Q&A: Vista La Mesa Academy Fast Facts

With a new principal to meet, a new field to play on, and a fall festival just around the corner, there are plenty of reasons for students to be running back to school at the home of the Cheetahs.

Yolanda Rogers, who was principal at Monterey Heights Elementary School, is starting her first year at , and is welcoming several new additions to the teaching staff. The PTA, headed up by president Analisa Howard, is busy at work preparing to host the district-wide Parents United event, being held in conjunction with the school's annual fall festival Oct. 20. And a newly completed athletic field will give the school's nearly 700 students a refreshed venue for plenty of physical activity.

Here's a look a the year ahead from Principal Yolanda Rogers.

Lemon Grove Patch: Does your school have any changes in leadership? 

Principal Yolanda Rogers: I am the new principal of Vista La Mesa Academy.

Lemon Grove Patch: Does your school have any new teachers?

Rogers: Vista La Mesa Academy welcomes several teachers to our team, including Dr. Qiana Jackson-Newman.

Dr. Jackson-Newman comes to us from the Pasadena Unified School District. She has more than 15 years of teaching experience. Dr. Jackson-Newman served as a primary and intermediate grade teacher, and a Language Development Resource Teacher and Literacy coach. In addition, she has facilitated a variety of professional development at the site, district and state level. Vista La Mesa Academy is fortunate to have her as a member of our team. She will teach first grade.

In addition, we welcome the following team members who are new to the academy but not new to the district:

• Sean Cawley—SDC teacher
• Lennard Ordinario—resource specialist
• Joe Hernandez—physical education teacher
• Cory Semonsen—speech therapist

Lemon Grove Patch: What special events or programs do you plan at your school for 2012-2013?  

Rogers: We are planning a Lemon Grove School District community event for Oct. 20 that will include the annual Parents United event, a PTA carnival complete with rides and concessions, and sports activities. 

Lemon Grove Patch: How many students do you expect at your school?

Rogers: We anticipate between 675-690 students

Lemon Grove Patch: Does your school have any physical changes, such as new/remodeled buildings or major equipment?

Rogers: The Vista La Mesa Academy community is excited to announce the completion of our new athletic field. The field is composed of a large grass area for multiple uses, an addition of asphalt, full-court basketball venue, a perimeter jogging track, a six-station par course and a drinking fountain.

Lemon Grove Patch: Who are your PTA leaders, and what special projects do they have planned?  How can parents get involved?  

Analisa Howard—PTA president

Selena Alvarado—PTA vice-president

Parents can get involved by contacting the school office at 619-825-5645 or speaking to their child’s teacher. A member of our team will gladly put them in contact with a member of our PTA board.