December 3, 2023
In EUSD, every student is a Critical Thinker – an inquisitive learner who can reflectively and critically analyze information.
“Critical Thinker” is one of the six whole-learner outcomes that comprise the new EUSD Learner Profile in our Framework for the Future. In our schools, a Critical Thinker asks questions with confidence and seeks to understand how the world works; demonstrates mastery of essential knowledge and skills through reflection and revision of their thinking; and is willing to reconsider personal views when presented with a compelling perspective.
EUSD’s new eSports enrichment program is one of the countless ways in which our students demonstrate their skills as critical thinkers – and it just might be the most fast-paced! eSports arrived in our middle schools this fall as part of our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Nearly 100 students are participating in this inaugural eSports season of the after-school enrichment class.
Students are exercising critical thinking skills throughout the process of these games, such as MarioKart, Super Smash, FIFA, and Rocket League. Progress and success in these games require analytical thinking to consider all possible solutions and implement an effective strategy. This means processing enormous amounts of data quickly to think several steps ahead of their opponents or challenges in the game. They are making decisions as they react to and analyze actions occurring in the game. Students also engage in empathetic collaboration as they learn to game together respectfully and grow their digital citizenship skills.
Data shows that 97 percent of teenage boys and 87 percent of teenage girls play video games, and this program is harnessing that engagement to provide lessons in 21st-century skills. Students also spend time researching future careers in the $1.5 billion eSports industry through the online platform Elite Gaming Live Academy.
This enrichment class has already proven to be an excellent tool for helping middle-schoolers feel connected to their campus, with 100 percent of students who completed a program survey saying they enjoy the class, would enroll again, and look forward to coming to school.
EUSD eSports teams have been competing throughout the fall, and the season concludes with an in-person district championship on December 18 at Hidden Valley Middle School. We are grateful for our enthusiastic educators and support staff for launching this program for our students!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Work with EUSD: Our next hiring event includes an opportunity for credentialed educators seeking substitute teacher positions, as well as classified positions. Join us Monday, December 4, as Human Resources team members guide classified and credentialed job-seekers through the application process. The hiring event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the district office, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome for numerous essential full- and part-time positions across the district. On-campus and district office positions include paraeducator, nutrition assistant, noontime supervisor, licensed vocational nurse, and more. For classified positions, employees who work more than five hours a day are eligible for enrollment in EUSD benefits and retirement programs. Substitute teacher candidates are urged to apply in advance through this link or email Rogelia Martinez-Walker at rogmartinez-walker@eusd.org to be contacted with an appointment time; however, walks-in are welcome. This flyer provides details on the substitute teacher positions, including necessary steps in the application process. Find all classified employment opportunities on the EdJoin website.
School choice: The School Choice application window for the 2024-2025 school year will be open Tuesday, December 5, through Wednesday, January 31. Typically, students attend the schools that serve the neighborhood attendance areas in which they live. School Choice is an opportunity for families to apply for an intradistrict transfer for their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school of residence, such as one of EUSD’s specialty schools:
Quantum Academy, a project-based learning school of choice for grades 4 through 8. Students live by Quantum’s five core values: lead with empathy, ask questions and seek answers, create, impact the community, and perseverance.
Limitless Learning Academy, a blended learning school of choice in which students are provided a variety of educational opportunities virtually and in person. Students receive live instruction via Zoom, personalized academic supports, and enrichment activities that can be done independently at home or in person on campus,
Dual Language Immersion at Farr, Glen View, Lincoln, and Pioneer, with a pathway to continue at Mission Middle School. The program begins in TK and follows an instructional model that is designed to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism for students whose primary language is English, as well as those whose primary language is Spanish.
Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning, follows the expeditionary learning model, or EL Model, which is a project-based learning approach with the core of the work's emphasis on authentic, multidisciplinary experiential learning and integration of rigorous content with real-world experiences that foster relational character development, and empower students to make the world a better place.
Explore all of our schools online. School Choice details and application links can be found on our website.
Enrichment camp: EUSD is excited to offer an outdoor education camp experience at no-cost for 6th-graders over spring break 2024, March 25 through March 29, through our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Families of 6th-graders will receive an email this week that includes details about the legendary 6th Grade Camp at Cuyamaca Outdoor School, as well as a link to submit an interest form. Families must complete the interest form to be considered for participation. Space is limited to 305 students. A random lottery will be conducted if interest exceeds space available. Families will be notified in late January if their student was selected. The Cuyamaca Outdoor School program includes environmental education lessons that incorporate trail experiences and citizen scientist projects to create hands-on learning that is meaningful, memorable, and fun. The weeklong, overnight experience transforms how students feel about science and themselves as learners.
Successful Camp ¡Exprésate!: Over Thanksgiving break, nearly 80 EUSD students in 2nd through 5th grade enjoyed the inaugural ¡Camp Exprésate! theatre-based camp facilitated by CCAE Theatricals at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The three-day program allowed students to express themselves through the arts, including theatre, art, and dance. Students enjoyed full days of engaging, hands-on activities led by teaching artists. Meals and snacks were provided daily. Be on the lookout for news about future theatre camp opportunities over spring break and summer!
Honor a Caring Heart: The nomination window is now open for the annual Caring Hearts Awards, presented by the dedicated group of volunteers behind the Escondido Education Foundation. Directions and forms are now available in all school offices, at the front desk of the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue, and online at this link. These awards recognize members of the education community who work under the radar while doing extraordinary work on behalf of students – directly supporting EUSD children in helping them find success and acceptance. These “caring hearts” do not seek recognition for themselves, and the foundation is in need of your nominations for the Caring Hearts Awards. The nominee can be any school staff member, parent volunteer, community member, or community organization. Anyone may submit a nomination. I encourage you to take a minute to think of all the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their support of students. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. December 18 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 9. Check the foundation website for future updates.
Rugby clinic: Save the date for a free rugby clinic! Our friends at Orange Glen High School and the Police Athletic League are teaming up with Major League Rugby’s San Diego Legion, a professional rugby union team, to provide a free Learn To Play rugby clinic from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 9, at the Orange Glen High School stadium. All Escondido students between the ages of 13 and 18 are invited to participate. With rugby being introduced at EUSD schools, this clinic provides an excellent opportunity for personal and athletic growth. Complete this form online to register. For additional information, email EscondidoRugby@gmail.com.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools