Logo of Juniper Elementary School featuring a cheerful cartoon Jaguar resting on an open book, with bold yellow text reading 'Juniper' and white text below reading 'Elementary School,' set against a blue background.

We’re looking forward to another great week ahead! Below are a few important updates and reminders to help you stay informed.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school on Monday, January 19. Classes will resume as usual the following day. We encourage families to use this day for reflection, learning, and spending time together.

Circular artwork featuring Martin Luther King Jr. in a blue-toned portrait, with a backdrop of the U.S. flag's stars and stripes.

New Student Enrollment

New Student Enrollment opens on January 13, 2026, for Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Special Education Preschool. Families enrolling a new student can complete registration using the link provided. Please note that this process is only for students who have never been enrolled at an EUSD school. If you currently have a student attending Juniper, you do not need to complete this registration.

A colorful graphic promoting preschool, TK, and kindergarten registration. The background has school-themed illustrations, pencils, crayons, apples, and leaves, on a blue canvas with a red border. The word 'REGISTRATION' is highlighted in yellow

School of Choice Registration

The School of Choice application window for the 2026-2027 school year is open through January 30. If you’d like your child to attend a school other than their school of residence, now is the time to apply. A separate application is required for each student, and placements are determined through a random, unbiased lottery. Please remember, applications must be submitted by January 30. Any applications received after this date will not be accepted. Please visit eusd.org to complete your application.

For Current Juniper Families:

If you have a new incoming TK or Kindergarten student, please complete the School of Choice application if your current Juniper student is already attending on a SOC approval. Each new student must submit a separate application to be considered in the lottery.

EXPLORE Enrichment Classes

EXPLORE after school classes are starting the week of January 26th! Last week, all students that turned in an interest form should have received either a Confirmation Letter with information on what class or classes they will be in or a Waitlist Letter because the class or classes were full. We received almost 300 interest forms and did our best to make sure that every student got enrolled into a class. We can't wait to see what fun and new learning will be going on after school at Juniper!

Circular logo with mountains, fields, and sunrays, reading Expanded Learning Programs

Lockdown Drill

Juniper Elementary will practice a lockdown drill on January 20 at 10:30am to ensure students and staff know how to stay safe in the event of an emergency. During the drill, students will quietly stay in their classrooms, doors will be locked, and lights will be turned off. Teachers will guide students through the procedures, emphasizing staying calm and following instructions. These drills help everyone practice safety measures and be prepared in a real emergency.

A visual guide for a lockdown drill with six steps: locking the door, turning off lights, hiding, sitting calmly, staying quiet, & listening to adults. Each step has an illustration, such as a key in a lock, a light switch, and a child sitting quietly.A visual guide for a lockdown drill with six steps: locking the door, turning off lights, hiding, sitting calmly, staying quiet, & listening to adults. Each step has an illustration, such as a key in a lock, a light switch, and a child sitting quietly.

Dental Clinic

Community partner Neighborhood Healthcare is bringing its Mobile Dental Services program to Juniper on January 22nd. This community-based oral health initiative provides preventative and early intervention services in community settings like our schools. There is no cost to our students for these services, which may include a complete dental exam, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, X-rays, and sealants. If you would like your child to participate, please call Family Liaison, Mercedes Aguilar at 760-432-2462. 

Cartoon illustration of a dentist examining a patient's teeth in a dental chair.

Great Kindness Challenge

The Great Kindness Challenge Week is from January 26-30, 2026! This week is all about spreading kindness throughout our school community. Students will be encouraged to perform acts of kindness each day, from helping a friend to sharing a kind word or gesture. We invite families to participate as well! Take the challenge at home and share your experiences with us. Let’s work together to make kindness a part of everything we do! We look forward to seeing all the positive actions and smiles throughout the week.

Here’s what to expect throughout the week:

  • Kindness Challenge Checklist: Students will receive a checklist Monday, Jan. 26 to be done during Kindness week. The checklist is to be completed by Jan. 30.

  • Kindness Letters: In class students will be showing kindness to staff by drawing pictures or writing thank you cards to show appreciation. Parents, you’re welcome to assist them with their letter.

  • Spirit Day: January 30: Twin Day "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully".

A white dove holding a red ribbon decorated with peace signs and hearts, perched on a heart-shaped globe. The text "The Great Kindness Challenge" is written in bold red and blue letters

Upcoming Events

3rd Grade Field trip: Mrs. Perez & Mr. Martinez, 1/28, Elfin Forest

Every Jaguar Counts Assembly: 1/30/26 @ 8am

Coffee with Cottingham: 1/30/26, 8:30

ASB Spirit Day: 1/30, Twin Day