Logo of Juniper Elementary School featuring a cheerful cartoon Jaguar resting on an open book, with bold yellow text reading 'Juniper' and white text below reading 'Elementary School,' set against a blue background.

We hope you had a relaxing long weekend and were able to meet your child’s teacher during Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you were not able to meet with them, please contact your child’s teacher to schedule a time. Take a look at this week’s events and reminders happening at Juniper!

GATE

The Escondido Union School District is pleased to continue to offer the Gifted and Talented Education program. For GATE identification, all 2nd-grade students will have the opportunity to participate in universal screening in November. In addition, parents and teachers may recommend students not previously screened in grades 3 through 8 to be screened for GATE eligibility. Parents can pick up the Parent Background and Input Form in the school’s front office and should return it to the school by Friday, October 24. A school team will review requests and determine which students will be eligible to be screened in November. For more information, please visit our district website or stop by the school office.


Family Engagement Survey

It’s that time of year to complete the Family Engagement Survey! All students will receive a survey that we would like all families to complete. All families that complete the survey by October 17th will receive a $5 coupon that can be used at the Book Fair on October 23rd (1 coupon per family). Please have your child turn in the survey to their teacher or front office. Families with more than 1 child at Juniper only need to turn in 1 survey.

Black outline icon with the word SURVEY below a circular symbol featuring a notepad with horizontal lines, indicating a survey or questionnaire.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week at Juniper Elementary will be held October 27 to 31, promoting a drug-free lifestyle under the theme “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free!” This annual campaign, which began in 1986 in honor of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, encourages students and families to discuss the importance of saying no to drugs and alcohol and making positive life choices. Students will kick off the week by bringing home a puzzle piece with a healthy pledge on Friday, October 24.Throughout the week, we will have spirit days to celebrate a drug-free life, and a flyer with more information will be sent home.

A red ribbon with text Red Ribbon Week


School Site Council

Our School Site Council meeting will be held on October 13 at 2:45 p.m. The council plays an important role in reviewing school programs, student achievement, and the allocation of resources to support student success. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend, as this is a valuable opportunity to stay informed and be part of the decision-making process at Juniper Elementary.

A diverse group of cartoon adults siting around a table, attentively listening to a smiling teacher with orange hair.

Ghost Grams

Ghost Grams will go on sale beginning October 13. For just $1 each, students can send a special treat to a friend or classmate. Don’t miss this fun way to spread some spooky fun!

Cartoon of a ghost with a pink bow

Say Something ARS 4th & 5th Grade

We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, educators, and the entire community. To achieve this important goal, we are excited to announce the launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ARS) in grades 4th and 5th. Students were trained this week at Juniper.

What is Say Something ARS?

The Say Something ARS program empowers students, teachers, and administrators to recognize warning signs of potential threats—whether they occur in school, on social media, or within the community. This initiative encourages individuals to "Say Something" to a trusted adult or utilize the anonymous reporting system when they see concerning behavior.

Key Features of the Program:

  • Recognize At-Risk Behaviors: Participants will learn how to identify signs of distress or harmful behaviors in their peers.

  • Take Action: The program emphasizes the importance of acting quickly by either talking to a trusted adult or reporting concerns anonymously through the system.

24/7 Support: Students can access a Crisis Center at any time via a mobile app, website, or hotline for confidential reporting.


Family Day at Lunch

Families of TK are invited to join their students for Family Day at Lunch on October 17! Lunch will be from 11:05-11:25am. A flyer with details was sent home last week.

Families of students in Ms. Armenta’s and Mrs. Edwards’ classes are invited to join their students for Family Day at Lunch on October 15. Please contact your child’s teacher for the specific lunch time.

A cheerful banner reading 'Family Day at Lunch' against a light blue background. Below text, is a variety of smiling cartoon vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, carrots, beets, a pumpkin, and an avocado, are illustrated with friendly faces

Upcoming Events

Make-up Picture Day: Oct. 21
Fall Festival: Oct. 23, 5pm
Every Jaguar Counts Rally Oct. 24
ASB Spirit Days: Disney Day Oct 24
Coffee with Cottingham Oct 24
Halloween Parade Oct. 31 8:15am
Lockdown drill Oct. 29 @ 1:40pm