Earlier this week, the Escondido Union School District celebrated the grand reopening of Mission Middle School with a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 30. Families, students, staff, and community members gathered to honor the school’s rich history and its exciting new chapter.
The event featured a presentation of colors by the Orange Glen High School NJROTC, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mission student leaders Adilene Chamu and Merari Andrade, and remarks from Superintendent Dr. Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Board President Doug Paulson, Incoming Superintendent Andy McGuire, and Principal Jason Hoff. Guests then enjoyed a tour of the newly modernized campus and refreshments.
Originally opened in 1954 as Grant School, Mission Middle School has long been a cornerstone of the Escondido community. Thanks to the support of local voters through Proposition E, the campus has been transformed into a modern, sustainable, and secure learning environment featuring upgraded classrooms, new buildings, solar energy, and improved student and community spaces.
The ribbon-cutting was a proud moment for the Mission community and the entire EUSD family, symbolizing the district’s continued commitment to innovation, student success, and community partnerships.
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Time change:
It’s time to “fall back.” Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. today, November 3. Be sure to check clocks around your home to ensure that they have been set back one hour. We lose some daylight with this annual shift to standard time, which means that it will be darker on the way home from school for those students who participate in after-school enrichment and care programs. I encourage families and students to take extra care when traveling to and from school to adjust to the shift in daylight hours.
Veterans Day:
All EUSD schools and the district office will be closed next week on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.
Flag Rugby Saturdays are Back!
The 4th season of EUSD Flag Rugby is in its second week, on Saturdays at Rincon Middle School! A total of 22 teams from across the district competed in the first games of the Fall 2025 season, showing incredible teamwork, energy, and school pride as part of the Expanded Learning EXPLORE Program. This exciting opportunity is made possible through our partnership with the San Diego Legion and the Legion Community, bringing the fun and spirit of rugby to EUSD students and families. Big thanks to all our players, coaches, EUSD supporting staff, and families for an amazing start to another great season!
Honor a Caring Heart:
The nomination window is now open for the annual Caring Hearts Awards (PDF), 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. December 15 at the district office. The awards will be presented at the annual foundation dinner on February 6, 2026. Check the foundation website for future updates.
Celebrate Día de Los Muertos in Escondido!
The YMCA Expanded Learning Program invites families to a vibrant open-air festival honoring loved ones who have passed away and celebrating the beautiful traditions of Mexico. This free community event will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Escondido YMCA (1050 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025). The evening will bring together music, dance, and art in the heart of Escondido, featuring colorful altars, face painting, arts and crafts, and performances by Escondido Union School District students and Orange Glen High School dancers, along with Aztec dancers, Mariachi music, and much more.
8th Grade SEACAMP Overnight Camp Opportunity for Spring Break 2026
EUSD is offering a NO COST, 5 day/4 night camp experience for 8th-grade students during Spring Break (April 6-10, 2026). This camp opportunity is through SEACAMP San Diego, an outside vendor based in Mission Bay, and includes a week of exciting marine exploration and learning. Students will engage in highly physical, interactive activities, including marine labs, snorkeling, kayaking, boogie boarding, beach and tidepool exploring, and even a full-day boat trip. Through these activities, students will learn concepts in the fields of oceanography, marine biology, ecology, and physiology. Campers will also learn about careers in these various fields. This will undoubtedly be an amazing opportunity for our 8th-grade students. On Monday, November 3 an email will be sent to all parents and guardians of 8th grade students with a link to the student interest form. Space is limited.
6th Grade Camp Cuyamaca Overnight Camp Opportunity for Spring Break 2026
EUSD is offering a NO COST, 5 day/4 night camp experience for 6th grade students during Spring Break (April 6-10, 2026). Sixth graders will have the chance to explore Cuyamaca Outdoor School in the Cleveland National Forest. The program incorporates trail experiences and citizen scientist projects to create hands-on learning that is meaningful, memorable, and fun. For many students, the weeklong, overnight experience transforms how they feel about science and themselves as learners. You can learn more about the Spring Break 2026 camp here. On Monday, November 3 an email will be sent to all parents and guardians of 6th grade students with a link to the Student Interest Form. Space is limited.
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.