This week, we’re excited to return to our Story of Us classroom visits, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible learning happening across EUSD. Our next stop takes us into the wonderful world of Kindergarten Dual Language learning, where every sound, movement, and interaction helps build the foundation for lifelong success. From developing early literacy skills in two languages to building confidence and connections with classmates, our youngest learners remind us that big things happen in little classrooms. Let’s take a look!
In Ms. Bautista-Meza’s Kindergarten Dual Language Program (DLP) at Lincoln Elementary, learning to read and write is a hands-on, community experience. Each day, foundational skills come alive through interactive, hands-on Orton-Gillingham (OG/EAK) and Handwriting Without Tears routines.
Students actively engage from the start, using physical cues to recognize language structures, opening their hands wide for uppercase letters and closing them tight for lowercase letters before bringing the sounds to life. Moving from the interactive screen to familiar classroom imagery that builds vocabulary, young learners track letters with pointers before preparing for independent practice.
Responsibility and routine shine as students transition to gather their personal whiteboards, markers, and erasers from their table community baskets. At Ms. Bautista-Meza’s signal, "Eyes on me, the sound is ______, repeat,” the room fills with focused energy: "Mm says /m/..."
Learning here is deeply collaborative. After writing, students turn to their shoulder partners to share their work, offer gentle support, and give a proud thumbs-up. With whiteboards raised high in the air for a quick whole-group check, Ms. Bautista moves through the room to offer targeted guidance. Using Handwriting Without Tears techniques modeled on screen, students practice self-correction, earning a checkmark for proper letter formation before wrapping up the lesson with rhythmic syllable practice. Through every sound, movement, and partner check, our kindergarteners build confidence, connection, and a lifelong love for learning.
In Ms. Mendoza’s class at Pioneer, the class starts their day with action. Here they are on their feet dancing and singing their numbers. The students think they are just having fun, but here is an example of how learning and play are interconnected. The action doesn’t end there, as the whole morning unfolds with the students moving from one group activity to another. By lunchtime, the class has covered their word sounds of the week, more counting and number sense through a wheel of exciting math games, back to using their words and letters while developing their language skills in communication with each other, and a little artwork mixed with handwriting practice.
Adilenne is moving right along in her journey to literacy, in two languages, I might add. In fact, all of the students in our Dual Language Kindergarten classes across multiple schools in EUSD are developing literacy skills in two languages. It is a wonder to watch this group of Teachers lead their groups of learners to a definite bright future.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Halloween safety:
We know that many children look forward to Halloween – dressing up, trick-or-treating, and more. Halloween activities are best enjoyed with safety in mind. Halloween 2026 is on Saturday, October 31. Be sure to check any communication from your school site regarding parades or other holiday activities. To ensure a positive experience for all students and staff members, costumes featuring gore, weapons, or full face masks are not permitted. For safety, please refrain from bringing candy to school. We recommend inspecting your child’s treats to ensure that there are no tricks. Check to ensure that all candy is commercially wrapped and that it is, in fact, candy. A significant number of food products infused with THC – the controlled ingredient found in marijuana – are packaged to look like popular candies that, when mistakenly eaten by children, can result in severe illness.
Daybreak Online Mental Health Support:
Daybreak Health partners with EUSD to offer confidential, personalized online mental health support for students ages 5–19, helping children build confidence, manage stress, and strengthen emotional well-being. Sessions are available in English or Spanish from Monday through Saturday (8:00 AM–8:00 PM), pairing your child with a clinician tailored to their unique preferences. Care is low-to-no cost for most families depending on district coverage and insurance, with 92% of parents reporting positive behavioral improvements at home. To get started in as little as two weeks, you can submit a care request directly or visit daybreakhealth.com for additional details.
Honor a Caring Heart:
The nomination window is now open for the annual Caring Hearts Awards, presented by the dedicated group of volunteers behind the Escondido Education Foundation. Directions and forms are now available in all school offices, at the front desk of the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue, and online at this link: Printable Caring Hearts Nomination form (PDF). These awards recognize members of the education community who work under the radar while doing extraordinary work on behalf of students – directly supporting EUSD children in helping them find success and acceptance. These “caring hearts” do not seek recognition for themselves, and the foundation is in need of your nominations for the Caring Hearts Awards. The nominee can be any school staff member, parent volunteer, community member, or community organization. Anyone may submit a nomination. I encourage you to take a minute to think of all the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their support of students. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. on November 17 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 26, 2027. Check the foundation website for future updates.
Work with EUSD:
Save the date for our next hiring fair! On Tuesday, October 27, Human Resources team members will be on hand to guide individuals seeking classified positions through the application process. The hiring event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the district office, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome for numerous essential full- and part-time positions across the district. View this flyer for details on classified positions (PDF), Spanish Flyer (PDF); employees who work more than five hours a day are eligible for enrollment in EUSD benefits and retirement programs.
City library programs:
Join the Escondido Public Library in celebrating Día de los Muertos on Sunday, November 1, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Turrentine Room (2nd Floor). Enjoy a beautiful live performance by Ballet Folklórico Sangre Mestiza and take part in honoring loved ones through a community ofrenda that will be on display for two weeks. This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful way to experience the beauty, tradition, and culture of Día de los Muertos.
Join Our Inclusive Preschool Program!
EUSD is looking for Peer Buddies to join our Inclusive Preschool Program! This wonderful opportunity brings young learners together in a welcoming environment where children build friendships, develop social skills, and learn through play. We invite families with children who turned 3 years old by August 10, 2026, to apply! Interested families will complete a simple screening form focused on social play, speech and language, and behavior.
Interested in joining us? Contact (760) 432-2400 or email nmuldoon@eusd.org for more information. We look forward to welcoming our newest little learners!
Statewide Student Data Security Incident: What Families Need to Know
We recently learned of a data security incident involving Educational Testing Service (ETS), a company that works with the California Department of Education to support statewide student assessments, including CAASPP and ELPAC. Please note that this incident did not involve the computer systems of Escondido Union School District or any of our schools.
According to information provided by the California Department of Education (CDE) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), unauthorized access to student records was identified on September 25, 2026. Our district was subsequently notified of the incident on October 16, 2026. The data that was breached includes information for California public school students enrolled from the 2023–24 school year through the present, regardless of whether a student participated in state testing.
Upon discovery, ETS immediately took the affected system offline and replaced it with a new, enhanced-security environment. ETS is actively investigating and monitoring the situation in close coordination with cybersecurity experts, law enforcement, and state agencies. To date, ETS reports no evidence that any student data has been published or made publicly available.
What can you do now?
Identity Protection: As a precaution, ETS is offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Experian IdentityWorks for all affected students.
For minors, enroll at: www.experianidworks.com/minorplus
For adults ages 18 and older, enroll at: www.experianidworks.com/identity
Questions and More Information
ETS resources are available to answer questions and provide additional information about the incident, including enrollment information for identity protection services.
For answers to frequently asked questions and additional details about the incident visit: www.cde.ca.gov/ets or read the ETS notice (available in multiple languages).
For questions about the incident, please call 833-931-8488, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time. If you have a speech or hearing impairment and use a TTY, please call 711. Please provide your engagement number:
B174774 for students under 18
B174775 for students 18 or over
We recognize how concerning any news regarding a student data security incident can be. Although this breach did not involve or originate from our district or school computer systems, it underscores the vital importance of remaining vigilant. Please rest assured that safeguarding student and family information remains an absolute top priority for Escondido Union School District.
We are committed to providing further updates should new information emerge. In the meantime, we strongly encourage all families to review the details provided by ETS and consider enrolling in the complimentary identity protection services available to you.
Supporting Families Amid Immigration Enforcement Activity
We know that reports of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in our broader Escondido community can bring up feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty for many of our students and families. Please know that our school district stands right beside you, dedicated to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for every child we serve.
Our Commitment and Campus Protocols:
Safe and Welcoming Campuses: Our highest priority is your child’s emotional well-being, physical safety, and sense of belonging. Every student is welcome, supported, and valued at our schools.
Visitor Security: All school visitors must enter through our main offices, state their purpose, and complete our check-in procedures before gaining access to campus.
Law Enforcement Access: District policy requires that state or federal law enforcement officials present appropriate, valid documentation to the Superintendent’s Office for review and approval before entering any school site.
Student Support Services: Our school counselors, social workers, and family liaisons are available on campus to support students or family members who may be feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Resources Available:
Know Your Rights / Red Cards: Printable "Red Cards" outlining legal rights and guidance are available in our school front offices.
Community & Legal Assistance: You can access legal support, family toolkits, and guidance through this Legal Resources page and Family Toolkit.
If your family needs assistance, extra resources, or simply someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact your school front office or reach out to your school's Family Liaison. We are here for you. We have added an Important Family Resources page to our website; you can find it via the link at the very top of our website.
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