AT A GLANCE: 

~EUSD Vision~

Ignite the Limitless Potential of All Learners.

 

Happy New Year! I hope these first two weeks back have been filled with meaningful and joyful learning for our students.

Today you will receive your child’s report card, which reflects their progress during the first semester. While the report card represents the official end-of-semester reporting of proficiency on grade-level standards, it is only one component of a comprehensive assessment system used to monitor and support student learning.

At the beginning of the year, students participate in districtwide assessments that help teachers plan instruction tailored to each child’s needs. Throughout the semester, teachers gather a wide range of evidence to determine students’ levels of proficiency. This evidence may include projects with rubrics, quizzes, tests, observations, exit tickets, worksheets, presentations, and end-of-semester assessments administered across grade levels. Each of these elements serves as an important data point in understanding whether a student has demonstrated proficiency in a particular grade-level standard.

An essential part of this process is engaging students in understanding their own learning goals. Through reflection and self-awareness, students build insight into their academic strengths and areas for growth. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with your child about what they feel proud of in their learning and what goals they would like to work toward in the coming semester. Every child’s learning journey is unique, and each student has accomplishments worth celebrating.

Our next round of student/teacher/parent conferences are scheduled for the week of March 16th. We look forward to welcoming families and to seeing students actively involved in these student-led conferences as they share evidence of their learning and demonstrate competencies such as skilled communicators and empowered learning.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ growth and success.

Warmly,

Andrée Grey, Ed.D. 
Superintendent

Check out this video from our District Instagram page to learn more about the shift to competency-based education.

 

This year at Ocean Knoll, we have intentionally tried to strengthen the connections between classroom learning and enrichment classes. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) School, our classroom teachers teach within 6 units of study, all having a central idea and lines of inquiry that learning is connected to within that unit. This year our enrichment teachers have been deeply intentional in their collaboration with our IB Coordinator, weaving meaningful connections between their subject areas and the central ideas students are exploring in their current IB units. Rather than operating in isolated content “silos,” enrichment has become another lens through which students inquire, make connections, and extend their understanding. This alignment has helped reinforce key concepts across multiple learning contexts while also supporting transfer, reflection, and engagement.

For example, during 2nd grade’s unit on heroes, centered around the idea that leadership transforms vision into action, students in art explored the inquiry question, How do heroes make a difference? They examined artists who were visionaries, leaders in their field, or who could be considered heroes in their own right. Students reflected on the impact these individuals had on the world and identified associated Learner Profile traits. The discussion also invited students to consider what it means to be a global citizen, and how artistic influence can shape culture, inspire others, and contribute to collective action. This broadened students’ understanding of heroism and invited them to think beyond traditional contexts.

In the Nutrition Lab, 3rd grade was studying the unit Where We Are in Place and Time, with a central idea that people’s interactions with others and the environment shape the culture of a community. Our Garden and Nutrition teacher highlighted how our garden and locally grown food can positively impact a community by supporting sustainability, strengthening connections to place, and shaping cultural traditions around food. Students applied concepts of stewardship and care for the environment while working as confident collaborators to prepare and taste recipes, and as global citizens when discussing how food systems influence identity and community well-being.

Another major focus has been highlighting specific Learner Profile attributes, both IB traits and EUSD’s Learner Profile. Our enrichment team has thoughtfully woven in connections to the traits, whether they are discussing coping skills in TRAC or playing hockey in PE. They are not only introducing or naming traits, but are also helping students recognize how and when they are demonstrating these attributes in authentic situations tied to unit learning. 

Overall, these purposeful collaborations have enriched student inquiry and helped build a more cohesive and connected IB experience across the school day. Way to go, Enrichment Team!

Art enrichment class.

Nutrition Lab. (1 of 2)

Blacktop hockey in PE. (1 of 2)

Students in TRAC learn about Zones of Regulation. 

Nutrition Lab. (2 of 2)

Blacktop hockey in PE. (2 of 2)

 

The updates listed below were presented at the EUSD Board of Trustees meeting held on January 13, 2026:

Superintendent Dr. Andrée Grey presented a mid-year District strategic plan update and scorecard to the Board. The presentation included information from Student Advisory Panels that were held at every site, and provided an overview of the responses students gave to questions about belonging, in-class collaboration, choices in their learning, and safety. Dr. Grey also reviewed the status of each goal of the District's strategic plan. 

Child Nutrition Services Director, Lea Bonelli, provided the Board with an in-depth look at the District's student-centered CNS program. From delicious scratch-made breakfasts and lunches using only the best ingredients, to utilizing local farms and suppliers to ensure they have fresh, organic produce options daily, our EUSD CNS program is a one-of-a-kind.

Principal Chris Juarez and several Capri students presented an update on how their school promotes global citizenship and wellness advocacy. They highlighted green initiatives, their food recovery program, student leadership initiatives, and community-building events, all of which cultivate a campus centered around joy, belonging, and service. 

 

2026-2027 NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT

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.

 

El Camino Creek, La Costa Heights, Olivenhain Pioneer, and Paul Ecke Central have all received the 2025 California Honor Roll Achievement Award from the State Senate. This honor recognizes schools for consistently strong student achievement in English Language Arts and Math, based on three years of CAASPP data (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress), with a special focus on closing achievement gaps for underserved student groups. Only 20 percent of schools statewide earn this distinction. We are thrilled that the students and staff at each of these schools can be recognized for their hard work and success. 

During a spirit assembly at ECC, the school accepted the 2025 California Honor Roll Achievement from Diana Kutlow, a representative of Senator Blakespear's Office. 

The framed certificate of achievement presented to ECC. 

 

A La Costa cafe treats fifth-grade class to breakfast after girl's heartfelt letter

CBS8 San Diego

A 10-year-old student writes a "Thank You" letter to Broken Yolk Cafe and receives a huge breakfast in return at La Costa Heights Elementary School.

 

Join us for our second workshop in partnership with the National Conflict Resolution Center. The Bystander Challenge is an interactive workshop that teaches parents and caregivers how to respond when bullying or inappropriate comments occur. Gain practical, effective strategies to take action safely and confidently, and build skills you can share with your child and strengthen a more respectful community.

Date: Wednesday, February 25th
Location: El Camino Creek
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

Childcare and translation will be provided. Please RSVP at the link below:

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

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

-The Bystander Challenge, Feb. 25th from 5:00-7:00 pm, at El Camino Creek: Presented by the National Conflict Resolution Center, learn how to empower your children to become "upstanders," and how to take action when they see inappropriate behavior. 

-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.

The San Diego County Office of Education's Educational Technology team is launching a new virtual training series aimed at supporting families. The eight-session series is designed to help parents understand online safety and become confident digital partners in their child's learning journey. 

All sessions are free to attend and will take place via Zoom from 4 to 5 p.m. Register online to receive the meeting links. 

Training Schedule:
-Understanding Cyber Envy - Jan. 27
-Info Security and Passwords - Mar. 10
-Popular Apps - What Are They and Should Your Child Use Them? - Apr. 15

 

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