Mondays mean LEGOs in Mrs. Martinez’s Kindergarten class! Students can’t wait to unpack and start creating and constructing. This fun, predictable STEAM routine makes Monday mornings something to look forward to. As children build alongside one another, friendships take shape through shared ideas, helping hands, and joyful conversations.
A familiar sound signals the transition to morning meeting, where students gather as a class family to connect, share, and talk about the day ahead. They close with deep breaths and a reminder of who they are: “I am kind. I am helpful. I am a good friend.” This week, otter breathing was a hit. Children lie on their backs, hands on their bellies, watching their bellies rise and fall with each slow breath. These moments help children feel grounded, cared for, and ready to learn.
The important work of becoming readers continues through playful, multisensory instruction. Each week brings a new letter sound, and this week, students celebrated /h/ with hammers, houses, and happiness. Through sound activities and hands-on practice, students build early reading skills while cheering one another on.
In math, cubes and five-frames help students make sense of numbers and solve story problems. Without prompting, they begin creating their own math stories, sharing ideas, explaining their thinking, and discovering that they are capable mathematicians.
In science, four plants are helping students investigate what living things need to grow. One, affectionately named Mr. Perfect, receives everything it needs, while the others each go without water, light, or air. Students observe, make connections, and ask questions.
At Pioneer Elementary, these experiences reflect the school’s Puma PATH: Pursue passions, Act with compassion, Take risks and think critically, and Honor self and community. Families are valued partners, too. Weekly letters share learning goals and ideas for home, while photos and celebrations keep families connected to the discoveries and accomplishments of the week.
Kindergarten is a year of big beginnings. When children feel safe, seen, and loved, they become more willing to ask questions, take risks, and discover what they can do. The relationships, confidence, and sense of belonging they build here can travel with them throughout their journey at EUSD.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
🎃 Escondido High School Pumpkin Fest
Celebrate fall with the Escondido High School FFA & Ag Boosters at their annual Pumpkin Fest on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the EHS Farm (1535 N. Broadway)! Families can enjoy carnival games, tractor rides, a petting zoo, face painting, crafts, food, vendors, and more, including the chance to pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Admission is free, so bring the family and enjoy a fun fall day in our community!
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!
Honor a Caring Heart:
The nomination window is now open for the annual Caring Hearts Awards, 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. on November 17 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 26, 2027. Check the foundation website for future updates.
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)
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