We are pleased to share that students from Lincoln Elementary participated in our first week of the new EUSD/YMCA Aquatics Program. Third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders walked across the street to the YMCA and had an exciting time learning swimming basics in a safe and supportive environment. The YMCA Expanded Learning team carefully coordinated a smooth daily schedule that allowed every student to swim each day, while also enjoying crafts and games when not in the pool. The YMCA lifeguards and swim instructors were professional, attentive, and did an excellent job supporting students throughout the week. This thoughtful planning ensured that every student was actively engaged and gained valuable new experiences. The Aquatics Program is now part of the YMCA afterschool program, which is available to all EUSD elementary schools.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
GATE Screening:
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 to be GATE screened if they were not previously screened in grades 3 through 8. Parents can pick up a 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 the EUSD GATE district website or stop by your school office. (NOTE: Here is a GATE flyer (PDF) (Spanish GATE flyer (PDF)) with more information.
Wellness Committee Meeting
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Wellness Committee Meeting on Monday, October 27, from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. This meeting is a valuable opportunity for parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners to come together and collaborate on initiatives that support the health and well-being of our students and school community. During this session, we will be addressing the WellSAT Assessment Tool in preparation for the 2026–27 school year. Your input and participation are essential as we plan programs and activities that promote wellness across our schools. You can join the Wellness Committee meeting using this Google Meet link. We look forward to your contributions and to working together to strengthen wellness in our community.
Community events:
Our friends in the Escondido Union High School District invite the community to visit the annual Pumpkinfest at Escondido High School. Pumpkinfest is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 18, at the EHS Farm, 1535 North Broadway. The 6-acre farm has a pumpkin patch with hundreds of vine-fresh pumpkins. Admission is free, with pumpkins, plants, other farm goods, crafts, and food for sale to raise funds for the school’s agriculture program. Other activities include a petting zoo and hayrides.
Honor a Caring Heart:
The nomination window is now open for the annual Caring Hearts Awards (PDF), presented by the dedicated group of volunteers behind the Escondido Education Foundation. Directions and forms are now available in all school offices, at the front desk of the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue, and online. These awards recognize members of the education community who work under the radar while doing extraordinary work on behalf of students – directly supporting EUSD children in helping them find success and acceptance. These “caring hearts” do not seek recognition for themselves, and the foundation is in need of your nominations for the Caring Hearts Awards. The nominee can be any school staff member, parent volunteer, community member, or community organization. Anyone may submit a nomination. I encourage you to take a minute to think of all the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their support of students. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. December 15 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 6, 2026. Check the foundation website for future updates.
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