I’m thrilled to announce our District Employees of the Year: 8th-grade science teacher Amber Terry of Rincon Middle School (Teacher of the Year–Middle School), dual-language kindergarten teacher Diana Kim of Glen View (Teacher of the Year–Elementary School), and school office manager Tracy Meneses of Juniper Elementary (Classified Employee of the Year). Please join me in congratulating these extraordinary members of the EUSD community. We are grateful for their dedication to supporting our students, staff, and families.
That same spirit of excellence and innovation was also on full display across our schools this month. We were excited to welcome our families to Hidden Valley Middle School’s 3rd Annual Showcase on March 19! The event beautifully highlighted the incredible teaching and learning taking place at HVMS and brought our Framework for the Future to life. Through student demonstrations, project-based learning, performances, and interactive experiences, our students truly shone as Effective Communicators, Creative Problem Solvers, and Critical Thinkers. It was wonderful to see families—especially our incoming 6th-grade community—exploring programs like the E-Sports Arena and Culinary Classroom and experiencing firsthand the innovative, engaging environment that defines HVMS.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Spring break:
The 2026 spring break for EUSD is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, through Monday, April 13. We look forward to students’ return to campus on Tuesday, April 14. As a reminder, Wednesday, April 1, is a minimum day for students in TK through 8th grade. Check this bell schedule for your school’s release time. EUSD will be closed to all on Friday, April 3, and the district office will be closed to the public from Monday, April 6, through Friday, April 10.
LCAP Community Input Survey
Planning for the 2026-27 LCAP has begun. We truly value feedback and input from parents, guardians, staff, and community members. Please take a few minutes to complete the LCAP survey. The survey will be open through Sunday, March 31st.
Earth Day Escondido
Join us in celebrating our planet and strengthening our community at the 3rd Annual Earth Day Escondido! Taking place on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Washington Park, this free, family-friendly event will feature hands-on activities, sustainability exhibits, gardening tips, arts and crafts, and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and take part in meaningful actions that support a healthier future for all. We hope to see you there!
Fishing for a cause:
EUSD is a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Escondido – Hidden Valley, which supports a number of programs in our community with a focus on making a positive impact on the lives of children. We are pleased to invite our families to attend the club’s Trout Derby fundraiser on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and April 19, at Dixon Lake. All proceeds support programs in Escondido. The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. The fishing derby entry fee is $20 for adults, and $14 for children and seniors. This family-friendly event also includes free Kiddie Ponds on the pier for children 8 and younger. In addition, numerous volunteer opportunities are available at the event; to get involved, contact the club by email.
Last Chance to nominate for Teacher appreciation:
The San Diego Helpful Honda Dealers will be honoring deserving teachers throughout San Diego County by surprising them with $5,000 worth of school supplies and materials to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in May. The San Diego Helpful Honda Teacher Appreciation Awards is seeking your help to identify teachers whose efforts have greatly impacted their students, community, or school – educators who have gone above and beyond to give their students a memorable and unmatched educational experience. To nominate a deserving teacher, submit the Helpful Honda nomination form by Monday, March 31.
Last Chance: Submit a nominee for Community Advisory Committee “Excellence in Special Education”
Families are invited to help us recognize the incredible educators, staff members, and leaders who support students with disabilities by submitting a nomination for the North Inland Special Education Region (NISER) Community Advisory Committee’s Excellence in Special Education Awards. These awards honor individuals who inspire students to reach their full potential, build confidence and dignity, and strengthen services for students with disabilities across our region. Nominations are due March 31, 2026, and the awards ceremony will take place on May 18, 2026. Please consider submitting a nomination using the linked nomination form provided and help us celebrate those making a difference in the lives of our 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.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of Schools