In the Escondido Union School District, our vision is to “Actualize the Unlimited Potential of Every Learner.” In order to realize this vision, our district has adopted the EUSD Framework for the Future, which is our guiding document that defines what we want our students to learn and be able to do as a result of being a student in EUSD. These outcomes are known as the EUSD Learner Profile, which describes that we want our students to be:
Empowered Learners
Empathetic Collaborators
Ethical Scholars
Effective Communicators
Critical Thinkers
Creative Problem Solvers
Since launching our Framework for the Future, one of our goals has been to have 4-5 schools each year undergo a “redesign” process, to create an optimal learning environment that is student-centered and helps students create learning experiences that are personalized, authentic, competency-based, and equitable and inclusive. Bear Valley Middle School is in its second year of redesign. Last year, they began their journey by speaking with students, parents, teachers, and staff about what they thought about their school. They were asked three simple questions: What were they doing that they liked, and that we should continue? What were we doing that they disliked, and we should stop? And what should we consider doing? The school's redesign team worked all year to develop a plan to make the school much more relevant, engaging, and one that incorporates student voice.
Bear Valley Middle School’s redesign efforts are centered around student leadership and development, with the core goal of having staff intentionally connect daily lessons to the EUSD Learner Profiles. Their efforts are being executed through five key strategies: giving students various leadership opportunities where they can articulate their impact, having students build and present portfolios of their work, dedicating teacher collaboration time to developing student learner profiles, connecting students with community leaders for real-world problem-solving projects, and creating opportunities for students to build confidence and comfort in using their own voice.
I witnessed this at my most recent visit to Bear Valley Middle School. I saw students working in groups, students making things, and working on projects. I heard students sharing their ideas, suggestions, and learning how to respond to disagreements. I saw students creating presentations on topics of interest and sharing them out loud. I observed the daily broadcast of Bear TV, which is produced and directed by students for students. I saw students fully engaged and interested in what they were learning. And it is only September!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Student Registration: EXPLORE Classes
EXPLORE After School! EUSD is proud to offer a wide variety of FREE after-school enrichment and intervention classes, called EXPLORE classes, at all in-person schools. Our goal is to give children opportunities to learn, create, and grow beyond the school day while helping them EXPLORE their unlimited potential. From sports like flag rugby, soccer, skateboarding, and cheerleading, to creative experiences in theatre, music, and dance, to hands-on STEM adventures, there truly is something for everyone. Classes are taught by both EUSD teachers and community vendors, bringing students a mix of familiar faces and new experts to learn from. Each school has its own menu of classes. Families should have received an Interest Form through flyers, emails, or text messages. If you have questions or need another copy, just check in with your school office, and they will be happy to help. Classes begin on September 15th!
Foundation Fundraiser
Join the Escondido Education Foundation for an afternoon of fashion and fun at an upcoming fundraising event! “Height of Fashion” is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 4, at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Old Escondido neighborhood. Get all the details and purchase tickets online. Tickets are $60 or $100 for a pair; delicious food and drinks are included. The all-volunteer Escondido Education Foundation spends countless hours supporting the innovative learning happening in our schools, particularly through the annual Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Awards. Fundraisers such as “Height of Fashion” help make these generous grant awards possible!
Preschool applications:
EUSD State Preschool is still accepting online applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Visit the preschool website to access the application beginning Wednesday. Applications will be accepted for children who will be age 3 by December 1, 2025. If your child will turn 3 during the 2025-2026 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; however, there are additional opportunities for families who may qualify to participate in the EUSD State Preschool Program based on residing within the boundaries of one of our sites. 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. View the application here. For Special Education Preschool options, including our responsive interventions and inclusive programs, contact the team at spedsupport@eusd.org.
Stay connected:
The EUSD mobile app is your one-stop shop for messaging teachers, receiving classroom updates, and keeping up with school and district news and events. The free “EUSD Escondido CA” app is available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For families new to EUSD, invitations to download the app are being sent via email and text. Simply sign in using your phone number or email address. See the Sign Up for Rooms flyer - English (PDF) | Sign Up for Rooms Flyer - Spanish (PDF) for step-by-step instructions. Your student’s classes began to appear in the EUSD app on Friday evening, August 15, for elementary schools and Monday evening, August 18, for middle schools. Returning families must update to the latest version of the app, either by deleting and reinstalling it or by updating through your app store. For more details and instructions on staying connected, please visit our Stay Connected in EUSD webpage.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools