AT A GLANCE: 

~EUSD Vision~

Ignite the Limitless Potential of All Learners.

 

Dear EUSD Community,

I want to start by acknowledging the devastating fires in Los Angeles that have caused such widespread damage, displacement, and grief. Our thoughts are with all those affected, who are facing unimaginable loss and uncertainty during this time. I have appreciated hearing the stories of families who have sought support and housing during this time of need in Encinitas. Our schools have welcomed these new residents and students with love, compassion and open arms. 

I am excited to share updates on our work to enhance our grading and report card practices to better reflect student growth, learning, and readiness for future success. The new report cards will be sent home next Friday, January 24, 2025.

As we prepare students for a rapidly changing world, we are implementing changes to our grading and report card systems that emphasize meaningful feedback and the development of competencies over time. Inspired by research and input from our community, this work aims to ensure report cards accurately reflect competencies and skills students need to thrive. While the reporting continues to focus on high academic standards, it now also includes our Learner Profile competencies as part of our strategic plan to elevate student success. 

Over the past year, we have engaged in a collaborative process to inform these changes. A report card committee, comprising teachers from across the district, worked diligently to study best practices and redesign report cards. Additionally, we surveyed parents, staff, and students to gather diverse perspectives. This feedback has been instrumental in shaping our new approach, and we are deeply grateful for the community's input.

To further support families in understanding these changes, we have prepared resources, including a recording of this week’s parent workshop explaining the research behind the shift to competency-based learning that is happening all across the United States.

As partners in education, I encourage you to review your child’s report card with them thoughtfully. Identify and celebrate their strengths while working together to set goals, particularly in areas they have self-identified as opportunities for growth. The first section of the report card for 3rd - 6th graders is a student-identified "glow and grow" which represents their successes and goals. This practice empowers students to take ownership of their learning and develop skills critical to their success.

We are confident that these updates will provide a clearer, more meaningful view of your child’s progress. As always, we are here to answer your questions and support you in navigating this transition. We also look forward to collecting and reviewing feedback after report cards are distributed in January. Please look for a survey which will be sent out on January 27th. Our report card committee meets again in the beginning of February and they will use the feedback to drive any necessary refinements.

Thank you for your support and partnership. I wish you and your family the very best in 2025. I am excited to see all the many ways our students will shine in 2025!

Warmly,

Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent

 

A parent/guardian workshop was held on Wednesday, January 15, to provide useful insight on competency-based learning and assessment. The workshop was recorded for those who were unable to attend. Please click on the linked video to watch. 

A special thank you to the Educational Services Team for hosting the workshop! 

 

First Semester report cards will be sent out to families on Friday, January 24. Below you will find helpful information and resources that provide a closer look at the new report card system.

The following excerpt was first shared in the district newsletter sent on September 27, 2024:

After over a year "..of review, surveys, meetings, and revisions, we are thrilled to introduce the new report card. EUSD is proud to embark on the journey towards competency-based learning and assessment as we reflect on how student growth, student voice, and goal setting align with our Framework for the Future. As we stay focused on our vision of "Igniting the limitless potential of all learners," we will continue to grow in this work towards equitable outcomes for all students.

Please take a look at the video and additional resources listed below to learn more about what the new report card looks like, the process in its creation, and how it better supports the District's learner profile and Framework for the Future. After its debut in January, we will be seeking additional feedback from parents and staff to further refine the report card as needed."

 

We are excited to introduce our new EUSD Board of Trustees (as pictured from left to right): Marla Strich, Emily Andrade, Monica Lee (newly elected), Marlon Taylor (re-elected), and Tom Morton (re-elected). Once the November election results were confirmed, the three elected trustees were sworn in at the December 17 board meeting. Board members voted to appoint Marlon Taylor as board president, Tom Morton as board vice president, and Monica Lee as board clerk. 

January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to honor the valuable contributions of our Board of Trustees. Their dedication and leadership are instrumental in shaping the vision, policies, and priorities that guide our district, ensuring our schools meet the diverse needs of every student. We are fortunate to have a Board that is deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students, staff, and community. As we celebrate this month, we recognize the Board's vital role in shaping the future of our schools and making decisions that positively impact the lives of our students. Thank you to our Board of Trustees for all they do! 

Click HERE to learn more about our board members.  

 

 

As part of this year’s new enrichment redesign, starting on January 21, schools will transition to a new Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) content area, with those previously engaged in Music shifting to Art, and those in Art moving to Music. This rotating format allows students to explore both content areas, discover new talents, enhance their creativity, and build a deeper appreciation for the arts.  All other enrichment classes will continue as they have up to this point in the year. 

 

Site Community Liaisons bridge the gap between families, students, schools, and the broader community, fostering positive connections that support student success. Aligned with the district's vision to ignite limitless potential, they create inclusive environments where all students feel valued and have access to necessary resources. By promoting a sense of belonging and encouraging family and community involvement, liaisons help cultivate a thriving, collaborative school community. To see how our incredible community liaisons are making an impact around EUSD, please view this presentation.

Sixth grade students and teachers joined Principal Christie Kay for a presentation highlighting 6th grade electives at OPE. 

Students have a choice for their 6th grade year to participate in either musical theater or imagination campus, which focuses on STEM and robotics, as an elective one-hour block each week. Learn more about their unique programs by clicking on the presentation.

 

Students in EnSINGnitas choir programs performed for friends, family, and the community at schools in December. Several of the choir groups had the opportunity to perform at the Encinitas Heritage Tree Lighting Ceremony and while walking in the Encinitas Holiday Parade! Students and choir directors put their whole hearts into preparing for these events, making their performances nothing short of magical. 

EnSINGnitas, is supported by the Encinitas Educational Foundation (EEF) and EUSD. The program aims to ignite a love of singing and the performing arts in a collaborative and inclusive environment that fosters the personal growth of each child. Choir also cultivates the EUSD value of belonging by providing students of all abilities with a chance to make friends and showcase their unique talents. Thank you to EEF and all of the EnSINGnitas choir directors and assistants for their time and dedication to this incredible program!

Click below to watch the Mission Estancia holiday choir performance! 

 

Encinitas Advocate

Mission Estancia’s Wellness Fair shows off ways students handle big emotions

Mission Estancia recently held the Encinitas Union School District’s first-ever Wellness Fair, an exhibition of student-created interactive stations focused on mindfulness and self-care. The fair ran for two sessions, one on Dec. 16 for students and one on Dec. 19 with parents invited too, and was dreamed up by TRAC (Teamwork, Regulation, Awareness and Community) teacher Kelly Griffin.

Farm-to-School Podcast by Oregon State University

Farm Lab-DREAMS Campus with Julie Burton

Julie Burton, administrator of the award-winning Farm Lab DREAMS Campus (Design, Research, Engineering, Art, Math & Science), recorded an episode on the Farm-to-School Podcast. She tells the amazing story of how they were able to establish a certified organic farm that feeds into EUSD's nationally recognized farm-to-school program in Encinitas, CA. 

 

Learn about tips, tools, and strategies to support your children with common mental health challenges through a free webinar series hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education and medical and mental health experts with the Transforming Mental Health Initiative at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego.

This series will provide information on the most common mental health challenges faced by youth today, including bullying, understanding self-harm, and stress and resilience. 

Sessions are scheduled for February 19 and March 19. Each session runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by an optional, 15-minute question and answer session with the presenter. Register at the link below to receive the webinar link. Spanish interpretation will be provided. 

 

JOIN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO SHARE IN OUR STUDENT AND STAFF STORIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

   ENCINITAS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  101 S. RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD, ENCINITAS, CA  92024