Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to step inside some of our Transitional Kindergarten classrooms and see how our youngest students begin their EUSD journey. Whether learning in our foundational English-only or Dual Language classrooms, these first experiences are about much more than academics. They’re about helping children feel safe, connected, confident, and that all-important sense of belonging.
This week, our Story of Us takes us into our Structured Communication Social and Behavioral (SCSB) Transitional Kindergarten classrooms, where our teachers, paraeducators, and specialists work together to meet the unique needs of students with characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Every student brings different strengths and needs to the classroom. Our SCSB program provides additional support in areas such as communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation so students can successfully access learning. Grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), these classrooms incorporate visual supports, predictable routines, sensory considerations, and intentionally designed learning experiences to create environments where students can build skills, independence, and confidence.
In Ms. Munoz’s classroom at Juniper, I watched our teacher and paraeducators anticipate student needs and work seamlessly as a team. Each adult knows when to step in, when to provide a prompt, and when to give a student the space to try something independently. Through playful, purposeful activities, students practice communication, social skills, and independence while experiencing plenty of encouragement and success along the way.
In Andrea Bautista’s classroom at Central, structured workstations help students know what to expect and what comes next. Visual checklists, color-coded materials, engaging instructional activities, and positive reinforcement provide students with tools to navigate their learning with increasing independence. These thoughtful supports aren't simply about completing a task: they're helping our students develop confidence and skills they can carry with them throughout their educational journey.
At Conway, learning truly is a team effort. In Mayrah Gonzalez’s SCSB TK classroom, our Speech and Language Pathologists join whole-group lessons, providing students with additional opportunities to develop communication skills throughout their day. Their collaboration also gives classroom staff real-time strategies they can use to encourage communication during lessons, play, transitions, and everyday interactions.
Across all three classrooms, I was struck by how calm, intentional, and joyful the learning environments were. Our teachers, paraeducators, and specialists understand that learning doesn't look exactly the same for every child, and that's exactly the point. They meet students where they are and create opportunities for each of them to communicate, connect, build independence, and experience success.
I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time in our Transitional Kindergarten classrooms this past month. From foundational TK to Dual Language to SCSB, each visit has shown me another way our talented staff brings our Framework for the Future to life. Even our youngest learners are beginning their journeys toward becoming empowered learners, empathetic collaborators, and effective communicators.
And while our TK visits may be wrapping up, our journey through EUSD is just getting started. There are many more classrooms, programs, students, and staff whose stories I can't wait to share with you.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Felicita Cheer Team:
Led by Coaches Samantha Ouellette and Tanya Zammit as part of our after-school EXPLORE program, the Felicita cheer team recently participated in the San Pasqual High School youth cheer clinic from September 15–17. During the clinic, the high school cheerleaders mentored our students in learning new cheers, a pom routine, and stunt and lift techniques. The week culminated on Friday, September 18, at 7:00 PM, when the Felicita squad joined the San Pasqual cheer team on the track to boost school spirit for the varsity football game and took the field at halftime to perform their new pom routine. This smile-filled, hard-working experience gave our cheerleaders new material to bring to upcoming rugby games while launching an exciting partnership with future collaboration opportunities between our schools.
$3,000 HOPE Trust Accounts Available for Eligible California Youth
California has launched the HOPE Trust Account, a state initiative offering $3,000 to help eligible young people build a stronger financial foundation for their future.
Who is eligible?
Youth who have been in California’s foster care system for longer than 18 months.
Youth who lost a parent or primary caregiver due to COVID-19.
How can the money be used? There are no restrictions on how the funds are spent. The money can be used for education, housing, transportation, savings, or any other expenses that help support a successful transition into adulthood. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to claim these funds, visit the HOPE Trust Account website.
Foundation Fundraiser
Join the Escondido Education Foundation for an afternoon of fashion and fun at an upcoming fundraising event! “Height of Fashion” is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Old Escondido neighborhood. Get all the details and purchase tickets online. Tickets are $60 or $100 for a pair; delicious food and drinks are included. The all-volunteer Escondido Education Foundation spends countless hours supporting the innovative learning happening in our schools, particularly through the annual Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Awards. Fundraisers such as “Height of Fashion” help make these generous grant awards possible!
Escondido Public Library
Our friends at the Escondido Public Library are making reading even more rewarding! From October 3 through November 14, children ages 4–12 can participate in the In-N-Out Burger ‘Cover to Cover’ Reading Program (PDF). Kids who read 5 books or 300 minutes can earn a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger. Families can sign up and track their reading through Beanstack. 'Cover to Cover' Reading Program (Spanish Flyer PDF)
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
You are invited to attend the North Inland Special Education Region’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Regular Business Meeting and Parent Presentation. The event will take place on Monday, September 28, 2026, beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the Business Meeting, followed by the Parent Presentation at 4:45 p.m. Please see the attached registration flyer for full details and share the information with staff, family, and friends. Advance registration is required at this Zoom link. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.
Nominate an Outstanding School Counselor!
Do you know an EUSD school counselor who goes above and beyond to help students feel supported, connected, and empowered? The San Diego County Office of Education is accepting nominations for the 2027 San Diego County School Counselors of the Year. The program recognizes exceptional elementary, middle, and high school counselors for their leadership, advocacy, empathy, and commitment to helping students thrive. Nominations are open through October 5, 2026. Take a few minutes to recognize an outstanding counselor making a difference for our students! Learn more and submit a nomination
Resources for Food Assistance
We want to make sure families are aware of local resources that offer free food and support for those who may need it. Here are a few options available in our community:
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help connecting with these resources.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus:
All EUSD students have access to no-cost breakfast and lunch. Families can view our new online menus. Select your school and menu to see what is being served every day.
– Andy McGuire, Superintendent of Schools