April 1, 2024
We are so excited to welcome students back to campus! I hope your spring break was a good one, full of time well-spent with your loved ones as you soaked up the arrival of spring or celebrated a holiday. Classes resume tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Library programs: The Escondido Public Library is accepting adult learners and conducting placement assessments for the next cohort of its English as a Second Language program, which is scheduled for April 2 through May 23. The classes are conducted through the library's adult literacy program. In addition to ESL classes, the library’s Literacy Services department offers one-on-one tutoring, parent workshops, and other resources for adults. There is no cost for any of the adult literacy programs. To learn more, check the Literacy Services website, call 760-839-5440, or visit in person at 239 S. Kalmia Street.
Summer programs: Parents and guardians who submitted an interest form for EUSD summer programs will be notified of enrollment or waitlist status this week, beginning April 2. A waitlist interest form will be shared by email with families. Summer program 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.
California Healthy Kids Survey: EUSD will be administering the California Healthy Kids Survey to 5th-graders and 7th-graders beginning 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.
State assessments: The annual CAASPP testing window opens Monday, April 8, in EUSD schools. Students in grades 3 through 8 take the computer-based California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, which measures each student’s progress in English language arts and math. Students in grades 5 and 8 also will take a science assessment. Remind your students to bring their fully charged iPads to school. While a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and encouragement to do their best are always important for students, please take a moment to ensure these steps happen on testing days. Each school develops its own testing schedule, and the testing window will be open through May 17.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools