Cartoon Jaguar on blue background with text Juniper School News

Juniper School News – October 26, 2026

Juniper Elementary

October 25, 2026

Here’s what’s happening at Juniper! Take a look at this week’s news and reminders to stay up to date on school activities and important information.

GATE

The Escondido Union School District is pleased to announce that the testing window will be opening for Gifted and Talented Education (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 should return it to the school by Friday, October 30th. 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.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week at Juniper Elementary is this week, October 26–30, celebrating a drug-free lifestyle with the theme “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.” This annual campaign, started in 1986 to honor DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, encourages students and families to talk about the importance of saying no to drugs and alcohol and making positive choices. Students received their puzzle piece last week, which includes a healthy pledge, please read it, have your child sign it, and return it to school.

Throughout the week, we will celebrate with Spirit Days:

  • Monday: Red Day

  • Tuesday: Hawaiian Day

  • Wednesday: Dress like a Superhero Day

  • Thursday: Tie Dye Day

  • Friday: Wear orange and black

Red Ribbon Week banner with a smiling spotted leopard, red awareness ribbon, and the message “Be a hero. Make a difference. Stay drug free.”

Lockdown Drill

Juniper Elementary will conduct a lockdown drill on October 28 at 1:40 p.m. This drill helps students and staff practice safety procedures and prepare for emergencies. Thank you for your support as we continue to prioritize the safety of our school community.

A visual guide for a lockdown drill with six steps: locking the door, turning off lights, hiding, sitting calmly, staying quiet, & listening to adults. Each step has an illustration, such as a key in a lock, a light switch, and a child sitting quietly.

TK Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Our TK students will be walking to the pumpkin patch on October 28 for a fun fall outing! Mrs. Brackman and Mrs. Soto’s classes will go at 8:30 a.m., followed by Ms. Lemon, Ms. Soares, and Ms. Muñoz’s classes at 10:10 a.m. Please make sure your child wears comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during the trip.

Cartoon leopard holding a pumpkin in a pumpkin patch, with cornfields and a barn in the background.

Parent Workshop

Join us on October 28 at 9:00 am for a special Red Ribbon Week Parent Workshop! Molly Francis, Substance Abuse Prevention & Education Resource Counselor, will share valuable information about Red Ribbon Week 2026 and how families can help promote healthy, drug-free choices for their children. We hope you can join us for this informative workshop!

Fall Festival

Join us for Juniper’s Fall Festival on October 29 from 5 to 7 pm! Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, food, and games. Enjoy the food trucks, take part in fun activities, and let the kids participate in Trunk or Treat. We look forward to celebrating the season with our Juniper families! "Don't forget to pre-buy your tickets, so you don't have to stand in line, the last day is Tuesday, 10/27. All PTA members will receive 1 wristband for unlimited games (can not be used for the Cake Walk). Sign up before the Fall Festival." 

A scarecrow and pumpkins with fall festival text in the center

Halloween Parade

Join us for Juniper’s annual Halloween Parade on October 30 at 8:30 am! Families are welcome to come to campus and enjoy the parade. Gates will open at 8:00 am. To ensure our celebration is a safe and happy one, please follow these guidelines:

Costume Guidelines:

  • Costumes should reflect positive characters.

  • No violent costumes or weapons are allowed.

  • Masks that block a student’s vision while walking should not be worn.

  • Costumes with blood or frightening images are not permitted.

  • Students must be able to change out of their costumes independently.

  • Costumes that do not follow these guidelines will not be allowed in the parade.

Important Reminders:

  • Students who choose to wear a costume should arrive at school already dressed.

  • Students must change out of their costumes immediately after the parade. Please send a change of clothes, as the regular school day will continue.

  • Students are not permitted to bring candy to school following Halloween.

We look forward to celebrating with our Juniper families!

Cartoon Halloween parade illustration with costumed characters, including a fairy, mummy, vampire, pumpkin-headed figure, ghost, witch, and pirate, surrounding the title “HALLOWEEN PARADE.”