March 5, 2023
In EUSD, every student is needed! Students are an essential part of our campus communities, and when they are absent frequently, they are missing more than just class time. They are missing everything from socializing with their peers to exploring something new to read in the school library to a delicious, nutritious lunch from the school cafeteria. They are missing out on the opportunity to grasp a new concept in math or to learn a new sport in PE.
Attending school on time and on a daily basis is essential for ensuring a child’s future success in school and in life. For additional resources, please visit our Attendance webpage, or contact your school site if you are experiencing any challenges to daily school attendance for your child.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Your voice matters: We value input from our parents and guardians, especially your participation in EUSD’s annual LCAP Priorities Survey. This survey focuses on specific priority areas, including student achievement, family engagement, interventions and enrichment, social and emotional supports, and safety. The LCAP is a blueprint tied to state funding that describes how our schools support the success of all students and spending priorities for such initiatives. This survey seeks feedback on current performance, areas for improvement, allocation of resources, and future goals. Responses are anonymous. The survey is open here through March 19. Thank you for your time and input.
Super spellers: Join us in wishing the best to three of our middle school students representing EUSD in the 53rd annual San Diego Union-Tribune Countywide Spelling Bee, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, at the Town & Country Resort in Mission Valley. EUSD super spellers are 7th-grader Theo Nosti of Bear Valley; 8th-grader Steven Saavedra of Del Dios; and 7th-grader Leif Bolen of Hidden Valley. Special thanks go out to the school site spelling bee coordinators, Bear Valley humanities teacher Jennifer Boaz, Hidden Valley library technician Noemi Navarrete, and Del Dios English language arts teacher Francina Flaherty.
STEM Challenge: We are looking forward to the second annual STEM Challenge Day on Saturday, March 11, at Rincon Middle School, where some 200 scholars will spend the morning taking on math and engineering challenges. Every school is represented at this event, which was launched last year as a reimagination of EUSD’s long-running Math Field Day. Two dozen teams of 5th- and 8th-graders will participate in puzzling math problems and engineering challenges using drones, LEGO robotics, and circuitry. We hope you’ll join us to observe the exciting STEM in action. The fun starts at 8:30 a.m.
Spring break camp: EUSD is offering Spring Break Legends Camp, a four-day experience from Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6. The program is operated by the YMCA, and is open to students in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade at no cost. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at two locations, Central Elementary and Farr Avenue Elementary. View this flyer for more information, including a QR code to complete the interest form. An interest form is required for your child to be considered for the camp. Students will be assigned a campus based on their school of attendance. Bus transportation to camp will be available from several locations throughout the district, or families may drop off and pick up their students. The no-cost experience includes engaging camp activities, a field trip to SeaWorld, and breakfast, lunch, and supper. Priority enrollment will go to students who qualify as socio-economically disadvantaged. Space is limited to 400 students. A lottery will be conducted if there is more interest than available spots.
Teacher appreciation: The San Diego Helpful Honda Dealers will be honoring four deserving teachers throughout San Diego County with $5,000 worth of school supplies and materials to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in May. The program is seeking your help to identify teachers who have gone above and beyond to give their students a memorable educational experience. To nominate a deserving teacher, submit this form by Friday, March 31.
Report cards: Second trimester report cards will be issued Friday, March 10. Report cards for elementary school students will be distributed at school. Report cards for middle school students will be delivered by mail.
California Healthy Kids Survey: EUSD will be administering the California Healthy Kids Survey to 5th-graders and 7th-graders beginning March 6. 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 surveys is also available for review at school sites.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools