ESD Superintendent Update
Some thoughts for the starting school year
September 2026
Hello Etiwanda Families,
As we move into the second month of the school year, there is so much to celebrate across the Etiwanda School District! Our students have settled into their routines, classrooms are filled with meaningful learning, and our schools are buzzing with the energy and excitement that make this time of year so special.
During my visits to our schools, I continue to be inspired by what I see each day—students actively engaged in learning, collaborating with classmates, asking thoughtful questions, and building confidence in their abilities. Our teachers and staff are creating welcoming environments where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn.
Beyond the classroom, our schools are coming alive through family events, student activities, and programs that bring our communities together. I am especially grateful for our many parent volunteers and families who generously give their time and support. Your involvement strengthens our schools and reminds our students that they are surrounded by a community invested in their success.
Please mark your calendar for important upcoming dates:
September 18 - Non-Student Day/No School
September 24 - Districtwide Disaster Drill
September 28-October 2 - Family Conference Week/Minimum Days
October 5 - Student Recess/No School
October 10 - Star Wars Reads
October 17 - E3 Family Fun Run
October 30 - End of 1st Trimester
We have accomplished so much in just a few short weeks, and I am excited about all that lies ahead. Thank you for being an important part of our Etiwanda community.
Laura Rowland
Superintendent
Preparing Together - Districtwide Disaster Drill
On Thursday, September 24, all Etiwanda School District schools will participate in our annual Districtwide Disaster Drill. While we hope we never need to put these procedures into action during a real emergency, practicing together is an important part of keeping our students and schools safe.
Throughout the drill, students and staff will practice established emergency procedures, including how to respond safely, communicate effectively, and follow directions during an emergency. These exercises help ensure that everyone understands what to do and where to go should an actual emergency occur.
As part of the drill, school offices may be temporarily closed and phone calls paused until the exercise is complete. We appreciate our families’ patience and understanding as our staff focus fully on practicing emergency response procedures.
Families can support our efforts by reminding students that drills are an important way we prepare to keep everyone safe. By practicing in a calm and organized setting, we strengthen our readiness across the district.
When we prepare together, we are stronger together—and better equipped to care for one another when it matters most.
Your Voice Matters - Join us for an LCAP Community Forum
Families are an important part of shaping the future of the Etiwanda School District. We invite parents and guardians to attend their school’s upcoming LCAP Community Forum to learn more about how California school funding supports our students and how the District’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) guides our strategic priorities, goals, actions, and services.
We encourage you to attend the forum at your child’s school; however, families are welcome to attend an LCAP event at any Etiwanda school site if another date or location is more convenient.
We also recognize that busy schedules may make attending in person difficult. Your input is still important! Please use the QR codes below to view our LCAP overview video, review the District’s goals and actions, and complete the feedback form.
Your perspective helps us better understand the needs of our students and families and informs our planning for the future. Thank you for your partnership!
Family Conference Week - Partnering for Student Success
Family Conference Week is September 28–October 2. This is an important opportunity to meet individually with your child’s teacher(s), celebrate their academic strengths and progress, and discuss goals for continued growth and success.
Our teachers value your participation and input and recognize the important role you play as a partner in your child’s education. Please remember to sign up for a conference time that works best for your schedule.
As a reminder, all schools will follow a minimum day schedule throughout Family Conference Week, September 28–October 2. Please plan accordingly for your child’s earlier dismissal time.
Family Conference Week also provides another opportunity to share your voice! Our Annual Parent Survey will be available during the week, giving families an opportunity to provide valuable feedback about their experiences with our schools and district. Please watch for additional information and a link to the survey coming your way.
We look forward to connecting with you and continuing to work together to help every student thrive!
Etiwanda Families Can Help Support Student Wellness
Etiwanda School District is proud to offer essential wellness services at our school sites to support the whole child. Through California's statewide Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), along with your assistance, our district can continue to sustain and expand these vital supports for all students.
How You Can Help: Register on Spedcare/Health-e Kids
To help keep our wellness programs strong, we are asking families to take a few minutes to complete a CYBHI registration for their student. During registration, you will be asked to enter your insurance information and give FERPA consent.
Why Your Information Matters
100% Free to Families: All school site wellness services remain completely free. You will never receive a bill, co-pay, or out-of-pocket charge.
Sustains & Expands Support: Providing insurance details allows our district to seek reimbursement from Medi-Cal or private health plans for qualifying services already being provided at school, such as screenings, assessments, and counseling. These reimbursements go directly back into funding wellness programs across our schools.
No Impact on Coverage: Submitting these claims will not reduce your family's private insurance benefits or alter your Medi-Cal coverage.
Student Privacy & FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal student privacy law. By law, our district cannot share basic billing information with health insurance providers without your written permission.
When you provide consent, only basic administrative details are shared for reimbursement. Personal counseling notes, session details, and clinical notes are NEVER shared with insurance companies.
Completing your registration and providing consent is just one foundational step in this process. We want to assure families that you will be kept fully informed if your child is receiving wellness support. Most importantly, school staff will speak with you personally to discuss and confirm plans before your child participates in any counseling services.
Completing registration takes only a few minutes:
Click on the link below to visit our partner website Spedcare/Health-e Kids.
Provide your child's insurance details and check “I Consent” in the FERPA consent box.
Your participation directly helps ensure every student gets the care and support they need. Should you have questions regarding the CYBHI or the registration process, please contact our Pupil Services Department at 909-899-2451. Thank you for partnering with us to build healthier schools and brighter futures!
Register Now - 21st Annual E3 Family Fun Run
Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a storybook adventure! Families are invited to join us for the 21st Annual E3 2K/5K Run-Walk on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga.
This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Run,” and participants are encouraged to add to the fun by dressing as their favorite book character. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, this annual event is a wonderful opportunity for our Etiwanda community to come together for a morning of fitness, family, and fun.
Register by October 5 to guarantee your race T-shirt! Scan the QR code below to register, and we hope to see you at the starting line!
Become an E3 Community Sponsor!
The E3 Foundation is proud to partner with local businesses, families, and community organizations to create enriching opportunities for students throughout the Etiwanda School District. You can be part of making these opportunities possible!
By becoming an E3 Community Sponsor, your support helps fund programs, activities, and resources that directly benefit our students. A variety of sponsorship levels are available, each offering opportunities to showcase your commitment to Etiwanda schools and our community.
Whether you are a local business owner, community partner, or family looking for a way to give back, we invite you to join E3 in investing in our students and strengthening the community we share.
Star Wars Reads Day is Coming to Heritage Intermediate
Calling all young Jedi and Star Wars fans! Join us for Star Wars Reads Day & Book Fair on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Enjoy a morning filled with family fun, including games, crafts, contests, prizes, and plenty of Star Wars excitement.
Please note our new location this year! The event will be held at Heritage Intermediate School, 13766 S. Heritage Circle in Fontana.
Bring the family, celebrate reading, and may the Force be with you!
Empowered Parenting - Practical Tools for Families
Etiwanda families are invited to participate in Empowered Parenting, a free, six-week virtual workshop series offered through West End SELPA. Designed for families with children from preschool through middle school, the series provides practical strategies to support positive behavior, strengthen relationships, build routines and independence, and promote healthy habits at home.
Families will also explore helpful approaches for children who may experience challenges with organization, flexibility, emotional regulation, Autism, or ADHD. Each session builds upon the previous week, providing tools families can put into practice right away.
The virtual series begins Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Space is available to interested families—please see the flyer for the full schedule and registration information.
Etiwanda is Hiring!
Etiwanda School District is currently hiring Instructional Aides and Childcare Assistants to support our students and families.
Instructional Aides provide one-on-one or classroom support to students with a variety of needs, while Childcare Assistants work before or after school, helping children with homework and other activities.
Please help us spread the word! Interested applicants can visit www.edjoin.org/esd or scan the QR code on the flyer below to learn more and apply.
Join our team and make a difference for Etiwanda students!
PUBLIC RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
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