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AT A GLANCE: 

~EUSD Vision~

Ignite the Limitless Potential of All Learners.

Dear EUSD Community,

At our recent PTA Presidents’ meeting, an important topic came up: What exactly is the role of a school board, and how does that differ from the role of the superintendent? It was a great question, and one that I think is worth sharing with our entire community.

School boards and superintendents have different responsibilities, but they share a common purpose: to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Board of Trustees is elected by our community. The Board establishes the district’s direction and priorities, adopts policies, approves the budget, monitors progress toward district goals, hires and evaluates the superintendent and provides accountability and community leadership. Importantly, the authority of the Board rests with the Board as a whole, rather than with individual trustees.

The superintendent is responsible for leading the district and putting that direction into action. This includes overseeing teaching and learning, supporting our staff, managing district operations and finances, implementing Board policies, and working with families and the community. The superintendent also provides the Board with information and recommendations to help inform its decisions.

I think of it this way: the Board provides governance and direction; the superintendent leads the organization in carrying that direction forward. The strongest school districts have a Board and superintendent who work together as a thoughtful, collaborative governance team, always keeping students at the center.

This conversation also reminded me just how important school board elections are. Our local school board has a direct role in shaping the future of our schools. The people our community elects will help establish the priorities, policies and direction that guide our district in the years ahead.

Our schools belong to our community. Our community has a voice in their future. Please make a plan to vote.

Thank you for caring so deeply about our students, our schools and the future of our community.

Warmly,

Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Katie Andan, fifth grade teacher at La Costa Heights, has been selected as a 2027 California Teacher of the Year! After being named a San Diego County Teacher of the Year in May, Katie advanced through a rigorous statewide selection process that included interviews, essays, a video submission, and a classroom observation by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and other state administrators.

Additionally, out of the five educators selected as California Teachers of the Year, Superintendent Thurmond nominated Katie to represent all of California in the National Teacher of the Year competition! Katie will join nominees from across the country, with the 2027 National Teacher of the Year to be announced in the spring.

In a press release issued by the California Department of Education, Superintendent Thurmond shared, “California’s Teachers of the Year represent the very best of our profession. They see the potential in every student and work each day to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed. These exceptional educators are an inspiration and example of the exceptional work going on in California schools. I am proud to recognize them and grateful for the difference they are making for our students.”

Katie is incredibly deserving of this prestigious recognition and truly embodies EUSD's commitment to igniting the limitless potential of all learners. With 20 years of teaching experience, including the past 12 years teaching fifth grade at La Costa Heights Elementary, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and compassion to her classroom. Her teaching experiences around the world have helped shape an approach that celebrates diverse perspectives, encourages empathy, and inspires students to think critically about the world around them.

What makes Katie such an extraordinary educator extends far beyond her exceptional instructional abilities. She has an incredible gift for making students feel safe, valued, and heard while challenging them to grow as learners and individuals. Her classroom is a place where students are encouraged to take risks, embrace challenges, support one another, and recognize their own potential to make a positive difference. Katie's passion for education and genuine care for others have made a lasting impact on countless students, families, and colleagues throughout her career.

We could not be prouder to celebrate this remarkable achievement and to have Katie representing LCH, EUSD, and the state of California on the national stage. Please join us in congratulating Katie on this well-deserved honor and wishing her the very best as she moves forward in the National Teacher of the Year competition! 

Our first graders are learning that you don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference! Every first grader at OPE is part of Little Sprouts, our Primary Green Team. Through Little Sprouts, students are learning simple, practical ways they can take care of our Earth, and they are getting to do the work themselves.

One of their current projects focuses on recycling used crayons and markers. Instead of throwing these supplies away, students and staff can drop them off in the Little Sprouts collection box. From there, our first graders take over! Students sort and peel the old crayons and then use a solar oven to melt them down and turn them into new rainbow crayons. They also soak used markers in water to create watercolor paint for future art projects. When they are finished, the remaining plastic marker pieces are taken to Staples to be recycled.

What we love most about Little Sprouts is how excited our first graders are to be part of it. They aren't just hearing about ways to help the environment, they are actually doing something about it. They are sorting, creating, recycling, problem-solving, and encouraging others to get involved.

A few of our first graders also helped create a presentation for the OPE Weekly Announcements so they could share what they are doing with the rest of the school and invite everyone to participate.

Little Sprouts gives every first grader at OPE a chance to be a leader and see that their actions matter. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they are already showing us that lots of small choices can add up to something pretty big. They come with new ideas and ways to bring this group to higher levels, spread their ideas, and champion the vision of Little Sprouts, protecting our environment. 

Ms. Felton's Little Sprouts class photo in matching tie dye shirts.

Students sort old crayons in preparation to be melted into rainbow crayons. 

Little Sprouts students create posters for crayon collection. 

Shoe recycling, Halloween costume swaps, wetsuit exchanges and creative ways to reward students without resorting to single-use plastics were among just some of the sustainable school ideas pitched by the Encinitas Union School District’s Green Team.

Since 2009, a Green Team composed of parent volunteers from each of the nine school sites has met quarterly to discuss programs, best practices, and activities to improve the environment and award-winning sustainability in EUSD schools. The team works hand in hand with district and Farm Lab staff and environmental consultants from BCK Partners.

Educational technology and screen time are something that students, staff, and families are talking about everywhere. The challenge is no longer how to incorporate technology into classrooms, but how to use it more thoughtfully. As educators, we strive to ensure students develop the digital skills they need for the future while keeping meaningful, hands-on learning and collaboration at the center of their educational experience.

For the second year, Superintendent Dr. Andrée Grey is meeting with Student Advisory Panels at every EUSD school, continuing an important opportunity to bring student voice directly into district planning and decision-making. Each panel includes 12 students, with four students from each grade level in grades 4–6. This year’s fifth and sixth graders are continuing their service from last year, while new fourth graders have joined the panels.

During the meetings, students share open and thoughtful feedback about their experiences at school, including what is working well, what could be improved, classroom learning, school programs, safety, belonging, and campus-specific needs. As skilled communicators, innovative thinkers, and wellness advocates, our students provide a valuable perspective that helps district and school leaders better understand their day-to-day experiences.

Most importantly, their voices are helping create meaningful change. Feedback from last year’s panels helped inform changes to educational technology use and homework, increased choice and options in students’ day-to-day learning, additional noon-duty supervisors and adult presence during lunch and recess, and site-specific improvements related to playgrounds and campus needs. Additionally, the information shared at each school site was passed along to administrators and teachers to ensure any needed adjustments could be made at each site. 

These panels give students an authentic opportunity to see that their ideas matter and that they can play an active role in making their schools even better. We are grateful for their leadership and look forward to continuing to learn from our students throughout the year as Dr. Grey meets with each panel in both the fall and spring. 

Ocean Knoll student advisory panel discussion.

Dr. Grey listens as students sitting next to her share feedback.

Ocean Knoll Superintendent Student Advisory Panel with Principal Laughlin and Dr. Grey.

Leaders from the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Union School District met Thursday, October 1, 2026, to discuss the Paul Ecke Central Elementary School rebuild project. The collaborative meeting focused on unresolved matters, including drainage plans, queuing, traffic circulation, right-of-way dedication, and frontage improvements.

Both parties agree that progress was made during the discussion and remain committed to working collaboratively to continue discussion with hopes of reaching a comprehensive path forward for the project while addressing the necessary issues. Both the City and School District left the meeting with agreed-upon items to pursue and bring forward, supporting continued alignment and progress. City and School District leaders will meet again on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with the objective of moving this project forward for the benefit of the students, parents, and the surrounding community.

The City and School District have agreed to provide joint project updates and look forward to continued collaboration toward the shared goal of advancing the project responsibly and safely and bringing students back to this historic Encinitas school in a timely manner.

Check out the latest from our EUSD Farm Lab! Kindergarten students have been learning all about the plant life-cycle from seed to compost, the farm has been busy harvesting fresh produce for students daily meals, and a special third-grade coding experience for third-graders during conference week! Click on the newsletter below to read the full overview:

October is Farm-to-School Month, and we’re kicking things off with a behind-the-scenes look at how our Child Nutrition Services team makes its delicious scratch-made pizza each week. From freshly made dough to locally sourced ingredients and house-made sauce featuring tomatoes grown at our very own EUSD Farm Lab, CNS Director Lea Bonelli and her team put a whole lot of care into every slice! Watch the video linked below to see the entire process.

At EUSD, we take pride in serving students delicious, nutritious meals made with high-quality ingredients and fresh, organic produce. And thanks to the connection between our Farm Lab and Child Nutrition Services programs, farm-to-school isn’t just something we celebrate in October. It’s part of what we do all year long!

Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting the people, programs, and fresh ingredients that help bring farm-to-school to life across EUSD! Follow along on the EUSD Instagram page @encinitas_usd.

We invite EUSD parents and their K-2 students to join us for an interactive workshop designed to help families support reading skills at home. This workshop will be offered on two different dates to provide families with more opportunities to attend. 

GROWING A READER
For parents & their K-2 students. A fun, interactive workshop where families will learn simple ways to build a love of reading and support student reading at home.

Attend the workshop on:
- Oct. 15, 5:30-6:30 pm at Ocean Knoll
*Please note that the content and activities will be the same for both workshop dates.

Click here to register now for the Growing a Reader Workshop (for parents and their K-2 students).

-Spanish translation will be provided.
-Childcare for non K-2 students/children will be provided. 

Join us for an informative parent training series presented by our Student Support Services team!  You can attend all five sessions, or drop in for the sessions discussing the topics you need most. 

*All five sessions will be held from 6-8 pm at
Mission Estancia Elementary 3330 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009

The series is open to all EUSD parents. Please register here or scan the QR code on the flyer. 

Upcoming Session Dates & Topics:

Session 2: November 4, 2026 
Navigating Daily Transitions - Actionable strategies for morning routines, homework help, and evening flow

Session 3: January 13, 2027
Rethinking Mistakes - Using empathy and proactive interventions for everyday scenarios

Session 4: February 24, 2027
De-Escalation with Compassion - Words and strategies that work

Session 5: April 14, 2027
Coaching the School-Aged Child - Social dynamics, growth mindset, and healthy repair

Students who ride a bike, e-bike, or scooter to school must obtain a 2026–2027 EUSD permit tag no later than November 2, 2026. To receive a tag, students must:
1. Attend an approved Bike/e-Bike Safety Presentation.
2. Complete the annual permit application for their school.
3. Pick up the tag from the school office and attach to their bike or scooter.

EUSD has partnered with the San Diego Bike Coalition to provide training assemblies at all school sites within the first three months of the school year. This training counts as the required attendance of an EUSD approved bike safety presentation. All students who are at school on the day of the assembly will attend the training regardless of if they ride a bike to school or not. 

Students who miss school on the day of the bike safety training assembly at their site, students who enroll in our district after the start of the school year, or students who decide they want to ride a bike/scooter later on in the year must complete an approved course through the cities of Carlsbad or Encinitas

All parents received an email from EUSD Communications on Friday, August 21, outlining the bike permit process in detail. You can view that communication here. We also invite you to visit the EUSD Bike/e-Bike Safety webpage for for additional information.

*Please note that students who attend any of the four EUSD schools within Carlsbad City limits (El Camino Creek, La Costa Heights, Mission Estancia, and Olivenhain Pioneer) are not permitted to ride an e-bike to school if they are under 12 years old, per city laws. 

The City of Encinitas is hosting a free community event on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at Leucadia Oaks Park. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to come together to help plant the park’s new Native Demonstration Garden and learn more about native plants and the many benefits they bring to our community.

The event will also feature a native plant giveaway, native plant and seed swap, and educational booths. Participants can connect with the community, learn practical tips for incorporating native plants into their own gardens and landscapes, and help bring this new demonstration garden to life.

Location: Leucadia Oaks Park, 1511 N. Vulcan Ave., Encinitas (corner of Raintree and Sanford).

Help the Encinitas Educational Foundation expand opportunities for EUSD students.

Open Positions:

• Executive Director: approximately 20 hours/week | $50–$55/hour 
  EEF is seeking a collaborative and experienced leader to support the Foundation's operations, fundraising, community partnerships, and organizational development.
  Learn More & Apply on EdJoin Here
  
  
• Bookkeeper: approximately 10–15 hours/week | $35–$40/hour
  EEF is seeking an experienced and highly organized Bookkeeper to support day-to-day financial operations, reconciliations, financial processing, reporting ,and accurate record keeping. 
  Learn More & Apply on EdJoin Here

Applications are due by Monday, October 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. 

These positions are part-time and are primarily office-based, with hybrid flexibility. 

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
- $2,000 Stipend Per Session (Fall & Spring)
- Up to 3 hours a week, including rehearsals + performances and team meetings.

After School Choir Assistant: Click here to apply
- $1,100 Stipend Per Session (Fall & Spring)
- Up to 3 hours a week, including rehearsals week + performances and team meetings.

Positions open at Capri, El Camino Creek, Mission Estancia, Ocean Knoll, Olivenhain Pioneer, and Park Dale Lane.

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

View the Menu as a PDF 

The EUSD Child Nutrition Services (CNS) program prides itself on creating scratch-made meals for students using quality, locally-sourced ingredients. For more information about the CNS visit our district website. 

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