AT A GLANCE: 

~EUSD Vision~

Ignite the Limitless Potential of All Learners.

 

Dear EUSD Community,

School safety continues to be a district priority. We all know the landscape of safety in schools has shifted over the years and the types of crises districts must plan for are numerous and complex. In EUSD, we are fortunate to have invested heavily in security measures and training in the last 8 years. Although we know we can never eliminate all risks, it is our intention to mitigate risks as much as possible and still ensure that our campuses are fun, joyful places for learning. We know your confidence and trust in us requires an understanding of the vast efforts being utilized to keep our students and staff safe.

Some of our safety practices, procedures and updates include:

- All sites have dedicated safety plans that are approved yearly by law enforcement, local fire departments and School Site Councils with specific procedures for various crisis situations from wildfires, to earthquakes, to pandemics to active shooters.

- All sites have done Crisis Management Training with Run, Hide, Fight techniques, situational awareness, decision making, and crisis communication.

- Sites have had active shooter simulation drills for staff with our trainers and/or law enforcement.

- Each campus has been walked with professionals to determine areas of vulnerability or need.

- Staff members are equipped with handheld radios which are critical to managing a threat on campus. Early detection of something amiss and swift all school communication can make a tremendous difference in response times. After receiving feedback from staff regarding several radio challenges, we recently piloted a new Motorola radio. These new radios are more powerful, clear sounding, sturdy, have more functionality, and are easier to operate. We are in the process of providing this updated model for staff members at all sites. 

- We have an emergency communication system with parents, Parentlink, which allows us to text notifications out immediately.

- EUSD upgraded school intercom systems to allow for public announcements to be made from any phone on campus. Additionally, we get instant notification of 911 calls include exact location and listening in capabilities.

- There are lock blocks on every door.

- We have added gates, fencing and/or privacy fencing in areas of need to provide greater security and/or exit options.

- We have reduced and/or reconfigured points of entry and exit.

- All classrooms have emergency kits. All sites have emergency supplies.

- All sites do lockdown drills, fire drills and earthquake drills with students, including the Great California Shakeout drill. Our student training message is for students to stop, look and wait for a staff member to guide them as the safest place may not be the classroom. Staff members using their handheld radios can communicate directions to each other to avoid students moving toward an unsafe situation.

- There are security cameras on campuses.

- Buildings have been labeled for law enforcement on the outside of the building and roofs. These are the large letters you see.

- We have site blueprints and grids in law enforcement locked boxes on each campus.

- The Raptor/Visitor Management System is in use at every campus.

- We also continue to recognize the importance of strong social and emotional and mental health services for children. Students receive weekly TRAC (Teambuilding, Regulation, Awareness and Community) lessons. Additionally, we have school counselors and psychologists.

Please review the Safety Presentation slides below for more information. Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep our schools safe.

Warmly,

Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent

 

EUSD is committed to the safety of students and staff, and works diligently to prevent and prepare for a variety of risks and emergencies. Eric Smith, Director of Facilities and Safety, presented a safety update at the February PTA President's monthly meeting. Please look over the presentation for specific updates on comprehensive school safety plans, staff safety trainings, bike safety measures, new site radios, and site and classroom emergency supplies. 

 

 

Dr. Amy Illingworth, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, provided a mid-year update on the district's Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) at the February 11 board meeting. 

The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) plays a key role in California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). This three-year, district-level plan is updated each year and outlines the district's five primary goals for student success. It also details the specific actions and expenditures the district will undertake to meet these goals, along with the metrics used to track progress. 

This mid-year update provides insight into current LCAP goal progress and next steps.

Multilingual learners are students who have developed or are developing proficiency in both English and one or more other languages, which may be their home language. Jennifer Bond, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability, presented an update on the multilingual learner program and student progress at the February 11 board meeting.

 

Fifth-grade students from La Costa Heights (LCH) had an amazing opportunity to visit the Capitol while the California State Legislature was in session! What made this trip particularly impactful was that the students collaborated to present a bill proposal they had created themselves to elected officials during their visit. The bill, centered on building inclusive playgrounds, is named the California Inclusive Playgrounds Act (CIPA). In preparation, students compiled data, consulted with experts, talked with a White House policy maker, conducted field research, and created their presentation. Students had the chance to present their bill to California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, and Encinitas representatives State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and State Senator Catherine Blakespear. The passion and dedication of these skilled communicators was evident throughout their presentation - students even wore matching "choose to include" shirts from the EUSD Special Education Parent Council.

Additionally, students prepared elevator pitches about their bill to share with anyone they met on the trip. "Kids were giving out elevator pitches left and right," said LCH teacher, Natalie Christ. "From the San Diego Airport to breakfast at the hotel, to conversations in elevators, and even while waiting in lines at the Capitol.”

Students also practiced being empowered learners and global citizens as they observed sessions in the assembly gallery, heard from congress members and Dr. Shirley Weber, and were introduced on the House and Senate floors by Assemblymember Boerner and Senator Blakespear. 

This real-world learning experience gave students an up-close look at how our government systems work and how laws are made. A huge shout-out to the amazing LCH fifth-grade teachers, Sean Murphy, Natalie Christ and Katie Andan, and the many parent volunteers for making this opportunity possible! 

“This project is a perfect example of the learning experiences we are striving to create for all learners. Throughout the process the students were in charge of the work, they were excited and engaged because it was connected to their passions and their community, and it was based on what they wanted to achieve,” said Dr. Amy Illingworth, EUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. “This was a real, authentic problem about something that is not inclusive and equitable in their lives, and they personalized their problem-solving approach to create a solution that can impact not just their school, but all schools and parks in California.”

The next step for their bill is to secure a legislator who will sponsor it for a vote in the 2026 legislative docket. In the meantime, students will be meeting with the Executive Director for the California Building Standards Commission and potentially the state architect.

Watch a video of their bill presentation here.

Watch their trip highlight video here.

 

EUSD students are hard at work with BCK Programs as they learn how to understand and address environmental concerns! Here are a few highlights from this month:

- Students at Mission Estancia, Olivenhain Pioneer, and Park Dale Lane have been engaging in comprehensive climate action lessons, learning about concepts like water pollution, litter prevention, and energy conservation.

- Students at Capri, Flora Vista, Mission Estancia, and Paul Ecke Central are currently exploring the environmental benefits of hydroponic farming and are patiently awaiting the harvest of their crops!

- At Ocean Knoll, 3rd graders are engaged in climate action lessons and are currently exploring concepts like waste diversion. Ocean Knoll Green Team students are also helping prepare for the school’s Zero Waste Festival on March 14.

- On February 12, BCK and Mission Estancia’s PTA partnered to host a beach cleanup at South Ponto Beach. Students collected and properly disposed of an impressive 22 lbs of litter!

 

On or before March 3, 2025, parents/guardians of returning students will receive an email with information on accessing the 2025-2026 Verification of Address and Intent to Return Form via PowerSchool Registration Support. Completion of the address verification and intent to return form is required for all current EUSD students who plan on attending school in EUSD for the 2025-2026 school year. Access will be available beginning March 3, 2025.

Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder for an email from: Support<noreplyregistration@powerschool.com>

We look forward to working with you through this process. For any further information or if you have questions, please contact your school secretary or Amy León, Executive Assistant in the Business Services Department at Enrollment@eusd.net or 760-944-4300, ext. 1161.

Join us on Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. for Band-O-Rama! This concert is a highly anticipated celebration of music, bringing together talented student musicians from EUSD, Diegueño and Oak Crest Middle Schools, San Dieguito Academy, and La Costa Canyon High School. It’s not only a chance for our Band students to shine but also a fantastic way to highlight the impact of the Encinitas Education Foundation's commitment to music education. 

Please join Dr. Andrée Grey for a Superintendent Chat at your site on the following dates.  Discussion Topics include:

District Updates, Bond Measure Z Information, and Input & Feedback.

 

Enrollment for new students for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. This is for new incoming students only, not returning students.

Those eligible for enrollment include:

- Students turning 5 on or before September 1,
   2025
- Current residents within EUSD boundaries
- New incoming EUSD students of any grade

For more information and to enroll online, visit eusd.net/registration.

Learn about tips, tools, and strategies to support your children with common mental health challenges through a free webinar series hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education and medical and mental health experts with the Transforming Mental Health Initiative at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego.

The next session is scheduled for March 19 and will focus on stress, resilience, and the power of support. Each session runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by an optional, 15-minute question and answer session with the presenter. Register at the link below to receive the webinar link. Spanish interpretation will be provided. 

 

JOIN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO SHARE IN OUR STUDENT AND STAFF STORIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

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