October 29, 2023
In EUSD, every student is an empathetic collaborator – an individual who actively listens, engages, and recognizes diverse perspectives to achieve a common goal. “Empathetic Collaborator” is one of the six whole-learner outcomes that comprise the new EUSD Learner Profile in our Framework for the Future.
On a recent afternoon at Rincon Middle School, 6th-graders were immersed in a cross-curricular project that required deep listening and a variety of perspectives as they worked together on a massive group assignment: excavating an archeological site. For the excavation – which combined lessons in social studies, science, math, and writing – students worked in pairs and small groups to dig, sift, brush, identify, and document the artifacts they uncovered.
Full disclosure: There isn’t really a history-making archaeological site on the grounds of an EUSD middle school. But there is an excellent simulation of a dig that is providing students with exciting hands-on learning. Social Studies teacher Patty Anderson was inspired by a massive pile of dirt lingering in Rincon’s garden area. Principal Steve White confirmed that the dirt was up for grabs, and Ms. Anderson went to work with her colleagues – planning and constructing four large excavation sites, complete with carefully measured grids and buried artifacts.
“Archaeology is a common thread in 6th-grade Social Studies, and we were looking for hands-on activities that crossed subjects,” Ms. Anderson said. “Our driving questions are, What is culture, and how does archaeology help us learn about the past.” The project is more than just a history assignment. Students learn to use the metric system and to understand geology. The document their findings – from fossils to jewels to pottery – by taking photos and writing notes. The students are focused, but full of excitement and chatter as they shout out to share: “Have you found anything cool?” and “We found another bean!”
These teachers and students provide yet another outstanding example of empathetic collaboration at work in our schools.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Holiday camp: EUSD is hosting a Thanksgiving break day camp in partnership with CCAE Theatricals for children in grades 2 through 5. Camp ¡Exprésate! – Express Yourself! – will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, November 20, through Wednesday, November 22, at the California Center for the Arts. Parents and guardians of children in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades will receive an email with an interest form on Monday, October 30. Priority enrollment will go to students who qualify as socio-economically disadvantaged. Space is limited to 80 students. A lottery will be conducted if there is more interest than available spots. There is no cost for this program, and meals will be provided. In this theater-based day camp, teaching artists will guide instruction and creation in music making, acting, dancing, scenery, and improvisation.
Día de los Muertos events: EUSD families are invited to join in community events in celebration of Día de los Muertos. The California Center for the Arts is hosting its 28th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival at 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 1. This free cultural celebration will include live music, performances by Ballet Folklorico and Aztec Dance, food trucks, a vendor market, a catrina contest, crafts, a Frida Kahlo museum exhibition, face painting, and more. Altars are available to the community for honoring their loved ones. The Escondido Public Library is hosting a Día de los Muertos gathering from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 2, in the library’s Turrentine Room. Activities for children and their parents or caregivers include stories, music, and sugar-skull decorating. Participants may bring in a photo or memento of a loved one to contribute to the creation of a community exhibit.
Halloween safety: We know that many children look forward to Halloween – dressing up, trick-or-treating, and more. Halloween activities are best enjoyed with safety in mind. Halloween 2023 is on Tuesday, October 31. Be sure to check any communication from your school site regarding parades or other holiday activities. To ensure a positive experience for all students and staff members, costumes featuring gore, weapons, or full face masks are not permitted. For safety, please refrain from bringing candy to school. We recommend inspecting your child’s treats to ensure that there are no tricks. Check to ensure that all candy is commercially wrapped, and that it is in fact candy. A significant number of food products infused with THC – the controlled ingredient found in marijuana – are packaged to look like popular candies that when mistakenly eaten by children can result in severe illness.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools