The Rotary Club of Escondido held its annual Rotary Awards at Bear Valley Middle School last Wednesday night, where we recognized a fifth- and eighth-grade student from each school with an Outstanding Achievement Award and a Service Above Self Award. Congratulations to all our recipients, and a huge thank you to the Rotary Club for providing this opportunity to recognize our amazing students.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
2026-27 Before and After School Program (BASP) Interest Form Is Now Open!
The Expanded Learning Program opened the 2026-27 Before- and After-School Program Interest Form on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. An email with details and a link to the form was sent to all current EUSD families. The form was also posted on our website, so families of incoming or new students may also express their interest. Please note that enrollment is not first-come, first-served. Our programs are funded through the California Department of Education (CDE), and priority enrollment will be given to foster/homeless youth, students eligible for free or reduced price meals, and English learners. If interest exceeds space available, a lottery will be conducted. While the interest form will remain open throughout the 2026-27 school year, the first round of applications will be reviewed in May. The deadline for form submission to be considered for Round 1 is Friday, May 8, 2026. 2026-27 Before and After School Program (BASP) Interest Form
Upcoming EUSD smART Festival
Mark your calendars for the 14th Annual smART Festival on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. This year’s theme, "EUSD Grows Creativity," celebrates our students’ artistic journeys as their work is displayed in the Center’s Museum alongside professional artists and performed on the Center Theatre stage. Whether your student is a featured artist or simply enjoys the visual and performing arts, we invite all families to join us for a day of inspiration, including hands-on activities for everyone. We can’t wait to see our community flourish through the arts!
Esports Spring Championship
Game on! Our Middle School Esports Spring Championship showcases our top Elite Gaming Live (EGL) curriculum leaders and elite gamers. After a season of mastering career-based lessons and excelling in tournaments, these finalists are ready to compete for the title!
When: Wednesday, April 29 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Rincon Middle School
The Games: Rocket League, FIFA, Super Smash Bros, and Mario Kart
CAASPP Testing
3rd- through 8th-grade students have begun taking the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), and testing is currently underway.
The CAASPP is a computer-based assessment that will measure students' progress in English language arts and math. Additionally, students in Grades 5 and 8 are required to take a science assessment. Each school has developed its own testing schedule. The testing window will be open through May 22.
While a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and encouragement to do their best are always important for students, please take a moment to ensure these steps happen on testing days.
The CAASPP is designed to promote high-quality teaching and learning by giving information to teachers, students, and their families about what students know and can do. For complete details, view the official CAASPP notification here.
Physical Fitness Test - Grades 5 and 7
Physical Fitness testing is underway for 5th and 7th-grade students as required by the state. The main goal of the Physical Fitness Test, also called the PFT, is to help students start lifelong habits of regular physical activity. For complete details, view the official PFT notification here.
School Library Month:
Did you know that April is School Library Month? There are amazing things happening in school libraries across EUSD. Libraries serve every single student on our campuses. Besides providing crucial literacy support to students who have limited access to books outside of school, our libraries are often key places of social and emotional support outside of their regular classrooms. We are grateful to our library staff members for helping our students actualize their potential. Happy School Library Month!
Summer on the horizon:
As we head into the final month of the 2025-2026 school year, be sure to stay connected with your school site for the schedule of end-of-the-year events, including on-campus promotion ceremonies and the collection of all district-issued materials such as textbooks and iPads. Every school day counts when it comes to student success, and we appreciate your support of consistent student attendance for a strong finish to the school year. The last day of school for students is Wednesday, June 10. It is a minimum day for students. Please review the bell schedule for your child’s school.
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, Incoming Superintendent of Schools