January 15, 2023
In EUSD, our 6th-graders are campers! More than 200 students from across the district enjoyed an incredible four-day 6th Grade Camp experience over winter break at Cuyamaca Outdoor School.
On January 3, 233 EUSD 6th-graders and 17 staff members began their adventure as buses shuttled them to the legendary camp in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, about 60 miles east of Escondido. Over the next few days, students participated in countless activities, everything from hikes and stargazing, to woodworking and environmental science lessons, to team-building games and wildlife sightings, and more. As part of the overnight camp experience, students enjoyed meals together in the dining hall, evening gatherings around a campfire, and sleeping in spacious cabins with bunk beds.
“The camp was an incredible experience that took kids out of their comfort zone and engaged them in tons of learning that was focused on science and the outdoors,” said Rick Oser, EUSD’s Director of Extended Learning, Intervention, and Enrichment. “They made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
The 6th Grade Camp Experience was offered through our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, and all camp fees and transportation were covered by EUSD. Cuyamaca Outdoor School is part of San Diego County Office of Education’s Outdoor Education Program.
“We are proud of our 6th-grade campers, and thrilled to have been able to provide this experience,” Oser said.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to plan for returning to Cuyamaca Outdoor School in the 2023-2024 school year.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Share your thoughts: As we develop a framework for the future, we are seeking your input on our district Local Control and Accountability Plan, known as the LCAP, which outlines services and programs we provide to our EUSD community. This framework, combined with your feedback, will inform decision-making and prioritization of services in our district, as well as assist us in plans to allocate resources from the MacKenzie Scott donation. Participate here via the interactive platform Thoughtexchange and follow the discussion focused on this guiding question: What are the most important skills, supports, and experiences EUSD students would need to reach their unlimited potential? The Thoughtexchange will be available through January 31. Thoughtexchange is an interactive platform that provides an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, and to view and comment on the thoughts of others. We encourage you to return to the Thoughtexchange frequently to rate new ideas. Your confidential contribution to the conversation will help us improve programs and services to our students, families, and employees. We look forward to your thoughts!
Holiday reminder: EUSD schools and the district office will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage Americans to volunteer in their communities. Visit the Americorps website for information on how to get involved in your community.
Nutrition: Did you know that every child attending school in person on campus in EUSD is eligible to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no charge? And enjoying a healthy breakfast is an excellent way for students to start their school day! Our Nutrition Services team encourages students to visit their school cafeteria to receive their no-cost breakfast daily. Breakfast menu items include cereal, fresh fruit, breakfast burritos, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and more. In addition, at Central, Glen View, Juniper, Oak Hill, Pioneer, and Rose elementary students, breakfast carts are available where students can pick up a nonperishable to-go breakfast to save for recess.
Free enrichment classes: We are thrilled to offer a wide variety of enrichment classes at all 23 of our in-person schools through our Expanded Learning Program. Classes vary from school to school, and may include science, robotics, dance, art, sports, gardening, cooking, theatre, and more. Space is limited and families are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Flyers and interest forms were distributed at each school site. Check with your school office for questions and updates.
Early education registration: New Student Registration is now open online for Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Special Education Preschool. EUSD offers full-day Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. For the 2023-2024 school year, children are eligible for TK if they turn 5 between September 2, 2023, and June 2, 2024. Students applying for Kindergarten must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2023. Students in EUSD TK and Kindergarten programs are eligible to participate in their school’s optional Expanded Learning program. To find your neighborhood school of residence, use our online school locator tool. 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 is continuing to accept adult learners and conduct placement assessments for the next semester of its English as a Second Language classes, which begin this month. The classes are conducted through the library's adult literacy program. The library’s Literacy Services department also 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.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools