April 23, 2023
In EUSD, every student is a leader! While leadership skills are embedded in our curriculum, students also have opportunities to grow their leadership skills through roles in student government, known as ASB or Associated Student Body, at our elementary and middle schools. Through ASB, students learn not only about how to play an active role in their school community, but also to understand the workings of other forms of government and organizations related to their school.
The leaders of Oak Hill Elementary’s ASB paid a visit to the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center on Thursday to get an up-close look at what it takes to run a school district.
Accompanied by Principal Rick Ausby and ASB advisor Sarah Haydock, who’s also the school social worker, the four student leaders first met with the superintendent, who explained that “leadership is working with other people to make things happen.” The students also met with the deputy superintendent, assistant superintendents, and chief technology officer to understand all of the components that go into public education, from Human Resources to Business Services and everything in between. They learned about the elected officials, as well, and even tested out the boardroom chairs. The student leaders also met with the Accounts Payable representative who helps ASB with its finances.
Following the tour, the Oak Hill ASB leaders – President Maggie Sharif, Vice President Isabella Bravo, Secretary Eva Garcia, and Treasurer Brianna Ramirez – all agreed that the biggest surprise about the district was how many people it takes to do the work.
These young leaders have a deep commitment to make their school a great place for everyone.
“I like being a leader because I can be a good influence on classmates and help my school,” said Maggie, a 5th-grader. “I care so much about the students at our school and the school in general.”
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
State assessments: The annual CAASPP testing window is now open 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.
Expanded learning: EUSD is proud to continue offering a range of expanded learning opportunities to all of our families. These no-cost programs provide a safe, nurturing environment in which students thrive before and after the academic school day.
2023-2024 Expanded Learning Program interest list: Keep an eye on your inbox, as parents and guardians of students in grades TK through 7 will receive by email this week before- and after-school program details and a customized interest form for each child. Parents and guardians of incoming students – new to EUSD in any grade – may submit an interest form by visiting a school office and using the link or QR code provided. Forms must be submitted by 6 p.m. Monday, May 8. A lottery will be conducted if interest exceeds the space available. All applicants will be notified by email of their enrollment or waitlist status the week of June 5. EUSD will ensure that access is provided to any student whose parent or guardian requests placement in a program, subject to capacity.
Summer programs update: The application window has closed for our 2023 summer programs. Interest was very high, so lotteries were conducted for placement, taking into consideration each program's eligibility criteria. All applicants will be notified by email of their enrollment or waitlist status the week of April 24. Parents and guardians of students placed on a waitlist will be notified by phone if space becomes available.
Immunization clinics: Our community partner Neighborhood Healthcare is offering walk-in immunization clinics for EUSD students to receive their required school vaccinations. The clinics are scheduled for 2 to 3:45 p.m. Fridays through June 9. Beginning June 16, the clinics will be scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3:45 p.m. Fridays. View this flyer for complete details and clinic locations.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools