VMMS Community Connection
Week of November 9, 2026 - November 13, 2026
Greetings Viper Community!
Did you know that VMMS is an AVID showcase school?
This week, over 30 educators and leaders representing San Diego County schools visited VMMS! They came to learn more about our unique IB STEM magnet program and our journey as we embrace AVID school-wide.
We showcased AVID elective classes where AVID students engaged in tutorials. AVID tutorials are small-group, student-led study sessions that use inquiry-based Socratic dialogue to help students break down difficult concepts from their core academic classes.
In addition, our visitors toured core classes where high-leverage instructional practices are utilized to support student learning through structured engagement. Lastly, there was a World Cafe where our AVID Excel for English Learners highlighted the benefits of AVID to their language acquisition along other AVID students sharing their voice of how AVID has impacted their identity as a student.
We are so proud of how AVID students, Classroom Ambassadors, and Tour Guides blew our guests away with their knowledge and passion for learning. They represented the power of student leadership and pride in learning.
What is AVID, you ask? Advancement Via Individual Determination
AVID is an educational support system designed to set up students for college, career, and life readiness. We have 7th and 8th grade AVID Elective classes with Ms. Eckle and AVID Excel for our English Learners with Ms. Flaherty, Mr. Fritz, and Ms. Amezcua.
May it be noted that ALL our Vipers engage in both IB and AVID as complements to one another in each of their classes.
At VMMS, our IB identity focuses on Approaches to Learning Skills (ATLs). Within the ATLs are essential characteristics successful students show under Self-Management, Communication, and Social Skills. As a school we often set the expectation through our school-wide Advisory each Monday morning.
IB provides the framework and AVID provides the structure. Together they become our VMMS Shared Instructional Practices that are our Vipers explicitly learn and practice each day. Your Viper engages in their learning through the following VMMS practices:
*Click each of the links. These are all anchor resources that are used in all grades 6th-8th.
- The 5 Phases of Focused Note-Taking
- Structured Student Interactions with Collaboration
- Organization through daily planner use
- Reflection in goal setting and progress monitoring
During the upcoming student-led conferences, students will prepare a presentation that highlights their identity as a student, and their successful application of planner organization and note-taking.
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.
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. Please check with your Viper for the sign up sheet.
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!
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
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.
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.
November 11- NO SCHOOL
- Veterans Day
November 18th & 19th
- Student-Led Conferences
- Minimum Day Dismissal @ 12:00
November 23rd-27th NO SCHOOL
- Fall Break
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.
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!