3V - Family Edition (8/14/26)

Vista Families, Guardians and Students, 

 

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! It’s going to be a good one. 

 

Whether you’re a Vista veteran or an incoming Viking, please know that we’re committed to creating a school where every student feels like they belong and can be successful. This means they’ll feel welcomed, valued, supported and safe. Additionally, we want to give our students the opportunities, help and encouragement that’ll help them grow and achieve academically and personally. I like to call this “High Expectations, With High Support.” 

Let me share a little more about this school year and beyond.

 

The middle school years, among other things, are filled with tremendous growth and change. Students will develop new skills, interests and self-responsibility, among other things. On their path, they’ll be encouraged, challenged and supported by a staff and community that’s dedicated to helping every student be successful.  

 

Toward achieving our goals, Vista staff know that safety, positive relationships and belonging matter and are roots of academic, emotional and social growth. When students trust that they belong and that adults believe in them, they’re more willing to engage in class, take academic risks and persevere in overcoming challenges. These characteristics help students grow, reach their full academic potential and become high school ready. These remain our primary purposes. 

 

Another key Vista value is a strong school-family partnership. We recognize that parents and guardians are the foremost experts on their child, knowing their strengths, needs, experiences and dreams. On the school side of things, our expertise is in education, child development and supporting students in a school setting. When families and schools come together with mutual respect, open communication and shared expectations, we create the strongest possible foundation for student success. 

 

Every school year brings new opportunities and new possibilities. Together, let’s help our students discover their strengths, build confidence and develop the skills they’ll need to be successful in high school and beyond. Go Vikes! 

Sincerely,

Mr. J.J. Jensen

Vista Middle School principal

360-383-9370 or john.jensen@ferndalesd.org

Save the date: Our 6th Grade and New Student Orientation is scheduled for 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., September 1. Students will receive their schedules, have an opportunity to explore the building and meet some teachers, staff and administrators. The office will also be open for various services. In response to feedback from previous years, due to limited space and poor acoustics, we will not have an official Welcome Back presentation on this night.

For returning 7th and 8th graders, at Vista and Horizon, class schedules will be released on Qmlativ at 5 p.m., Sept. 2.

Fall Sports are almost here! Registration can be completed through Final Forms: https://ferndale-wa.finalforms.com/ 

 

Important Information:

Please make sure the following items are completed before the first day of practice: 

📅 Fall Sports Practices Begin:

August 24, 2026

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM 

Season Sports 

 

Coaches will contact athletes and families prior to the first practice with additional information. 

Registration for Winter and Spring sports will open in Final Forms approximately one month before each season begins. 

We’re looking forward to another great year of Vista athletics! 

*As a reminder, middle school athletics in Ferndale are open only to 7th and 8th graders.

*Please note: For this year's lunch schedule, First Lunch will be for 6th grade. Second and Third Lunches will be a mix of 7th and 8th graders, to accommodate our elective classes, which will also be a mix of 7th and 8th graders.

Tdap boosters are due for all the incoming 2026-2027 7th graders.

Please make your appointments now as they fill up fast in the summer.

To be following our school Mandate we need all students to be up to date on their vaccinations or have an exemption on file.

If interested, Whatcom County Health Dept. has free vaccine clinics for children birth-18yrs old, offering recommended childhood vaccines. These are by appointment only on Wednesdays, 9:30-4:30 p.m., or Fridays from 10 a.m. -2:30 p.m.

Schedule an appointment online at

Whacomcounty.us/immunization-Clinics,

via email at immunizations@co.whatcom.wa.us or call (360) 778-6100.

24th Vista Office Opens

1st 6th Grade & New Student Orientation, 5:45-6:45 p.m., at VMS

-Students receive schedules and can explore the school

2nd Schedules available to all middle school students on Qmlativ, at 5 p.m.

3rd First day of school

7th No school - Labor Day

16th Early Release