The Rotary Club of Escondido held its annual Rotary Awards at Bear Valley Middle School last Wednesday night, where we recognized a fifth- and eighth-grade student from each school with an Outstanding Achievement Award and a Service Above Self Award. Congratulations to all our recipients, and a huge thank you to the Rotary Club for providing this opportunity to recognize our amazing students.
Also, this week, we participated in the annual Biliteracy Symposium through the San Diego County Office of Education. The annual Leadership in Biliteracy Symposium is an awards celebration to acknowledge the individuals who have made significant contributions in promoting biliteracy for our students. This event honors leaders in school communities, promotes biliteracy as an educational asset, and celebrates the achievements of our community. There are now three Biliteracy Pathway Recognitions available through the CDE: Biliteracy Program Participation, Home and Language Development, and Biliteracy Attainment. EUSD was recognized as one of the 21 LEAs in San Diego County that are participating in the Biliteracy Pathway Recognition. Additionally, EUSD had two Dual Language Program teachers honored at the event: Brenda Alcala, a 1st-grade teacher at Lincoln, and Ivette Ramos, a 1st-grade teacher at Farr. Congratulations to these two teachers and to all of our EUSD Dual Language Program staff!
And last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the school nutrition professionals across the district. Through their extraordinary commitment and hard work, they are nourishing and ensuring our students have access to a healthy school breakfast and lunch each instructional day. California’s school nutrition professionals are at the forefront of increasing scratch cooking and incorporating fresh, locally grown, and even organic ingredients into school meals to ensure students have access to flavorful, nutritious, and culturally relevant foods. For more information, visit the School Nutrition Association’s 2025 School Lunch Hero Day Campaign.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders:
CAASPP Testing
Beginning the week of April 23, 3rd- through 8th-grade students started taking the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP tests.
The CAASPP is a computer-based assessment that will measure students' progress in English language arts and math. Additionally, students in Grades 5 and 8 are required to take a science assessment. Each school has developed its own testing schedule. The testing window will be open through May 23.
While a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and encouragement to do their best are always important for students, please take a moment to ensure these steps happen on testing days.
The CAASPP is designed to promote high-quality teaching and learning by giving information to teachers, students, and their families about what students know and can do. For complete details, view the official CAASPP notification here.
2025-26 Before and After School Programs (BASP) Interest Form
The 2025-26 Before and After School Programs (BASP) Interest Form went live on the EUSD website (on the Before and After School Programs page) on Monday, April 28. All EUSD families were notified via Thrillshare email with details and the link to the Interest Form. If your family is interested in your TK-8th-grade student participating in these programs in 2025-26, please complete the BASP Interest Form. While the form will remain open throughout the school year, we will process Round 1 applications from those submitted prior to May 21 at 6:00 p.m. Round 1 applicants will be notified of their status (enrolled or waitlist) in mid-June.
New! SMS Text Alerts for Teacher Announcements in Rooms
Starting soon, families will begin receiving text message alerts when teachers post new announcements in Rooms. Each text will include a link to view the announcement online. No action is needed — you’ll automatically receive them. If you prefer not to receive text messages, you can easily opt out by replying STOP at any time. For more details, please see the SMS Notification flyer (PDF)
State Preschool
Applications for State Preschool for the 2025-26 school year are now available online for children who will turn 3 by December 1st. Families whose children turn 3 after December 1st can apply on or after their 3rd birthday. Please visit preschool.eusd.org for more information and to access the application.
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.
And Remember, Every Day Counts in EUSD!
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools