December 11, 2022
In EUSD, every Conway Elementary student is “Crew, Not Passengers.” That means that at Conway, students do the hard work together.
Conway Elementary is an EUSD specialty school that follows the EL Education program model. EL Education schools establish and cultivate habits of character – such as respect, responsibility, courage, kindness – and promote and discuss these habits daily. An EL school community such as Conway exemplifies the vision that “we are all crew, not passengers,” working together as a team for the common good. “Crew” is both a structure and a culture in which students strive to reach ambitious goals together as a community and in which they are responsible for their own well-being and their classmates’ well-being.
Conway’s transformational journey began in 2014, when the team partnered with EL Education, then known as Expeditionary Learning, and set out on a mission to create a diverse caring environment for deeper learning focused on building community connections and stewardship. Conway is the only school in EUSD to offer the EL Education model. Notable gains in all aspects of school culture and academic outcomes began within the first two years, and continue through today. Following the EL Education model, Conway educators strive to create lifelong learners who think critically, solve problems creatively, and feel empowered to be agents for change.
The hallmark of Conway’s project‐based learning experience is its Expeditions, which are long-term, in-depth studies with real-world connections. Every grade level embarks on these standards-driven Expeditions. Each Expedition incorporates the teaching of academic skills, while fostering a genuine love of learning. Expeditions tackle complex topics, such as the interdependent relationships of ecosystems, human rights, the sustainability of the Monarch butterfly, protecting our local watershed, and more. Students build and refine skills through scientific research, observation, collaboration and problem-solving.
We are thrilled to share that Conway is celebrating a significant honor announced last week: Conway has earned the full EL Education Credential in all three dimensions of student achievement – mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high quality student work. “Through the deep implementation of the EL Core Practices, schools like Conway see remarkable student outcomes,” Principal Tina Meglich said.
Conway is the only full EL Education credentialed school in Southern California. Credit for this accomplishment goes to Principal Melich and her team of dedicated educators who have been unconditionally committed to this work over the past six years.
We invite you to see for yourself – check out this short video on Conway’s journey as an EL school: Inspiring Student Achievement in 3 Dimensions.
Conway serves students from Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade. To determine whether Conway is your neighborhood school of residence, please use our online school locator tool. If you are interested in Conway School for your child as a school of choice, please submit a School Choice application by January 31.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Transitional Kindergarten: EUSD is proud to offer a full-day Transitional Kindergarten program. TK bridges the path between preschool and kindergarten, and gives students the gift of time that will help them build a strong foundation for future school success. For the 2023-2024 school year, children are eligible for TK if they turn 5 between September 2, 2023, and June 2, 2024. In addition, students in EUSD’s TK program are eligible to participate in their school’s optional Expanded Learning program. The Expanded Learning program provides before- and after-school student care, from 6:30 a.m. to the morning bell and from the dismissal bell to 6 p.m. To find your neighborhood school of residence, use our online school locator tool. New Student Registration Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Special Education Preschool will open online Tuesday, January 10. For questions regarding Special Education Preschool or about your student’s Special Education needs for next school year, contact the team at spedsupport@eusd.org.
Library programs: The Escondido Public Library has concluded a successful first semester of its English as a Second Language classes, and is accepting adult learners and conducting placement assessments for the next semester, which begins in January. The classes are conducted through the library's adult literacy program. In addition to ESL classes, the library’s Literacy Services department offers one-on-one tutoring, parent workshops, and other resources for adults. There is no cost for any of the adult literacy programs. To learn more, check the Literacy Services website, call 760-839-5440, or visit in person at 239 S. Kalmia Street.
Winter recess: The 2022-2023 winter break is scheduled for Thursday, December 22, through Friday, January 6. All EUSD schools will be closed. Monday, January 9, is a non-student day. School resumes on Tuesday, January 10. The District Office will be closed to the public Friday, December 23, through Friday, January 6.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools