November 27, 2022
In EUSD, every student is thankful. Gratitude has become a normal part of the conversation in classrooms, year-round. Even better, kindness and mindfulness go hand in hand with gratitude in lessons at every grade level.
At Miller Elementary, Principal Maria Casey is nurturing a community of learners who are keenly aware of the importance of gratitude for their social and emotional health, especially thanks to a recent “Attitude of Gratitude” lesson. Take this highlight, for example: “Gratitude is pausing to notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted, like having a place to live, food, clean water, friends, family, even computer access. … When we feel happy about who we are and what we have, we can make others feel good, too.”
Students then expressed their gratitude through writing and art. It’s wonderful to see their thoughtful responses: “Grocery stores so I don’t have to hunt for food. … My teacher because she helps me. … Soccer because it’s a fun way to get exercise.” And so many more!
“When we take time to think about all that we do have that makes us happy, it makes us feel good and improves our outlook,” Principal Casey said. “Sometimes we get caught up in what we don’t have or what we can’t do. Gratitude helps to shift our mindset to recognize all that we have and can do.”
At Quantum Academy, teacher Vanessa Miramontes led students in creating miniature zen gardens as a mindfulness-gratitude project for their Explore hour. A miniature zen garden allows users to rake patterns in sand (or salt, as used by Quantum students) and rearrange rocks to help increase mindfulness, to unwind during times of stress, to clear one’s mind, or to reflect on one’s thoughts. Students created a zen garden for themselves and one to give to staff members and teachers.
“I’m thankful for all of the opportunities here at Quantum,” 5th-grader Ella said as she carefully crafted her garden. “It’s one big community, we are like a big family.”
It’s incredible to see how gratitude is thoughtfully incorporated into everyday classroom lessons!
We hope you had a restful Thanksgiving break! We look forward to seeing students back on campus when school resumes tomorrow, November 28.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
6th Grade Camp: EUSD’s 6th grade camp is right around the corner with students heading out to Cuyamaca Outdoor School for hands-on, experiential learning from January 3 through January 6. There is still space available for your child to join this year’s camp experience. If you would like your child to be considered for this opportunity, please complete the camp interest survey by tonight, November 27. Don’t delay, sign up today! Selected students will be notified by Tuesday, November 29.
School choice: The School Choice application window for the 2023-2024 school year will be open Tuesday, November 29, through Tuesday, January 31. School Choice is an opportunity for families to apply for an intradistrict transfer for their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school of residence, including one of our specialty schools, including Quantum Academy, a project-based learning school of choice for grades 4 through 8, at which students have choice in their learning through our Explore, Elements, and Genius Hour time; Limitless Learning Academy, an innovative blended learning school of choice in which students are provided a variety of educational opportunities both virtually and in person. Students receive live instruction via Zoom, personalized academic supports, and enrichment activities that can be done independently at home or in person on campus; Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences; Conway Elementary; and Dual Language Immersion at Farr, Glen View, Lincoln, and Pioneer, with a pathway to continue at Mission Middle School. Explore all of our schools online. School Choice details and application links can be found on our website.
Work with EUSD: The next EUSD hiring fair is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, at the district office, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue. Human Resources team members will guide individuals through the application process for numerous essential full- and part-time positions across the district. Please review the event details and pre-register on Eventbrite. Applicants may be eligible to receive a tentative job offer at the event, contingent upon necessary prescreening and clearances. On-campus and district office positions include paraeducator, nutrition assistant, noontime supervisor, accounting, licensed vocational nurse, bilingual family liaison, teachers, clerical, AVID tutor, speech and language pathology assistant, and more. Employees who work more than five hours a day are eligible for enrollment in EUSD benefits and retirement programs. Find all employment opportunities here.
Free tutoring: Help is just a click away for any student in need of tutoring or assistance with an assignment thanks to the HelpNow program from the California State Library. Through HelpNow, live, real-time homework assistance is available 24 hours a day by laptop, tablet, or phone from qualified tutors using state curriculum and standards. Students can receive tutoring in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. The service is free for all California K-12 students. Follow this link to get started. All HelpNow tutors have a bachelor’s degree, have passed a proficiency exam for the subject in which they are tutoring, have cleared reference and background checks, and are supervised regularly.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools