Alta Vista Updates - October 2, 2026
This week in US History, students participated in a social mixer to help them understand the complexities and different perspectives during the Mexican-American War. Students each had to take on the persona of someone who was alive at the time and had to mingle with their peers to learn about how the war impacted them.
We enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies as we brought history to life in Rm. 2!
Seniors, return your signed permission slips BY MONDAY, OCT 5 so that you are ready to visit CSU Monterey Bay, October 13. Juniors – if you are interested in joining the seniors, see Ms Wallace to get a copy of a permission slip and be added to the waitlist to attend.
Your attendance will be considered when determining whether or not you will be joining the field trip. Each day, make sure you are at school on time for 1st period.
Next week, we have a four-day break. We will have school Oct. 5-7, and NO SCHOOL in MVLA district on Thursday/Friday, Oct. 8-9. We have our regular AVHS bell schedule Monday/Tuesday, Oct. 5-6, and a minimum day on Wednesday Oct. 7,
Aztec Achievement Award - Cristian Vasquez Leon
September 28, 2026
In the words of our Alta Vista teachers, Cristian has been awarded the Aztec Achievement Award for the following outstanding values and characteristics:
(Ms. Estrada) Cristian is an all around great person. He is very sharp, witty, and friendly. He has a great sense of humor and can produce some great work when he is committed and engaged.
(Ms. Lewis) Cristian is a student who is always persevering. He works diligently through problems, and when he gets stuck, he always asks for help. Once he feels confident in his understanding, he will try the problems he is learning again. He double-checks his work to make sure he understands the concepts. Not only does he make sure he understands the work he is doing, but Cristian also checks in on his table partner. Cristian, you are a great student and are doing awesome in class. Keep up the great work.
(Mr. Luy) Even when Chris feels nervous or worried about meeting expectations in PE, he shows admirable courage by giving his full effort in sports.
(Mr. Phillips) Cristian keeps fighting. He has worked to stay here and stay caught up despite many reasons to quit. He has also stayed through sixth period multiple times to finish an essay which shows how informed and eloquent he can be in his writing. What a champion.
(Mr. V) Cristian you are a beacon of shining light on this campus and an example of tenacity and resilience. Everyday you are at school is a testament that no matter what occurs in a person's life, education is important and advocating for yourself is one of the best ways to love yourself.
Congratulations, Cristian, and family! We are very proud of your accomplishments at Alta Vista High School!
Do you have great attendance? Are you on time and present 90% of classes each week? If so, get ready to be rewarded!
49ers vs. Raiders Football Game
EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE = CHANCE TO WIN!
(2) VIP Section Tickets
Starting next week to qualify, we’re counting every on-time class period you attend.
If you are present and on time 20 or more periods each week throughout October, you will be entered to win (2) VIP Section tickets to the 49ers vs. Raiders Game on Nov. 8.
Thank you, Ms. Lewis, for your generous idea & donation!
Our October activity calendar is here! Check out all the things coming our way:
Don’t forget about Alta Store Fridays! Bring your earned Alta Dollars every Friday to redeem for treats, prizes, and SPECIAL FOR OCTOBER - redeem for an opportunity to win a coveted 49ers collector Bobblehead George Kittle! Just write your name on your Alta Dollar to enter.
California Healthy Kids Survey 2026-2027
Alta Vista High School
Welcome to the California Healthy Kids Survey! AVHS needs you to complete this online survey to help improve the school culture and climate.
The purpose of this survey is to obtain information from the students about their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about things that affect learning. It deals with such issues as truancy, safety, harassment, substance use, school connectedness, and learning supports. Students will first answer a question about their current learning situation and then be directed to questions appropriate for that situation (distance learning, hybrid, or on campus).
Student participation is voluntary. It is also very important. The information provided will help guide district and school efforts to promote safety, enhance learning supports, improve student achievement, and reduce health risks that stand as barriers to learning.
This is an anonymous survey. It is designed so that no one can be identified from the data. Students do not have to respond to any questions that they feel could be used to identify them. Instruct them to simply skip any such questions.
All questions apply to this school only.
The results are for the use of the district. CDE and WestEd will preserve data confidentiality and refer any data requests to the district.
We will be administering the survey in your
Advisory Class from 12:15 - 12:55 pm on Friday, October 16th, 2026.
Thank you for taking this important survey!
Guardians, if you do NOT want your child to participate, contact suzanne.woolfolk@mvla.net, or complete and return the CHKS Withdrawal Form (English / español) to AVHS at 1325 Bryant Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040.
Look at all the things Mentor Tutor Connection is up to at Alta Vista! Come join in with our weekly lunch activities, or ask Miss Mela or Miss Alba about future MTC matching opportunities.
Each Thursday during 6th period, you can also earn PE points. Come work out with Mr. Luy in the MPR for Thursday 6th periods: lift weights, play badminton or pickleball, or get a workout walking, biking or stairclimbing and earn those points.
Join your local Community Services Agency in a fun evening for the entire family!
¡Acompañe a su agencia local de servicios comunitarios en una tarde divertida para toda la familia! 
Job Corner: check here for local businesses that are hiring right now
Have you found a job? Come to the AVHS Office to apply for your work permit, and learn about Work Experience elective credit you can earn.
Families and students, MVLA has support resource referrals to share with you in the areas of wellness, food and basic needs, homelessness, legal/immigration, substance use resources and more. Please refer to this updated link: Updated Resource Guide
Staff Contact Information
Main Office / Attendance: 650-691-2433 or email debi.rudd@mvla.net
History: Gabriela Estrada gabriela.estrada@mvla.net
Science: Brandi Filbert brandi.filbert@mvla.net
Math: Jennifer Lewis jennifer.lewis@mvla.net
PE/Special Education: Samnang Luy samnang.luy@mvla.net
English: Matthew Philips matthew.phillips@mvla.net
Online Learning/ Health: Todd Pearson todd.pearson@mvla.net
PE/Special Education: Lani Stevens lani.stevens@mvla.net
Community Resources Coordinator: Alba Garza alba.garza@mvla.net
College & Career Coordinator: Sarah Wallace sarah.wallace@mvla.net
Principal: Suzanne Woolfolk suzanne.woolfolk@mvla.net