Fact: First Grade is Fantastic!
Each morning in Mrs. Charles’ first-grade classroom, every student is greeted with a “Good morning!” just for them. When we welcome them into a new day, we show them we care. This reminds everyone that they belong. That same spirit of care and connection is shared across the first-grade team, including Ms. Lodge, Ms. Palmquist, and Ms. Kroepel, who help make every day a welcoming place to learn and grow.
This week was all about bats! Students are learning about bats and developing critical thinking skills by using their new knowledge to identify facts and opinions. As Henry said, “We need to know what is a fact or opinion so we can know if it is real or if we need to talk about it.” It is wonderful to see students learning how to think, not just what to think.
After wrapping up our last dance practice during P.E., we discovered that just because someone looks grumpy on the outside, it doesn't always mean they aren't happy on the inside! In all first-grade classes, we don't just read stories; we become part of them! By getting to know the characters, exploring their emotions, and connecting their adventures to our own lives, we're discovering the deeper meaning behind what we read. Along the way, we're learning that there's often more to someone than meets the eye. A little empathy and understanding can go a long way!
Mrs. Charles and her fellow first-grade teachers, Ms. Lodge, Ms. Palmquist, and Ms. Kroepel, are creating wonderful opportunities for our youngest learners to grow, discover, and connect! Academic learning, creativity, and meaningful connections all come together in this classroom! Here, in addition to building skills, students build confidence and friendships, along with a better understanding of themselves. Sometimes, it's the simplest moments that teach us life's biggest lessons.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Veterans Day:
All EUSD schools and the district office will be closed next week on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.
FREE Spring Break Overnight Camp Opportunities for 6th & 8th Graders!
EUSD’s Expanded Learning Department is proud to offer a no-cost, 5-day / 4-night overnight camp experience this Spring Break (March 29 – April 2, 2027) for our 6th and 8th-grade students. On Monday, November 2, an email will be sent to all parents and guardians of 6th and 8th-grade students with a link to the Student Interest Form. Space is limited. Read more about each overnight camp opportunity here:
6th Grade: Camp Cuyamaca
Location: Cuyamaca Outdoor School (Cleveland National Forest)
Experience: The program, led by the San Diego County Office of Education Cuyamaca Outdoor School, incorporates trail experiences and citizen scientist projects to create hands-on learning that is meaningful, memorable, and fun. For many students, the weeklong, overnight experience transforms how they feel about science and themselves as learners.
8th Grade: SEACAMP San Diego
Location: Mission Bay (operated by SEACAMP San Diego)
Experience: This overnight camp opportunity is through SEACAMP San Diego, an outside vendor based in Mission Bay, and includes a week of exciting marine exploration and learning. Students will engage in highly physical, interactive activities, including marine labs, snorkeling, kayaking, boogie boarding, beach and tide pool exploring, and even a full-day boat trip. Through these activities, students will learn concepts in the fields of oceanography, marine biology, ecology, and physiology. Campers will also learn about careers in these various fields. This will undoubtedly be an amazing opportunity for our 8th-grade students.
Take Your Best Shot at the Elks Hoop Shoot Contest!
Calling all young basketball enthusiasts! The Escondido Elks Lodge invites students ages 8–13 to participate in its annual FREE Hoop Shoot Contest on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Escondido Charter High School (1868 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido).
Participants will put their free-throw skills to the test, competing to make the most baskets out of 25 shots! Boys and girls will compete in separate age divisions (8–9, 10–11, and 12–13), with winners receiving trophies and the opportunity to advance to district, state, and even national competitions!
No preregistration is required! Students must arrive at 12:00 p.m. to register and participate. Eligibility is based on students' ages as of April 1, 2027 (participants must be at least 8 years old and no older than 13 years old by April 1, 2027).
Don't miss this fun opportunity to showcase your skills, enjoy some friendly competition, and take your shot at becoming a Hoop Shoot champion! For questions, contact spmattzar@gmail.com.
Daybreak Online Mental Health Support:
Daybreak Health partners with EUSD to offer confidential, personalized online mental health support for students ages 5–19, helping children build confidence, manage stress, and strengthen emotional well-being. Sessions are available in English or Spanish from Monday through Saturday (8:00 AM–8:00 PM), pairing your child with a clinician tailored to their unique preferences. Care is low-to-no cost for most families depending on district coverage and insurance, with 92% of parents reporting positive behavioral improvements at home. To get started in as little as two weeks, you can submit a care request directly or visit daybreakhealth.com for additional details.
Honor a Caring Heart:
The nomination window is now open for the annual Caring Hearts Awards, presented by the dedicated group of volunteers behind the Escondido Education Foundation. Directions and forms are now available in all school offices, at the front desk of the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue, and online at this link: Printable Caring Hearts Nomination form (PDF). These awards recognize members of the education community who work under the radar while doing extraordinary work on behalf of students – directly supporting EUSD children in helping them find success and acceptance. These “caring hearts” do not seek recognition for themselves, and the foundation is in need of your nominations for the Caring Hearts Awards. The nominee can be any school staff member, parent volunteer, community member, or community organization. Anyone may submit a nomination. I encourage you to take a minute to think of all the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their support of students. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. on November 17 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 26, 2027. Check the foundation website for future updates.
Get Creative! FREE Ceramics Workshops for Middle School Students!
Calling all middle school artists! The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, in partnership with the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts, is offering FREE ceramics workshops to celebrate the opening of its newly designed pottery studio!
Students will have the opportunity to explore their creativity, learn pottery techniques, and create their own ceramic masterpieces under the guidance of Master Potter Julie Brooke. Three workshop cohorts are available beginning November 10, with all materials provided at no cost.
Space is limited, so don't miss this exciting opportunity! Families can view workshop dates and register at artcenter.org. Middle school students register for the FREE ceramics workshop at this direct link.
Military & Veteran Resource Fair – All Are Welcome!
Our community partners at National University invite EUSD families to attend Mission: From Service to Success, a FREE Military & Veteran Resource Fair hosted through the Escondido Nest initiative! Join us on Friday, November 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at National University (1050 N. Broadway, Suite 200, Escondido) for an opportunity to connect with local organizations, explore valuable resources, and discover services and opportunities supporting our military community. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, transitioning to civilian life, a military spouse or family member, or simply interested in learning more about available community resources, all are welcome! Interested in attending? Scan the QR code on the event flyer to register (PDF). For questions, contact Meghan Gonzalez at mgonzalez4@nu.edu.
Come connect, discover, and build your next chapter!
Statewide Student Data Security Incident: What Families Need to Know
We recently learned of a data security incident involving Educational Testing Service (ETS), a company that works with the California Department of Education to support statewide student assessments, including CAASPP and ELPAC. Please note that this incident did not involve the computer systems of Escondido Union School District or any of our schools.
According to information provided by the California Department of Education (CDE) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), unauthorized access to student records was identified on September 25, 2026. Our district was subsequently notified of the incident on October 16, 2026. The data that was breached includes information for California public school students enrolled from the 2023–24 school year through the present, regardless of whether a student participated in state testing.
Upon discovery, ETS immediately took the affected system offline and replaced it with a new, enhanced-security environment. ETS is actively investigating and monitoring the situation in close coordination with cybersecurity experts, law enforcement, and state agencies. To date, ETS reports no evidence that any student data has been published or made publicly available.
What can you do now?
Identity Protection: As a precaution, ETS is offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Experian IdentityWorks for all affected students.
For minors, enroll at: www.experianidworks.com/minorplus
For adults ages 18 and older, enroll at: www.experianidworks.com/identity
Questions and More Information
ETS resources are available to answer questions and provide additional information about the incident, including enrollment information for identity protection services.
For answers to frequently asked questions and additional details about the incident visit: www.cde.ca.gov/ets or read the ETS notice (available in multiple languages).
For questions about the incident, please call 833-931-8488, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time. If you have a speech or hearing impairment and use a TTY, please call 711. Please provide your engagement number:
B174774 for students under 18
B174775 for students 18 or over
We recognize how concerning any news regarding a student data security incident can be. Although this breach did not involve or originate from our district or school computer systems, it underscores the vital importance of remaining vigilant. Please rest assured that safeguarding student and family information remains an absolute top priority for Escondido Union School District.
We are committed to providing further updates should new information emerge. In the meantime, we strongly encourage all families to review the details provided by ETS and consider enrolling in the complimentary identity protection services available to you.
Supporting Families Amid Immigration Enforcement Activity
We know that reports of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in our broader Escondido community can bring up feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty for many of our students and families. Please know that our school district stands right beside you, dedicated to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for every child we serve.
Our Commitment and Campus Protocols:
Safe and Welcoming Campuses: Our highest priority is your child’s emotional well-being, physical safety, and sense of belonging. Every student is welcome, supported, and valued at our schools.
Visitor Security: All school visitors must enter through our main offices, state their purpose, and complete our check-in procedures before gaining access to campus.
Law Enforcement Access: District policy requires that state or federal law enforcement officials present appropriate, valid documentation to the Superintendent’s Office for review and approval before entering any school site.
Student Support Services: Our school counselors, social workers, and family liaisons are available on campus to support students or family members who may be feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Resources Available:
Know Your Rights / Red Cards: Printable "Red Cards" outlining legal rights and guidance are available in our school front offices.
Community & Legal Assistance: You can access legal support, family toolkits, and guidance through this Legal Resources page and Family Toolkit.
If your family needs assistance, extra resources, or simply someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact your school front office or reach out to your school's Family Liaison. We are here for you. We have added this Important Family Resources page to our website; you can find it via the link at the very top of our website.
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.
– Andy McGuire, Superintendent of Schools