MONTE VISTA — The year 2020-2021 school year has presented unprecedented challenges, but the community has held strong, supported one another, persevered, and come out the other end of a year no one could have predicted — #PirateStrong.

As the end of the school year approached, we never let go of Pirate traditions. Monte Vista High School participated in the long tradition of Pirate Pride Day! The City of Monte Vista partnered with Monte Vista High School to beautify the town. In addition to Pirate Pride Day, MVHS held prom and high school graduation.  The graduating class of 2021 proved that not even a pandemic could stop them from achieving their goal of graduating from high school.

Monte Vista High School graduated 63 students, DELTA/OLA graduated 18 students, and Monte Vista Adult Education graduated four students. Overall, Monte Vista Class of 2021 earned over $2.1 million in scholarships. Many students will be serving in the military, going to college, or attending trade school. We are proud of each graduate.

Each school ended the year strong. Monte Vista Middle School eighth-graders won the home Knowledge Bowl meet. Baseball, golf, and track athletes from 6-12 grades completed a strong year of athletics. Bill Metz Elementary School celebrated the end of the school year by holding a fun field day and an opportunity for fifth-graders to use their Pirate Bucks and stay late at school. Students and teachers laughed and enjoy one another’s company.

Marsh School will be undergoing many transitions during the upcoming school year. The school will be welcoming first grade back for the 2021-2022 school year. The much-anticipated move has come in response to the Monte Vista School District pledging to create small classroom sizes in each grade to better serve the needs of the community. Preschool teachers have been instrumental in making this transition a reality by collaborating with our maintenance staff to create a safe and caring environment for preschoolers to learn.

The Wellness Team, funded by the Make It Happen Grant, presented the acclaimed documentary, “Screenagers” at Star Drive-In on May 17. The team created a time when students and family members learned about the use of electronic devices during a time of technological advancement. Participants not only learned how to make personal connections in a digital world, but also had the opportunity to win various door prizes such as gift cards, Fitbits, and t-shirts.

The Monte Vista School District named Patsy Olivas as Classified Employee of the Year!. “Olivas, your adoration for students and staff shows in everything you do at Monte Vista Middle School.  We are so thankful for your watchful eyes and caring heart,” the district stated.