October 22, 2023
In EUSD, every student is an empathetic collaborator! One of the many ways in which our students grow as empathetic collaborators is through classroom social-emotional learning. These lessons, often referred to as SEL, support students in life skills like setting goals, making good decisions, making connections with their peers, and gaining awareness of the world around them.
In 4th grade at North Broadway Elementary, teachers lead their students in discussions about their classroom community, to set goals or establish rules and expectations. Principal Cherry Moore explained that often the discussion is intended to guide students toward a behavioral goal, but sometimes the students come up with a behavior goal that is focused on how to do better in the world. Teacher Michael Tillyer followed that path, with his students choosing a goal that was bigger than themselves.
“Their goal was to make 100 cards for patients at Rady Children’s Hospital,” Tillyer said. “With Halloween, they realized that children who are sick and in the hospital won’t get to experience the holiday, and so they wanted to find a way to bring some joy.”
On a visit this week to the Tillyer’s classroom, students were eager to share their hand-made cards, with one-of-a-kind drawings and messages. Listening to these 4th-graders talk about their project, and it’s clear they are filled with kindness and compassion toward their peers. “I thought it would make kids happy, especially if they are missing Halloween,” Eva said. Her classmate Adalynn added, “I wanted to make the cards because I’ve been in the hospital before, and to show love for each other.” On one card, 4th-grader Khris drew pictures of candy, with a sweet message: “I know it’s not real but it has some love behind it. I hope you get better soon.”
This is an extraordinary demonstration of empathetic collaborators at work, as they learn to make their world a better place!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Drug prevention workshop: We hope you will join us for an important family workshop led by renowned drug abuse prevention ambassador Rocky Herron. “The Dangers of Teen Drinking, Vaping, and Drug Use,” presented by the EUSD Family and Community Engagement Team, will be held Tuesday, October 24, at Mission Middle School. The Spanish-language presentation is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with the presentation in English to follow at 7 p.m. Child care will be provided. Herron's powerful and engaging presentation is based on his three decades of experience as a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent.
Community artists: The Escondido Rotary’s 50th annual Downtown Escondido Halloween Window Painting contest was a big success, once again thanks to middle school art students from EUSD. More than two dozen student artists from Hidden Valley, Bear Valley, and Mission middle schools and Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning participated, coming up with their own festive designs for the windows of businesses along Grand Avenue. Congratulations to the students and their teachers, Tim Brownell, Bear Valley; Chrissie Preston, Hidden Valley; and Ann O’Neill, Mission. Here are the honorees in each category:
Overall Highest Judges Score: Teagan Russell, Hidden Valley.
Highest Judges Score for Halloween Category: In a three-way tie for first place are Taylor Keenan, Lina Vo, Nayeli of Bear Valley; Rosemary and Analise of Bear Valley; and Keyla Itzel Amezcua of Hidden Valley.
Halloween Category runners-up: Bryan Lopez of Bear Valley; Leah of Conway; Dailany Sanchez of Conway; and Daisy Chavez of Hidden Valley.
Highest Judges Score for Original Category: Riley Pitard of Hidden Valley.
Original Category runners-up: Olivia and Karina Sophia of Bear Valley; and Noel Chillag of Mission.
Highest Judges Score for Artistic Category: Hanna Keegan of Hidden Valley.
Artistic Category runner-up: Alexandra Valdez of Hidden Valley.
Library update: As we shared recently, our school library technicians conducted an audit of our library collections to ensure that they do not include sexually explicit material that is meant for older audiences. The audit followed the discovery in one of our middle school libraries of a nonfiction book that contained sexually explicit, age-inappropriate material; the book, “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, was removed immediately. The pause in library services also provided time for librarians to conduct routine collection maintenance known as a weeding of books, which is a standard practice for all libraries. Through the weeding and audit, middle school library technicians found an additional book containing sexually explicit references. EUSD school library technicians reviewed the book, “Looking for Alaska” by John Green, and determined that it was not age-appropriate for school libraries in a K-8 district. The book was removed from our collection. Thank you for your patience and support.
Red Ribbon Week: The annual observance of Red Ribbon Week begins Monday. This year’s national theme is “Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” The health and safety of our students is a top priority, and we are proud to support this important drug-abuse prevention campaign. Our schools embrace the program in numerous ways, including spirit days, door decorations, and special assemblies. We appreciate your support in encouraging your students’ participation in these activities, and we are grateful to our parent volunteers who contribute to the success of this important week. With the increased presence of edibles – potent food products that contain THC, the controlled ingredient found in marijuana – it is essential to have conversations with children about the dangers of edibles, which can easily be mistaken for candy. In addition, the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl is often found in fake versions of common prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is important to educate students of all ages about the dangers of these drugs, as well as about accepting such food items or medications from classmates or older friends.
Community events: Our friends in the Escondido Union High School District invite the community to visit the annual Pumpkinfest at the Escondido High School. Pumpkinfest is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 28, at the EHS Farm, 1535 North Broadway. The 6-acre farm has a pumpkin patch, with hundreds of vine-fresh pumpkins. Admission is free, with pumpkins, plants, other farm goods, crafts, and food for sale to raise funds for the school’s agriculture program. Other activities include a petting zoo and hayrides.
App updates: The EUSD mobile app has been updated with a new streamlined design for Rooms and a new feature that lets parents and guardians turn on email notifications for messages and announcements. In addition, a parent or guardian can now choose the student, class, and menu option right from the first screen they see after logging in. Any unread messages or announcements will be highlighted here. Updated instructions are available online.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools