We are pleased to share that we now have the name of the third recipient of the 2026 Caring Hearts Award. Please join us in congratulating Nancy Narron, retired teacher and current Oak Hill Elementary volunteer, whose continued service and dedication to students truly exemplify the spirit of this recognition.
Nancy joins previously announced honorees Katy Maskiewicz, TOSA, Newcomer Student Support (Educational Services), and Cynthia Zeighami, Special Education Teacher, Visually Impaired (Juniper/Lincoln). Together, these three individuals reflect the compassion, commitment, and heart that make a lasting difference across our district.
I hope you will join me this Friday, February 6, when these Caring Hearts will be honored by the Escondido Education Foundation at its annual “Fall in Love with Escondido Schools” fundraiser, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Petka’s Serbian Orthodox Church. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear why each honoree was nominated and selected for this special recognition. Tickets are $60 per person if purchased by February 5 and $75 at the door. Tickets are available on the foundation’s website.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Summative ELPAC:
Students in kindergarten through grade eight who are classified as English learners will take the Summative ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California) every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English. Administration of the Summative ELPAC will begin in EUSD on Monday, February 2, and will continue through Friday, May 29. Each school has a specific testing window within the EUSD window. If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher or principal. To learn more about the ELPAC, go to the Starting Smarter Website.
National School Counseling Week
Please join us next week in observing National School Counseling Week (Feb 2-6). School counselors play a vital role in our district, fostering students’ academic, emotional, and social growth through proactive leadership and comprehensive support. We are proud to honor our middle school counselors for their unwavering commitment to student success and their daily efforts to empower the next generation.
Resources for Food Assistance
We want to make sure families are aware of local resources that offer free food and support for those who may need it. Here are a few options available in our community:
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help connecting with these resources.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus:
All EUSD students have access to no-cost breakfast and lunch. Families can view our new online menus. Select your school and menu to see what is being served every day.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools