We are excited to share a special milestone for the Escondido community. On Friday, March 13, the Escondido YMCA officially reopened as a powerful partnership between the YMCA, Neighborhood Healthcare, National University, and the Escondido Union School District—marking the dedication of the new Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Well-Being.
This unique campus reflects the true power of community collaboration and expands opportunities for both students and families. EUSD students are already benefiting from the new aquatics program, which has reached more than 700 students and provides essential water safety and swimming skills. The site is also transforming the former YMCA preschool into an innovative after-school learning space, while offering parents access to educational opportunities through National University and healthcare services through Neighborhood Healthcare—all in one connected, supportive environment.
A special thank you to incoming Superintendent Mr. Andy McGuire and Quantum Academy student Issac for representing EUSD on the reopening panel and sharing a vision for the future of student success.
Together, we are building a healthier, more connected Escondido—ensuring our students and families have the resources they need to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Bear Valley Middle School's FIRST Super Smash Bros Weekend Tournament!
This weekend, Bear Valley hosted its very first eSports tournament with three schools: Bear Valley Middle School, Hidden Valley Middle School, and Pacific Ridge from the San Dieguito Union School District. This event had a great turnout of over 30 students, and two of our EUSD students hoisted trophies at the very end! We are so grateful and proud of our teachers' efforts in hosting this first-ever event. What a spectacular opportunity for our students!
Our EUSD Super Smash Bros Tournament winners
Bear Valley: 2nd place, Weston Shaffer
Hidden Valley: 3rd place, Isaiah Kwak
Spring break:
The 2026 spring break for EUSD is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, through Monday, April 13. We look forward to students’ return to campus on Tuesday, April 14. As a reminder, Wednesday, April 1, is a minimum day for students in TK through 8th grade. Check this bell schedule for your school’s release time. EUSD will be closed to all on Friday, April 3, and the district office will be closed to the public from Monday, April 6, through Friday, April 10.
LCAP Community Input Survey
Planning for the 2026-27 LCAP has begun. We truly value feedback and input from parents, guardians, staff, and community members. Please take a few minutes to complete the LCAP survey. The survey will be open through Sunday, March 31st.
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.
Last Chance to Sign Up for EUSD’s Summer Program Interest Form Due Today:
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 to 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 to July 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for PK-7th grade students eligible through their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Post-Summer Enrichment Camps (5 days) - July 20 to 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 to July 31 (this is only offered to current 7th-grade students)
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!
Elementary Summer Interest Form - for current TK-4th graders
Middle School Summer Interest Form - for current 5th-7th graders
Work with EUSD:
Save the date for our next hiring fair! On Tuesday, March 24, Human Resources team members will be on hand to guide individuals seeking classified positions through the application process. The hiring event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the district office, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome for numerous essential full and part-time positions across the district. Employees who work more than five hours a day are eligible for enrollment in EUSD benefits and retirement programs.
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.
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