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Welcome to this month’s Eastside Union School District newsletter. Below you’ll find key updates, recent events, and resources to keep your family informed and connected.
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Season of Thanks: A Message from Dr. FullwoodDear Eastside Union School District Staff, Students, Families, and Community,
As we turn the calendar to November, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude for our extraordinary school community. This month is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and appreciate all that we share, and to honor the spirit of giving that unites us all.
A Heartfelt Thank You
First and foremost, thank you. To our dedicated teachers, support staff, administrators, and all who work behind the scenes: your passion, creativity, and care are the foundation of our success. Every day, you show up not just to teach, but to inspire, support, and uplift our students. I am profoundly grateful for your commitment and unwavering service.
To our students: thank you for bringing your curiosity, energy, resilience—and sometimes your challenges—to school each day. Your growth reminds us why we do this work. And to our parents, caregivers, and community partners: your support, trust, and collaboration make everything we do possible. Education is truly a shared mission—one that requires teamwork from every corner.
Reflecting on What Matters
November invites reflection—not just on our personal blessings, but on the strength of community. Over the past months, I’ve witnessed countless small acts of kindness:
These actions reflect the very best of us. They show that our community isn’t just about academic achievement—but about building character, empathy, and connection.
The Spirit of Giving
Gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s also an invitation to act. As we move through this season:
Looking Ahead
Our work in EUSD doesn’t pause just because the leaves are falling. We remain committed to excellence, equity, and growth—for every student, every staff member, and every family. As we enter this season of thankfulness, I am energized by the progress we’ve made and hopeful for what lies ahead.
From my heart to yours, thank you. Thank you for being part of this community, for believing in our mission, and for giving so much of yourselves to make our schools a place of possibility and belonging.
Wishing you a month filled with gratitude, generosity, and joy.
In gratitude and service,
Dr. Jezelle Fullwood
Superintendent
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Families from across the district gathered at Columbia Elementary this month for Soul Food Sunday, the latest Family Dinner Book Club event. Before attending, families read the story at home, then came together for a discussion, to share reflections, and enjoy a soul food dinner connected to the book.
Students had the chance to win prizes at the end, and the event created a warm and memorable evening where families learned from one another and celebrated shared traditions and new experiences.
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As part of McKinney-Vento Awareness Month, the EUSD Community Center hosted its annual Family Resource Day in November. Families had access to essential items including winter wear, clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, diapers, and additional support offered by district staff and community partners
This yearly event strengthens the district’s commitment to supporting family needs and ensuring that every student has access to the resources that contribute to both their well-being and academic success.
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The first Parent University of the year was kicked off at Enterprise Elementary, where families gathered for a morning of learning, connection, and student leadership. Principal Mrs. Hogg offered her presentation time to the Student Council, giving students the opportunity to lead the session. They delivered an engaging presentation on mindfulness and even brought audience members into the activity, creating an interactive and meaningful experience for everyone in the room.
To close the morning, Enterprise’s music class and dance team delivered outstanding performances that showcased student talent and school pride. Families also enjoyed a raffle with prizes such as LEGO sets and gift cards, adding a lively finish to an already engaging session.
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EUSD recently hosted a community partner collaboration at the District Office to strengthen the support network available to our students and families. Partners from across the Antelope Valley came together to share their programs, discuss student and family needs, and explore how their services can align with the district’s goals.
The purpose of the gathering was simple: to build stronger connections between EUSD and the organizations that serve our community. By understanding partner services and identifying shared priorities, the district can better connect families to resources such as academic support, health services, cultural programs, and career preparation opportunities. This collaboration helps ensure that students and families receive support where they are and when they need it, making it easier for every child to succeed.
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All EUSD schools and offices participated in the statewide Great ShakeOut earthquake drill in October, giving students and staff the opportunity to review safety procedures and practice how to respond during an emergency. Classrooms conducted the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill, followed by site-level protocols that help reinforce readiness.
These annual exercises strengthen the district’s overall preparedness and ensure that students and staff know what to do to stay safe during an emergency.
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As we move into Fall Break, it’s a great time to plan ahead for a strong finish to the semester. When students return on Monday, December 1, there will be 15 school days before Winter Break. Each day of instruction matters, and maintaining consistent routines helps students stay engaged and on track academically.
Key Dates
With only 15 school days in December, this short stretch is an important opportunity for students to build progress, finish the semester confidently, and head into January prepared for a strong start to the new year.
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Schools across the district continue to recognize strong attendance with creative activities that motivate students and build school spirit. These celebrations highlight the importance of being present and show students that their commitment makes a difference.
For example, Columbia Elementary welcomed students with a red-carpet lunch to celebrate consistent attendance, while Cole Middle School hosted a pizza party for students meeting perfect attendance goals. These activities reflect the ongoing district-wide effort to support regular attendance and celebrate student progress.
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The EUSD Community Center continues to serve as a bridge between school and community, supporting the health and wellness of our students and families through ongoing services and partnerships.
Services Offered:
The EUSD Community Center is open Monday to Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm at 45006 30th St E, Lancaster, CA 93535 (next to the District Office).
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Monthly Food Distribution – December 5The EUSD Community Center, in partnership with the Rescue Mission Alliance, will host its next monthly food distribution on Friday, December 5, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the District Office (44938 30th Street East). This drive-through distribution is open to all families, and no pre-registration is required.
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In addition to EUSD’s monthly distribution, families can access food pantries and community meal programs throughout the Antelope Valley all week long. The schedule below lists multiple locations, days, and times for free food resources available to the public.
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Friday, December 5 • 11:00am-12:00pm
Food Distribution at the District Office
Thursday, December 11 • 9:00am-11:00am
DELAC Meeting #2 at the District Office
Friday, December 12 • 8:30am-10:00am
Parent University at Columbia Elementary
Saturday, December 13 • 8:00am-1:00pm
Saturday School Attendance Recovery at Tierra Bonita Elementary
Wednesday, December 17 • 5:00pm-7:00pm
EUSD Board Meeting and Annual Organizational Meeting
Thursday, December 18 • 10:00am-12:00pm
Holiday Distribution at the District Office
Friday, December 19
Minimum Day
Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 9
Winter Break (No School)
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