EUSD continues to work to ensure that we are the district of choice for the children of Escondido. As defined in the EUSD Framework for the Future, we have embraced elements of a learner-centered model that promises to be filled with innovative programming for our students. Professionals from all corners of the district continue to work collaboratively to lay the foundation for this framework, which sets up EUSD students to actualize their unlimited potential. In EUSD, we believe learning should be personalized, authentic, competency-based, and inclusive and equitable.
At each EUSD school, our After-School Enrichment classes offer an amazing menu of activities for students. Mark your calendars for the After School Enrichment Spring Session, which begins on February 10! This spring, we're thrilled to offer 487 engaging classes across all EUSD in-person schools. Our enrichment classes are a wonderful opportunity for students to explore new skills and interests in areas like STEM, theater, art, dance, sports (soccer, basketball, and/or flag rugby), academic intervention, and so much more. These classes are led by a mix of our talented teachers and expert local vendors, providing students with exciting and empowering choices. If you’d like your child to participate, please complete the After School Enrichment Student Interest Form available at your school site. Space is limited.
We have examples of student leaders influencing change across our district. At Bear Valley, three student leaders were recently selected for an opportunity to contribute to the field of education at a national level. Bear Valley students Mia Santos, Nathan Duong, and Gabe Simon were selected to be a part of the Learner Advisory Council. This group is a national cohort of students whose voices and ideas will help guide Learner-Centered Collaborative's practices and impact learning in classrooms across the country. These students were nominated and accepted based on the important experiences, interests, and ideas they shared in their application, and we believe that their unique perspectives will play a key role in making school more meaningful and learner-centered. As part of the Learner Advisory Council, these student leaders will participate in real-world collaboration, gain recognition and leadership skills, influence education resources for schools across the nation, amplify their own voices as they contribute their ideas, and develop their own skills and interests. Congratulations!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders:
Middle School Boys and Girls Club Sports League - Basketball Tryouts: EUSD, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, is thrilled to announce upcoming basketball tryouts for middle school students, including those from Quantum Academy. This well-established program offers boys and girls the chance to sharpen their skills, build teamwork, and compete in a fun and friendly district-wide league — at no cost to families. The season concludes with thrilling championship games, highlighting the talent and growth of all participants. Practices are held after school, and tryouts will take place at the Conrad Prebys Boys and Girls Club Branch (115 Woodward Ave, Escondido, CA 92025). For more details, check your school’s flyer.
Foundation fundraiser: We invite you to join the all-volunteer Escondido Education Foundation for its annual “Fall in Love with Escondido Schools” fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 7, at St. Petka’s Serbian Orthodox Church. The foundation welcomes parents, colleagues, and community members to this lively event that features good food, great friends of education, exciting auctions, and a special recognition of “caring hearts” – individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our students. Reserve your spot early for the best price! Tickets are $60 per person if purchased by February 5. Tickets purchased after that are $75 per person at the door. Tickets are available on the foundation’s website. All proceeds go toward the Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Awards, which fund classroom and school grants in our district. View the Escondido Education Foundation Flyer by following the link (PDF).
Early Education Enrollment: New Student Enrollment opened on January 7, 2025, for Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Special Education Preschool. EUSD offers a full-day Transitional Kindergarten program to bridge the path between preschool and Kindergarten. For the 2025-2026 school year, children are eligible for TK if their date of birth is between September 2, 2020, and September 1, 2021. Students applying for Kindergarten must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2025. Students in EUSD TK and Kindergarten programs are eligible to participate in their school’s optional Expanded Learning program. The Expanded Learning program provides before- and after-school student care, from 6:30 a.m. to the morning bell and from the dismissal bell to 6:00 p.m. To find your neighborhood school of residence, use our online school locator tool. For questions regarding Special Education Preschool or about your student’s Special Education needs for next school year, contact the team at spedsupport@eusd.org.
Rooms Has a New Look!: An update is required to experience the improved app, which you can do from the app store. The redesigned layout mirrors the navigation style of popular social media apps, aimed at making it more intuitive and user-friendly. The update also reduces the steps needed to find what you need, helping you stay connected faster than ever. We will soon be providing more guidance and walkthroughs of the new interface. If ready for the new look, you can choose to update your app today to explore the changes! Follow this link to the Rooms Guardian navigation update (PDF) and watch this video overview (Youtube).
Work with EUSD: Save the date for our next hiring fair! On Tuesday, January 21, Human Resources team members will be on hand to guide individuals seeking classified positions through the application process. The hiring event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the district office, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome for numerous essential full and part-time positions across the district. View this flyer for details on classified positions (PDF); employees who work more than five hours a day are eligible for enrollment in EUSD benefits and retirement programs.
Library programs: The library is hosting a free Lunar New Year celebration from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, in the library’s Turrentine Room. The event will include a visit from the Three Treasures Cultural Arts Society Lion Dance Team, who will perform a traditional dance. View this flyer (PDF) for more information on the celebration.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus: All EUSD students have access to no-cost breakfast and lunch. Families can view our new online menus. Select your school and menu to see what is being served every day.
And remember, Every Day Counts in EUSD!
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools