID card. You’ll need that ID for:

  • Checking out library books and tech.

  • Buying lunch.

  • Getting into school dances and sporting events.

  • Proving you actually go here!

When your proofs are ready you may visit Dr Photo to view their proofs and download your Digital ID/Activity cards for the year. We suggest that you download and save your ID to your photos so that you have quick access to it throughout the year.

Wednesday, August 12:

• 9th Graders: Pictures will be taken in the morning during your orientation.

• New 10th, 11th, & 12th Graders: Pictures will be taken in the Commons immediately following orientation.

• Returning 10th Graders: Picture Day is from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the Commons.

🏟️ Unlock the Season: Your All-Access Pass is Here!

Don’t be the one stuck in the ticket line while the crowd is roaring. Secure your Activity Card today and for a one time fee of $50 enjoy FREE entry to every regular season home game!

How to Grab Yours:

1. Log into MySchoolBucks.

2. Navigate to the School Store.

3. Select Activity Card and you’re set!

Are you a Mountain Vista parent or the ultimate Super Fan? 🦅

It’s time to level up your game-day look! Our 2026 Sideline Store is officially LIVE with the freshest drops of the season. From premium performance hoodies to custom headwear, we’ve got everything you need to represent the Green and Gold in style.

⚡ Don't just watch the game—own the sideline.

Shop the New Collection Here

**If you are interested in joining a CLUB/ACTIVITY at Vista, please take a look at the list!**

Does the trash in our parking lots concern you? Do you wish you didn't see our trash cans filled with recyclable materials? Would you like to see our school join DCSD's compost program? If so, please join the Parent-Run Sustainability Committee to transform Vista greener.

We are an independent committee from SAC, composed of parent volunteers. We coordinate with MVHS staff and students to participate in planning and implementing projects and events within the MVHS community. We run monthly trash pickup volunteer service for students, participate in Wellness Week, educate kids about no-car-idling and host an Earth Day event. We are excited to expand sustainability even more this year.

Please contact me if you are interested in becoming a committee member or if you have any questions or suggestions.

Thank you!

Kyoko Okada

buriokada@hotmail.com