January 14, 2024
Welcome back! I hope your winter break was full of rest and joy. We missed our students, and loved seeing everyone back together on campus this week.
In EUSD, every student is an Effective Communicator – an effective listener who can clearly express ideas. As Effective Communicators, our students communicate with purpose and express coherent ideas; are receptive and responsive to others’ input and ideas; communicate with confidence across various media and maintain a responsible digital footprint; and communicate with an awareness of audience and context.
Students are provided opportunities to demonstrate these qualities in extraordinary ways. At Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning, one of these opportunities is the Closing Crew Circle, which takes place in every classroom at every grade level. In Brooke Brumback’s classroom on a recent afternoon, 1st-graders each found their spot around the rug and settled in to communicate via the four stages of the closing circle: Chant (“Wave your hands up in the air and pat your neighbors right there), Reflect, Appreciation, and Apology. While Mrs. Brumbrack facilitated the circle, the students embraced the engagement. “Does anyone have an appreciation to share,” she asked. The students raised their hands and made eye contact as they shared how they appreciated one classmate for being nice or for checking on them during soccer. Students reflected on how they could do better tomorrow, and whether they had apologies to share. They also gave compliments to one another, expressing sincere gratitude.
“I could do better tomorrow by listening to the teacher.”
“I’m proud of never giving up and doing my best.”
“I’m proud of Brandon because he helped me at lunch.”
“I tried my best at handball.”
“I would like to compliment Adriell for helping me with my bag.”
Throughout the circle, Mrs. Brumback provided encouragement and correction, ensuring that the students understood what they were trying to communicate to one another, such as knowing the difference between a compliment and an appreciation.
Activities like these encourage our students to communicate effectively – essential skills for learning and life.
Here are the latest updates and reminders.
Holiday reminder: EUSD schools and the district office will be closed on Monday, January 15, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage Americans to volunteer in their communities. The website for Americorps provides information on how to get involved in one’s community. Close to home, visit the city’s Volunteer Escondido webpage and the website for local nonprofit Love Esco for upcoming community service events.
Early education enrollment: New Student Enrollment is now open online 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 2024-2025 school year, children are eligible for TK if their date of birth is between September 2, 2019, and September 1, 2020. Students applying for Kindergarten must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2024. 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 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.
LCAP survey: We are launching the annual LCAP Priorities Survey to collect input from all of our stakeholders as we develop updates to the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan, the blueprint that describes how our schools support the success of all students. The survey focuses on LCAP goals and specific priority areas, such as student achievement, family engagement, interventions and enrichment, social and emotional supports, and safety. In addition, we are hosting two community meetings to gather input in person. The meetings will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 17, at Pioneer Elementary School, and Thursday, February 1, at Bear Valley Middle School. No RSVP is necessary. 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 will be available online January 14 through February 2. Thank you for your time and input.
Fentanyl safety forum: The Escondido Union High School District is hosting a community forum on fentanyl at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, January 18, at the EUHSD district office, 302 N. Midway Drive. The forum, “Fentanyl – The Silent Killer Among Us,” is open to the community. Representatives of the Department of Homeland Security’s Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team and the Escondido Police Department's Special Investigations Unit will present vital information for parents, students, and community members of all ages regarding this deadly drug. In addition, the presenters will share a video interview with the parents of Kai Atesalp, a 2023 Escondido High School graduate who died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in July. View this flyer for event details.
Library programs: The Escondido Public Library is gearing up for its next session of its English as a Second Language classes for adult learners. The classes are conducted through the library's adult literacy program. To receive a placement assessment, contact the Literacy Services team at 760-839-5440, or visit in person at 239 S. Kalmia Street.The library’s Literacy Services department also offers one-on-one tutoring, parent workshops, and other resources for adults. There is no cost for any of the adult literacy programs.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools