May 29, 2017

Graduation Info - Thursday, June 8th

Graduation Day -  June 8, 2017  - 6:00 p.m.
Monte Vista High School Stadium
No access to stadium seating until gates open at 4:30 p.m.  
Seniors must report to the Flex Room (Room 902) by 5:00 p.m. and proceed to line up in the Quad.  

ATTIRE/CAPS & GOWNS  Although Seniors who purchased a cap and gown will get to keep them, they can NOT alter the cap or gown in color or design.  Caps cannot be decorated or altered in any way. They must be worn as they were distributed. The tassel should be on the right side of the cap until the end of the ceremony.  Only the school-approved issued cords and sashes for honor grads, National Honor Society, AVID and Thespians are allowed to be worn.  Any other adornments such as leis, beads,  lanyards, money, candy, balloons, floral items, etc. are NOT permitted.  Dress slacks and/or dresses should be worn under the gown. Jeans, shorts and spiked high heels are not allowed. Flowers, corsages, oversized jewelry, cameras, backpacks and purses are not allowed in the ceremony. Sunglasses are permitted.  Phones must be silenced prior to the ceremony.  Rental cap, gown and tassel must be returned first before the diploma can be released.  These items must be returned immediately after the ceremony at the north end of the stadium.  Please remember to take photos before turning in the rental cap, gown and tassel. .  
PARKING   Parking on campus is limited. Please arrive early and carpool if possible. All students must park in the North parking lot. Parents can park in the Front lot. There will be limited reserved handicapped spaces as well as a handicapped drop off area at the entrance to the stadium. Please arrive early as handicapped spots fill quickly.  Additional parking available below at the Casa De Oro Little League Fields.  
GUEST SEATING   The seating capacity for the stadium is approximately 3,500 with over 4,000 people expected to attend.  Seating is limited and standing areas are located up top on Midway.   The stadium gates will open at 4:30 p.m. Guests may not reserve seats for others or themselves.  The  items placed in the stands in an attempt to reserve seats before the gates open at 4:30 p.m. will be removed.  

GRADUATE SEATING  After attending rehearsal, your graduate will know which side of the field (home or visitor) and which row they will be sitting.  Standing area are located on the Midway which is the walkway entering the stadium.  Please ask your graduate where they will be seated to plan in advance your preferred viewing location.    

DISTRACTIONS/DISRUPTIONS   Umbrellas, pop-ups, balloons and other shading items that can block the view of others will NOT be permitted in the stadium.  Every graduate and their family have the right to hear their student’s name called as they cross the stage. Be respectful. Please do not bring air horns or noisemakers of any kind.  Please silence cell phones during the ceremony.

PHOTOGRAPHY  Candid professional photographs will be taken by Boyd Anderson as each student receives their diploma. Purchase information will be enclosed with the student’s diploma. .  A professional video will also be available for purchase. Old Harbor Video will have a table available on the Midway for questions and purchases.  


DIPLOMAS  They can be picked up immediately after the ceremony at tables located at the north end of the field.  In order to distribute these in a timely fashion, we ask that only graduates stand in line and family members wait patiently in another location.  We recommend each family predetermine a location for your graduate to reunite with family after the ceremony.  

May 28, 2017

Senior Play Day - Wednesday, May 31st

Senior Play Day is a tradition at Monte Vista to recognize the graduating senior class. Only graduating seniors in "good standing" are allowed to participate.

  • PANCAKE BREAKFAST in the gym.  Breakfast is served starting at 8:00 a.m. by the Kiwanis Club and senior teachers. The event features a picture slideshow and finishes promptly at 9:30 a.m.
  • POOL PARTY -  Students leave the gym and head down to the pool. Students may lounge with their friends or study for finals. Tasteful and appropriate swim attire is required.  Lifeguards will be on duty and refreshments will be provided until 12:00pm.  
  • CAP & GOWN DISTRIBUTION - Students must pick up their graduation cap and gown immediately after the pool party in the Flex Room (Room 902).  All fines and fees must be cleared in order to pick up the cap and gown.  Please verify that all items are as ordered before leaving school.  Gowns should be taken out of the packaging and hung to reduce wrinkles in preparation for the ceremony.  Please follow guidelines provided by the manufacturer for care and ironing of the gown.  Cap & Gown Distribution will end at 1:00pm.

May 26, 2017

Senior Prom - Saturday, May 27th

Monte Vista's Class of 2017 Prom is this Saturday, May 27th at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The theme is Unmask the Night and students are encouraged to wear masks on sticks to match the theme.

Location: The Seaview Room at the Manchester Grand Hyatt
                  1 Market Place, Downtown San Diego
                  *The room is located in the back-left corner from the
                    hotel entrance, or the south-east end of Seaport Village

Hours:      Doors open at 8:00pm and the last dance will be played
                 at 11:45pm. Prom Court will be announced at 10:00pm

Parking:   Hotel self-parking $11; Valet Parking $16
                  Seaport Village Parking closes at 11:00pm
                  Click HERE for Seaport Village parking rates

Photos:     Boyd Anderson will be on-site for professional photo
                 packages. We will also have a FREE photo booth.

May 21, 2017

Senior Fees and Fines Deadline - Friday, May 26th

All senior fines and fees must be cleared through the Finance Office and Library by 1:04pm on Friday, May 26th. All fines must be paid to participate in senior events, to pick up your cap & gown, and to receive your diploma. No personal checks will be accepted.

Final Exam Care Packages - Deadline to Order May 30th

For $10, Monte Vista's PTSA will deliver a "stress-buster" themed care package including a delicious burrito, a paw print stress ball, a bottle of water with an inspiring quote on the label, and a personal message from YOU!

Order no later than Tuesday May 30 (3:30pm) so that PTSA volunteers have time to assemble the care packages, order the burritos, and deliver the notifications to your student on Friday June 2. Students will be directed to pick up their care packages June 2nd on the lunch quad.

Thank you for supporting this PTSA fundraiser which funds seniors scholarships, student programs, Red Ribbon Week, Unity Days, and holiday food baskets for Monte Vista families in need.

Spring Music Concert - Tuesday, May 23rd

Madness and Mayhem have taken over band and colorguard! Join us for a night of musical twists and surprises and special guest performers. Several of your fellow teachers and staff will be performing a special piece with us, so you may want to go cheer them on- or heckle- as they boldly go where no teacher has gone before! We will also be joined by theatre for a special performance, and of course colorguard will be showing off their mesmerizing winter show. The concert will be held at 6:00pm in the Gym on Tuesday, May 23rd. My look forward to seeing you there.


May 12, 2017

SDSU Top Graduating Seniors - Victor Ortega

Victor Ortega, 22, B.S. aerospace engineering - Victor Ortega is the son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college student. He is a native of Spring Valley, California and was the valedictorian of his class at Monte Vista High School.

He came to SDSU in fall 2013 and has been doing research with Satchi Venkataraman since last summer.

Ortega was named the valedictorian of the College of Engineering, as well as the outstanding graduate of the Department of Aerospace Engineering. He has accepted a position as an aerospace engineer at Naval Air Systems Command.

Go Monarch!

May 11, 2017

August 2017 Unity Days - Apply to be a Leader!

Would you like to help run a group of students at Unity Days for the upcoming school year? Unity Days will be held during the first week of school on Thursday, August 17th and Friday, August 18th from 7:30am - 12:30pm in the Gym. Only current 10th and 11th grade students can apply to be a leader and must have a 2.5 GPA or above and no U's. All Unity Day Leaders must be available August 14th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm for training.  Click HERE to apply.

May 9, 2017

Murder in the Monarch Library - Thursday, May 11th

Want to be a detective? Solve a murder and the theft of a rare book? Come on down to MURDER IN THE MONARCH LIBRARY, an interactive mystery! It happens Thursday, May 11, at 5:30 pm in the library. Tickets are $5.00.  See the Readers Society and some drama students become suspects, and you can solve the mystery!

May 7, 2017

2017 Yearbooks are limited - Order yours TODAY!

There are a limited quantity of yearbooks left. You can reserve your copy in the Finance Office or online for only $90.00!

Yearbooks will be distributed at three different times:
1. May 30th, after 5th period - Early yearbook distribution for students who purchased a spirit pack.
2. May 31st, 8:00 am - Seniors can pick up their yearbooks at the Senior Breakfast in the gym.
3. May 31st, after 5th period - Remaining yearbooks will be distributed in the Student Support Center.

May 2, 2017

Information Packet Return - Wednesday, May 3rd

Information Packet return for all current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders is WEDNESDAY, MAY 3RD.

Students will be accompanied to the Gym during their Social Science class or during 9th grade P.E.
They will be turning in their packet and taking their school photo for next year's I.D. card and yearbook.

Teachers are to remain with their students in the Gym during this time.  We will expedite this process as quickly as possible.

Also, we will have make-ups on FRIDAY, MAY 5TH in Room #902 (Flex Room) from 7:15 a.m. to 12:03 p.m. (Periods 1 - 5).  We will be making announcements for ALL teachers to send down any students who were absent on Wednesday to turn in their packets and have their picture taken.

Apr 30, 2017

Class of 2017 Grad Nite: Friday, May 5th

For those Seniors who are attending Grad Nite on Friday, May 5th, please remember that you must be ready to depart at 12:30 p.m.  Seniors will be returning to Monte Vista a 5:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Seniors must attend school all day, be present in all classes and not have any period truancies on the day of Grad Nite. Make sure to bring all you need with you to school on Friday. Make sure to have your ID card and dress for the cool night weather conditions. Backpacks will not be allowed on the bus, however, backpacks can be stored underneath the bus.  Students will need to grab anything they need for Disneyland from their backpacks before being stored. No backpacks are allowed in Disneyland or CA.  You are allowed to bring snacks on the bus, but drinks may not be opened before boarding the bus.  We recommend that cars not be parked in the parking lot overnight. Have a great time.

Senior Chromebooks - Purchase Option : $20!

The Grossmont District is allowing Seniors to purchase their Chromebooks for only $20.00.  All you need to do is bring $20.00 cash to the Finance Office and sign off that you will use your Chromebook sometime in the future for educational purposes.  If you do not want to purchase your Chromebook, you will need to turn it in immediately after your last final but no later than Wednesday, June 7th. You may notice on the portal that there is a $20.00 fine listed for the Chromebook, as soon as you pay for or return the Chromebook the fine will be lifted.

Spring Choir Concert - May 2nd

The Spring Choir Concert is on May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theatre. The theme is "What's Your Anthem?" and it will be a whole concert of music about expressing yourself through music and art and how that expression can change the world. We are planning on having the Polynesian Dance Club, Si Se Puede, The Step Team and Dance Team as well.

AP Testing : May 1 - 12th

This week we begin Advanced Placement testing.  If your student is taking an exam, they were provided the date and time to report for their test or tests.  All AP Exams will be taken at Faith Chapel Church at 9400 Campo Road in Spring Valley. They are kind enough to provide the space we need for testing each year.  Please arrive at 7:30 a.m for morning tests and 12:00 noon for afternoon tests.  Please bring your student pack, a photo ID and pencils.  Do NOT bring cell phones, music devices, purses or backpacks.  Some snacks will be provided but you are welcome to bring water and snacks of your own.  Good luck Monarchs!

Apr 25, 2017

Join Link Crew - Application Deadline May 12th

Click HERE for the application!

In the News - Skills USA State Championship

MVHS students competed in the 50th Anniversary Skills USA State Championships. It took place over four days this past week. The students represented the pride of being a Monarch in competition with the best of the best throughout the entire state in automotive technology.

A special recognition should go to Ashley Martinez for representing Southern California and winning Gold in the "Advanced Automotive" Regional competition. Another special recognition should go to Arturo Velazquez, Mark Doniza, Justin Privett and Xoraida Perez for winning Bronze in the Automotive Service Technology "B Division."

This is the first time in three years that the Monte Vista Automotive Program has medaled in the Skills USA state championship. This year, Skills USA California has 20,000 students who competed in over 50 different competitions. The state championship represents the best ( 1st, 2nd and 3rd) from the 6 regions in the the state​​.

Apr 4, 2017

National College Fair - Tuesday, April 25th

Monte Vista is taking a bus to the National College Fair at the San Diego Convention Center on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (5:15pm - 9pm). All Monte Vista students grades 9-11 are invited, but you must pick up a permission slip from Mr. Campillo in Rm 316, get it signed by a parent/guardian, then return it to Campillo BEFORE Spring Break. This is a FREE event, but seats are limited so turn in your permission slip to reserve your spot ASAP.

Apr 2, 2017

The Positive Prevention PLUS curriculum is California’s best source for evidence-based instruction in Comprehensive Sexual Health Education and Teen Pregnancy Prevention, aligned with California and National Health Education Standards. Positive Prevention Plus includes lessons about human sexuality and provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to develop healthy attitudes concerning adolescent growth and development. Monte Vista's Physical Education Department will administer the state required curriculum to all sophomores beginning Monday, April 24th.  Parents are encouraged to review the materials and contact the Physical Education Department if they have any questions or concerns about the curriculum. State law allows parents to excuse their child from part or all of the Positive Prevention PLUS curriculum by providing a written request to your child’s teacher.  Requests should be received before instruction begins on April 24th.

10th grade students will receive a letter this week outlining all of the topics covered in the Positive Prevention PLUS curriculum. Click HERE to view a digital copy of the letter.

Mar 27, 2017

DRIVE 4UR SCHOOL - Saturday, April 1st

Monte Vista is hosting a DRIVE 4UR SCHOOL event this Saturday, April 1st from 8:00am - 4:00pm in the upper parking lot.

Ford Motor Company launched the Drive 4 UR School test-drive program in 2007 as a creative, low-pressure fund-raising opportunity for local schools. Ford offers a $20 donation for each valid test-drive, up to $6,000 total*, which can be used for sports, booster clubs, music programs and the many other miscellaneous expenses associated with running a school.

So mark your calendar for this Saturday - stop by Monte Vista between 8:00am and 4:00pm, test-drive a new Ford and raise some $$ for your local school!

*No Purchase Necessary. Drivers must be 18 years of ago and have a valid drivers license to test-drive a Ford vehicle. One eligible driver per household. 


Mar 18, 2017

Annual Powder Puff Football Game - March 31st

The annual Junior vs Senior Powder Puff Football game is on Friday, March 31st at the Monte Vista Stadium. Kick-off is at 6:00 pm and the half-time show will feature a performance by the Powder Puff Cheerleaders. Tickets are $7.00 at the Gate or $5.00 in advance from a participating player. Children under 10 are FREE. Proceeds go toward the Class of 2017 so come out, support and have a great time!

Mar 9, 2017

Teacher of the Year: Kathy Hunter-Clark

Congratulations to Kathy Hunter-Clark for being elected as Monte Vista's 2017 Teacher of the Year. Kathy has been at Monte Vista High School for 19 years in the Special Education Department and specializes in math, consumer skills and course remediation. Thank you Kathy for all your hard work and dedication!

Student-made Children's Books on Display in the Library

Students of Mr. Teetzel’s Digital Arts Class created Children’s books last week and are being displayed in the school library until the end of the school year.  Students designed, wrote, and illustrated the books using Adobe Illustrator and had them published and printed out.   Come see the awesome work our students are doing!

Powderpuff Football - March 31st

The annual Junior vs Senior Powderpuff Football game is on Friday, March 31st at 6:00 pm. You can buy tickets from a player in advance for $5.00 or at the gate for $7.00. Children under 10 are free. All proceeds go toward the Class of 2017 so come out and support!

Mar 6, 2017

Congratulations to Mr. Carpenter and the new MESA Club!

Our MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) club on campus competed in their first MESA Day at SDSU against all other San Diego County MESA schools.  We had teams code and design a prosthetic arm, build a balsa wood airplane and bridge, design an egg carrier to be dropped from 60 feet, and all of these students willingly took an age specific mathematics exam.  Travis Kulhanek took 1st place in the math test for 10th graders, Danielle Kelsey, Ami Sanders and Lea Sanders took 3rd place in the senior team math exam, and Brad Iglesia, Katy Clark, Luiz Gonzales, and Rubisela Gonzales took second place in the technical paper for the prosthetic arm competition!  Our winners will advance to the regional competition on April 1st.   

Mar 3, 2017

Monarch Theatre Presents Once Upon a Mattress

 If you thought you knew the story of “The Princess and The Pea,” you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, the Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken’s love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn’t the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.

 The show runs March 16 - 18th and 23 - 25th in The Little Theatre. Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door and $3 for children under 9. ASB/GUHSD Theatre Student Discount is also honored.

Feb 21, 2017

Theatre Auditions: Wednesday, February 22nd!

One Act Auditions for the spring show are on Wednesday, February 22nd from 3:00 - 5:00pm.
If you want to read the plays in advance, they can be checked out from Ms. Benitez in the Little Theatre.  Come out and try your hand at acting! There are four different One Acts, so this is a perfect opportunity to see what it is all about. Shows are in May.

Nothing needs to be prepared in advance, just show up at 3pm in the Little Theatre!

Feb 15, 2017

Yearbook Write-Ups for Seniors - Due March 10th

Want to have a quote by your picture in the yearbook? Give a shout-out to your family and friends? Senior Write-Up forms are available in the Student Support Center, Library, Finance Office, the Yearbook Room and the Guidance Office. Senior Write-Ups are $7.00 are can be submitted and paid for in the Finance Office. All forms and payments are due by Friday, March 10th at 3:30pm.

Feb 14, 2017

Budget Message from the Superintendent



Feb 10, 2017

Unity Days - February 15th & 16th

It's our 4th annual Freshman Unity Days on February 15 and 16, where each freshman will spend one day in the gym from 8am - 2pm learning leadership roles and human relations activities to continue building Monte Vista into a stronger, more respectful community. We have 175 upperclassmen who are eager to return to Unity Days and volunteer as leaders and role-models for this year's freshmen. Students should wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the activities in the gym. Lunch will be provided for free and bags and purses should be left at home.

Feb 9, 2017

Senior Cap and Gowns!

Seniors have received a packet from SDGRAD.COM this week regarding cap & gowns, class rings and other senior announcements.  Caps & Gowns can be purchased for $28 or rented for $0!!! Loaner gowns must be ordered by April 15th.  If getting a loaner, all pieces including the tassel must be returned 30 minutes after the graduation ceremony or you will be fined $28.  You cannot keep the tassel on a loaner gown set.  You cannot buy parts of the cap and gown set; all the pieces are sold as a set.  If you want a tassel souvenir, you must buy an extra tassel online. Prices are set online until February 15th and go up afterwards. You can mail in the order form or order online at SDGRAD.COM.

Jan 30, 2017

Transportation Pathway represents at SkillsUSA 2017

Monte Vista High School's Transportation Pathway showed up in force at the Region Six SkillsUSA Competition on Saturday, January 28th at San Bernadino Valley College. Several schools from the Eastern Empire and San Diego Counties participated in the event.  Ashley Martinez took 1st Place winning the Advanced Division against top schools like Ontario and Ramona High School. In the Basic Skills Division, Monte Vista had two teams of four earn 2nd and 4th place.   Congratulations Monarchs!

Jan 29, 2017

2017 - 2018 Registration is now OPEN!

All new students must register online through Infinite Campus for the 2017 - 2018 school year. Detailed instructions covering online registration and how to create a Parent Portal account are available HERE. School Choice enrollments must be submitted by Friday, February 24th.
Returning students only have to update/confirm contact information in Infinite Campus. If you need additional technical support using these online resources, call (619) 956-4357.

Grad Nite 2017 - Deadline February 21st!

The PTSA is sponsoring Grad Nite 2017 on Friday, May 5th - Saturday, May 6th. Busses leave Monte Vista at 12:30 p.m. Friday and return at 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning.  Tickets are $135.00. This includes your admission into Disneyland & California Adventure and charter bus transportation.  Permission Slips are available in the Guidance Center. First Come, First Served. Cash, Cashier's Check or Money Orders ONLY - no personal checks or credit cards! Deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, February 21st.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!


Jan 18, 2017

In the News: Monte Vista's Wrestling Coach Mathew Simone

Monte Vista's wrestling coach, Mathew Simone, was featured in this week's San Diego Union Tribune. Click HERE to read the full story.

Jan 16, 2017

Blood Drive - Monday, January 23rd!

A San Diego Blood-mobile will be on campus next week Monday, January 23rd from 8:00am - 1:30pm outside of the Dance Room. To make an appointment to give blood:

  1. Log on to "sandiegobloodbank.org"
  2. Click on "Donate Blood"
  3. Select "Appointments" and provide the sponsor code: MTHS

Permission slips are required for students 16 - 17 yrs old only and can be picked up in the Guidance Office or Student Support Center. Parents are also invited to participate!

All donors will receive a coupon for a FREE Chipotle Burrito, Burrito Bowl, Salad or order of Tacos, courtesy of Chipotle.

Jan 15, 2017

Spring Sports Clearance and On Campus Physicals

Spring sports are just around the corner and the clearance window opens on Monday, January 23rd. Students need to complete the online athletic clearance even if they've played a sport earlier this school year. Spring physicals will be held on campus Tuesday, Jan 24th beginning at 2:00 in the student support center. As always, $20.00 cash only! Try out dates, times & locations for Spring sports will be published when they are established.

California Healthy Kids Survey - Deadline Feb. 17th


Monarchs Parents,

It's that time of the year when we are seeking your input in shaping the CULTURE and CLIMATE of Monte Vista.

This month parents throughout our district are participating in the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS). Our staff, 9th and 11th grade students have already taken the survey.  Our goal is to have as close to 100% of our parents take the survey.  The time frame is January 16 to February 17, 2017.

The purpose of the survey is to obtain your perceptions of student behavior and attitudes, school programs, and policies, and the overall school climate as they relate to student well-being and learning.

We will use the information gathered from staff, students, and parents to guide the direction of our school for the next year.

Please note the following:

1.  Your participation is voluntary.  Your input is vital in helping our team promote safety, student achievement, and enhance learning supports for the Monte Vista Community.

2.  The CHKS survey is ANONYMOUS.  Staff, students, and parents cannot be identified from the data.  We will only know the number of people who have taken the survey.

3.  The CHKS survey pertains only to Monte Vista

TO ACCESS THE SURVEY:
1) Copy and paste the following link: https://surveys.wested.org/csps/DE363CX

2) Type in the school code (case sensitive): ZP44ZC

If you are having trouble accessing the survey, please email me directly at: jgarcia@guhsd.net

Again, the deadline for taking the survey is February 17th.

Thank you!