In EUSD, we continue to feature examples of Competency-Based Learning, thanks to the new EUSD Learning Model that is the foundation of our Framework for the Future.
Please read this short introduction from 2nd Grade Felicita Teacher, Mrs. Carla Hodge:
During our recent second-grade unit on Buyers and Sellers at Felicita Elementary, our students benefited from an assessment and a feedback cycle based on progress toward desired knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the unit. This unit brought together a myriad of second-grade skills through its incorporation of cooperative learning groups, writing, problem-solving skills, money, and economics. Students begin the unit the first week by learning about the ways that the goods we buy and sell connect us with the community around us. Next, they research a product to produce and sell. They must determine how much it would cost to produce and, based on that, how much they will sell it for. No product can cost more than $1.00 at Market Day. The following week, students work with a cooperative learning group to create the product. At this point, we begin to practice buying and selling their products with coins in preparation for the culminating event, Second Grade Market Day. Students take notes and analyze their own data as to how well their products sold during practice buying and selling sessions. They evaluate their pricing and work within their group to decide on the best price that not only would allow them to make a profit but also attract buyers. Students solicit and receive feedback from both their peers and their teachers as to how to improve their products in an effort to make them more attractive to shoppers. During week three, students use their writing skills to create a how-to guide for their product, and in week four, they create advertisements using an app called Chatterkid. These are posted on Seesaw for all second-grade students to view and comment on, giving a global presence to their sale. On Market Day, students participate as both buyers and sellers and put their research to work through an interactive market. Students were able to buy products from one another using real money, and families were able to not only buy products but also witness and take part in the learning. Assessment and data are used as tools for learning, and learning takes a mastery approach when a student store is “sold out.” Students were able to build a variety of different competencies that involved many math standards as well as creativity and social and emotional team-based skills. Market Day brings the EUSD Learning Model to life and creates an event that students talk about and remember years after their time spent in second grade is complete.
DLP Celebration: The EUSD Dual Language Program (DLP) students, families, parents, and administrators gathered recently for the annual DLP awards celebration. All students were presented a certificate of recognition, with some receiving an additional seal of academic recognition. The elementary schools Farr Avenue, Lincoln, Glen View, and Pioneer celebrated 143 fifth graders. Mission Middle School presented 48 certificates to students who have been in the DLP since kindergarten. It is an honor to see DLP students commit to actualizing their potential to learn two languages, striving for academic excellence, and continuing on the Biliteracy Pathway in high school.
Mission MS Theater Performance: I also had the opportunity to attend the Mission MS Theater Performance of Bocón directed by Music Teacher Lori Lum. Bocón (slang for loudmouth) is about Miguel, a 12-year-old boy who comes to El Norte from Central America. He is captured by border guards, and must bravely face a judge by himself. As the story unfolds, we hear about his mystical journey, aided by characters like La Llorona. Miguel's voice has been scared away by the soldiers who took his parents, and he must find it if he is going to tell the judge his incredible story and advocate for his freedom.
Ms. Lum wrote, “The students selected this play because they said it is relatable and has an important message. We have worked incredibly hard since January with tech students creating all the sets, props, costumes, sounds, and lights, and drama students honing their performance skills. With this project, they have truly fulfilled EVERY aspect of the EUSD Learner Profile.”
I have seen many middle school performances in my career, and this was one of the best! Congratulations to the cast and crew of Bocón!
ACE Week: This last week, our district celebrated Appreciating Classified Employees Week, where our administrators shadowed our hard-working classified employees. Here is a short video capturing the week.
SD Legion Rugby Game: We are excited to announce that San Diego Legion, our local professional rugby team, is offering all EUSD students FREE admission to their home game on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego to celebrate the end of the school year. In addition, SD Legion is offering reduced ticket prices for family members at the cost of $10.00 per ticket (parking is not included). All students are invited to attend a free rugby clinic before the game hosted by SD Legion. In addition, some of our EUSD students will have an opportunity to be part of the opening National Anthem Ceremony down on the field with the team (many of whom were our EUSD Flag Rugby coaches). This special opportunity is for a limited number of students, and a lottery will be conducted to select students. Please RSVP by June 3rd using this Google Form.
Enrollment and registration: Returning Student Registration and New Student Enrollment opened on 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.
Materials return: Site principals will be sharing information regarding instructions and a schedule for the collection of all district-issued materials, devices, and accessories, including textbooks, school library books, iPads, chargers and cords, and hotspots. Contact your school if your student is unable to attend on designated collection days. View this flyer for details on iPads and accessories that must be returned. Students in the middle school and Extended School Year summer programs will keep their district iPad and mobile hotspot until the conclusion of the programs. K-8 students will be given the opportunity to transfer files from their iPad and EUSD Google Drive. These resources will help with that transfer process: Copy iPad Files to Google Drive; Transfer files from a School Google Account to a Personal Google Account (select language at bottom of page); and Download data from a School Google Account (select language at bottom of page).
City library programs: The 2024 summer reading challenge kicks off on June 17 with the Escondido Public Library. Additionally, students aged 12-18 are invited to apply for one of 24 spots in the no-cost Watershed Explorers Summer Day Camp. View this flyer for complete details.
Low-cost computers: The San Diego County Office of Education and Computers to SD Kids are hosting an event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Oceanside Unified School District, 2111 Mission Ave., Oceanside. This event provides an opportunity for families to purchase a refurbished desktop computer for $100 or a refurbished laptop for $150. Follow this link to submit an application and schedule an appointment. View this flyer for further details. Direct questions to 858-200-9788 or programs@c2sdk.org.
Important dates: We hope you all had a peaceful Memorial Day. Classes resume on Tuesday, May 28. The last day of school for students for the 2023-2024 school year is Wednesday, June 5. It is a minimum day for students. Please review the bell schedule for your child’s school. School offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday, June 17, and will reopen on Wednesday, August 7.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools