What does “Vista 360” mean?
Standing in one place, we explore our community in depth. Each year as we turn around each degree on the compass rose, we explore both what we see and the influences that have formed our view.
What does “Environmental Sciences” mean?
We consider Napa’s unique environment, plant and animal life, geography, economy and how people both past and present have enriched our area. We always consider our part in the community, our choices, and their results. We actively explore what Napa is and what influences it.
What is our program?
Who and what lives here, and why are they suited to this environment?
Our students study Napa’s river and streams, mountains, valley and volcano in depth, so when we encounter these landforms in future studies of the world, our children will have a rich understanding of not only the landform, but how the landform influences weather, animal and plant life, cultures and how cultures might evolve around it. Using California’s Environmental Education Initiative curriculum, we make local connections with the world around us.
The foundation expands in older grades as we go beyond our local view and apply what we know to California habitats in the ocean, valleys, and mountains. Our students receive rich opportunities for field trips and assemblies that provide a foundation to understand, as well as higher levels of thought in connecting the new material with personal experience.
The Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) Curriculum
(Newly adopted curriculum materials Vista 360° teachers will be using)
California is currently poised to lead the nation in environmental literacy with the Education and Environment Initiative (EEI). More can and should be done to understand our relationship with the environment, and we believe the best place to begin is in California’s classrooms. With education and a thriving economy at the forefront of the state’s priorities, California’s landmark EEI Curriculum is a national model designed to help prepare today’s students to become future scientists, economists, and green technology leaders.