Vista Unified School District

The Vista Unified School District (VUSD) joined Live Well San Diego as a recognized partner on October 9, 2014, following a vote by its Board of Trustees. VUSD became a Live Well San Diego partner because of their coordinated school health approach for students that support health and physical education, nutrition services, counseling services, and a safe school environment. VUSD promotes good nutrition for students by offering food and beverages that meet or exceed State and Federal nutrition services requirements, including locally grown produce from Solutions Farms.  Additionally, families in need can continue to receive nutritious food on the weekends throughout the school year through VUSD’s partnerships with local non-profit organizations, including Got Your Back and Food For Kids. In order to address the health needs of students, VUSD partners with Vista Community Clinic to provide free dental screening services to all of the elementary and middle schools through the A+ Teeth Dental Screening Program; VUSD has also placed Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at school sites to be used by trained personnel.

VUSD is committed to providing a safe school and community environment through their participation in the City of Vista’s Community Safety Commission, which is dedicated to promoting and enhancing community safety and welfare, as well as through their collaboration with City Planners in the development of Safe Routes to School and a bicycle friendly community. VUSD also provides students with programs that focus on safety and alcohol and drug prevention including the California Highway Patrol’s Smart Start and Every 15 Minutes programs; students also receive evidence-based tobacco, drug and alcohol prevention curriculum. To meet the emotional needs of their students, VUSD has implemented the Attitude When Angry and Resolving Emotional Issues Non-Violently (AWARE) program at the middle and high school sites in recognition of the importance of emotional literacy and intervention for students at risk for gang involvement. Moving forward, VUSD is committed to continuing its successful programs that support both students and families and contribute to a healthy, safe, and thriving community.