At Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning, the vision of the Escondido Union School District, to “Actualize the Unlimited Potential of Every Learner,” is brought to life each day through hands-on, authentic learning experiences. Guided by the EUSD Framework for the Future, Conway’s model of expeditionary learning provides students with opportunities to grow into the very qualities described in our EUSD Learner Profile: Empowered Learners, Empathetic Collaborators, Ethical Scholars, Effective Communicators, Critical Thinkers, and Creative Problem Solvers.
Conway’s approach to learning centers around real-world expeditions, where students engage deeply with meaningful questions and projects that connect classroom learning to their community and beyond. These expeditions encourage students to take ownership of their education, collaborate with peers, and build the skills and confidence necessary to navigate an ever-changing world.
In alignment with the district’s redesign efforts, Conway has long served as a model for student-centered, personalized, and equitable learning. Teachers and staff work intentionally to design experiences that are relevant and rigorous, while also ensuring every student’s voice is valued and included. At Conway, learning extends beyond textbooks and tests; it is about exploring, questioning, and creating with purpose.
During visits to Conway Academy, you see students working together to solve real-world problems, presenting their findings to authentic audiences, and reflecting on their growth as learners and as individuals. Whether through fieldwork, service learning, or portfolio presentations, Conway students are consistently demonstrating the EUSD Learner Profile in action. Their curiosity, creativity, and commitment to their community are powerful reminders of what is possible when we center learning on exploration and discovery.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Flag Football
EUSD is thrilled to partner with the Boys and Girls Club to kick off another exciting and fun season of flag football this Fall! Tuesday marked the opening of the season with two dynamic teams facing off in spirited competition: Quantum Academy and Rincon Middle School. Our students have already demonstrated impressive leadership skills, unwavering respect, and exceptional teamwork on the field, setting the tone for a season filled with energy, sportsmanship, and community pride. Get ready for an action-packed Fall as these young athletes bring their best game every week!
A Step Beyond for eligible 3rd and 4th-grade students:
ASB serves youth and families that qualify for free or reduced lunch with free after-school dance classes, academic support, and social services over the course of ten years. Their goal is to create meaningful and lasting connections with students to support them from 3rd grade through high school and beyond. A Step Beyond will be holding its open auditions on September 20 at Grape Day Park/CCAE for eligible 3rd and 4th-grade students. Click on this link for the A Step Beyond flyer - English (PDF). One Step Further flyer - Spanish (PDF).
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 are still available:
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.
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