‘Tis the season for celebrations, and boy, is there a lot to celebrate in EUSD. Our students have been engaged in amazing experiences designed by our EUSD staff, who are committed to providing meaningful learning opportunities for our students.
Shoe Giveaway
On Friday, May 23, at Pioneer Elementary School, every student was surprised with a new pair of brand-name shoes. Previously, the students' feet were measured, and on Friday, the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, delivered the shoes. The event was incredible, with every student trying on their new shoes and comparing styles with each other. The joy was evident on all of their faces, and their happy feet too. Shoes are often overlooked as one of the most essential tools for a school-aged student. They walk, run, and play in them; they walk to class, lunch, and the library in them. Without a proper fitting pair of shoes, all of these activities make the day harder. We sincerely thank the donor for joining us in all that we do to make our students’ lives better in any way we can. Here is a link to a news story about the event that aired on KUSI over the weekend.
Kathy Shirley Memorial Garden
On Thursday, May 29, EUSD held a dedication ceremony of the new Kathy Shirley Memorial Garden. This space was once a large grass area without a purpose, and is now a peaceful and very useful area for district events and meetings. The garden is surrounded by a variety of fruit trees, with one for every school, complete with painted rocks that students from every school made to go around the base of their school’s tree. The centerpiece of the garden is a fountain that was turned on at the dedication ceremony and will run continuously to honor her legacy. Kathy Shirley was a long-time teacher at Rose Elementary School and Hidden Valley Middle School. Later, she served as the Director of Technology. In all her years of service to the students of Escondido, she was a driver of innovation and was instrumental in increasing every student’s access to technology. She was named a Distinguished Educator by Apple, and just the fact that every one of our students carries an iPad with them is a testament to the partnership she created on behalf of our students. Kathy’s legacy lives on in all that we do; the new garden that honors her will serve as a celebration of her service to Escondido.
Quantum 10-Year Anniversary
Quantum Academy celebrated its 10-year anniversary this week. From its inception, the school was created by Jo-Ann Fox and Colin Hane, who spent a year designing the school. Ten years later, the school continues to be a beacon for innovation. Former teachers, administrators, and students came together to celebrate this important milestone.
Conway EPIC
This week, Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning held its EPIC Celebration of Learning. This year’s theme is "Hands in Action, Hearts in Service." Students are leading projects that celebrate the spirit of service, teamwork, and environmental stewardship, taking action to care for their community and the planet. From creating a sensory garden and planting native bushes to cleaning up litter and designing awareness campaigns, students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade lead projects that reflect their responsibility, kindness, and commitment to making a difference. Through these meaningful acts of service, Conway students are growing together and showing what it means to build a better world, one action at a time.
Esports
On Monday, May 19, the Expanded Learning Team hosted the EUSD Esports Championship at Bear Valley Middle School. Students from all EUSD middle schools came together for an exciting afternoon of competitive gaming to determine the top players in the district. The event was filled with school spirit, strategy, and celebration of student talent. We’re proud of all our finalists for showcasing outstanding skill and sportsmanship. The EUSD Esports League continues to grow as a powerful way to build community, foster teamwork, and inspire future-ready learners. Congratulations to our Spring EUSD Esports Champions:
Rocket League: Brayden I. – Bear Valley Middle School
EA FC: Kevin G. – Bear Valley Middle School
Mario Kart: Evan C. – Bear Valley Middle School
Super Smash Bros.: Christopher G. – Mission Middle School
DLP Celebration
EUSD is proud to offer Dual Language Programs at several schools, providing students with a pathway toward earning the Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes high-level proficiency in two or more languages. On Wednesday, May 28, we celebrated 5th and 8th grade students from Pioneer Elementary, Glen View Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Farr Avenue Elementary, and Mission Middle Schools for their active participation in the Dual Language Program and for being on track to graduate high school with this distinguished recognition.
Girls on the Run
Last Sunday, 375 EUSD students from 22 teams across 21 schools participated in the Girls on the Run Celebratory 5K at Mission Bay. Offered as part of our after-school enrichment program, Girls on the Run empowers students through a 10-week curriculum focused on confidence, connection, and healthy habits. The 5K was a joyful and inspiring event that brought together students, families, and staff to celebrate the incredible growth and achievement of our young runners. Thank you to our dedicated coaches for making this season such a success!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders:
Last Day
The last day of school for students for the 2024-2025 school year is Wednesday, June 11. It is a minimum day for students. Please review the bell schedule for your child’s school. School offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday, June 23.
Summer Activities at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Spend the summer exploring with the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, located in Escondido near Grape Day Park! Explore engineering, practice your paleontology skills, and blast off into outer space with endless opportunities to explore, imagine, and experiment. Learn more by visiting the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum website here! Register for individual weeks or the whole summer:
Little Explorers Camp June 16 - August 15 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages: 4 – 5.
Big Explorers Camp June 16 - August 15 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ages: 6 – 8.
*The Museum is also now accepting third-party payments (ex: subsidies provided to families via the San Diego Regional Center or YMCA). Please reach out to education@sdcdm.org for more information or to register!
State Preschool
Applications for State Preschool for the 2025-26 school year are now available online for children who will turn 3 by December 1st. Families whose children turn 3 after December 1st can apply on or after their 3rd birthday. Please visit preschool.eusd.org for more information and to access the application.
Work with EUSD
Save the date for our next hiring fair! On Tuesday, June 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 Conway Academy, 1325 Conway Drive. Walk-ins are welcome for numerous essential full and part-time positions across the district. View this flyer for details on classified positions (PDF); employees who work more than five hours a day are eligible for enrollment in EUSD benefits and retirement programs.
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.
And Remember, Every Day Counts in EUSD!
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools