It is my pleasure to announce that Mrs. Corina Martinez, kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary School, has been named one of five California’s Teachers of the Year for 2026!
Mrs. Martinez is not only passionate about helping her students learn, but she’s deeply committed to ensuring they have the support they need to be present and ready to learn every day. She has built strong partnerships with community organizations and developed programs that nurture students’ social–emotional learning while strengthening connections with families. Her leadership and creativity in tackling chronic absenteeism through real, family-centered solutions have made a lasting difference for her students and our district.
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Martinez on this incredible and well-deserved honor! We are so proud to have her representing the Escondido Union School District and inspiring educators across the state. See her interview on KUSI!
Also, October 25th marked the exciting conclusion of the EUSD/Boys & Girls Club Flag Football Season with championship games at Bear Valley Middle School. Congratulations to all the teams who played their hearts out and to every student-athlete who showed teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride all season long. We’re so proud of our players, coaches, and families for making this season one to remember!
Championship Highlights
6th Grade: 1st–Bear Valley | 2nd–Del Dios
7th Grade: 1st–Rincon | 2nd–Bear Valley
8th Grade: 1st–Bear Valley | 2nd–Del Dios
Veterans Day:
All EUSD schools and the district office will be closed next week on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.
Report cards:
The first trimester of the 2025-2026 school year ends on November 14. First trimester report cards will be issued on Friday, November 21. Report cards for elementary school students will be distributed at school. Report cards for middle school students will be delivered by mail.
Honor a Caring Heart:
The nomination window is now open for the annual Caring Hearts Awards (PDF), presented by the dedicated group of volunteers behind the Escondido Education Foundation. Directions and forms are now available in all school offices, at the front desk of the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue, and online at this link: Printable Caring Hearts Nomination form (PDF). These awards recognize members of the education community who work under the radar while doing extraordinary work on behalf of students – directly supporting EUSD children in helping them find success and acceptance. These “caring hearts” do not seek recognition for themselves, and the foundation is in need of your nominations for the Caring Hearts Awards. The nominee can be any school staff member, parent volunteer, community member, or community organization. Anyone may submit a nomination. I encourage you to take a minute to think of all the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their support of students. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. December 15 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 6, 2026. Check the foundation website for future updates.
8th Grade SEACAMP Overnight Camp Opportunity for Spring Break 2026
EUSD is offering a NO-COST, 5-day day/4 4-night camp experience for 8th-grade students during Spring Break (April 6-10, 2026). This camp opportunity is through SEACAMP San Diego, an outside vendor based in Mission Bay, and includes a week of exciting marine exploration and learning. Students will engage in highly physical, interactive activities, including marine labs, snorkeling, kayaking, boogie boarding, beach and tidepool exploring, and even a full-day boat trip. Through these activities, students will learn concepts in the fields of oceanography, marine biology, ecology, and physiology. Campers will also learn about careers in these various fields. This will undoubtedly be an amazing opportunity for our 8th-grade students. On Monday, November 3, an email will be sent to all parents and guardians of 8th-grade students with a link to the student interest form. Space is limited.
6th Grade Camp Cuyamaca Overnight Camp Opportunity for Spring Break 2026
EUSD is offering a NO-COST, 5-day day/4 4-night camp experience for 6th-grade students during Spring Break (April 6-10, 2026). Sixth graders will have the chance to explore Cuyamaca Outdoor School in the Cleveland National Forest. The program incorporates trail experiences and citizen scientist projects to create hands-on learning that is meaningful, memorable, and fun. For many students, the weeklong, overnight experience transforms how they feel about science and themselves as learners. You can learn more about the Spring Break 2026 camp here.. On Monday, November 3, an email will be sent to all parents and guardians of 6th-grade students with a link to the Student Interest Form. Space is limited.
Thanksgiving recess:
The 2025 Thanksgiving break is scheduled for Monday, November 24, through Friday, November 28. All EUSD schools and the district office will be closed. Friday, November 21, is a minimum day for students.
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.