April 16, 2023
In EUSD, every student is creative! This creativity was on display in extraordinary fashion yesterday at the 11th annual smART Festival on Saturday at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. This celebration of performing and visual arts is a signature event for our district, and is the result of collaboration and commitment to arts education.
For a beautiful few hours Saturday, the center’s Concert Hall was filled with students and their families, along with community members, who turned out to view museum-quality exhibits of artwork in myriad mediums – murals, pastels, water colors, clay, paper, photography, and more – as well as talented musicians, dancers, and actors, who performed on the grand stage of the arts center’s Concert Hall.
Beautiful Ballet Folklorico was performed by dancers representing Farr, Glen View, Lincoln and Pioneer elementary schools. Visitors also enjoyed performances from Mission Theatre and the Mission Wildcat Band, as well as Bear Valley’s band and dance team. The national award winning Ignite Dance team also took the stage.
“The art displays included such a wide variety of art mediums, and the musical and dance performances on the center stage were truly impressive,” said Stephanie Glanz, a retired EUSD educator who now volunteers extensively at Rose Elementary. “I’m so grateful for all of the staff and volunteers who help our students discover and develop their artistic talents, and then ensure that those incredible talents are showcased at this premiere event!”
All around the spacious lobby and gathering space of the Concert Hall, student artwork from every and every grade level were on display. We are proud of this tradition of giving students the opportunity to see their creations in a gallery-type setting! Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for this celebration.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
State assessments: The annual CAASPP testing window opens April 17 in EUSD schools. Students in grades 3 through 8 take the computer-based California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, which measures each student’s progress in English language arts and math. Students in grades 5 and 8 also will take a science assessment. Remind your students to bring their fully charged iPads to school, along with their preferred wired headphones. Schools will provide headphones, but students are allowed to bring their own wired headphones if they choose. While a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and encouragement to do their best are always important for students, please take a moment to ensure these steps happen on testing days. The testing window will be open through May 26. Each school develops its own testing schedule. The CAASPP is designed to promote high-quality teaching and learning by giving information to teachers, students, and their families about what students know and can do.
Low-cost computers: Is your family in need of a refurbished low-cost desktop or laptop computer? Computers to SD Kids is hosting a Smart Tools for Schools event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6, at Ramona Unified School District, 720 Ninth Street, Ramona. Follow this link to submit an application and schedule an appointment. The nonprofit organization charges an administrative fee of $100 for a desktop system or $150 for a core processor laptop. View this flyer for further details and to access a QR code for registration. Direct questions to 858-200-9788 or programs@c2sdk.org.
Community transportation expo: EUSD families are encouraged to join the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce at the second annual Green Transpo Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at North County Mall, 272 East Via Rancho Parkway. This community event, which coincides with Earth Day, is a great opportunity for families to see how the transportation industry continues to go green, with displays and activities focused on electric cars, bikes and school buses, alternative fuels, home solar and battery storage, and more. The event is free and open to the public.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools