|
Welcome to the March Issue of our district newsletter! As we close out February, we’re excited to share highlights from the past month while also looking ahead to what’s coming in March.
|
|
|
|
- Superintendent's Message: Celebrating Success and Focusing on Student Well-Being
- EUSD Celebrates Black Heritage Month
- Coffee with the Superintendent: Strengthening Connections Across EUSD
- SDC Super Bowl: 3-6 Grade Students Showcase Skills & Sportsmanship
- Eastside Elementary 6th Graders Visit Cole Middle School
- Attendance Corner: Staying on Track for a Strong Finish!
- Now Enrolling for the 2025-2026 School Year!
- Saturday School Attendance Recovery Information
- Upcoming Meetings: DELAC and AAAC
- Enhancing Campus Safety: EUSD’s Partnership with Covered 6
- EUSD Community Center Resources
- Upcoming Events for March 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcoming March & Celebrating Success – A Message from the Superintendent
|
Dear Eastside Union School District Families,
Welcome March! It is hard to believe we have less than 4 more full months of the school year! As your proud Superintendent, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, families, and community of Eastside Union School District.
As we embrace the month of March, there are so many things to celebrate. Let’s honor the contributions of women throughout history in recognition of Women's History Month. March is also Reading Month and the joys of reading span a lifetime. Let’s focus on healthy eating in recognition of National Nutrition Month, as well.
Reflecting on continuous improvement, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates with you:
- I was honored to meet so many of you during the latest round of Coffee with the Superintendent.
- We are seeing gains in our attendance across the district. Keep us the good work by coming to school everyday, on time and ready to learn!
- Our most recent scores from iReady show incremental gains. Keep practicing those grade level skills and read every single day!
- Lastly, congratulations to Cole Middle School 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball Teams for winning the Antelope Valley Basketball Championship.
Stay tuned for more information about improvement efforts in the upcoming months!
As always, I am available to you. I welcome the opportunity to meet, listen, and share ideas about ways to improve the whole child, whole family, and whole community experience for our students.
With Pride,
Dr. Jezelle Fullwood
Superintendent
|
|
|
|
|
EUSD Celebrates Black History Month
|
Eastside Union School District hosted its 2nd annual Family Fun Day in celebration of Black History Month, bringing together students, families, staff, and community members for an evening of culture, history, and community spirit.
This year’s theme Music Through the Decades, highlighted the powerful influence of Black artists and musical traditions across different eras. The event, held at Columbia Elementary School, featured incredible student performances, each representing a specific decade and musical genre:
- 1960s - Soul: Enterprise Elementary dancers brought the energy and rhythm of classic soul music.
- 1970s - Funk: The District Office participated with a small fashion show, reflecting the bold and expressive style of the funk era.
- 1980s - Hip-Hop: Columbia Dance Team took the stage with moves inspired by the golden age of hip-hop.
- Late 1980s - Early 1990s - New Jack Swing: Tierra Bonita’s boys and girls dance groups showcased the upbeat, fusion style of this influential genre.
- 2000s - Contemporary R&B/Neo Soul: Eastside Elementary delivered a vocal performance representing the smooth sounds of neo-soul and modern R&B.
- 2020s - Progressive Hip-Hop: Cole Middle School Band performed a powerful set, while the Cole Cheer Team energized the crowd with their routine.
The event kicked off with a tribal performance by The Storm Family, setting the tone for an evening of celebration. Attendees also participated in a dance line, where students and families took center stage to show off their best moves.
Local community partners joined the celebration, offering resources and engaging with families. Giveaways were distributed throughout the event, recognizing student participation and encouraging engagement.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring Black history, culture, and achievements!
|
|
|
Coffee with the Superintendent: Strengthening Connections Across EUSD
|
Over the past several weeks, Superintendent Dr. Fullwood hosted a series of Coffee with the Superintendent events, providing families with a welcoming space to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and share feedback about their schools and the district.
At each event, Dr. Fullwood shared the current state of the district and her vision for the future of EUSD, outlining key goals and initiatives aimed at enhancing student success. Parents had the opportunity to learn about district priorities, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions with both school and district leadership.
The series began on January 14th at Eastside Elementary, followed by Tierra Bonita Elementary, Enterprise Elementary, and Cole Middle School, each stop offering valuable insights and fostering open dialogue. The final event on February 18th at Columbia Elementary wrapped up the series, bringing together families, administrators, and district staff for one last round of discussion and engagement.
These gatherings reinforced EUSD’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and family involvement in education. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents, staff, and administrators who participated!
While this series has concluded, the conversation continues—EUSD remains dedicated to keeping families informed and involved as we work together to shape the future of our schools.
|
|
|
SDC Super Bowl: 3-6 Grade Students Showcase Skills & Sportsmanship
|
Taking inspiration from the NFL, the 3-6 grade SDC classes organized their very own flag football competition, forming two teams—Team A and Team B—across multiple school sites. Before hitting the field, students learned the rules of flag football and practiced essential skills such as throwing, passing, running, pulling flags, teamwork, strategy, game planning, and sportsmanship. Even the staff got a workout while supporting the players!
The first-ever SDC Super Bowl took place over three days, from February 10-12, with 30 minutes of gameplay each day. After the final whistle, the total points were tallied to determine the champion.
We celebrate all of the teams that played for their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. A special thank you to APE teacher Pat Bledsoe and classroom teachers Ms. Callis, Ms. Miles, and Ms. Benjamin for their support in making this event a success.
As a token of their achievement, all participants will receive a medal recognizing their efforts. Congratulations to Team A, and great job to all players!
|
|
|
Eastside Elementary 6th Graders Visit Cole Middle School
|
Eastside Elementary 6th graders took an exciting step toward their next chapter as they visited Cole Middle School for a special orientation experience.
The visit began with a warm welcome from the Cole Middle School cheer team, their future counselors, and the school Principal. Students were introduced to middle school expectations, helping them prepare for the transition ahead.
During their visit, students had the opportunity to explore classrooms, meet teachers, and learn about the various programs and activities Cole Middle School has to offer. This firsthand experience gave them a glimpse of what to expect and helped ease any nerves about starting middle school.
To make the day even more memorable, students wrote letters to their future selves, which they will read once they officially begin their middle school journey. This activity encouraged them to reflect on their goals and aspirations for the years ahead.
This visit was a great way to help students feel confident and excited about their transition to middle school. We can’t wait to welcome them back as Cole Middle School students next year!
|
|
|
Staying on Track for a Strong Finish!
|
As we move into the final stretch of the school year, every school day counts! With 63 school days left until summer break, now is the time to stay focused, stay committed, and finish strong.
___
Plan Ahead for Success
We know that spring brings well-deserved breaks, but staying on track with attendance is key. Planning ahead can help ensure students miss as little school as possible. Here’s what’s coming up:
📌 Non-Student Days: No school on March 14th and March 17th—a great time to schedule doctor, dental, or other necessary appointments!
📌 Spring Break: Schools will be closed from April 14th to April 21st. Use this time to rest and recharge so students can stay engaged through the final weeks of school.
📌 Looking Ahead: The last day of school is June 11th. With summer break approaching, let’s make the most of the learning time we have left!
___
Tips to Finish Strong:
- Stick to a Routine – Keep consistent bedtimes and morning routines to help students stay energized and ready to learn.
- Schedule Appointments Wisely – Try to book medical and other appointments after school hours or on non-student days.
- Stay Engaged – Encourage students to stay active in class, participate in discussions, and ask for help when needed.
- Celebrate Progress – Recognizing good attendance can help motivate students to keep up the good work!
|
|
|
|
Celebrating Attendance Success!
|
At Columbia Elementary, students who achieved perfect attendance in February were treated to two exciting movie nights as a reward for their dedication. Great job to all the students and families making attendance a priority!
Let’s continue working together to build strong attendance habits and make every school day count!
|
|
|
|
|
Now Enrolling for the 2025-2026 School Year!
|
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! Families can register online at eastsideusd.org through the Aeries Online Enrollment system.
Preschool Enrollment (Opens March 1, 2025)
✔️ Children must be 3 years old on or before August 1, 2025
✔️ Enrollment is first-come, first-served, based on availability
✔️ Parents can request a morning (3-hour) or afternoon (3-hour) program
TK & Kindergarten Enrollment (Now Open)
✔️ Kindergarten: For children turning 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025
✔️ Transitional Kindergarten (TK): For children turning 4 years old by September 1, 2025
|
|
|
|
Recover Missed School Days with Saturday School Attendance Recovery
|
Saturday School Attendance Recovery is available for Kindergarten through 8th grade students and helps compensate for lost instructional time due to absences. Sessions are held at Enterprise Elementary School from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Next Session:
|
|
|
|
|
|
District English Learner Advisory Committee
|
The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) provides valuable input on the district’s English Language Development Program. We invite you to join us to provide feedback and participate in conversations about supporting English learners.
Meeting #4: Thu, March 20th from 9am-11am
|
|
|
African American Advisory Committee
|
The African American Advisory Committee (AAAC) is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for African American students and their families. Join us to collaborate and provide feedback on strategies to enhance student outcomes and strengthen our community!
Meeting #4: Tue, March 11th from 9am-11am
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enhancing Campus Safety: EUSD’s Partnership with Covered 6
|
At Eastside Union School District, ensuring a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and families is a top priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to school safety, we have partnered with Covered 6, a professional security service specializing in school safety and emergency preparedness.
Through this partnership, two full-time safety officers are assigned to EUSD. Their primary role is to increase vigilance across school sites, support staff and students, and assist in maintaining a safe learning environment.
How Covered 6 Supports Our Schools:
- Campus Safety & Supervision – Safety officers regularly patrol school sites and monitor perimeters to help prevent disruptions and ensure student safety.
- Traffic Assistance – Officers help direct traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up to improve safety around school entrances.
- Student Supervision & Conflict Prevention – Officers provide an extra layer of supervision, particularly during high-traffic times like school dismissal, to help prevent conflicts and ensure a safe departure for students.
- Immediate Response to Safety Concerns – Officers are available to assist when safety concerns arise, working closely with school staff and law enforcement when necessary.
- Dedicated Support at Cole Middle School – One officer is stationed full-time at Cole Middle School, providing additional supervision and support throughout the school day.
- Collaboration with School Leadership – Officers work in partnership with administrators to develop and implement school safety plans.
This partnership reflects EUSD’s proactive approach to school safety, ensuring that students can focus on learning in a secure and supportive environment.
For any safety-related concerns, please reach out to your school administration or the district office.
|
|
|
|
|
EUSD Community Center: Your Resource Hub
|
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:
- Food Assistance – Emergency groceries available upon request.
- Free Repeat Boutique – Clothes Closet with new and gently used items. Donations welcome.
- Computer Access – Available for parent use to assist with enrollment, job applications, or other needs.
- Parent Support Services – Help with school registration, ParentSquare, and district resources.
- Community Partnerships – Connections to local organizations offering housing support, mental health referrals, and other resources.
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).
|
|
|
|
Monthly Food Distributions – Next on March 7th
|
The EUSD Community Center in partnership with the Rescue Mission Alliance, hosts monthly food distributions to support our community. These events are open to everyone and take place one Friday each month from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the District Office.
Our next distribution is on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 11:00am to 12:00pm. No pre-registration is needed—just come by!
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, March 1 • 8am-12:30pm
RISE Basketball Tournament at AVHS
Wednesday, March 5 • 5:30pm-7pm
EUSD Regular Board Meeting
Friday, March 7 • 11am-12pm
Food Distribution at the District Office
Tuesday, March 11 • 9am-11am
African American Advisory Committee Meeting #4
Friday, March 14 and Monday, March 17
Non-Student Day - No School
Wednesday, March 19 • 5:30pm-7pm
EUSD Regular Board Meeting
Thursday, March 20 • 9am-11am
DELAC Meeting
Friday, March 21 • 8:30am-10am
Parent University at Tierra Bonita Elementary
|
|
|
Eastside Union School District
Everyone Contributes, Every Student Achieves
|
|