It’s hard to believe we’re already two weeks into the school year! One of the best parts of these first couple of weeks has been getting out to our schools and seeing the joy in all of our classrooms.
Just this week, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Rock Springs Elementary, Bear Valley Middle School, and Bernardo Elementary, and each visit has been a great reminder of what makes our schools so special. There’s nothing quite like walking into a classroom and seeing students engaged, asking questions, working together, and learning. The best part is how excited they are to tell me all about it.
At Rock Springs, I also had the chance to learn more about the band opportunities available to our students. Music education is about so much more than learning notes and rhythms. Students are listening to one another, communicating, collaborating, thinking critically, solving problems, and building the confidence to perform something they’ve worked hard to master. Sound familiar? That’s our Framework for the Future in action, with a cool soundtrack!
If you are interested in your 4th or 5th grader joining their school’s band, reach out to your school’s office for the sign-up form.
And let’s be honest, there’s something impressive about a group of students taking a room full of different instruments and figuring out how to make them sound good together. That takes some serious Empathetic Collaborators, Effective Communicators, Creative Problem Solvers, and Empowered Learners!
We talk a lot about putting students at the center of what we do, and these visits give me the opportunity to see exactly what that looks like every day. From music and academics to friendships, creativity, teamwork, and those little moments that make school fun, there is already so much happening across EUSD.
We’re only two weeks in, and I can’t wait to see where this year takes us. Keep learning, creating, collaborating, and maybe making a little music along the way. It’s going to be a great year in EUSD!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Swim Lessons at the Escondido YMCA
Looking for a great way to help your child build confidence in the water? The Escondido YMCA is offering September swim lessons for children ages 3–12 in its heated pool. Certified instructors will help swimmers develop important water safety skills, confidence, and endurance. Lessons are offered on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., with options for preschool and school-age swimmers.
Even better, the YMCA has reduced swim lesson fees by approximately 40% to make this opportunity more affordable for local families, and scholarships are also available. Registration opened August 15, 2026. Check out the YMCA Aquatics Flyer for registration and additional information! (PDF) (Spanish Flyer PDF)
Firewater Expo – A Free Family Event!
EUSD families are invited to the annual Firewater Expo on Saturday, September 19, at Escondido Fire Station #4, 3301 Bear Valley Parkway, Kit Carson Park! Join our local Fire Department and Water District for a fun, family-friendly event featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to learn more about fire safety, water conservation, and the important work of our local first responders and water professionals.
This FREE community event is a great opportunity for the whole family to learn, explore, and have some fun together. Check out the Water Fire EXPO flyer for full event details; we hope to see you there! (PDF) (Spanish Flyer PDF)
Stay connected
The EUSD mobile app is your one-stop shop for messaging teachers, receiving classroom updates, and keeping up with school and district news and events. The free “EUSD Escondido CA” app is available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Simply sign in using your phone number or email address. See the Rooms Resources for Families page (English) | Rooms Resources for Families page (Spanish) for step-by-step instructions. Returning families must update to the latest version of the app, either by deleting and reinstalling it or by updating through your app store. For more details and instructions on staying connected, please visit our Stay Connected in EUSD webpage.
Discover, Play, and Learn with EUSD EXPLORE!
EUSD is proud to offer an incredible selection of after-school enrichment and academic intervention classes through our after-school EXPLORE program. Whether your child is interested in dance, sports, or hands-on STEM, there is something for everyone! Classes take place after school beginning September 14th. Be on the lookout for your school site's EXPLORE Interest Form coming soon to view the full schedule and to sign up for a class!
Important dates:
EUSD schools and the district office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Classes resume on Tuesday, September 8.
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.