AT A GLANCE: 

~EUSD Vision~

Ignite the Limitless Potential of All Learners.

 

Dear EUSD Community,

As I share this update, our Board of Trustees is wrapping up the majority of its Spring school site visits. These visits are an essential part of the Board’s role in supporting our schools and advancing our mission to ignite the limitless potential of all learners. Twice each year, Board members participate in comprehensive visits to every school, which include a principal’s overview, classroom and program observations, and a walkthrough of campus facilities.

The Board is responsible for setting the district’s vision and ensuring accountability. While monthly meetings provide reports and presentations from schools, departments, and programs, site visits bring that work to life. They offer an opportunity to see our initiatives in action. For example, after receiving updates on our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), including data on student progress and intervention practices, Board members can observe Tier 2 instruction firsthand in intervention classrooms. These experiences deepen understanding and strengthen our collective commitment to achieving the best outcomes for students.

This time of year is also especially valuable for seeing the progress of Measure Z projects and exploring possibilities for future improvements. While photos and presentations are informative, nothing compares to experiencing our facilities in person to fully understand both current needs and future opportunities.

Perhaps most importantly, these visits highlight the incredible work of our dedicated staff. Seeing our employees in action supporting and teaching our students reinforces a strong sense of pride and purpose in the work we do across EUSD.

Warmly,

Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent

 

This year's district-wide Math 24 tournament brought together more than 150 students from eight of our schools. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Encinitas Education Foundation, the Math 24 committee and our incredible site representatives for bringing Math 24 to life in EUSD. Watching these young mathematicians compete was not only incredibly impressive, but so joyful! Congratulations to all who participated!

*Math 24 is a fast-paced arithmetic card game where players use four numbers, each exactly once, combined with addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to reach a total of 24. 

School Champions: La Costa Heights

3rd Grade Top 10

4th Grade Top 10

5th Grade Top 10

6th Grade Top 10

 

We had the privilege of honoring the 2026 EUSD Students of the Year, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Students of the Year, and Site Volunteers of the Year at a special recognition event hosted at Farm Lab. This beloved EUSD tradition provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of remarkable students and volunteers from each of our sites. Congratulations to all of the honorees! 

2026 Volunteers of the Year:
Capri: Denise Preston
El Camino Creek: Allison and Brian Banks
Flora Vista: Heather Aguilar 
La Costa Heights: Lauren Newmark
Mission Estancia: Britta Ellis
Ocean Knoll: Andrew Sundsmo
Olivenhain Pioneer: Rebecca Bierschmitt
Park Dale Lane: Amelia Andrews
Paul Ecke Central: Lea Pilgrim

2026 EUSD Students of the Year:
Capri: Greyson
El Camino Creek: Lucy
Flora Vista: Colton
La Costa Heights: Everett
Mission Estancia: Millie
Ocean Knoll: Elle
Olivenhain Pioneer: Alistair
Park Dale Lane: Makana
Paul Ecke Central: Liah

2026 ACSA Students of the Year:
Capri: Josephine
El Camino Creek: Solana
Flora Vista: Carson
La Costa Heights: Dane
Mission Estancia: Simone
Ocean Knoll: Chlose
Olivenhain Pioneer: Giancarlo
Park Dale Lane: Kevin
Paul Ecke Central: Sheperd

 

Each month, our ECC fifth graders step into their role as Wellness Advocates with a special walk to the senior living center, Glen Brook at La Costa Glen, and the impact is truly felt on both sides. From the moment they arrive, our students shine as Skilled Communicators and Confident Collaborators, connecting with residents through meaningful conversations and hands-on craft activities.

Whether they’re creating seasonal projects or simply sitting side by side sharing stories, our students bring warmth, kindness, and genuine connection to every visit. They practice listening, teamwork, and empathy while building relationships that truly matter.

Working alongside residents in memory care and skilled nursing, students learn how to communicate with patience and compassion, slowing down, using clear and kind language, and paying attention to nonverbal cues. These experiences teach them how to meet people where they are and make meaningful connections in a variety of ways.

Residents often share stories from their lives such as childhood memories, careers, and life lessons, which give our students a special window into the past. Our fifth graders respond with curiosity and respect, asking thoughtful questions and forming authentic bonds. In turn, they gain a deeper understanding of empathy, resilience, and the power of human connection.

Most importantly, these visits are filled with joy and a strong sense of belonging. Laughter during crafts, shared smiles, and simple moments of connection create an environment where everyone feels valued and seen. Our students leave each visit not only with new skills, but with full hearts. Through these experiences, our students truly live out what it means to lead with bright smiles, spreading kindness and helping build brighter tomorrows for all.

 

Check out the most recent edition of Farm Lab News, highlighting the fourth-grade renewable energy unit, tomato planting, and Lazy Acres Envirotoken voting. 

 

Encinitas Global Citizens in action! Learn how EUSD students are taking the lead in reducing waste, preventing pollution, and caring for the health of our planet! Join us on May 6 at the EUSD Farm Lab from 5:00-6:00 pm. 

Join us at PEC one last time before the rebuild starts! 

Monday, May 18, 2026 
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Paul Ecke Central
185 Union St., Encinitas, CA 92024

Thanks to funding from Bond Measure Z, Paul Ecke Central is preparing for a full rebuild, with construction beginning at the end of the school year. The open house will provide community members, families, and former PEC students with an opportunity to visit the campus, take photos, and celebrate the school’s history before reconstruction starts. 

Community members are invited to contribute to the event by submitting photos of their favorite memories at Paul Ecke Central. Photos can be uploaded at https://bit.ly/424QSzP and will be featured in the open house slideshow. Questions about photo submissions can be directed to me at lucy.finlayson@eusd.net.

Please vote for Farm Lab to remain a Lazy Acres Envirotoken recipient. You can vote daily until June 6. These funds support the bonus farm-to-table nutrition science workshops for students.

Join us online for the EUSD Virtual Community Resource Fair! Learn about community organizations that are providing support, education, enrichment, and wellness for EUSD families. Explore online at your convenience from May 4 - May 8 at  https://tinyurl.com/bdfjm97b

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

 

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