In this week’s chapter of the Story of Us, we visit EUSD State Preschool classrooms to see how learning through play comes to life each day through wonder, hands-on discovery, and positive social connections.
Inquiry and exploration time is where curiosity takes flight! Children jump right into hands-on fun. Through trial and error, children explore invisible forces, sparking curiosity while refining fine motor control and cause-and-effect reasoning.
Through dramatic play, early friendships and empathy truly flourish. As children step into caregiver and helper roles, they practice taking turns, sharing, and understanding how others feel. It’s collaborative learning in action!
With each satisfying click and snap, children do so much more than build tall towers! When carefully aligning magnetic tile edges, they practice balance, sharpen hand-eye coordination, and lay the early foundation for big STEM thinking, all through play.
Flipping through the pages of ¿Cómo crecen los gatitos?, these two friends are doing far more than turning pages. By looking closely at pictures and talking through the story together, they’re connecting images to print, building essential early literacy skills.
Every block stacked, page turned, and idea shared is a milestone for our youngest scholars. Our inclusive learning environments ensure that students of all backgrounds, abilities, and unique learning styles thrive side by side. By embracing diverse needs and fostering empathy early on, communities are created where every young learner feels valued, supported, and ready to grow -building the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, discovery, and connection. Every day counts!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Parent-Teacher conferences:
Annual parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 8 and 9. These are non-student days. Scheduling information has been shared by your school sites.
🎃 Escondido High School Pumpkin Fest
Celebrate fall with the Escondido High School FFA & Ag Boosters at their annual Pumpkin Fest on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the EHS Farm (1535 N. Broadway)! Families can enjoy carnival games, tractor rides, a petting zoo, face painting, crafts, food, vendors, and more, including the chance to pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Admission is free, so bring the family and enjoy a fun fall day in our community!
Foundation Fundraiser
Join the Escondido Education Foundation for an afternoon of fashion and fun at an upcoming fundraising event! “Height of Fashion” is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Old Escondido neighborhood. Get all the details and purchase tickets online. Tickets are $60 or $100 for a pair; delicious food and drinks are included. The all-volunteer Escondido Education Foundation spends countless hours supporting the innovative learning happening in our schools, particularly through the annual Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Awards. Fundraisers such as “Height of Fashion” help make these generous grant awards possible!
Escondido Public Library
Our friends at the Escondido Public Library are making reading even more rewarding! From October 3 through November 14, children ages 4–12 can participate in the In-N-Out Burger ‘Cover to Cover’ Reading Program (PDF). Kids who read 5 books or 300 minutes can earn a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger. Families can sign up and track their reading through Beanstack. 'Cover to Cover' Reading Program (Spanish Flyer PDF)
Nominate an Outstanding School Counselor!
Do you know an EUSD school counselor who goes above and beyond to help students feel supported, connected, and empowered? The San Diego County Office of Education is accepting nominations for the 2027 San Diego County School Counselors of the Year. The program recognizes exceptional elementary, middle, and high school counselors for their leadership, advocacy, empathy, and commitment to helping students thrive. Nominations are open through October 5, 2026. Take a few minutes to recognize an outstanding counselor making a difference for our students! Learn more and submit a nomination
$3,000 HOPE Trust Accounts Available for Eligible California Youth
California has launched the HOPE Trust Account, a state initiative offering $3,000 to help eligible young people build a stronger financial foundation for their future.
Who is eligible?
Youth who have been in California’s foster care system for longer than 18 months.
Youth who lost a parent or primary caregiver due to COVID-19.
How can the money be used? There are no restrictions on how the funds are spent. The money can be used for education, housing, transportation, savings, or any other expenses that help support a successful transition into adulthood. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to claim these funds, visit the HOPE Trust Account 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