December 10, 2023
In EUSD, every student is an inquisitive learner who can reflectively and critically analyze information. Our students demonstrate their skills as Critical Thinkers throughout the day, in and out of the classroom, whether it’s evaluating a strategy in athletics, predicting the outcome of a science experiment, or determining the best method for solving a division problem.
On a recent morning in Zoe Carpenter’s science class at Quantum Academy, 7th-graders were laser-focused on a chemical reaction experiment to determine how much energy was created using various amounts of reactants – in this case, aluminum foil, salt water, and copper sulfate. Each group of students was testing a different ratio or amount of each reactant to see what would make a complete reaction. They were then writing down the temperature that the reaction created to see how it helped in their design of a homemade flameless heater.
For EUSD scholars like those at Quantum, science revolves around figuring out an intriguing phenomenon, Carpenter said, adding that when students are motivated to solve a problem, science happens as they are looking for a solution.
“I don’t give answers. Students are given an anchoring phenomenon and an essential question that connects with the anchoring phenomenon, and they work through the unit figuring out the what and the how,” she said. “They investigate their questions and wonderings of the phenomenon as they build and revise their ideas and understanding of the science behind the phenomena. I facilitate the process by responding to students’ ideas and making suggestions that help focus their ideas.”
Down the hall at Quantum, Diane DeWindt’s 5th-graders were analyzing information about various materials for a density experiment. Using a cylinder, students layered a wide range of liquids – such as dish soap, cooking oil, honey, and coffee creamer – according to their presumed density. Then they set out to determine whether the liquids would mix or remain separate, and what elements, like a coin or a popcorn kernel, would sink or float through the layers. The classroom was buzzing as DeWindt posed questions like, “Where will the quarter land?” and her students made their predictions amid “oohs” and “aahs.”
This active learning encourages students to think critically and develop reasoning to answer the questions facing them – essential skills for science and life.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Robotics results: Congratulations to our FIRST LEGO League robotics teams from Bernardo, Glen View, Miller, Pioneer, and Reidy Creek elementary schools for their efforts December 2 in the Regional Tournament, where they took on teams from across San Diego County. While our schools did not move on to the next level of competition, every team made incredible improvements in their robot performance and their innovation project. We are proud of how much these robotics team members have grown in their abilities as creative problem-solvers.
Honor a Caring Heart: There’s still time to submit a nomination for the annual Caring Hearts Awards, presented by the dedicated group of volunteers behind the Escondido Education Foundation. Directions and forms are now available in all school offices, at the front desk of the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue, and online at this link. These awards recognize members of the education community who work under the radar while doing extraordinary work on behalf of students – directly supporting EUSD children in helping them find success and acceptance. These “caring hearts” do not seek recognition for themselves, and the foundation is in need of your nominations for the Caring Hearts Awards. The nominee can be any school staff member, parent volunteer, community member, or community organization. Anyone may submit a nomination. I encourage you to take a minute to think of all the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their support of students. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. December 18 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 9. Check the foundation website for future updates.
School choice: The School Choice application window for the 2024-2025 school year is now open through Wednesday, January 31. Typically, students attend the schools that serve the neighborhood attendance areas in which they live. School Choice is an opportunity for families to apply for an intradistrict transfer for their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school of residence, such as one of EUSD’s specialty schools:
Quantum Academy, a project-based learning school of choice for grades 4 through 8. Students live by Quantum’s five core values: lead with empathy, ask questions and seek answers, create, impact the community, and perseverance.
Limitless Learning Academy, a blended learning school of choice in which students are provided a variety of educational opportunities virtually and in person. Students receive live instruction via Zoom, personalized academic supports, and enrichment activities that can be done independently at home or in person on campus,
Dual Language Immersion at Farr, Glen View, Lincoln, and Pioneer, with a pathway to continue at Mission Middle School. The program begins in TK and follows an instructional model that is designed to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism for students whose primary language is English, as well as those whose primary language is Spanish.
Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning, follows the expeditionary learning model, or EL Model, which is a project-based learning approach with the core of the work's emphasis on authentic, multidisciplinary experiential learning and integration of rigorous content with real-world experiences that foster relational character development, and empower students to make the world a better place.
Explore all of our schools online. School Choice details and application links can be found on our website.
Enrichment camp: EUSD is excited to offer an outdoor education camp experience at no-cost for 6th-graders over spring break 2024, March 25 through March 29, through our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Families of 6th-graders will receive an email this week that includes details about the legendary 6th Grade Camp at Cuyamaca Outdoor School, as well as a link to submit an interest form. Families must complete the interest form to be considered for participation. Space is limited to 305 students. A random lottery will be conducted if interest exceeds space available. Families will be notified in late January if their student was selected. The Cuyamaca Outdoor School program includes environmental education lessons that incorporate trail experiences and citizen scientist projects to create hands-on learning that is meaningful, memorable, and fun. The weeklong, overnight experience transforms how students feel about science and themselves as learners.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools