Spring is in the air, and every day counts in EUSD. Our staff continues to work towards providing fun and unique learning experiences for all of our students with a variety of activities in and out of school. We want our students to have access to real-world learning opportunities that support our students as they develop the skills outlined in our EUSD Learner Profile.
Some 200 EUSD scholars have been training for weeks in preparation for the third annual STEM Challenge Day on Saturday, April 5, at Rincon Middle School. Teams of 5th- and 8th-graders will spend the morning taking on math and engineering challenges. Every school is represented at this event, which was launched three years ago as a reimagination of EUSD’s long-running Math Field Day. Teams will participate in puzzling math problems and engineering challenges with our partner Treobytes using drones, robotics, and Arduino circuitry. We hope you’ll join us from 8:30 a.m. to noon to observe the exciting STEM in action!
This spring, Girls On The Run is offered at 21 EUSD schools as part of our after-school enrichment program, with EUSD staff leading the classes in partnership with the Girls On The Run organization. Girls On The Run is more than just a running program—it’s a confidence-building experience that empowers students through fun, engaging lessons on teamwork, leadership, and healthy habits. On March 25 and 26, all participants will receive a new pair of running shoes during the special Shoe Fairy event, ensuring they’re ready to train for the season. The program will culminate in a celebratory 5K at Mission Bay on May 18, where students will showcase their growth, resilience, and achievements.
The EUSD Expanded Learning Team is thrilled to share that 20 of our teachers are participating in Ukes in the Classroom training every Thursday in March. Led by experienced educators from the Guitars (and Ukes) in the Classroom organization, this training equips teachers with the skills to bring ukulele instruction to students in our after-school enrichment programs. We look forward to the joy and creativity this will bring to our students!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders:
Spring break: The 2025 spring break for EUSD is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, through Monday, April 21. We look forward to students’ return to campus on Tuesday, April 22. As a reminder, Wednesday, April 9, is a minimum day for students in TK through 8th grade. Check this bell schedule for your school’s release time. The district office will be closed to the public from Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18.
Coming Soon! Applications for State Preschool for the 2025-26 school year will be available online beginning May 1st for children who will turn 3 by December 1st. Any families with children whose 3rd birthday is on or after December 2nd can apply on or after their 3rd birthday.
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 this form by Monday, March 31.
EUSD Flag Rugby League is back! Through our continued partnership with the San Diego Legion, we’re excited for another season of Flag Rugby at EUSD! Students have already kicked off practices twice a week after school, and the season is underway at Rincon Middle School. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to build teamwork, stay active, and develop new skills—all while families come together to cheer them on in a fun and supportive environment. We hope to see you out there to cheer on your school! Here are links to the schedules: Flag Rugby Elementary Flyer (PDF) / Flag Rugby Middle School Flyer (PDF)
Fishing for a cause: EUSD is a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Escondido – Hidden Valley, which supports a number of programs in our community with a focus on making a positive impact on the lives of children. We are pleased to invite our families to attend the club’s Trout Derby fundraiser on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and April 6, at Dixon Lake. All proceeds support programs in Escondido. The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. The fishing derby entry fee is $20 for adults, and $14 for children and seniors. This family-friendly event also includes free Kiddie Ponds on the pier for children 8 and younger. View the Kiwanis Trout Derby flyer for complete details (PDF). In addition, numerous volunteer opportunities are available at the event; to get involved, contact the club by email.
Early Education Enrollment: New Student Enrollment opened on January 7, 2025, for Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Special Education Preschool. EUSD offers a full-day Transitional Kindergarten program to bridge the path between preschool and Kindergarten. For the 2025-2026 school year, children are eligible for TK if their date of birth is between September 2, 2020, and September 1, 2021. Students applying for Kindergarten must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2025. Students in EUSD TK and Kindergarten programs are eligible to participate in their school’s optional Expanded Learning program. The Expanded Learning program provides before- and after-school student care, from 6:30 a.m. to the morning bell and from the dismissal bell to 6:00 p.m. To find your neighborhood school of residence, use our online school locator tool. For questions regarding Special Education Preschool or about your student’s Special Education needs for next school year, contact the team at spedsupport@eusd.org.
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