Talking To Your Kids About Addiction

Many parents feel unsure when they should start talking to their children about addiction and even more uncertain about what to say. In this episode, author and educator, Jessica Lahey, offers practical tips and guidance for having conversations about drug and alcohol use. She draws on the latest research and her own experiences to share what families need to know to keep their kids safe.

https://www.pta.org/the-center-for-family-engagement/podcast/notes-from-the-backpack

GATE / APAAS Book Club

IUSD welcomes all parents to join the meetings and book club. Learn about the GATE and APAAS programs. This year’s book will be:  Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic; By Jennifer Wallace

Tuesdays, 9-10am

October 24, 2023: Book Introduction, Overview of IUSD Advanced Learning  & GATE Screening 
December 5, 2023: Book Club Part I Discussion, Pages 1-97, Overview of APAAS Program & Application Process

February 27, 2024: Book Club Part II Discussion, Pages 98-236, Advanced Learning in Secondary Education

Zoom link for all meetings: 
https://iusd.zoom.us/j/8230397169?pwd=Skg5M0NyNFhRV2QyWkZZYjZSQ0l2Zz09
Meeting ID: 823 039 7169
Passcode: IUSD123
For questions regarding GATE, please contact Victoria Lopez at mvickylc@gmail.com.

Tournament of Champions

Tournament of Champions registration is open for all sports! Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in these exciting tournaments while representing Vista Verde! Go Vikings! 🏐⚽🏈🏀
Register here!

PTA Dine-Out Fundraisers

Mark your calendars and support the PTA at our Dine-Out Fundraisers! Bring your family & friends to Red Robin during Red Ribbon Week on Tuesday, October 24th for a delicious meal. A percentage of your food sales will be donated back to the PTA.

Navigating Feelings of Distress Through Difficult Times

Recent events continuously remind us of the importance of checking in with one another, especially families with young ones. PTA has compiled a list of resources we can all utilize. Visit. https://www.iucpta.org/family-support-resources/
Legislative Advocacy Updates from Fourth District:
4th District PTA Opposes Change in the OC Board of Education (OCBE Duties).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/194OzXNyNHZZvT3p6uFt4i6NOAjQO3S5S/view?usp=drivesdk

Interested in Volunteering?

Interested in chairing (or co-chairing) on a PTA committee this year? Or volunteering at one of the many PTA events? We are always looking for parent volunteers, so please complete the form linked here. Thank you for your continued support of our school and of the Vista Verde PTA!

Reflections Art Submissions due by October 18th!

We look forward to receiving your child’s creative entries and celebrating their talent through Reflections. All submissions need to be turned in by October 18th in the front office.

1.    Online Entry via Google Form:

To participate in the contest, parents are required to fill out the online Google Form for each student. If your child is submitting entries in multiple categories, please ensure that a separate form is completed for each category.

Access the Google Form Here 

2.    Paper Entry Form:

For artwork and photo submissions, we also require a paper entry form to be completed. This form should be attached to your child’s artwork or photos when submitting them. Paper entry forms will be available at the front office or by printing the form through this link: https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/programs/reflections/reflections-2020-2021/fillable-form_local-leader.pdf

3.    All submissions are to be turned into the front office where there is a black art portfolio to place your submission inside by October 18th.  

Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact Cynthia Zhang at reflections.vistaverdepta@gmail.com

IPSF Giving Day – October 19th

Wherever you are on Thursday, October 19, we need your help to TURN IRVINE ORANGE! Whether at school or out in the community, be sure to wear orange to show your support for educational excellence in Irvine. This IPSF Giving Day we have even more reasons to raise awareness and funds to ensure that students have the resources and opportunities to thrive, wherever learning takes place!

Fifth Grade Girls & Guys Night!

The annual 5th Grade Girls & Guys Night event will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 5:30pm. All fifth grade students and their trusted adults are invited to attend this special evening, which will include a presentation on puberty by IUSD approved speakers. This year’s theme is “Tropical Beach Luau”, so come dressed in your best tropical attire and get ready to have some fun with games, raffles and dinner. The girls presentation will be held in the MPR and the boys presentation will be in the Media Center. Registration begins at 5:30pn, and the presentation will begin at 6:00pm. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

UHS Girls Soccer Youth Clinic

UHS PTSA and UHS Girls Soccer Program invite all 3rd grade to 6th grade elementary girls zoned for UHS to attend a Girls Youth Soccer Clinic on October 21st at University High School. All are welcome and no previous experience is required. Click here to register.