February 11, 2024
In EUSD, every student is a Creative Problem Solver! Our students ask questions and pursue solutions, while embracing challenges and failures as part of the learning process.
On a recent morning, 6th-graders in Arturo Velasco’s Robotics class at Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences were engrossed in an electronics project using Snap Circuits kits, which provide numerous projects related to energy, voltage, circuits, wiring, and more. Student Isaac learned to troubleshoot when the musical doorbell challenge he was working on failed to produce sound. Isaac was determined and focused, rather than frustrated, as he explored solutions.
Creative problem solving skills also are seen in settings that are focused on social-emotional learning, such as Farr Avenue Elementary’s Wellness Center. The calming space is where School Social Worker Jorge Rojas works with students on healthy coping skills, mediating conflict, managing emotions, and simply providing a safe space and respite from stress. On a recent day, his counseling with two boys transitioned into teamwork and critical thinking exercise through an old-fashioned game of Battleship.
Our Creative Problem Solvers are fearless when it comes to tackling challenges, communicating with their classmates, and learning from mistakes!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Holiday reminder: All EUSD schools and the district office will be closed Friday, February 16, and Monday, February 19, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.
Library programs: The Escondido Public Library invites families to experience the world of African rhythms, songs, and stories with a free musical event, African Drum & Dance Ensemble, at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17, in the library’s Turrentine Room. View this flyer for more information.
LCAP survey: There’s still time to share your feedback on district goals and specific priority areas, including student achievement, family engagement, interventions and enrichment, social and emotional supports, and safety. The LCAP Priorities Survey has been extended through February 27. This survey aims to collect input from all of our stakeholders as we develop updates to the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan, the blueprint tied to state funding that describes how our schools support the success of all students. Responses are anonymous. In addition, a community meeting to gather input in person is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, at Farr Avenue Elementary. We hope you will join us! No RSVP is necessary. The survey is available online here now. Thank you for your time and for sharing your voice.
Museum pass: February is Museum Month in San Diego County, with half-price admission offered at more than 60 museums. Visit the Escondido Public Library to pick up a free Museum Month pass, or go to the San Diego Museum Council website for more information.
Dance in EUSD: Congratulations to the talented performing artists of EUSD on their recent success at the USA Regionals of the United Spirit Association, held February 3 at San Pasqual High School. The Ignite Dance Team – which is based at Rose Elementary School and also includes students from Mission and Hidden Valley middle schools – placed first in Jazz. The team will compete in the USA Nationals competition next month. The Ignite coaches shared that one of the highlights of the day was visiting with a former Ignite team member who is now competing with her high school team. The Bear Valley Middle School Dance Team is headed to USA Nationals after placing first in three categories at Regionals, including hip-hop and pom, and second in Jazz. The Bear Valley coaches shared that they are enjoying watching their dancers grow as a team.
Writing celebration: We enjoyed seeing hundreds of proud students, parents, family members, and teachers come together on Wednesday for the annual Young Authors Writing Celebration, held at Bear Valley Middle School. More than 150 pieces of award-winning writing were on display. All EUSD schools and the Home Education program were represented! To name just a few, there were informational pieces on penguins, women’s rights, and the sport of fencing; opinion pieces on what’s for dinner, video games in school, and holidays; and imaginative works of fiction. Each school determines the topics and selects the pieces to be recognized, highlighting this essential skill at every grade level.
Preschool parent workshops: EUSD’s Preschool RISE Program invites caregivers to a behavior training workshop, “Best Practices to Manage Tantrums and Other Unwanted Behaviors. A session will be conducted in English on February 15 and in Spanish on February 29. The workshop is held from 9 to 10 a.m. at Central Elementary School. The Preschool RISE Program — Responsive Interventions to Support and Educate – provides opportunities for children ages 3 to 5 to develop the academic, language, and social skills needed for school readiness through short-term targeted programs. For questions or additional details, contact Preschool RISE at riseprogram@eusd.org or 760-432-2400 ext. 11002.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools