Last weekend was one for the record books for our Del Dios Dragon Field Hockey teams!
Both our Gold Dragons and Blue Dragons competed in the North County Middle School Tournament at Rancho Buena Vista High School, and both teams went undefeated in pool play. The Blue Dragons earned three strong wins (2–0, 1–0, and 7–1), while the Gold Dragons dominated their matchups with victories of 6–0, 3–0, and 4–0. Their outstanding performances secured first place in their respective pools and advanced both teams to the semifinals.
Four of our student-athletes were also recognized for performance and sportsmanship: Emily Castillo and Isabella Ovando from the Gold team, and Zendaya Sanchez and Andrea Sanchez from the Blue team.
Both teams won their semifinal games, setting up an all-Dragon championship match. In a spirited and competitive final, the Gold Dragons claimed the tournament title with a 3–0 victory, but the true win was the strength of our entire Dragon program.
The excitement continued that evening at the RUSH Indoor League Championship, where both teams once again met in the finals, with Gold earning another 3–0 win. We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes for their teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship. Way to go, Dragons!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Time change:
Longer days are on the horizon – it’s time to spring forward. Daylight saving time began at 2 a.m. this morning, Sunday, March 8. Your clocks should have moved forward one hour on Saturday night. Enjoy the extra daylight!
Teacher appreciation:
The San Diego Helpful Honda Dealers will be honoring deserving teachers throughout San Diego County by surprising them with $5,000 worth of school supplies and materials to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in May. The San Diego Helpful Honda Teacher Appreciation Awards is seeking your help to identify teachers whose efforts have greatly impacted their students, community, or school – educators who have gone above and beyond to give their students a memorable and unmatched educational experience. To nominate a deserving teacher, submit the Helpful Honda nomination form by Monday, March 31.
Summer Academic and Enrichment Programs
The EUSD Expanded Learning Program and the Special Education Department are thrilled to offer No-Cost Summer Programs for students currently enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 7th grade! This year, we are excited to provide up to five weeks of engaging summer learning through:
Summer Academic & Enrichment Program (19 days) - June 22-July 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for current TK-7th-grade students.
Extended School Year (ESY) 19 days - June 22-July 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for Preschool-7th grade students eligible through their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Post-Summer Enrichment Camps (5 days) - July 20-July 24, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for current TK-7th-grade students.
Camp Surf (5 days, 6 nights) - July 26-July 31 (this is only offered to current 7th-grade students)
An email with registration details will be sent to all families this coming week. Space is limited, and if interest exceeds capacity, a random lottery will be conducted. Priority enrollment is given to homeless and foster youth, students eligible for free/reduced-price meals, and English Learners. Families will receive enrollment status notifications (enrolled or waitlisted) by mid-April. We look forward to providing students with a fun, interactive, and safe summer experience!
Community Advisory Committee “Excellence in Special Education”
Families are invited to help us recognize the incredible educators, staff members, and leaders who support students with disabilities by submitting a nomination for the North Inland Special Education Region (NISER) Community Advisory Committee’s Excellence in Special Education Awards. These awards honor individuals who inspire students to reach their full potential, build confidence and dignity, and strengthen services for students with disabilities across our region. Nominations are due March 31, 2026, and the awards ceremony will take place on May 18, 2026. Please consider submitting a nomination using the linked nomination form provided and help us celebrate those making a difference in the lives of our students.
Visit the Escondido History Museum
The Escondido History Center is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of Escondido. Located in Grape Day Park at 321 N. Broadway, this free public museum campus invites visitors to step back in time and explore an original Victorian house, train depot, library, and a blacksmith replica featuring live demonstrations. Office hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docent-led tours offered on Saturdays for those seeking a deeper look into the area’s past. To discover the stories that shape the community and learn more about the historic buildings and hours, visit escondidohistory.org
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.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools