This week, the Escondido Education Foundation held the Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Grant Awards Ceremony. The Escondido Education Foundation is a community-driven fundraising organization that provides funding for programs that empower teachers, inspire learning, and promote innovation and academic excellence in EUSD. I was thrilled to learn that the Escondido Education Foundation awarded $71,000 in grants to EUSD teachers and students. During the event, two new grants were awarded in honor of Tamara Whitney and Brad Pascoe, two former EUSD teachers who have passed but have left behind a legacy of passion and innovation in EUSD! This year, the Tamara Whitney Memorial Grant was awarded to Del Dios Teacher Ms. Sheen Garcia to purchase advanced video equipment that will elevate the School News Program to new heights. The Brad Pascoe Memorial Grant was awarded to Hidden Valley PE Teacher Ms. Sarah Stank to support Frisbee Golf for Fitness, Fun, and Lifelong Play. The Leila Sackfield Grant was awarded to Reidy Creek Social Worker Ms. Kelly Sullivan to establish a Student Sensory Lending Library titled “The Calm Collection.” We thank the Escondido Education Foundation for being an invaluable partner and supporting EUSD!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
School Choice:
The School Choice application window for the 2026-2027 school year will be open Tuesday, December 2, through Friday, January 30. Typically, students attend the schools that serve the neighborhood attendance areas in which they live. School Choice is an opportunity for families to apply for an intradistrict transfer for their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school of residence, such as one of EUSD’s specialty schools:
Quantum Academy, a project-based learning school of choice for grades 4 through 8. Students live by Quantum’s five core values: lead with empathy, ask questions and seek answers, create, impact the community, and perseverance.
Dual Language Immersion at Farr, Glen View, Lincoln, and Pioneer, with a pathway to continue at Mission Middle School. The program begins in TK and follows an instructional model that is designed to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism for students whose primary language is English, as well as those whose primary language is Spanish.
Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning, follows the expeditionary learning model, or EL Model, which is a project-based learning approach with the core of the work's emphasis on authentic, multidisciplinary experiential learning and integration of rigorous content with real-world experiences that foster relational character development, and empower students to make the world a better place.
Explore all of our schools online. School Choice details and application links can be found on our website.
eSports Virtual Championship:
The Fall Season of our eSports league is coming to an epic conclusion! Mark your calendars because all middle schools will battle it out in the Virtual eSports Championship on Wednesday, December 10, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cheer on our talented gamers as they showcase their skills and teamwork in this exciting competition. Don’t miss the action—it's game time!
EUSD FIRST LEGO League Teams
We are proud to share that students at Central, Del Dios, Mission, Reidy Creek, and Pioneer participated in the FIRST LEGO League as an after-school EXPLORE class, practicing and preparing throughout the season. Their hard work paid off as all teams competed in the FIRST LEGO League Qualifying Tournament, showcasing impressive robotics skills, thoughtful presentations, and excellent teamwork.
We are excited to announce that Del Dios and Pioneer advanced to the Regional Tournament and competed on December 6 at High Tech High Mesa. We are incredibly proud of every team for their dedication and growth!
City library programs:
Join the Escondido Public Library in celebrating Santa by the Fireside on Thursday, December 11, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Room located at 247 South Kalmia Street. Celebrate the season with the Literacy staff! Enjoy a cozy storytime, a visit from Santa, holiday crafts, and warm hot chocolate with treats. Join for a festive evening and learn how literacy services support the community, while taking a peek inside the Pioneer Room. View the Santa by the Fireside Flyer at this link. Santa by the Fireside Spanish Flyer
Opportunity to Serve on the EUSD Personnel Commission
The Escondido Union School District is seeking interested community members to serve on its Personnel Commission for a three-year term beginning February 2026. The Personnel Commission is a non-partisan public body that helps ensure fair and equitable employment practices for classified (non-teaching) employees in our district. Commissioners meet monthly to review and provide oversight of staff recommendations.
To be eligible, applicants must be registered voters, residents of Escondido, and supporters of the merit system principles. Appointees may not be current EUSD employees or members of any school district governing board.
Interested residents are invited to submit an application and résumé by 4:00 p.m. on December 18, 2025, to Ashley Bird at abird@eusd.org or by mail to: Escondido Union School District, 2310 Aldergrove Avenue, Escondido, CA 92029.
Click here to access the application for Personnel Commissioner
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