Our Story of Us is about so much more than what happens inside our classrooms. It’s also about the relationships and partnerships that help our students thrive. And there’s no better example of that than the conversations that bring our teachers and families together during Parent-Teacher Conferences!
A big thank you to our incredible teachers, staff, and families for the time, care, and energy you put into these important conversations. It’s an opportunity to celebrate student growth, share successes, talk through challenges, and work together to help every child reach their full potential. That partnership between home and school is something truly special, and it’s one more reason I’m so proud of our EUSD community!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
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 added an Important Family Resources page to our website; you can find it at the top of our website.
Our Commitment to School Safety: Keeping EUSD Students and Staff Safe
In light of the recent tragedy in Bend, Oregon, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking event. We know that news like this naturally brings concerns about school safety to the forefront for our families and community.
Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The Escondido Union School District has comprehensive, proactive safety protocols and measures in place across all of our campuses, including:
24/7 Security & Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and security systems across district facilities to ensure round-the-clock protection.
Secure Campus Access: Controlled single-point entry points requiring visitor identification and verification before entering school grounds.
Emergency Preparedness & Protocols: Established, regularly practiced emergency response procedures and close coordination with local first responders.
We remain committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for every student. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in keeping our school community safe.
You can learn more about the comprehensive safety measures and protocols in place across EUSD by visiting the School Safety section of our district website. We encourage families to explore these resources to better understand the steps we take every day to keep our students and staff safe.
SDSU Cheer Clinic
Our Felicita cheer team had an unforgettable experience at the San Diego State University Cheer and Dance Youth Clinic on October 3! Students spent the morning learning cheers and a dance routine alongside SDSU’s collegiate cheerleaders, then took center field at Snapdragon Stadium to perform during halftime of the SDSU football game against Texas State. What an incredible opportunity for our students to build confidence, show their school spirit, and experience the excitement of collegiate cheer!
A special thank you to Histami Dame for stepping in to coach in Tanya Zammit’s absence, and to Carla Hodge for coordinating snack donations from Trader Joe’s and showing up with much-appreciated ice-cold water and pizza for our students and families in the 105-degree heat! It truly takes a team to make experiences like this possible, and our Felicita cheerleaders certainly had a day to remember!
EUSD is Taking Over Grand Avenue!
Get ready for some EUSD fun, families! We’re excited to be part of the Escondido Street Festival: Gather on Grand, happening Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in downtown Escondido! And we’re showing up in style! Our incredible EUSD students and staff will be out in full force, bringing hands-on activities, interactive experiences, and live student performances to the heart of Grand Avenue. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity, talent, and amazing things happening in our schools while enjoying a fun-filled day with our community.
Admission is free, so bring the whole family, stop by to say hello, and come see EUSD shine beyond the classroom! We can’t wait to see you there!
🎃 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!
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.
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