February 4, 2024
In EUSD, every student is a Creative Problem Solver – an individual who seeks opportunities to creatively design solutions, solve complex problems, and act on novel ideas!
As Creative Problem Solvers, our students ask questions, explore multiple points of view, and pursue solutions to major problems; embrace challenges and understand that failure is part of the learning process; and approach challenges with a can-do attitude. Creative Problem Solver is one of the six whole-learner outcomes that comprise the new EUSD Learner Profile, part of our Framework for the Future.
Our students can be seen learning and demonstrating their creative problem solving skills at the earliest stages of their education, in all types of activities – whether it’s free-play time or math. On a recent morning at Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning, children in Donna Sellier’s Transitional Kindergarten class were immersed in free play, choosing from a variety of activities around the room. Sharing is essential, and the children experience “not having their way right away,” Sellier said. For example, building with Magna-Tiles was an especially popular activity, and making sure that everyone who wants a turn gets one requires patience and creative problem solving. Sellier provides direction, so that the students have the chance to solve the problem – a crowded Magna-Tiles group – on their own. “Is somebody ready to leave so Christopher can have a turn?” Sellier asks. And soon, a calm transition was underway!
At Bernardo Elementary last week, Robyn Kochon’s 3rd-graders were learning to calculate area, using their knowledge of quick multiplication facts along with a simulation program called Area Builder on their iPad. “There is always a solution,” Kochon said. “Your goal is to make a shape with an area of 8, and all of the space has to be filled in. So what’s a quick multiplication fact that equals 8?” Students learned from their mistakes as they progressed in the levels of calculating area. “If you check it and it’s wrong, you’ll know how to fix it,” Kochon encouraged her students. “If you need help to figure out your tools, you can let me know.” The progression was quick as the students embraced the challenges.
Our Creative Problem Solvers are inquisitive communicators who aren’t afraid to make mistakes on the road to learning!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Writing celebration: We are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of students and their families Wednesday, February 7, for the annual Young Authors Writing Celebration. This marks the 34th 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.
Preschool parent workshops: EUSD’s Preschool RISE Program – Responsive Interventions to Support and Educate – provides opportunities for children ages 3 to 5 to develop the academic, language, and social skills needed for school readiness through short-term targeted programs. Among these programs are upcoming behavior training workshops for caregivers: “The Basics of Behavior” and “Best Practices to Manage Tantrums and Other Unwanted Behaviors.” Sessions will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at Central Elementary School. The workshops will be conducted in English on February 8 and February 15; Spanish language workshops will be conducted on February 22 and February 29. For questions or additional details, contact Preschool RISE at riseprogram@eusd.org or 760-432-2400 ext. 11002. In “The Basics of Behavior” workshop, on February 8 and February 22, educators will discuss preventative measures, implementing structures, and using positive reinforcement with preschool-age children. In the “Best Practices to Manage Tantrums” workshop, on February 15 and February 29, educators will discuss tantrums and challenging behaviors.
Foundation fundraiser: It’s not too late to join us at the Escondido Education Foundation’s annual “Fall in Love with Escondido Schools” fundraiser on Friday, February 9, at the Escondido Elks Lodge. The event includes a celebration of Caring Hearts Award recipients Victoria Smith, a Special Education teacher at Orange Glen Elementary; Mersedes Barta, supervisor of the YMCA program Rose Elementary; and Mireya Alarcon, a Special Education paraeducator at Rock Springs Elementary. Tickets are $45 on the online and $50 at the door, and includes dinner. All proceeds, including the live and silent auctions, go toward the Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Awards, which fund classroom and school grants in our district.
Flag Rugby League: The inaugural season of coed flag rugby in EUSD is underway at 22 schools! The seven-week league includes twice-weekly practices, as well as games on Saturdays at Rincon Middle School. All EUSD teams are coached by members of SD Legion, San Diego’s professional rugby team. SD Legion has invited EUSD students participating in the flag rugby program to attend the team’s home opener on Saturday, March 16, at no cost. Information about this opportunity will be sent home soon to rugby families. Special thanks to our Expanded Learning team for leading the effort to bring flag rugby to our community. Check out this video from the team, as well as this report from ABC 10 News.
Save the date: A community meeting to collect input as we update the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, at Farr Avenue Elementary School. The previously scheduled LCAP meeting on February 1 was postponed because of inclement weather. We hope you will join us in person for this important session! Feedback from our parents and guardians is valued and essential as we reflect on current performance, areas for improvement, allocation of resources, and future goals. The district’s LCAP is the blueprint tied to state funding that describes how our schools support the success of all students.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools