By GUSTAVO ARZAC
Principal, Vista High School
At Vista High School, we are committed to fulfilling our mission statement of preparing our students to be college and career ready. This year, we have taken significant steps in supporting mental health, encouraging creativity, and expanding opportunities for career and leadership development. Through partnerships with organizations like the Center for Human Services and San Joaquin’s Artist in Schools program, we are addressing challenges that we have recognized as an ongoing concern. Our students have also explored diverse career pathways through technical and college tours, participated in leadership conferences, and engaged in community service projects. By hosting educational presentations, we continue to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful future. All together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to building a supportive, inspiring, and welcoming school culture where every student can achieve future success.
This year, we have partnered with San Joaquin’s Artist in Schools program. This program is designed to bring professional artists in residence to our students. The program’s goal is to improve arts education for teachers and students by encouraging creativity and self-expression during their 20-week residency sessions at Vista High School. Our students have really taken ownership and pride of their work they have done up to this point and are looking forward to participating in Escalon High School’s Arts Alive display.
In addition, we partnered up with the Center for Human Services to help us with the challenges related to mental health, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which has been a concern in the past but more as of late. They are helping our students achieve academic milestones, especially graduation. In recent years, we have observed a significant rise in the number of students struggling with these issues and data indicates that cases of stress, anxiety, and depression have nearly doubled from pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend has come to our attention and we acknowledge it as a concern shared by our entire community and we have been serving our students as a whole to help them have the best education possible.
In helping our students broaden their opportunities to explore career and develop life skills, we have already visited a handful of different career choices. This year, Vista High School students participated in career program tours to DeHart Technical School, where they learned about HVAC units, plumbing, and electrical. Next, they visited the Volt Institute, where they learned about mechatronics, industrial automation, and welding. Finally, they visited California Beauty College where they learned about cosmetology. All fields excited our students and really opened their eyes to many opportunities they did not realize were available.
To enhance our college readiness, our students have completed college tours including San Joaquin Delta College and Modesto Junior College (MJC). Both of these tours have explored the CTE programs from automotive to nursing programs. These tours were followed by college application and FAFSA workshops for seniors, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next steps in their education. Finally, to help them better understand college, there will be an upcoming MJC Experience Senior Field Trip in February.
A few other college and career trips were the MJC Hispanic Education Conference, LULAC’s Leadership Conference, and the 19th Construction Trades Career Fair. At the Hispanic Education Conference, they explored topics such as cultural pride, educational advancement, and community involvement. This event encouraged students to envision their futures and build confidence in their leadership abilities. At the LULAC’s Leadership Conference at Delta College, participants engaged with influential leaders and participated in workshops designed to encourage critical thinking and effective communication. The 19th Construction Trades Career Fair offered hands-on opportunities to learn about various trade professions, equipping students with practical knowledge and inspiration to pursue diverse career paths. We continue to partner with our community members as well such as having the pleasure of helping out the Senior Fun Bunch on a monthly basis. These experiences have helped our students to step out of their comfort zones and build a strong foundation for future success.
Along with tours, we hosted a variety of presentations that directly impacted our students’ lives. Topics included anti-vaping, where students learned about the dangers of nicotine addiction and strategies for making healthy choices, and the rising threat of fentanyl, emphasizing prevention and awareness. Additionally, with this year being an election year, we had Judge Erin G. Castillo lead an engaging “Judges in the Classroom” session on voter rights, helping students understand their civic responsibilities and the importance of informed decision-making. Upcoming events include presentations by the Marines, Army, and Navy, with a special highlight featuring a 2024 Vista graduate who became a Marine on September 13, 2024. These presentations will be followed by the ASVAB assessment, offering students insight into their strengths and potential career opportunities.
At Vista High School, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. This year, through meaningful partnerships, we have really created a positive school community. By addressing mental health challenges, encouraging creativity, providing career and leadership opportunities, and strengthening community ties, we are helping our students move forward with confidence and resilience. As we continue to build upon these initiatives, we remain committed to preparing students to be college and career ready. Together, we are shaping a future where every student is equipped to achieve their fullest potential.
Principally Speaking is a monthly article, contributed by principals from Escalon Unified School District sites, throughout the school year. It is designed to update the community on school events and activities.
