Vista News

Yuma Union High School District will administer the ACT Aspire Exam on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 to 9th Grade (Class of 2028 cohort) students.

The ACT Aspire assessment is the first computer-based longitudinal assessment system for college and career readiness that connects student progress from elementary grades through high school.

Students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 (non-testers) will work independently from home* on their classes through the Canvas Learning Management System and enter their attendance through a Google form for each class.

Students in Grade 9 will be the ONLY students on campus on this day*. School will start at its regularly scheduled time and will be dismissed at the following times:

• Cibola, Gila Ridge, Kofa, Somerton, and Yuma High Schools: 2:40 p.m. 
• San Luis High School: 2:30 p.m. 
• Vista High School: 3:30 p.m.*

*Please note: Vista High School’s Grades 10, 11, and 12 (non-testers) will follow their regular bell schedule on April 15.

A late bus run is available for students needing additional time to complete the ACT Aspire.

All students will return to their respective campuses on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
 

Yuma Union High School District students attended the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF) on March 4, 2025 at the University of Arizona in Tucson. 

After spending the majority of the fall semester designing their projects, collecting necessary data, writing their narratives and creating their posters, students from Cibola, Kofa, San Luis, Vista and Yuma High all came home with an award or placed first or second in their respective project category at SARSEF. 

"I've been obsessed with cars since I was a little kid so I liked being able to do my project on them,” Vista High School student Dwayne Cumm said. “It made it not feel like what I thought science was. Eventually I would want to find a way to replicate my project into the real world. When I found out I won I was looking forward to telling my dad and he was also really proud of me."

Apart from students earning awards, San Luis High School science teacher Krysteena Bailey also received a SARSEF Educators Award for her work as a science teacher at San Luis. 

“I am honored to have received the award though I could not have done it without my colleagues and their support with the students as well,” Bailey said. “This was honestly a team effort even if it is my name on the award.”

SARSEF provides students opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, network with STEM professionals, and a chance to earn scholarships and prizes. 

These students now have the opportunity to move on to the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. 

Below are the names and awards each student/class received:

Cibola High School
Nora German, Richard Moreno: Most Outstanding Project, Comparative Growth Analysis of Lettuce in Soil VS. Aquaponics Systems
Samantha Chulamorkodt: Second Place, Outstanding Exhibit in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Error Propagation in Quantum Computing, IBM Kiskit Based Simulation of Quantum Pauli Error's through Controlled - NOT(CNOT) Gates for Quantum Error Correction

Kofa High School
Allison Martinez, Lakai Williams: APA Certificate of Achievement in Research in Psychological Science, COVID Quarantine and Children’s Reading Levels
Nathan Salasibarra: Naval Science Award, Effects on Reaction Times with Games

San Luis High School
Alexa Rios, Valeria Herrera: SARSEF Board Award, Flutterfest: The Butterfly Diet Guide
Eduardo Medina, Enrique Aguero Leal, Alonso Mendoza Ruiz: Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award, Trankanaytor
Bryant Mendez’s AP Physics Class: First Place, The Role of Soil Treatments in Dust Control and Environmental Health
Valeria Gutierrez, Alondra Patron, Karely Alvarado: Second Place, Magnet Heat: Driving Maglev Efficiency

Vista High School
Dwayne Cumm: SARSEF Board Award, TireGrip Dynamics: Compound Performance Analysis

Yuma High School
Brianna Gonzalez: Law & Policy Award, Science Museums
 

Yuma Union High School District will host summer learning at all seven school sites, June 3-13, 2025.

The program will run Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Vista High School will start at 8:30 a.m. to reflect their usual start time during the academic school year. 

All classes allow students an opportunity to retrieve learning and earn credits lost. To register, students should talk to their school counselor before April 11, 2025.

Breakfast and lunch will be available to students at no cost, while transportation will be provided to and from school. 

"We have developed a multifaceted approach to summer learning that will address the needs of students across the district,” YUHSD Director of Education Technology Bibi Frazine said. “Our summer learning programs will provide students with the environment to determine what their needs are along with their counselor, the space to work, and opportunity to receive assistance from instructors and tutoring through Paper.co."

A $20 registration fee is required for students to take part in the program. The fee can be paid at the bookstore or online (processing fees apply).

Yuma Union High School District will administer the Arizona Statewide Achievement Assessment for Science (AzSCI) Exam on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 for 11th Grade (Class of 2026 cohort) students.

AzSCI consists of three test units that assess the Arizona Science Standards (AzSS). The AzSS presents a vision of what it means to be scientifically literate as well as college and career ready. Results are available to schools in May 2025.

School will start at its regularly scheduled time. Lunch will be provided for all students. 

Students in Grades 9, 10 and 12 (non-testers) will be dismissed at the following times:

• Cibola, Gila Ridge, Kofa, and Yuma High Schools: 11:50 a.m.
• San Luis High School: 11:34 a.m.
• Vista High School: 12:24 p.m.
• Strategies for Success: Students will attend class virtually from home using the Canvas Learning Management System. They will need to submit their attendance by clicking on the E-Learning button located on the homepage of every teacher’s Canvas page.

Students in Grade 11 (testers) will remain at their respective schools to take the test. Please note: Somerton High School will follow its regular bell schedule on March 18 due to having no students who are members of the Class of 2026. 

Those testing are encouraged to bring earbuds/headphones. Dismissal is at the following times:

• Cibola, Gila Ridge, Kofa, and Yuma High Schools: 2:40 p.m. 
• San Luis High School: 2:30 p.m.
• Vista High School: 3:30 p.m.

A late bus run is available for students needing additional time to complete the AzSCI Exam.

All students will return to their respective campuses as regularly scheduled on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
 

In celebration of heart month, Onvida Health, in partnership with the Yuma
Union High School District, is bringing back its Teen Heart Screening Event to
help identify potentially life-threatening heart conditions in young athletes and
students.


At the event, Onvida Health medical professionals will provide free cardiac
screenings, including EKGs, and potentially echocardiograms, to students.
These screenings are critical in detecting hidden heart conditions that can lead
to sudden cardiac arrest, offering families potentially life-saving knowledge.

“We all know the importance of heart health, but many people don’t realize the
number of heart conditions that can go undetected – especially in young
people,” says Tracy Terrones, DPN, Director of Cardiovascular and
Cardiopulmonary Services at Onvida Health. “Our Teen Heart screenings event
connects students to our healthcare professionals, giving parents and kids the
knowledge they need to stay heart healthy.”


The event highlights Onvida Health’s dedication to building a healthier tomorrow
and its mission to provide accessible, preventive care to Yuma’s youth. Special
thanks to Kofa High School for hosting, as well as Eric Paredes Save a Life
Foundation for their partnership.


“We are thankful to Onvida Health for bringing this event to our community.
Supporting the health and well-being of our students is a top priority,” said
Robert Jankowski, YUHSD Associate Superintendent. “This screening provides
a valuable and free opportunity for them to stay proactive about their heart
health. We encourage all students to take advantage of this event and prioritize
their well-being.”

For more information, visit www.onvidahealth.org/event/teen-heart-screenings/

More than 300 Yuma Union High School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) students competed in the SkillsUSA Region One competition throughout the last week of January at Arizona Western College (AWC), and several other locations across Yuma County.

In addition to YUHSD, Region One includes AWC, Antelope Union High School, Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY), and middle school students from the area. 

“The students have worked so hard to prepare for this moment,” San Luis High School stagecraft teacher Timothy Ames said. “After their competitions, they’re coming out smiling, empowered, and ready to take on the next step in this journey, which would be state.” 

Students took part in 35 events where they were able to showcase their skills in areas such as stagecraft, prepared speech, job interview, video production, welding, automotive technologies, and more. 

Many YUHSD students will be advancing to the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, which will take place in April. 

More about SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure the United States has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students and instructors annually. The organization has 13,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations. More than 14,500 instructors and administrators are professional members of SkillsUSA. The state of Arizona has been part of SkillsUSA since 1966.
 

After serving more than 180 families during the fall semester, Yuma Union High School District announced its Parent Academy series will continue into the spring semester with sessions kicking off on February 25, 2025.

The sessions are an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn about everything from how their student can earn college credit while in high school, what student and family supports are available across the district, how to get involved, and how to plan for the future.

“The purpose of Parent Academy is to equip families with valuable insights and resources to navigate the waters of high school and help pave the way to success in College, Career and Community upon graduation,” YUHSD Director of Strategic Planning Mike Sharp said. “The curriculum is new and improved. Parents are encouraged to join with their students.”

A variety of topics will be offered in one-hour blocks. Parents are welcome to attend any session that fits their schedule. RSVP information will be sent directly to families on the district’s ParentSquare messaging system. However, an RSVP is not required for a parent to attend.

See below for the complete list of weekly sessions and locations:

Tuesdays (5:30-6:30 p.m.)
Kofa High School (English and Spanish)
San Luis High School (Spanish)
Somerton High School
Yuma High School

Wednesdays (5:30-6:30 p.m.)
Cibola High School
San Luis High School
Virtual (virtual link)

Thursdays (5:30-6:30 p.m.)
Gila Ridge High School

Week 1 February 25-27, 2025 
Academics: Technology platforms, communication, attendance, concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, standards-based grading, earn college credit in high school

During Session 1 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will receive an introduction to the technology platforms used for learning and communication, guidance on effective communication with teachers and staff, and the importance of regular attendance. The session will cover concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits, as well as various programs that enable students to earn college credit while still in high school. The session will also explain standards-based grading, which measures student proficiency based on set standards, and outline the student supports available to help students succeed.

Week 2 March 4-6, 2025
Student Supports: Teachers, Counselors, Para Professionals, Social Workers, Nurse, Administration, School Safety, IEP, 504

During session 2 of the YUHSD Parent Academy, discover the wide range of resources available to support your student’s success at YUHSD. This session will provide an overview of the dedicated team working to meet your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs, including teachers, counselors, para-professionals, social workers, nurses, and administrators. Learn about school safety measures, individualized education programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and other support systems designed to ensure every student thrives. Join us to connect with our team and explore how we partner with families to empower students.

Week 3 March 11-13, 2025
Getting Involved: Career and Technical Education (CTE), Mastery of the Arts Program, Athletics, Activities, Portrait of a Graduate

During Session 3 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will learn about various opportunities for student involvement and development. The session will cover Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which provide hands-on learning experiences in various trades and professions. Parents will also hear about the Mastery of the Arts Program, which encourages students to develop their artistic talents. Additionally, the session will highlight the athletics and extracurricular activities available, promoting physical health and teamwork. Finally, the Portrait of a Graduate will be discussed, outlining the key skills and attributes students should develop to succeed in life beyond high school.

Week 4:  March 18-20, 2025
Planning for the Future:  realizing goals, senior packet, exploring the future, transcript review, admissions, standardized tests, post graduate pathways, financial aid

During Session 4 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will be equipped with essential information to help their students plan for the future and achieve their goals. This session will cover the components of the senior packet, crucial for graduation preparations, and offer guidance on exploring future career and education options. Parents will learn about the importance of transcript reviews and the college admissions process, including standardized tests. Additionally, the session will discuss various post-graduate pathways, from higher education to vocational training, and provide an overview of financial aid opportunities to support students' educational endeavors. 

For the seventh year in a row, Yuma Union High School District seniors will have the opportunity to apply for one of the biggest surprises of their lives.

The window for the 2025 Helios Education Foundation Ready Now Yuma Scholarship application is open. Selected applicants receive up to $15,000 per year, renewable up to three additional years.

The scholarship is exclusively available to one student at each YUHSD campus with graduating seniors. Winners are announced in the spring by way of a surprise video, complete with balloons and an oversized check.

The program supports seniors with financial need attending an accredited post-secondary institution and pursuing any field of study. Students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university and pursuing a 4-year degree. This scholarship is renewable if students are in good standing and maintain the required Grade Point Average.

For more information and to fill out the required application before the deadline of March 17, 2025, students are encouraged to visit: https://www.azfoundation.org/Scholarships/Scholarship-Opportunities

As part of the awarding of the scholarship, YUHSD and Helios have partnered to surprise students. To see the recorded surprises, visit YUHSD’s official YouTube channel or click the following link: https://youtu.be/q1oxV0tK49Y?si=eXKlKIlcTouwOAYU

This is the seventh year of the scholarship program, which has awarded up to $2.16 million in scholarships to YUHSD students during the past six school years. Here are the previous scholars: 

2023-24
Grace Villa, Cibola High School, Arizona State University
Kirra McDowell, Gila Ridge High School, Arizona State University
Emma Connor, Kofa High School, Boston University
Anelys Romo Herrera, San Luis High School, Arizona State University
Nalani Acosta, Vista High School, Arizona Western College
Patrick Argomaniz, Yuma High School, Northern Arizona University

2022-23
Taylor Rice, Cibola High School, Northern Arizona University
Trinity Guiden, Gila Ridge High School, Arizona State University
Kristy Mojardin, Kofa High School, Arizona State University
Dana Valdenebro, San Luis High School, University of Arizona
Jacey Leon, Vista High School, Northern Arizona University
Raymond Nunez, Yuma High School, Northern Arizona University

2021-22
Citlaly Salinas Garcia, Cibola High School, University of California
Isabella Gonzalez-Serna, Gila Ridge High School, Northern Arizona University
Isaac Navarrete, Kofa High School, Northern Arizona University
Karina Esquer, San Luis High School, Emory University
Michelle Medina, Vista High School, Mesa Community College
Fernando Nunez-Dominguez, Yuma High School, Arizona State University

2020-21
Marley Barker, Cibola High School, Arizona State University
Jordan Bunte, Gila Ridge High School, Northern Arizona University
Monthserrat Cano, Kofa High School, Arizona State University
Jovanna Wesley, Kofa High School, Northern Arizona University
Georgette Encinas, San Luis High School, George Washington University
Jethzly Navarro, Yuma High School, Arizona State University

2019-20
Serena Felix, Cibola High School, Northern Arizona University
Adrian Hernandez, Gila Ridge High School, Arizona State University
William Krueger, Kofa High School, Grand Canyon University
Naiara Avila, San Luis High School, Northern Arizona University
Iris Binuya, Vista High School, Arizona Western College
Caroline Martinez, Yuma High School, Northern Arizona University

2018-19
Karen Campa, Cibola High School, University of Arizona
Julieta Taraborrelli, Gila Ridge High School, University of Arizona;
Epiphany Jones, Kofa High School, Arizona State University;
Fransheska Salgado, San Luis High School, Arizona State University;
Lesley Barajas, Vista High School, Northern Arizona University
Anthony Nunez Romero, Yuma High School, University of Arizona.

About Helios Education Foundation

Helios Education Foundation exists to support postsecondary attainment for all students, especially low-income and underrepresented communities, in Arizona and Florida. Driven by our fundamental beliefs of community, equity, investment, and partnership, Helios has invested about $350 million in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving third-grade reading, college-going, and postsecondary attainment in the two states we serve since 2006.

Vista High School held its annual winter graduation on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in Snider Hall on the Yuma High School campus. 

Yuma Union High School District Governing Board Vice President Carlos Gonzalez confirmed the group of 66 graduates prior to the distribution of their diplomas. YUHSD Associate Superintendents Derek Bosch, Dianne Cordery and Robert Jankowski were also on-hand to represent the district. 

“We were excited to see such a large number of our students walk the line last night as graduates,” Vista Principal David King said. “This large class is a testament to the hard work being done by our teachers, staff, and students to positively affect the culture at Vista. They are defining this campus as a place where students don't just come to recover credits, but to learn with high expectations, rigor, and a close-knit campus community that can't be found on our larger sister campuses. 

“I mentioned in my address to the graduates of 2024 last night that they must be ‘uncommon’ to be successful in the world that awaits them. I know that this class, like so many of the Lobos that have come before them, has an uncommon and unmatched level of grit, resilience, and tenacity that can only be developed through struggle. That uncommon quality will carry these young men and women far in the next phase of their journey after leaving Vista High School and our staff is excited to continue to cheer for their success.”

VHS graduates Adel Zepeda, Lillian Anderson and Ruben Valdez spoke to their classmates. 

“Each of you has worked so hard to reach this moment and I couldn’t be prouder to stand here and share it with you,” Zepeda said in his speech. “Over time, I started to love Vista, the people in it and the life lessons I have learned. Vista has shown me a different path.” 

The commencement ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on Vista’s Facebook page. 

Here is complete list of this year’s VHS winter graduates:  
Geovanni Aispuro; Sarah Alcantar Lopez; Gabriella Amaya; Lillian Anderson; Alvaro Arellano; Ashlyn Arias; Christian Avila; Aramis Ayala; Ashley Cadena Barajas; Mariana Campos; Silvana Castillo Berrelleza; Nestor Castro Puerta; Abrahm Colin; Liliana Coronado; Natalie De Los Reyes; Noah De Ray Birk; Alexander Diaz Felix; Yeslie Echeverria; Willene (Wollie) Edwards; Roman Enriquez Hernandez; Michael Alexander Ericksen; Zelda Frias; Layla Garcia; Anthony Gastelum; Leonardo Gastelum Martinez; Gabrielle Gonzalez; Blanca Guerrero; Nehily Gutierrez Espinoza; Cristian Hernandez; Victor Hernandez; Leonardo Jaramillo; Alberto Leon Torres; Danitza Lizarraga; Mia Luna; Mckenzie Madrill; Susana Magallanes; David Montoya; Kelly Moore; Isaiah Olea; Jayden Patino Barrera; Brianna Pena; Melanie Pena; Brody Perez; Fabian Reyes; Jorge Alberto Reyes Fajardo; Adrianna Rios; Keylin Robles; Alicia Rodriguez; Rachel Rodriguez; Jerry Mejia Rosales; Victor Ivan Ruiz; Anthony Sanchez; Mark Sonny Segovia; Ethan Sivyer; Divady Solorio-Ruiz; Valeria Soria; Carlos Soto; Ivan Rene Soto; Skylee Domino Sproule; Landen (Brianna) Stewart; Isis Taylor; Jesus Uribe Quintero; Ruby (Ruben) Valdez; Pedro David Vidrio; Krisely Villa; Adel Xcavier Zepeda 
 

Yuma Union High School District’s student nutrition department will soon be cooking up some of its best meals yet. 

YUHSD was one of six school districts in the United States selected to take part in the sixth cohort of the “Get Schools Cooking” program, which is designed for school districts to transition from a heat-and-serve to a scratch-cooking operational model so they can serve students fresher, healthier, and more appetizing meals.

“We are thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to be part of Chef Ann Foundation Sixth Cohort of ‘Get Schools Cooking,’” YUHSD Executive Director of Student Nutrition Elena Hildreth said. “Our goal has always been to provide our students with fresh healthy meals, rich in culture and true to the community of Yuma. Having the support and resources from the Chef Ann Foundation, will ensure we are successful.”

The intensive three-year program is part of the Chef Ann Foundation, founded by Ann Cooper, and includes training, strategic planning, an on-site assessment, and a system assistance grant. Overall, the program has a value of nearly $250,000 per participating district.

“We're so excited to kick off the sixth cohort of Get Schools Cooking and work closely with these
districts over the next three years to transform their meal programs," said Lori Nelson, Executive
Director of School Food Operations at the Chef Ann Foundation. “Not only will we provide healthier school meals to over 96,600 students, but we'll also be driving long-term sustainable change in school food systems nationwide."

Since 2016, not including the 2024-25 cohort, Get Schools Cooking has impacted more than 180,000 children in 27 districts across 21 states. YUHSD is only the second school district in Arizona and the first high school district in the country to be selected. 

Hildreth and members of her team will attend a Get School Cooking workshop in Bellingham, Washington in February to help kick off the program. 

The following districts were selected for the 2024-25 cohort: 
Yuma Union High School District, Arizona; Durham Public Schools, North Carolina; Fairfield City Schools, Alabama; Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Ohio; Santa Fe Public School District, New Mexico; and Elida Municipal Schools, New Mexico.
 

Yuma Union High School District and its schools will be closed for Christmas and winter break beginning at the close of business on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Offices reopen to the public on Jan. 6, 2025 and students return to all seven schools on Thursday, Jan. 9.

For more information about the district calendar, please visit YumaUnion.org or click here: https://www.yumaunion.org/district1/district/district-calendars

The Yuma Union High School District Governing Board on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, by way of a 4-0 vote, approved district calendars for the next two school years. 

The calendars are for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, and include semester start and end dates, holidays, breaks, and grading periods.

All calendars are accessible in English and Spanish via the district’s website (yumaunion.org) by hovering over the “for parents” section and clicking on “district calendars” in the drop-down menu. The current district calendar, running through the 2024-25 school year, is located at the top of the page. You may also access the page by visiting the following link: https://www.yumaunion.org/district1/district/district-calendars  

Calendars for the coming school years include a first day of school on Tuesday as opposed to Thursday and a three-week winter break. YUHSD parents and staff were asked for input to the calendars via surveys sent through the ParentSquare communication platform. Nearly 4,000 responses were recorded from the two surveys with the board-approved calendars eliciting a 70.6 percent approval from district stakeholders.
 

Kofa High School alum Isaac Navarrete (Class of 2022) opened his fifth-annual “Grant a Gown” fundraiser to support high school seniors who cannot afford their cap and gown for graduation. 

“Giving back to my community through Grant a Gown is great,” said Navarrete, who is in his third year at Northern Arizona University. “It wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the donors who make this possible year after year. If someone is interested in donating to keep this going, please don't hesitate to reach out!”

Navarrete came up with the idea of Grant a Gown when he witnessed one of his own family members not be able to afford a cap and gown.

The initiative has helped 247 students since its inception in 2021. Navarrete submits donation letters to local businesses and individuals soliciting funds to help as many students as possible. There is an average cost of $30-50 per cap and gown. 

Students in need of a cap and gown can fill out the following form: tinyurl.com/grantagown25. Grant a Gown runs on a first come, first served basis and the sooner students apply, the better.

Anyone interested in donating to Grant a Gown can reach out to Navarrete at grantgownyuma@gmail.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram @grantagownyuma.