Dear Mountain Vista High School Students, Families and Community,

I am always amazed at how quickly time passes when working through a school year.  The fact that, despite all of the craziness of 2020, we have reached winter break gives me cause for new hope and optimism about what is next.

I first want to thank everyone for helping our school and community make it through the strangest semester on record.  We have collectively taken it one day at a time and managed our way through any number of changes, new problems, and unexpected challenges.  The patience and grace shown to our staff and to Vista has been impressive and we appreciate our school community more than ever.  We hope that this break provides great opportunities for some rest and relaxation and that we can all somehow find ways, during difficult times, to make the most of each day.  

As of this moment in time, we will start the second semester on our current remote schedule/model.  The feedback has been positive and the consistency, level of expectation, and accountability of the schedule has been better than anticipated; even from kids who thought that a couple months of semi-productive independence was nice:)  Our goal is to start January with a renewed focus on engagement and achievement as we prepare for a transition to more normal times.  

Keep an eye out for additional updates from DCSD and health agencies over the next couple of weeks as they monitor daily information and data in determining when we can get our students back to in-person learning in a stable and sustainable way.  While I understand there are differing opinions regarding next steps, I also know that the ultimate goal of having our kids back at Mountain Vista as soon as possible is the same for everyone.  

As mentioned before, I choose to remain hopeful and optimistic. Like you, I am ready for the next chapter but understand it will take a continued and consistent effort. Starting 2021 by being able to say that the vast majority of our community did all they could in December and January to avoid additional problems would be a great thing. This will continue to be difficult but now is not the time to let up. Once all of your holiday tasks are under control (good luck:), the break is a perfect time to slow down, stay home, and get things turned around so we can safely return to school as early as possible in the new year. Continue to wear masks when needing to go out and do all you can to avoid large gatherings!  I so badly want the new year to include our kids and families being a part of the Vista experience again.  

Please have a safe break.  Take care of yourselves and take great care of each other.  Happy Holidays!! 

Michael Weaver

Principal 

Mountain Vista High School