Given the activity of recent immigration enforcement in our community, we are aware of the significant impact this may have on many of our students. EUSD is committed to the success of all students and believes that every school site should be a safe and welcoming place for all students and their families.
In EUSD, our school staff works to ensure all students are supported both academically and with any social-emotional needs they may have. If students are feeling stressed, anxious, or are struggling with regulating their reactions, our staff works to find ways to assist. We are fortunate to have a social worker at each school, and middle schools have counselors, as well. Each school also has a Family Liaison that is prepared to offer resources, support, and parent education opportunities for our students’ parents and guardians.
In fact, next week is National School Counseling Week (February 3 through February 7), a time to shine a spotlight on the invaluable role school counselors play in the academic, emotional, and social development of students. These dedicated professionals help foster a positive school environment, guide students through challenges, and support their growth into confident, capable individuals. Join us in recognizing the hard work and compassion of our 12 EUSD school counselors who inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
EUSD students are provided with many authentic learning experiences throughout the year. We are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of students and their families on Wednesday, February 5, for the annual Young Authors Writing Celebration. This marks the 35th year of the Writing Celebration, which gets underway at 4 p.m. at Bear Valley Middle School. Event invitations have been distributed to families of the honored writers. The award-winning pieces include examples of informational, narrative, and opinion writing styles. The Writing Celebration program is especially significant because it highlights writing at every grade level, and the ongoing development of students’ writing skills.
Limiting Screen Time: Just a reminder that in response to valuable feedback from parents and as part of our ongoing commitment to student well-being, we will be implementing a change to student iPads. Starting February 3, internet access on these devices will be restricted between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM. This change is designed to help reduce screen time, encourage healthy rest habits, and ensure our students are ready for the next day of learning. At the same time, we remain committed to the importance of students having access to digital learning platforms that support their education during the day.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders:
Holiday reminder: All EUSD schools and the district office will be closed Friday, February 14, and Monday, February 17, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.
Museum pass: February is Museum Month in San Diego County, with half-price admission offered at more than 60 museums. Visit the Escondido Public Library to pick up a free Museum Month pass, or go to the San Diego Museum Council website for more information.
2025-26 Local Control Accountability Plan LCAP: There is still time to share your feedback on district goals and specific priority areas, including student achievement, family engagement, interventions and enrichment, social and emotional supports, and safety. Please take a few minutes to complete the LCAP survey. The survey will be open through Sunday, February 16. Please note that there is no need to click on the Google Translate button on the form. It is already translated. There will be an opportunity to learn more about our LCAP and to provide input on February 12 at 4:30 pm at Farr Avenue Elementary School located at 933 Farr Avenue. Free childcare will be available.
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).
Youth Football Camp: The Escondido Police Athletic League is hosting a FREE co-ed youth football camp for school children ages 6-18. Join them on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at Orange Glen High School football stadium, 2260 Glenridge Road, Escondido. Arrive at 8:30 a.m. for registration. RSVP to escondidopal@gmail.com.
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