In EUSD, every student experiences Competency-Based Learning, thanks to the new EUSD Learning Model that is the foundation of our Framework for the Future. EUSD continues to strengthen a learner-centered education model, which it has embraced for several years.
The qualities that define our Learning Model – Personalized, Competency-Based, Authentic, and Inclusive and Equitable – are essential for ensuring that our students are able to demonstrate and achieve the outcomes defined in our Learner Profile. What does “Competency-Based Learning” look like in EUSD? It’s learning that is driven by evidence-based instruction, assessment, and a feedback cycle based on progress toward desired knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Assessment and data are used as tools for learning, and learning takes a mastery approach.
This corner of the Learning Model is seen in a number of ways in EUSD, including through biliteracy education for both our Dual Language Program students and our English language learners. Dozens of bilingual teachers lead dual language classrooms for nearly 1,400 students across four elementary schools – Farr, Glen View, Lincoln, and Pioneer – and Mission Middle School. In a global society, the ability to speak more than one language is essential. Students excel in the program, where they are applying their multilingual and multicultural skills to broaden their communication. Students who continue this path through middle school and beyond can have the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery to earn a California Seal of Biliteracy.
And this spring, 418 students whose primary language was a language other than English have earned reclassification and been celebrated at festive ceremonies for attaining academic English fluency. English learners receive patient instruction and careful assessments to provide the support they need to excel in all subjects. Glen View Elementary Principal Julio Lopez shared that reclassification is meaningful for students because it not only shows academic success, it also opens access to a wider range of opportunities. “Our teachers help students reach this level of competency through integrated and designated instruction of English language development,” Lopez said. “By employing feedback-based instruction, students are successful at progressing toward their next language goal.”
EUSD has earned notable recognition in the bilingual education field, including recently at the 23rd annual San Diego Leadership in Biliteracy Symposium, “Honoring San Diego County’s Biliteracy Champions.” Teachers Jackie Algazi of Pioneer Elementary and Teresa Lucero of Glen View Elementary were honored for their contributions in promoting biliteracy for our students. Algazi was lauded as a dedicated and passionate advocate for EUSD’s Dual Language Program, “passionately and creatively teaching bilingual students for many years, holding them to high academic expectations. She cares deeply about the success of the students and families within our community.” Lucero was praised for her passion for multicultural education, “teaching and leading the bilingual community with dedication. She is a mentor and resource to many, has helped strengthen our Dual Language Program, including the development of curriculum, and she promotes the celebration of our students’ biliteracy.”
Our bilingual education programs require dedication – providing consistent feedback and steady progress that inspires bilingual learners!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Celebrating Girls on the Run: EUSD is proud of its growing partnership with Girls On The Run San Diego, with 337 students and more than 50 coaches across 21 schools taking part this spring. “Girls on the Run changes the world,” said Wendy Threatt, a 4th-grade teacher at Felicita Elementary. “The curriculum successfully combines play, social-emotional learning, and running to create a truly transformative experience for the girls.” The 10-week training, which takes place after school, inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident, and gives them the experience of being part of a team. It includes an end-of-season 5K that provides a tangible life lesson on setting and achieving goals. That celebratory 5K took place today at De Anza Cove along Mission Bay in San Diego. Congratulations to all of our GOTR athletes for a successful 5K, a great conclusion to an inspiring season! We are so proud of these students, and thankful for their coaches and program volunteers.
Recruiting future educators: Our Human Resources team took its hiring events to our neighbors in the Escondido Union High School District over the past two weeks in an effort to recruit graduating seniors to join our district as full-time employees and aspiring educators. Our team met with high school students on April 24 at Orange Glen High and on May 2 at Escondido High. We are thrilled to share that several graduating high school seniors accepted job offers as EUSD paraeducators beginning in August. They will join the third annual cohort of the Palomar Paraeducator Partnership, a program that supports paraeducators in earning a college degree. Participants work in our classrooms as a paraeducator, earning up to $32,000 a year with full benefits, while also earning an Associate Degree for Transfer to a California State University at no cost through Palomar College. Visit our website to learn more about the program – and perhaps grow your experience in the education field!
Visiting teachers: EUSD was honored to host a group of educators from China who were looking to visit traditional American schools as part of their professional growth. The visiting teachers work mostly with middle school-age students, and so a day at Bear Valley Middle School was arranged. The visiting educators were able to spend time shadowing Bear Valley teachers. It’s always a privilege to host educators visiting from around the world!
Enrollment and registration: Save the date! Returning Student Registration and New Student Enrollment opens Tuesday, May 14, for all grades 2024-2025 school year. Visit the Enrollment and Registration webpage to access the appropriate links and review important information for this process – whether you are a current EUSD family or new to the district, for students incoming in Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. In addition:
To find your neighborhood school of residence, use our online school locator tool.
For the 2024-2025 school year, children are eligible for full-day Transitional Kindergarten if their date of birth is between September 2, 2019, and September 1, 2020. For full-day Kindergarten, eligible students must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2024.
Returning families will receive a letter by U.S. Mail with instructions for accessing the parent portal. It is essential that all returning students register through the online process in order to update essential information.
Preschool applications: EUSD State Preschool is accepting online applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Visit the preschool website to access the application beginning Wednesday. Applications will be accepted for children who will be age 3 by August 20, 2024. If your child will turn 3 during the 2024-2025 school year, you can apply on or after their birthday. Preschool classes are available at seven EUSD elementary schools: Central, Juniper, Glen View, Lincoln, Oak Hill, Pioneer, and Rose. EUSD Preschool is offered through the California State Preschool Program and licensed through the California Department of Social Services. Eligibility for the program is based on household income. In addition, students with IEPs also qualify for the State Preschool program. To learn more, visit the EUSD Preschool website or email preschoolenrollment@eusd.org. For Special Education Preschool options, including our responsive interventions and inclusive programs, contact the team at spedsupport@eusd.org.
Expanded learning: EUSD will continue to offer a range of before- and after-school expanded learning opportunities to all of our families next school year. These no-cost programs provide a safe, nurturing environment in which students thrive before and after the academic school day. The Before and After School Program Interest Form for 2024-2025 is now available on the Extended Learning webpage. The program is available to students in TK through 8th grade who attend in-person schools. Families must submit a separate form for each eligible child. Please visit your school office if you need assistance with the form. The deadline to submit an interest form is 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. Enrollment is subject to space available. A lottery will be conducted if interest exceeds available space, and students will be added to a waitlist.
Concert season: Save the date to support our elementary school bands, whose concerts are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14 and May 15. The concerts are open to the public, and admission is free. Visit the Events section of the arts center website to reserve your tickets. It’s also band festival season, so stay tuned for an update on our participating middle school bands.
State assessments: We appreciate your support in ensuring student success as the annual CAASPP testing continues in EUSD schools. Remind your students to prepare for daily, on-time school attendance by getting a good night’s rest, eating a healthy breakfast at home or at school, and bringing their fully charged iPads to class. Students in grades 3 through 8 take the computer-based California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, which measures each student’s progress in English language arts and math. Students in grades 5 and 8 also will take a science assessment. Each school develops its own testing schedule, and the testing window is open through Friday, May 17.
Public transit update: The Metropolitan Transit System has updated its policy for youth, disabled, and senior transit riders, requiring these riders to provide age and eligibility verification by June 30 to keep their ability to ride with a free or reduced fare, including the Youth Opportunity Pass. Riders can apply online through RidePRONTO.com. View this flyer for additional details.
Sincerely,
Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools