Welcome to Week 2 of our districtwide series celebrating the learning happening across EUSD! Last week, we kicked off this journey by looking at our foundational English-only Transitional Kindergarten classrooms. This week, we step into the vibrant, interactive world of our Dual Language Program (DLP) TK classrooms.
Here, English and Spanish flow together naturally. In one corner, two children sit knee-to-knee over a pile of building blocks. "¡Mira, una torre grande!" one exclaims, holding up a bright blue cube. "A big tower!" her partner repeats with a grin, carefully balancing a green block on top. Without realizing it, they aren't just playing—they are becoming teachers and language models for each other, blending their words to create a shared world.
Whether children are piecing together a story, solving a puzzle, or discovering the sounds of new letters, every interaction is a bridge. In Karla Garduno’s classroom, every shared moment, smile, and playful activity is an opportunity to learn from one another and grow together as confident bilingual learners.
Building structures using a variety of materials allows students the opportunity to actively engage with math and social concepts as they work, create, and play together. While they build, they build skills such as counting, shape recognition, and spatial awareness authentically.
Did you know that Dual Language offers a wonderful environment for all students, regardless of home language? English-speaking students immersed in Spanish develop language and literacy skills in both languages alongside their Spanish-speaking friends. Captured here during a game of “restaurant,” the “chef” navigates a fun conversation with her patron, explaining that they’re all out of the dish from the cutting board “menu.” Imagination is on display in Laura Coon’s classroom!
Family is a huge part of the Dual Language experience. Families support language development in both languages by engaging their children in playful learning. Siblings of many TK students flourished in this program so much that their families have chosen to return to the program again and again.
Our TK teachers are constantly observing as they interact with their students to offer them thoughtful, intentionally planned play experiences that set every student on their path to becoming an empowered, empathetic, and effective communicator.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Foundation Fundraiser
Join the Escondido Education Foundation for an afternoon of fashion and fun at an upcoming fundraising event! “Height of Fashion” is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Old Escondido neighborhood. Get all the details and purchase tickets online. Tickets are $60 or $100 for a pair; delicious food and drinks are included. The all-volunteer Escondido Education Foundation spends countless hours supporting the innovative learning happening in our schools, particularly through the annual Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Awards. Fundraisers such as “Height of Fashion” help make these generous grant awards possible!
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
You are invited to attend the North Inland Special Education Region’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Regular Business Meeting and Parent Presentation. The event will take place on Monday, September 28, 2026, beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the Business Meeting, followed by the Parent Presentation at 4:45 p.m. Please see the attached registration flyer for full details and share the information with staff, family, and friends. Advance registration is required at this Zoom link. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.
Nominate an Outstanding School Counselor!
Do you know an EUSD school counselor who goes above and beyond to help students feel supported, connected, and empowered? The San Diego County Office of Education is accepting nominations for the 2027 San Diego County School Counselors of the Year. The program recognizes exceptional elementary, middle, and high school counselors for their leadership, advocacy, empathy, and commitment to helping students thrive. Nominations are open through October 5, 2026. Take a few minutes to recognize an outstanding counselor making a difference for our students! Learn more and submit a nomination
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.
– Andy McGuire, Superintendent of Schools