As I share this week’s message, it also marks an important phase in our Superintendent transition. As we head into the final months of the school year, Incoming Superintendent Andy McGuire will begin communicating with you more regularly through this family communication as he takes the helm and leads EUSD into its next chapter.
Serving the students, families, and staff of the Escondido Union School District has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the partnership we have built together in support of our children.
EUSD is a special place because of its people—our dedicated educators, our supportive families, and our incredible students. I have every confidence that under Mr. McGuire’s leadership, the district will continue to grow, innovate, and thrive.
While my role is shifting, my pride in this community and all we have accomplished together will always remain. You will still see me at the various upcoming end-of-the-year events through June, so please don’t hesitate to say hello.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
2026-27 Before and After School Program (BASP) Interest Form Opening Soon!
The Expanded Learning Program will open the 2026-27 Before- and After-School Program Interest Form on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. An email with details and a link to the form will be sent to all current EUSD families. The form will also be posted on our website so families of incoming or new students may also express their interest. Please note that enrollment is not first-come, first-served. Our programs are funded through the California Department of Education (CDE), and priority enrollment will be given to foster/homeless youth, students eligible for free or reduced price meals, and English learners. If interest exceeds space available, a lottery will be conducted. While the interest form will remain open throughout the 2026-27 school year, the first round of applications will be reviewed in May. The deadline for form submission to be considered for Round 1 is Friday, May 8, 2026.
Spring After School EXPLORE Classes
This spring, the EUSD EXPLORE program achieved incredible reach, hosting 527 classes across the district and serving 5,811 students. As we conclude our final week of vendor-led sessions, we are proud to have collaborated with 29 community-based organizations to provide diverse enrichment in art, theatre, soccer, flag rugby, STEM, cooking, dance, and more! It was a pleasure welcoming families to our campus showcase events this week to celebrate student achievements through live performances and demonstrations. We extend our sincere thanks to the students and families who made this session a success, and we remind our community that while vendor classes are concluding (with the exception of Allegro Strings and Girls Inc), teacher-led sessions may be extended through May 1.
EXPLORE Flag Rugby League Concludes:
We officially wrapped up our EXPLORE Flag Rugby season on Sunday, March 29, and what a spectacular finale it was! Both the elementary and middle school championship matches came right down to the wire, with the winning teams scoring in the final seconds of the game to secure their victories. Below are the final standings from our championship matches:
Middle School Division
1st Place: Bear Valley
2nd Place: Mission / Conway
Elementary Division
1st Place: Conway
2nd Place: Miller
While the games were incredibly exciting to watch, the real victory has been watching our students grow over the past two seasons. Beyond learning the rules and strategies of rugby, this program has been a masterclass in character building. Through every practice and match, we have seen our students develop true sportsmanship, authentic collaboration through teamwork, and a passion for a new sport.
Thank you to everyone who supported our students, coached the teams, and cheered from the sidelines. It has been a truly memorable couple of seasons. Also, a special thank you to our partners, Legion Community Foundation, for another great season!
X-Track Basketball Season Championships: A Slam Dunk Season! Celebrating our Basketball Community.
As our basketball season wrapped up, we want to celebrate the incredible experience our students had on and off the court. This season was truly special because of the incredible moments and people who made it unforgettable:
For our Students: You showed incredible grit! Many tried basketball for the first time and finished with great new skills and a love for the game.
For our Families: Thank you for your high energy on the sidelines and for championing your children every week.
For our Boys and Girls Club Partners: This program was a powerful extension of the school day, helping students practice teamwork, emotional regulation, and healthy competition. A massive thank you to our site staff at ASES, with a special thank you to our partners, the Boys and Girls Club of Escondido, for maintaining such a safe and encouraging environment.
Congratulations to all our athletes! We look forward to seeing you back on the court next season. Below is a list of our champions and runner-ups:
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 18 and April 19, 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. In addition, numerous volunteer opportunities are available at the event; to get involved, contact the club by email.
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.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools