Dear Families,
In EUSD, every student experiences Competency-Based Learning, thanks to the new EUSD Learning Model that is the foundation of our Framework for the Future. EUSD continues to strengthen a learner-centered education model.
The qualities that define our Learning Model – Personalized, Competency-Based, Authentic, Inclusive and Equitable – are essential for ensuring that our students are able to demonstrate and achieve the outcomes defined in our Learner Profile. What does “Competency-Based Learning” look like in EUSD? It’s learning that is driven by evidence-based instruction, assessment, and a feedback cycle based on progress toward desired knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Assessment and data are used as tools for learning, and learning takes a mastery approach.
This corner of the Learning Model is seen in a number of ways in EUSD, and most recently in my visit to Juniper Elementary. Mrs. Camejo’s second graders were learning the relationship between addition and multiplication while working with their buddies. Making decisions on how students will practice their learning makes all the difference in the world in mastering the learning target. Thank you, Mrs. Canejo, for that example of competency-based learning. Also, at Juniper, the entire first-grade team (Mrs. Vega, Mrs.Craven, and Mrs. Vega) worked with small groups during English Language Arts Universal Access (UA) time to help their students hone in on their literacy skills. You will notice that Mrs. Reynolds works with a crown to signal the students that she is not to be disturbed unless it is an emergency, as what she is doing is extremely important. Mrs. Reynolds said it best, “If you see the crown, sit back down.”
Enrollment and registration: Save the date! Returning Student Registration and New Student Enrollment opens Tuesday, May 14, for all grades 2024-2025 school year. Visit the Enrollment and Registration webpage to access the appropriate links and review important information for this process – whether you are a current EUSD family or new to the district, for students incoming in Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. In addition:
To find your neighborhood school of residence, use our online school locator tool.
For the 2024-2025 school year, children are eligible for full-day Transitional Kindergarten if their date of birth is between September 2, 2019, and September 1, 2020. For full-day Kindergarten, eligible students must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2024.
Returning families will receive a letter by U.S. Mail with instructions for accessing the parent portal. It is essential that all returning students register through the online process in order to update essential information.
Preschool applications: EUSD State Preschool is accepting online applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Visit the preschool website to access the application beginning Wednesday. Applications will be accepted for children who will be age 3 by August 20, 2024. If your child will turn 3 during the 2024-2025 school year, you can apply on or after their birthday. Preschool classes are available at seven EUSD elementary schools: Central, Juniper, Glen View, Lincoln, Oak Hill, Pioneer, and Rose. EUSD Preschool is offered through the California State Preschool Program and licensed through the California Department of Social Services. Eligibility for the program is based on household income. In addition, students with IEPs also qualify for the State Preschool program. To learn more, visit the EUSD Preschool website or email preschoolenrollment@eusd.org. For Special Education Preschool options, including our responsive interventions and inclusive programs, contact the team at spedsupport@eusd.org.
Expanded Learning: EUSD will continue to offer a range of before- and after-school expanded learning opportunities to all of our families next school year. These no-cost programs provide a safe, nurturing environment in which students thrive before and after the academic school day. The Before and After School Program Interest Form for 2024-2025 is now available on the Extended Learning webpage. The program is available to students in TK through 8th grade who attend in-person schools. Families must submit a separate form for each eligible child. Please visit your school office if you need assistance with the form. The deadline to submit an interest form is 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. Enrollment is subject to space available. A lottery will be conducted if interest exceeds available space, and students will be added to a waitlist.
Concert season: Save the date to support our elementary school bands, whose concerts are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14 and May 15. The concerts are open to the public, and admission is free. Visit the Events section of the arts center website to reserve your tickets. It’s also band festival season, so stay tuned for an update on our participating middle school bands.
State assessments: We appreciate your support in ensuring student success as the annual CAASPP testing continues in EUSD schools. Remind your students to prepare for daily, on-time school attendance by getting a good night’s rest, eating a healthy breakfast at home or at school, and bringing their fully charged iPads to class. 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. Each school develops its own testing schedule, and the testing window is open through Friday, May 17.
Public transit update: The Metropolitan Transit System has updated its policy for youth, disabled, and senior transit riders, requiring these riders to provide age and eligibility verification by June 30 to keep their ability to ride with a free or reduced fare, including the Youth Opportunity Pass. Riders can apply online through RidePRONTO.com. View this flyer for additional details.
California Day of the Teacher: The California Day of the Teacher arose out of legislation co-sponsored by CTA and the Association of Mexican American Educators in 1982. As Superintendent, I am immensely proud of the exceptional educators of teachers within our district. Their commitment to excellence and their unwavering support for our students are truly commendable. I encourage you to take a moment to express your gratitude to the teachers who have made a difference in your child's life. Whether it's a heartfelt note, a small gift, or a simple thank you, your appreciation will mean the world to them.
To all of our moms, I wish you a joyful and restful Mother's Day!
Sincerely,
Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent