Rincon Community News #10
October 17, 2026

Principal Weekly Message
Greetings Rincon Community,
Archaeological Dig Day
Uncovering the past to build skills for the future! 6th graders recently traded traditional desks for dirt, turning their classrooms into hands-on archaeological digs. Stepping into the shoes—and hats!—of real archaeologists as they dug into, "What is culture?" and "How does archaeology help us learn about the past?"
Each dig box represented a distinct historical era. Through painstaking digging, sifting, brushing, and meticulous documentation, students brought history to life.
Critical Thinkers & Problem Solvers: Analyzed uncovered artifacts and drew evidence-based conclusions about ancient cultures.
Empowered Collaborators: Worked in excavation teams, debating findings and combining insights to identify eras.
Effective Communicators: Documented their discoveries through detailed scientific drawings and explained complex excavation processes.
This cross-curricular project goes far beyond a standard history lesson—it connects academic concepts to real-world applications and empowers our students to think like true researchers.
Way to dig deep, 6th grade!
ICE Activity
We know that news and reports of recent ICE activity in our broader Escondido community can bring up deep feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty for many of our families and children. Please know that we are right here beside you, ready to listen, help, and keep our community feeling safe and supported.
First and foremost, we want to reassure you that Rincon is, and will always be, a safe and welcoming place for every single one of our Bulldogs and their families. Our highest priority is your learner's safety, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging.
To help ease any worries about our campus environment, we want to share our district protocols:
Strict Visitor Protocols and Closed Campus: All visitors are screened upon entry to campus with our video doorbell system. All visitors need to state their purpose, be given entry from our office staff, and sign in with a valid ID before entering campus. All campus doors are closed except during drop off and dismissal.
Law Enforcement Protocols: We do not permit state or federal law enforcement agencies on our school campus with proper documentation. Any official request or documentation must be submitted directly to our District Superintendent, Andrew McGuire, at the District Office for review and approval.
A Safe Environment for Learning: Our classrooms have dedicated daily crew time to support our campus routines, care, and stability, ensuring our students feel safe and nurtured every day.
Our entire staff is dedicated to walking alongside your family with love, care, and compassion. If your child is feeling anxious, or if your family needs extra support, resources, or simply someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out at 760-432-2491. We are here for you. Here are some resources for you.
Together we are better in setting up our Bulldogs up to B.A.R.K (Believe, Achieve, Respect, and Kindness) for success!
With gratitude,
Principal Meglich
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Friday, October 23rd
WE ALL WEAR PINK for Breast Cancer.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) identification
The Escondido Union School District is pleased to announce that the testing window will be opening for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) identification. All 2nd-grade students will have the opportunity to participate in universal screening in November. In addition, parents and teachers may recommend students not previously screened in grades 3 through 8 to be screened for GATE eligibility. Parents can pick up the Parent Background and Input Form in the school’s front office starting on October 5th and should return it to the school by Friday, October 30th. A school team will review requests and determine which students will be eligible to be screened in November. For more information, please visit our district website or stop by your school office.
AVAILABLE Chess and Board Games
Chess and Board Games activity that features daily prizes and a front-of-the-line pass for the weekly champion.
Here is the exact text written on the flyer from top to bottom:
- CHESS AND BOARD GAMES
- DAILY PRIZES! FRONT-OF-THE-LINE PASS FOR WEEKLY CHAMPION
- Monday through Wednesday during both lunches
- Begins Monday, October 19 At the lunch tables
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El Pollo Loco - PTSA Fundraiser
40% of your purchase will be donated to our Rincon PTSA
- Mention the fundraiser to the cashier before ordering. Orders can be placed in the restaurant or through the drive-through (promotion is not available at kiosks).
- The When: Thursday, October 22, 2026 (All day).
- The Where: 350 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido, CA 9202
Spanish
- El Porqué: El 40% de tu compra será donado a nuestra recaudación de fondos para PTSA Rincon Middle School. Mencione al cajero antes de ordenar (disponible en restaurante o autoservicio; no válido en kioscos).
- ¿Cuándo?: Jueves 22 de Octubre, 2026 (Todo el día).
¿Dónde?: 350 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92026.
10/23/26- Friday Family Lunch Day
Family Lunch Day on Friday, October 23rd
Please join your student during their lunch period for a family lunch day full of fun and games
Gates will open 15 minutes before the lunches start.
Lunch 1 starts at 11:48 am (6th and 1/2 of 7th grade)
Lunch 2 starts at 12:37 pm (1/2 of 7th and 8th grade)
Please read the district Wellness Policies for your convenience!
You are ONLY allowed to bring food for your student. No food can be shared with students who are NOT YOUR CHILD.
Please click on the EUSD Board Policy (BP 5030) — Student Wellness (PDF) to read more about the wellness policies.
Please click on the EUSD Administrative Regulations (AR 5030) — Student Wellness to read more about the STUDENT Wellness policies.
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Spirit Week
October Spirit Week, outline themes and instructions for each day from October 26th to October 30th.
Here is the daily breakdown of the events:
October Spirit Week Schedule
- Monday (10/26): Color Wars
- 6th grade wears orange.
- 7th grade wears white.
- 8th grade wears black.
- Instruction: Wear the color that represents your grade!
- Tuesday (10/27): Twin Day
- Instruction: Dress up matching with a friend.
- Wednesday (10/28): Student/Teacher Swap Day
- Instruction: Students dress as teachers, teachers dress as students!
- Thursday (10/29): Meme Day
- Instruction: Dress as your favorite meme!
- Friday (10/30): Halloween Costume!
- Instruction: Wear a Halloween costume.
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Attendance Challenge for October
October Fall Festival rewarding students who achieve perfect attendance and no tardies during the month of October.
- Event Name: October Fall Festival
- Requirement to Attend: Achieve perfect attendance and zero tardies in the month of October.
- Activities Included: Games, treats, and a movie.
- Date: Friday, October 30th (10/30)
- Time: 7th Period
- Location: MPR (Multi-Purpose Room)
- Important Note: Students are responsible for making up any assignments or assessments missed in their 7th period class.
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Championship Flag Football
Congratulation to our 6th and 7th grade teams for making the championship games! These will be played at Bear Valley.
6th Grade: Rincon vs Hidden Valley @4pm
7th Grade: Rincon Black vs Del Dios @4pm.
We are bulldog strong. Go Bulldogs!
W.H.O. Crew
Donation Drive Details
- Goal: Collecting 150 pairs of socks.
- Beneficiary: Interfaith, a local non-profit organization that supports those in need.
- Dates: October 1st to October 30th.
- Drop-off Locations:
- Front office
- Room 45 (notated with an arrow pointing out that this is Mr. Rowe's room)
Lights On After School - Xtrack event
Thursday, October 22
4 - 6pm
What is Lights On Afterschool? Organized annually every October, Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event that celebrates the positive impact of out-of-school programs on children, families, and communities. Across Escondido Union School District campuses, the event showcases our partnerships with the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club and highlights how EUSD’s expanded learning programs keep youth safe, inspired, and supported outside the classroom.
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!
Career Day Interest Form 2026-27 - December 9th
We are excited to open up the invitation to all of our parents and volunteers to join us as guests for Career Day. We invite you to share your experience and insights by speaking at this event. If you are interested in being a parent of this event, please use the QR or link . We need your help to make this happen.
8th Grade Parents - Learn More About Middle College at Orange Glen High School
What is Middle College?
Through a partnership between EUHSD and Palomar College, students have access to college classes starting in 9th grade, at no cost to the student.
A small cohort of students within Orange Glen High make up Middle College at Orange Glen (MC@OG).
Students will take high school requirements at Orange Glen High and attend college courses at Palomar Community College concurrently, earning up to two years of transferable college credit, free.
Application Deadlines and More Information
Find all the information and application online HERE
Complete the application online during the application window: 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29th to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30th.
Have a GPA of 1.89 or higher.
If you do not attend an EUSD middle school, please provide a grade report after you submit your application online.
Respond to the 2 writing prompts.
Applicants are grouped into two applicant pools – one for GPAsof 1.89 to 3.49 and one for GPAs 3.5 and above. 80% of the spots in Middle College are for students with academic potential and GPAs ranging from 1.89 to 3.49. Applicants are accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Timeline
Application Window 10/29/26 to 11/30/26
Applicant Interviews – conducted at Middle Schools in November
MC @ OG applicants are accepted first come, first served in each applicant pool.
Applicants notified 12/7/26
Applicants will have until 1/8/27 to claim their spot in Middle College at Orange Glen (letter of intent must be submitted online)
Questions?
Send an email to:
Assistant Principal, Carla Cardona-Gibbs ccardonagibbs@euhsd.org
Leave a message at 760-291-5027 and we will call you back
RINCON Needs you as a VOLUNTEER!
Rincon Bulldogs, our EUSD Volunteer Policies have changed and we need you to please take a look at the new volunteer policies, if you are interested in volunteering.
We will have a VOLUNTEER CLUB for YOU to volunteer at a weekly basis. STARTING ON Sept. 23rd 2026
WHEN: WEDNESDAY'S
TIME: 10:00 -11:00 AM
WHERE: IN ROOM 2
- Every Visit: Volunteers must enter through the Front Office and sign in using Hall Pass (which runs a Megan's Law background check).
- Approval: Volunteer approval can be revoked at any time by the Principal or an administrator.
- How to Apply: Applications can be submitted online at eusd.org/volunteering.
Contact Mrs. Arellano-Perez@ (760)432-2491 ext 26827 or email joarellano@eusd.org
Plan Ahead
Monday, October 19
AVID College Monday & AVID Rocks are back
Del Lago HS Presentation
Chess & board games at both lunches
Tuesday, October 20
Chess & board games at both lunches
Flag football championship games 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Bear Valley
Wednesday, October 21
8th grade EHS field trip 10:30 - 1:30 pmChess & board games at both lunches
Lunch Bunch both lunches
ASB Lunch time activities
Thursday, October 22
Bulldog Battle Station both lunchesLights on After Dark, E-track event 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 23
Rincon Spirit day - We wear PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness
Recycle Friday, period 3Family Day at Lunch - both lunches
Flag Football Banquet - X-track 4:00 pm