April 7, 2024
In EUSD, every student experiences Authentic Learning, thanks to the new EUSD Learning Model that is the foundation of our Framework for the Future. EUSD continues to strengthen a learner-centered education model, which it has embraced for several years.
The qualities that define our Learning Model – Personalized, Competency-Based, Authentic, and Inclusive and Equitable – are essential for ensuring that our students are able to demonstrate and achieve the outcomes defined in our Learner Profile. What does “Authentic Learning” look like in EUSD? It’s meaningful, relevant learning grounded in real-world challenges and applications; it supports the belief that learning can happen anytime and anywhere; and it sparks collaboration.
This corner of the Learning Model is seen in a number of ways in EUSD, such as learning about the growth cycle, studying their hometown, or exploring agriculture at a local farm. At Oak Hill Elementary, preschoolers in teacher Nancy Yeh’s class are studying things that grow – from plants to butterflies to their own bodies! On a recent day, these little learners used a magnifying glass to carefully eye moths and ladybugs. One student proudly patted their stomach as the teacher reminded them that “everyone has a growth cycle.” In teacher Samantha Spelts’ classroom, 3rd-grade Otters have been studying their hometown to better get to know their community and its history. Students have created individual Escondido case study files focused on a significant location or a historic event. Then, to share what they’ve learned they are producing a video using the Clips app, complete with a storyboard narrative.
These scholars are excelling through these authentic learning experiences!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Eclipse safety: The United States will experience a solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, as the moon passes between Earth and the sun. While some areas will witness a total eclipse, when the moon entirely covers the sun, Escondido will experience a 53 percent eclipse, with the moon beginning to cover the sun around 10 a.m., reaching maximum coverage at 11:12 a.m., and moving away from the sun by 12:20 p.m. Ensuring eye safety is the top priority during an eclipse. Observing an eclipse without proper eye protection can cause severe retina damage instantly. EUSD has shared information on how to safely view the eclipse with students and the importance of not viewing the eclipse directly. We will not be allowing the use of any glasses for viewing the eclipse unless they meet certification standards. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Teachers who will be using this rare opportunity as a learning experience will review safety guidelines before going outside on April 8. Learning experiences – including viewing the eclipse indirectly and observing shadows on the ground created by the eclipse – will be connected to the scientific concept of why solar eclipses occur. Here is some additional eclipse guidance from pediatricians with HealthyChildren.org. In addition, a NASA livestream will be available.
Employees of the Year: Please join me in congratulating three extraordinary representatives of the EUSD community who’ve been selected as EUSD employees of the year: humanities teacher Patty Anderson of Rincon is EUSD’s Teacher of the Year-Middle School; 5th-grade dual language teacher Rocio Hernandez of Pioneer is EUSD’s Teacher of the Year-Elementary School; and locksmith David Jones of Maintenance and Operations is EUSD’s Classified Employee of the Year. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting the students, staff members, and families of our district!
State assessments: Attending school on time and on a daily basis is essential for ensuring a child’s future success, and is especially important as the annual CAASPP testing window opens this week in EUSD schools. Students in grades 3 through 8 take the computer-based California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, which measures each student’s progress in English language arts and math. Students in grades 5 and 8 also will take a science assessment. Remind your students to bring their fully charged iPads to school. While a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and encouragement to do their best are always important for students, please take a moment to ensure these steps happen on testing days. Each school develops its own testing schedule, and the testing window will be open April 8 through May 17.
Celebrating peacemakers: For a quarter-century, EUSD has been a proud participant in A Season for Peace and Nonviolence, a national program dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and communities. On Thursday evening at Hidden Valley Middle School, EUSD recognized four dozen individuals – students, staff members, and a community member – at our 25th annual Season for Peace and Nonviolence Awards event, a recognition of individuals who lead the way in kindness and peacemaking. This year, a special recognition was added as the Hidden Valley and Orange Glen Elementary communities mourn the loss of Sofia Romero, a Hidden Valley 6th-grader who died in a car accident last fall. Sofia was honored posthumously as the 6th-grade peacemaker award recipient for 2024, with the Hidden Valley community remembering “Sofia’s contagious spirit of empathy toward others.”
STEM Challenge Day: Some 200 EUSD scholars have been training for weeks in preparation for the third annual STEM Challenge Day on Saturday, April 13, at Rincon Middle School. Teams of 5th- and 8th-graders will spend the morning taking on math and engineering challenges. Every school is represented at this event, which was launched two years ago as a reimagination of EUSD’s long-running Math Field Day. Teams will participate in puzzling math problems and engineering challenges with our partner Treobytes using drones, robotics, and Arduino circuitry. We hope you’ll join us from 8 a.m. to noon to observe the exciting STEM in action!
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools