AT A GLANCE: 

~EUSD Vision~

Ignite the Limitless Potential of All Learners.

 

Dear EUSD Community,

Next week we are pleased to welcome families to our campuses for student, parent, and teacher conferences. While our teachers regularly communicate with families about student progress throughout the year, we formally share comprehensive updates four times annually, during Fall and Spring conferences and at the end of each semester through report cards. These conferences provide an important opportunity for you to engage as an active learning partner alongside your child and their teacher.

Many of our students will participate in student led conferences. This approach reflects our continued shift in assessment practices toward greater student ownership of learning. Research consistently shows that when students are actively involved in reflecting on their progress and setting goals, achievement increases. Studies by John Hattie identify student self assessment and goal-related learning processes among the strongest influences on student achievement. In addition, research on formative assessment shows that when students understand the learning goals and success criteria and can identify their next steps, they make significantly stronger academic gains.

During student-led conferences, students reflect on the learning standards and outcomes expected of them and consider where they are in relation to those expectations. They identify strengths, areas for growth, and specific goals, along with clear action steps to move their learning forward. When students explain their thinking, describe their challenges, and celebrate their progress in their own words, they develop deeper understanding, stronger motivation, and greater confidence.

As we enter the final quarter of the 2025-2026 school year, we remain committed to supporting every learner in reaching their limitless potential. Thank you for your partnership and for the many ways you support learning at home and in our schools. We look forward to seeing you next week and to continuing this important work together.

Warmly,

Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent

 

The updates listed below were presented at the EUSD Board of Trustees meeting held on March 10, 2026:

Principal Mariel Laughlin was joined by several students to present an update on outdoor education at Ocean Knoll. Outdoor learning serves as an extension of the classroom at Ocean Knoll, providing hands-on experiences that connect science, sustainability, and the community. Initiatives such as the SAGE Garden Project, Zero Waste Festival, student Green Team, environmental learning with BCK Programs, and the new Adopt-a-Spot campus cleanup program empower students to deepen their understanding and care for the environment.

Jennifer Bond, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability, provided the Board of Trustees with an update on multilingual learner progress in EUSD. The presentation gives an in-depth look at multilingual learner enrollment, performance, reclassification rates, and supports in place for our students and families.

 

Paul Ecke Central’s second grade team recently brought learning to life through their interdisciplinary unit, “Then and Now.” Students explored how daily life has changed over time by comparing the past and present in areas such as learning, transportation, clothing, and communication. The unit integrated research, social studies, science, math, and writing, helping students deepen their understanding of how innovation and societal changes shape our world.

As a culminating experience, the team wrote an original play that students performed for invited guests, highlighting what they learned about life in the past compared to today. After the performance, families returned to classrooms where students demonstrated a hands-on historical activity making butter from scratch. Throughout the unit, students embodied EUSD’s Learner Profile as Confident Collaborators, Skilled Communicators, Global Citizens, and Empowered Learners, showcasing both their academic learning and teamwork.

 

The City of Carlsbad recently adopted new e-bike safety regulations that will take effect on March 26, 2026. While the District communicated these changes in an email to schools within Carlsbad city boundaries (ECC, LCH, ME, and OPE), we want to make everyone aware of these important updates. 

The most noticeable change under Assembly Bill 2234, is that anyone operating an e-bike in Carlsbad must be at least 12 years old. The updated laws also clarify that riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet, and only e-bikes designed to carry passengers may have more than one rider. Riders must also travel at safe speeds for conditions, and parents/guardians may be held responsible if they knowingly allow their child to violate the law.

If a minor rides recklessly and creates a public safety risk, their e-bike may be impounded. To retrieve it, they would have to complete an in-person safety course with their parent/guardian present. Additionally, e-bikes will now be prohibited at Poinsettia Community Park and Pine Avenue Community Park.

The new laws will begin with a 60-day warning period through May 25, 2026, during which law enforcement will focus on education before full enforcement begins. Our shared goal is to help students travel safely and responsibly, and we encourage families to review the resources provided by the City of Carlsbad listed below. You can also view the full communication sent to ECC, LCH, ME, and OPE here. 

Additional Resources:
www.carlsbadca.gov/ebikes
View the New Ordinance

 

The following message was sent to EUSD parents/guardians on March 2, 2026:

Dear EUSD Families,

The Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is the district's plan that guides our goals and budget priorities, impacting our programs, curriculum, and community outreach. The decisions made through the LCAP are critical in helping us better serve our entire educational community.

Each year, we gather feedback for the LCAP through a survey, which we are sharing with you today. Your input is essential in helping us make informed decisions that support our vision of igniting the limitless potential of all learners and fostering an environment where every student can succeed.

Please take a few moments to complete the survey by March 20, 2026: LCAP SURVEY

Thank you for your time and valuable feedback.

 

OPE students showcased their curiosity and creativity during the school’s first-ever Science and Engineering Fair, held as part of their STREAM Week. Participation was completely voluntary and open to students in all grades. More than 80 students accepted the challenge and created projects either individually or in pairs.

Students took full ownership of their learning by designing projects that reflected their own interests and ideas. They presented their discoveries to a panel of judges that included OPE community members and district staff. One judging panel even included Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers, who has a background in engineering.

Projects explored a wide range of topics, including desalinators, slime thermochromism, bacteria growth, the effects of water pollution on plant growth, and even an egg-retrieval system for a chicken coop. The event gave students an opportunity to explore real-world problem solving while demonstrating their skills as innovative thinkers and empowered learners.

 

With the support of BCK Programs, EUSD students are working hard to make our community—and planet—a better place!

ECC
3rd graders at ECC are helping to beautify their campus by planting drought-tolerant succulents in ceramic pots. They are also learning about native plants and utilizing compost from the on-site garden. Separately, 6th grade Global Citizens recently harvested organic produce from their garden and donated it to the CRC to support food-insecure individuals in the Encinitas community.

Mission Estancia
6th grade Global Citizens at Mission Estancia recently harvested organic produce from the school’s garden for donation to the CRC, helping to provide fresh and healthy food for food-insecure community members.

Ocean Knoll
Green Team students at Ocean Knoll have launched a school-wide anti-litter initiative called “Adopt-a-Spot.” As part of this campaign, each grade level is now responsible for maintaining a specific area of the campus, ensuring it remains clean and free of litter!

 

Carlsbad Business Journal 
March Edition, Page 6

When most people think of the average school lunch, scratch-made pizza, grass-fed carne asada tacos, and chicken alfredo pasta may not be the typical meals that come to mind. However, at Encinitas Union School District (EUSD), student meals are anything but average. Not only are they healthy and made from scratch daily, but they taste incredible. Launched in 2013, EUSD’s Farm-to-School program has grown into one of the most recognized in the nation. EUSD is proud to celebrate more than a decade of progress in bringing fresh, healthy and sustainable food to students.

 

Presented by the San Diego District Attorney's Office, please join us for an informative workshop designed to help parents recognize and understand the risks of drug use and vaping.

Free and Open to All EUSD Parents and Guardians

Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary
8000 Calle Acervo, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Translation and Childcare Will Be Provided

Band-O-Rama is Back!

Mark your calendars for March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM and join us at La Costa Canyon High School for one spectacular celebration of music!

Band-O-Rama brings together student musicians from across multiple districts, including EUSD’s EEF Band & Strings, Diegueño and Oak Crest Middle Schools, San Dieguito Academy, and La Costa Canyon High School, for an inspiring showcase that highlights the full journey of music education from elementary through high school.

It’s an incredible opportunity to support our talented musicians and experience the power of music in our community. An event not to be missed! 

All current EUSD students who plan to attend school in EUSD for the 2026-2027 school year are required to complete the annual Address Verification and Intent to Return Form.  

On or before March 2, 2026, parents/guardians of returning students will receive an email with information on accessing the 2026-2027 Verification of Address and Intent to Return Form via PowerSchool Registration Support. Access will be available from Monday, March 2, through Tuesday, March 31. 

Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder for an email from: Support<noreplyregistration@powerschool.com>

The email will only be sent to whichever parent or guardian is listed as the first contact for your student.

Please note: When completing the Intent to Return and Address Verification process, you must log in using your existing Parent Portal account. Do not create a new account or submit a new student registration. New student registration is only for students who are not currently enrolled in an EUSD school, including incoming kindergarteners for next year. 

We look forward to working with you through this process. For any further information or if you have questions, please contact your school secretary or Janine Aurora, Executive Assistant in the Business Services Department at Enrollment@eusd.net or 760-944-4300, ext. 1161.

Bring the joy of music to our EUSD School Choirs. Apply now to be one of the following:

After School Choir Lead: Click here to apply
- $1,000 Stipend Per Session (Spring & Fall)
- Up to 3 hours a week, including once-a-week rehearsals + performances and team meetings.

After School Choir Assistant: Click here to apply
- $550 Stipend Per Session (Spring & Fall)
- 1.25 hour rehearsal per week + performances and team meetings.

Positions open at Capri, La Costa Heights, Mission Estancia, Ocean Knoll, Olivenhain Pioneer, and Park Dale Lane

For more information contact:  leslie.wright@eusd.net

Enrollment for new students for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Monday, February 2, 2026. This is for new incoming students only, not returning students.

Those eligible for enrollment include:

- Students turning 5 on or before September 1,
   2026
- Current residents within EUSD boundaries
- New incoming EUSD students of any grade

For more information and to enroll online, visit eusd.net/registration.

Save the dates! EUSD has partnered with several outside organizations to offer the following workshops free to all parents.

-Drug Awareness, April 15th from 5:30-7:00 pm, at Olivenhain Pioneer: Presented by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, gain an understanding of youth drug use in the community, including a focus on vaping.

Childcare and translation will be provided at all workshops. Additional reminders for each workshop will be sent prior to the event.

 

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