March 17, 2024
In EUSD, every student experiences Personalized Learning through writing!
As we have previously shared, the qualities that define the new EUSD Learning Model are Personalized, Competency-Based, Authentic, and Inclusive and Equitable – the foundation of our Framework for the Future.
This week, we turn to Miller Elementary as we continue to share examples of “What does Personalized Learning look like in EUSD?” In English Language Arts, writing is personalized in countless ways, whether it’s learning to craft an opinion piece or reflecting on a historical figure. Writing prompts, or assignments, give students an opportunity to envision change and leadership, to demonstrate an argument in favor of or against an issue, or to see themselves in history.
In Laura Kiersnowski’s classroom at Miller, 3rd-graders chose a significant woman from history, past or present, and wrote about why the individual deserves to be on a postage stamp. For the “Leaving a Stamp on History” assignment, students wrote about suffragists and athletes, scientists and aviators. Of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one student wrote: “I love how passionate she was and how she really tried to help for women’s rights.” In Michael McDowell’s class, 4th-graders wrote about “The Best Part of Me,” a positive reflection. “My hands are the best part of me because they can help me help others when they need it,” one student wrote. These writing examples originated with academic lessons, but ultimately were produced personally with students’ hearts and minds.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Work with EUSD: The next EUSD hiring fair is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tomorrow – Monday, March 18, at the district office, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue. Human Resources team members will guide individuals through the application process, including any necessary job assessments for numerous essential full- and part-time positions across the district. Walk-ins are welcome. On-campus and district office positions include school library technician, electrician, bilingual school clerk, nutrition assistant, noontime supervisors, licensed vocational nurse, speech language pathology assistant, clerical support, AVID tutor, various substitute opportunities, and more. Employees who work more than five hours a day are eligible for enrollment in EUSD benefits and retirement programs. Find all employment opportunities here.
Summer programs: The deadline to submit the interest form for EUSD summer programs is tomorrow – Monday, March 18. Details on summer enrichment opportunities and a customized interest form were sent by email to parents and guardians of students currently enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten through 7th grade. Families will be notified of enrollment or waitlist status the week of April 2. If you have questions or need help completing the forms, please contact your child's school. Space is limited, and enrollment will be conducted by lottery if there are more applicants than spaces available. Priority enrollment is given to students who are identified as socio-economically disadvantaged, including English learners, foster youth, or experiencing housing insecurity.
Spring break: As a reminder, Wednesday, March 20, is a minimum day for students in TK through 8th grade. Check this bell schedule for your school’s release time. The 2024 spring break for EUSD is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, through Monday, April 1. We look forward to students’ return to campus on Tuesday, April 2. The district office will be closed to the public from Monday, March 25, through Friday, March 29.
Flag rugby fun: Our inaugural coed flag rugby season has been a great success so far, and we hope you’ll join us to celebrate when the championship games are held on Saturday, March 23, at Rincon Middle School. Elementary teams take the field beginning at 9 a.m., and middle school games get underway at 10 a.m. All teams, representing 22 EUSD schools, are coached by professional athletes from SD Legion, San Diego’s Major League Rugby team. SD Legion invited students participating in the flag rugby program to attend the team’s home opener on Saturday, March 16, and hundreds of EUSD supporters – students, family members, and staff members – turned out to cheer on the team, with nearly four dozen student rugby players joining the team on the field for the national anthem!
California Healthy Kids Survey: EUSD will be administering the California Healthy Kids Survey to 5th-graders and 7th-graders April 2 through April 19. The California Healthy Kids Survey is an anonymous, confidential survey of school climate and safety, and student health and wellness. The survey results assist schools with planning prevention and wellness programs that support the health and well-being of students and a positive school learning environment. Consent is required for students to participate in the survey, and consent forms were included in the returning student registration process. Samples of the surveys are linked on our Health and Wellness webpage for your reference. A copy of the survey is also available for review at school sites.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools