Vista News

Yuma Union High School District is hosting a College, Career, Community, and Military (CCCM) Fair for all students and families on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Cibola High School. 

The event is an opportunity to connect directly with college and university representatives, military recruiters, trade schools, and more.

“The College, Career, Community, and Military Fair is designed to help students and families explore a wide range of opportunities beyond high school,” YUHSD Director of College and Career Readiness Christal Buckley said. “By participating, students gain exposure to colleges, career pathways, community organizations, and military options—all in one place.”

Arizona's major universities, two-year colleges, military academies/Reserve Officer Training Corps representatives, community agencies and career and technical programs will be present at the event along with businesses from around Yuma County previewing internships and future job prospects.

This is the first time YUHSD has hosted an in-person, district-wide CCCM Fair since 2019. In addition to the November 6 event, all YUHSD schools will also be hosting their own CCCM Fair for their respective students during the school day from November 18-20. 

Yuma Union High School District will host a Transition Fair on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the District Office Board Room, 3150 S. Avenue A.

The event will feature a variety of community agencies that provide services and resources for different stages of transition, including life after high school. Families will have the chance to learn about assistive technology, day programs, pre-employment services, job retention services, home and community-based services, and military options.

“Access to resources and guidance before graduation allows students and their families to plan ahead, explore available programs, and connect with the agencies and services that can best support their future goals,” YUHSD Transition Specialist Kacie Baker said. “By attending, families will have the chance to ask questions, build connections, and feel more confident about the path forward.”

Among the agencies scheduled to attend are YCAT, Collaborative Technology Solutions, Encircle Families, Community Health Associates, and MIKID.

The Transition Fair welcomes students of all ages and their families across the Yuma community.
 

Yuma Union High School District educators took part in a district-wide professional
development day on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

The goal of the professional development day was to help teachers and support staff members improve their skills and better serve the students of YUHSD. Staff members participated in various group activities throughout the day, including a focus on personalized learning, lesson planning, IEP strategies, the Canvas learning management system, health and wellness, and more.

“Professional Development Day gives me the chance to stay up to date on the tools and strategies I need for my classroom,” Vista High School teacher Carmen Middaugh said. “It’s also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and share ideas that can help our students succeed.”

The day began with all teachers gathering in the auditorium, where each school principal recognized one teacher with a championship belt, symbolizing the champion they are for their students.

Here are the school champions for fall 2025:
Holly Hendrick, Cibola High School; Araceli Hermoso Palacios, Gila Ridge High School; Sheryl Clifton, Kofa High School; Maria Salgado, San Luis High School;Ron Bratton, Somerton High School; Carmen Middaugh, Vista High School; and Maj. James Branch and Sgt. Maj .Jeffrey Conway, Yuma High School.

In addition to staff training, students also gained valuable experience during PD Day. Students from Gila Ridge High School’s Film and TV Production program and Kofa High School’s Digital Photography program collaborated with the YUHSD Communications team to capture the day as part of a Work-Based Learning opportunity.

“I think the district has given students a valuable opportunity to apply the hands-on skills they’ve learned in the classroom,” YUHSD CTE Work-Based Learning Director Mariana Martinez Reynoso said. “The students came prepared and ready, and it was exciting to see them put their learning into practice.”

YUHSD typically hosts professional development days for teachers and staff once a semester to give them an opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other. The second professional development day, recognized county wide, will take place in February 2026. Support staff members also took part in a variety of activities at various sites throughout the district.

While the district was closed to the public, students were engaged through Canvas, while
working from home. School resumed as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
 

Vista High School is hosting its first “Why Vista” event of the 2025-2026 school year on Wednesday, October 1 from 4-7 p.m.      

The event, which highlights Vista’s numerous programs and benefits, is free to the community and includes food and fun and engaging activities. 

“We want the community to see how Vista is unique and can benefit our students,” VHS Director of Counseling Monique Slaughter said. 

It’s the second year in a row that Vista has hosted families across the Yuma Community in an effort to showcase the school’s student leadership and Career and Technical Education program opportunities, its flexible scheduling model, reduced class sizes, and various supports to help students make the most of their high school experience. 

Vista High School is located at 3150 S. Avenue A, Building C. The parking lot is most easily accessed off of 32nd Street. 

Vista High School’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter partnered with Vitalant to host a blood drive on September 12 at the Yuma Union High School District Board Room.

The event, aimed at benefiting the Yuma Community, saw a strong turnout from both students and community members eager to give back.

“Helping with the blood drive was such a great experience,” Vista student and HOSA Medical President Abigail Lopez said. “It felt nice being part of a community that came together to give back and make a difference.”

The students worked closely with Vitalant representatives to organize and schedule appointments for the drive. They also managed check-ins, escorted donors to the waiting area, and provided post-donation care, including water and snacks, to prevent dizziness from low glucose levels.

“I believe hosting blood drives is important because, when I was 9 years old, a car accident left me in a coma and in desperate need of blood,” Vista Medical Assisting Services teacher Cathy Jones said.  “A donor I’ll never know saved my life. That’s why we continue to host blood drives, because one donation can truly make the difference.”

Overall, 25 units of blood were donated, potentially saving up to 75 lives at the hospital.

For more information about Vitalant and its initiatives, please visit https://www.vitalant.org/Home.aspx.
 

Yuma Union High School District and its schools will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. School across the district will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

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

Vista High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Social and Mental Health class visited the Yuma Superior Court to observe Mental Health Court proceedings on August 25, 2025.

The visit gave students an inside look at how the justice system works to support individuals facing mental health challenges. They were able to see how court professionals balance legal processes with rehabilitation and treatment.

“This type of work-based learning is invaluable,” VHS Social and Mental Health teacher Kristina Murray said. “It helps students connect classroom knowledge to real-world practice, develop professional insight, and gain a deeper understanding of the careers and services involved in supporting individuals with mental health needs.”

For Vista High School student Joseph Lopez, the visit was eye-opening.”I noticed that everything is dependent on the judge and their verdict, as well as the outcome,” Lopez said. “The defendants seem to need the right guidance and help, and I see them passing their phases and levels through the support they receive."

Mental Health Court is one of several experiences offered to students in the Social and Mental Health class. The course introduces students to topics such as mental health assessments, intervention strategies, crisis management, and the ethical considerations involved in providing care.
 

After supporting over 180 families last school year, Yuma Union High School District is excited to continue its Parent Academy series this fall, beginning September 2.

Parent Academy is designed to help you feel confident and informed as your child navigates high school. Attendees will learn about:

· How students can earn college credit while in high school

· Support services available to students and families

· Ways to get involved in your child’s education

· Planning for life after graduation—college, career, and community

“Parent Academy is designed to empower families with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to help their students thrive in high school and beyond,” Somerton High School Director of Counseling Maria Dillard said. “With a refreshed and expanded curriculum this year, we’re inviting parents to learn alongside their students and take an active role in shaping their future success in college, career, and community life.”

Flexible Ways to Join:

· In-person sessions

· Live virtual sessions on Wednesdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m.

· On-demand videos available anytime on the district website

Each session covers a new topic in just one hour. Join any session that fits your schedule—no RSVP required. Families will, however, receive reminders and info via ParentSquare, the district’s mass messaging platform.

 

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

Tuesdays (5:30-6:30)

Kofa High School (English and Spanish)

San Luis High School (Spanish)

Somerton High School

Yuma High School

Wednesdays (5:30-6:30)

Cibola High School

San Luis High School

Virtua

Thursdays (5:30-6:30)

Gila Ridge High School

 

Week 1 Sept 2-4 

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 Sept 9-11 

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 Sept 16-18

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 Sept 23-25

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.

Somerton High School and Vista High School received the top “safety committee” awards of $8,300 apiece on Wednesday, Aug. 13, during Yuma Union High School District’s monthly Governing Board meeting. 

It’s the second year in a row that Somerton has shared the highest award. Vista has perennially been among the top award winners, earning a share of the highest award in five of the past seven years. Since the safety committee awards began in the 2015-16 school year, Gila Ridge, Kofa, Vista, Somerton, and San Luis High School have all earned the top award at least once. 

On Wednesday, YUHSD Director of Finance Brenda Higuera distributed checks from Board-approved insurance proceeds to the safety committee for each of the seven eligible schools in the district. In order to be eligible for the funds, the campuses fulfilled several requirements for the 2024-25 school year. 

Each school is required to have a safety committee that meets quarterly and conducts inspections twice per school year. During those meetings and inspections, each committee is looking for building and equipment hazards and safety concerns such as damage to crosswalks and signage. They also monitor injuries on their campus throughout the school year. 

SHS Assistant Principal David Barrios and VHS Principal David King were presented prop checks in the amount of $8,300 for their schools incurring the fewest safety hazards and injuries on campus in 2024-25. 

Other safety committee awards included: San Luis High School ($5,800), Cibola High School ($5,100), Yuma High School ($4,800), Kofa High School ($4,600), and Gila Ridge High School ($2,300). 

The committees at each campus will now choose three proposals for how to spend the funds, and allow students and faculty to vote on which proposal to approve for improving their respective campuses.

Yuma Union High School District’s longtime, bold goal to get its dropout rate to zero continues to inch closer to reality. For the fifth consecutive year, the district reported a decline in its dropout rate, a number that remains more than 3 percent better than the state average.

According to data compiled from Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Connect, YUHSD’s dropout rate for the 2024-25 school year was 1.13 overall, while the Arizona state average dropout rate was 4.47. 

YUHSD has outperformed the state of Arizona every year since 2012.

“I’m incredibly proud and encouraged by our district's low dropout numbers,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Lili Campa said. “They show students' resilience, but most importantly the dedication of every educator, support-staff member, and our dropout prevention specialists who have worked hard to ensure our students stay on a path to being college, career and community ready. The success motivates and gives us hope to keep pushing forward and work towards closing any remaining gaps." 

All YUHSD campuses employ a Dropout Prevention Specialist as part of their respective guidance counseling departments. The group of Yescina Cuming at Cibola, Patricia Quezada at Gila Ridge, Edgardo Gonzalez at Kofa, Rigoberto Conde at San Luis, Chris Reese at Somerton, Arisbey Garcia at Vista, and Anet Solorzano at Yuma High has been nationally recognized for the role they play in keeping students in school.

Asked what makes the dropout teams so successful, VHS Dropout Prevention Specialist Arisbey Garcia, said: “We take proactive steps to address the various areas where students are struggling. This is accomplished through collaboration with students, families, community partners and other methods to ensure students are provided with all available resources to remain in school.”

Dropout Prevention Specialists are part of the collaborative effort between the counseling department, teachers, and support staff members to intervene with students before they consider dropping out. This includes phone calls, one-on-one conversations with students, and home visits.

Here is a list of dropout data for all YUHSD schools from the 2024-25 school year:
Cibola: 1.19 percent
Gila Ridge: 0.91 percent
Kofa: 0.90 percent
San Luis: 0.70 percent
Somerton High: 0.92 percent
Vista: 0.32 percent
Yuma High: 1.68 percent

Here are YUHSD’s dropout rates for the past five years:
2024-25: 1.13 percent
2023-24: 1.42 percent
2022-23: 2.14 percent
2021-22: 2.85 percent
2020-21: 3.58 percent

Yuma Union High School District schools will be hosting open house events for families to learn about the 2025-26 school year.

Families will have an opportunity to receive ParentVUE information, learn about campus activities, including clubs and athletics, and tour their respective school.

“Open House is a great opportunity for our students and families to get to know our highly committed staff and learn about the resources we have in place to support learning,” SLHS Academics Principal Delia Castro said. “When students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to thrive—and this event is the first step in building that important partnership between home and school. Even though the conversations may be brief, they give students a glimpse into their courses and allow staff to learn about any support students might need to help set them up for a successful school year.”

Here is a list of all seven events for YUHSD schools: 

Gila Ridge High School: Monday, July 28 (5-6:30 p.m.)
Kofa High School: Monday, July 28 (5-7 p.m.) 
San Luis High School: Monday, July 28 (4-6 p.m.) 
Somerton High School: Monday, July 28 (5:30-7 p.m.) 
Vista High School: Monday, July 28 (5-6:30 p.m.) 
Yuma High School: Monday, July 28 (4:30-6 p.m.)
Cibola High School: Monday, August 11 (5-7 p.m.)

Parents and guardians should refrain from using the open-house time for in-depth, parent-teacher conferences. Instead, use the open house time to schedule a conference in the future, if needed. 
 

Yuma Union High School District’s Migrant Education Program will host early registration events for the 2025-26 school year in June and July for incoming and returning migrant students, including End-of-Eligibility (EOE) students. 

Events will be held in two locations, including the YUHSD district office and San Luis High School. See below for the full list of dates, times, and locations: 

YUHSD District Office (3150 S. Avenue A)
Returning students: 
June 9 and June 12 (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

Incoming freshmen and returning students: 
July 8 and July 11 (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

San Luis High School (1250 N. 8th Avenue)
Incoming freshmen, returning students, and EOE students:
July 15 (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) 

Attending early registration helps families get the information they need to start the 2025-2026 school year. Staff will be on hand to answer questions, update student records, and connect families with available Migrant Education Program services.

“We look forward to continuing to serve our Migrant students this school year,” YUHSD Migrant School Community Liaison Isabel Montez said. 

Backpacks will be distributed during these early registration events upon parent request. School supply kits will not be provided. 

For more information, contact YUHSD’s Migrant Education Program at (928) 502-4665.

Vista High School honored 60 graduates during its annual spring commencement on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Yuma Union High School District Governing Board President Jacqueline Kravitz confirmed the graduates inside the Taylor Dean McBride Auditorium at Yuma High School prior to the distribution of their diplomas. YUHSD board members David Lara and Shelley Mellon, Superintendent Tim Brienza, Associate Superintendents Dianne Cordery and Robert Jankowski were also on-hand to represent the district. 

“We are extremely excited to see another large graduating class at Vista this Spring,” Vista Principal David King said. “These students represent a tremendous testament to the resilience and tenacity that I hope every YUHSD student develops in their preparation for college, career, and community readiness.”

VHS graduates Destiny Gill and Dwayne Cumm addressed their fellow graduates during the ceremony.  

“Tonight marks a significant milestone in our lives; a culmination of the years of hard work, perseverance and growth,” said Cumm, who in addition to earning his diploma also completed the Medical Assisting Program at Vista. “Before I came to Vista, school wasn’t even something I enjoyed. I didn’t like going and I didn’t care much for my schoolwork. But everything changed when I first arrived here. The teachers at Vista believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. They showed me that if I put in the work and stay consistent, I could create something memorable for my future.”

The commencement ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on Vista’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/VHSLobos/videos/1050559380551807.

Here is complete list of this year’s VHS spring graduates:  
Socorro Afable Uribe; Jose Aguilera; Angel Alejandre Lopez; Victor Alvarez; Angeles Alvarez Cervantes; Caelynn Barron; Alejandro Bautista; Valeria Bravo; Braulio Bringas; Josselyn Castillo; Edson Chavez; Christian Coleman; Ezekiel Comet; Luis Contreras; Azlen Cruz; Dwayne Cumm; Dominic Dorame; Angelica Estrada; Michael Fallsrock-Galindo; Neftali Fierro Moreno; Mavia Gamez Rivera; Alfonso Garcia; Ivan Garcia Soto; Destiny Gill; Marina Gonzalez; Natalia Gonzalez; Alejandro Gonzalez Navarro; Nelson Good; Austin Henderson; Hector Isidro Ayon; Keaka Malaki Knox; Giovanni Latourette; Jahir Gariel Lopez-Madrid; Martin Junior Magana; Edwardo Martinez; Esmia Martinez; David Melendez Quiroz; Sonia Ray Morales; Elizabeth Morales-Aldaco; Ciara Marie Moralez; Irie Grace Moreno; Shyla Nunez; Mia Beatrice Perez; Gregorio Ramirez Jr.; Michael A.  Ramos; Jonathan Rangel Rivera; Ava Noelle Reyes; Ofelia Reyes Hernandez; Kyla Jade Rice; Yasmine Robles; Ceaser Antonio Sainz; Ayelene Salinas Morales; Raymond Sillas; Keagan Skinner; Milton Smith; Yessica Solis; Brookelynn Bernice Stout; Rogelio Torres Canchola; Jireth Ventura; Geovanny Zavala

Yuma Union High School District is proud to sponsor the Summer Food Service Program at no cost for all children, ages 18 and younger through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Arizona Department of Arizona (ADE) funds this summer.

The program offers breakfast and lunch throughout the summer at no cost for ALL children at all seven YUHSD high schools. Children under 18 can attend ANY school for service, they do not need to be attending the school to receive food. 

“YUHSD recognizes the importance of these summer meals for some of our students,” YUHSD Student Nutrition Executive Director Elena Hildreth said. “With the help of USDA & ADE funding, YUHSD is happy to be extending breakfast and lunch to children again this summer.”  

All children are welcome at all sites. Meals are required to be consumed on-site. No registration or ID is required.  

The full summer food schedule is listed below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Luis
Breakfast: inside campus next to the attendance office. 
Lunch: go to the main entrance and inside the cafeteria.

Yuma High 
Enter through the main entrance head over to the cafeteria. Breakfast will be outside of the cafeteria and lunch will be served inside the cafeteria.

Cibola
Enter through the main entrance head over to the cafeteria where a breakfast cart is right outside serving breakfast. Lunch will be served inside the cafeteria so enter through the main entrance and head to the cafeteria.

Vista
Enter main entrance. Breakfast is served in lobby, lunch is in cafeteria.

Kofa
Once on campus follow signs to Kofa King archway. Meals served by the bookstore. 

Somerton
Enter through office, breakfast served on cart in courtyard and lunch in the cafeteria.

Gila Ridge
See banners, enter through gate, breakfast and lunch served from cart in courtyard.

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Yuma Union High School District reserves the right to change and/or cancel a site or serving period. Menu is subject to change depending on the availability of products.
Meals will be provided to all children, ages 18 and under, without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.