The Lion Letter
Weekly Update - 10.30.26 - Issue 14
Exciting News for 5th Grade Families! ¡Campamento Cuyamaca!
5th Grade Camp Update
Thank you to the families who replied and confirmed by email! We’re so glad you’ll be joining us this week in our Community Room (Room B2).
Still not sure about confirming? Please join us at the Parent Information Session to learn more about this great opportunity!
This week:
- Student Assembly: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 10:40 a.m.
- Parent Information Session: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Join us in person in Room B2, or online if that’s more convenient. To avoid any internet connection issues, we recommend coming in person.
A Google link will be sent to the email addresses registered in Aeries.
We can’t wait to share this adventure with our 5th Graders and with you!
Introducing: A Pride of Mathematicians
Our new schoolwide math tradition helps students learn their math facts and recall them quickly. Our students voted on the name, because just like a pride of lions, we learn, grow, and succeed together!
This year’s focus: 1st: addition | 2nd: subtraction | 3rd: multiplication | 4th: division | 5th: multiplication and division
How it works: Students practice with simple flashcards (the Leitner system). Facts they know move forward, and facts they’re still learning get more practice. It only takes a few minutes a day at home.
Earn your stripes: 🐾 Claw Badge for each level mastered, 🌟 Mane Milestone at the halfway point, 🦁 Pride Leader for completing every level.
Ready to test? Sign-up info is coming in a future newsletter. Students can sign up any week and retry the next Friday, because “not yet” is just part of the journey!
OUSD Gradual Release of Artificial Intelligence by Grade Level
OUSD is preparing students to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly — not all at once, but grade by grade, with the right guardrails at every step to ensure students are prepared to be critical consumers and responsible users of AI.
Elementary (TK–5): Students do not have direct access to AI. Learning focuses on teacher-led demonstrations in TK–2 and hands-on, real-world activities in grades 3–5.
Middle School (6–8): Students begin using AI directly, learning to evaluate its answers and spot potential bias.
High School (9–12): Students actively use, design, and cite AI tools to prepare for college and future careers.
This gradual release model ensures our students become critical thinkers and responsible users of technology every step of the way.
Jump Start Before School Program
Give your child a strong start to the day! Laurel Elementary is offering the Jump Start Before School Program for students in grades 3-5.
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30am-8:20am
What we provide:
- Academic support
- Individualized skill activities
- SEL (social-emotional learning) check-in
- Charging station
- Snack (for school)
- School breakfast
Interested or have questions? Contact your child’s teacher, Ms. Fuentes (christine.fuentes@oside.us), or reach Mr. Sega directly at albert.sega@oside.us or 760-966-4225.
Counseling Corner with Mrs. Gutierrez
We've been in school for about 2 and 1/2 months! At this point in the school year, students have their routine and are familiar with school expectations. If you heard about any challenges from conferences and would like to talk more with me, please let me know. It would be great to celebrate any successes too.
This time of the year is also great for you to check in with your student about their feelings for schoolwork and peers. At school, we use our Zones of Regulation posters to help students identify some primary feelings. Take a look for the English and Spanish posters in the pictures. Here are also some guiding questions to open up school conversations:
- What has been one thing you have been liking at school?
- Is there anything that has been hard for you?
- Who do you play with?
- Have you had any proud moments?
If you get "I don't know" for an answer, you can ask in a different way, or, just notate it to see if they come up with an answer after another week or two have passed.
Laurel & OUSD is here for you
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and families. We are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of immigration status.
If you have questions or need support, please reach out to
Mr. Swank (dieter.swank@oside.us),
Ms. Fuentes (christine.fuentes@oside.us),
or Mrs. Maggie (margarita.luna@oside.us),
or stop by our office. We're here for you.
Please click on the title or photo below for additional resources provided by OUSD.
ELAC Meeting #2: Thursday, November 5, 5:30 PM, Room B-2
Families of our multilingual students, you’re warmly invited to join us as we review important information together!
What is ELAC? The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) is a parent advisory group that gives input to our principal and staff on programs and services for English Learners. Together, we review our school’s English Learner program, needs, and goals, and help make sure every student has the support they need for language development and academic success.
Why join? ELAC is a chance to be a voice for your child and other English Learners, learn more about our school’s programs and resources, and connect with other families and staff. All parents and guardians of English Learners at our school are welcome!
Interested in joining, or have questions? Please contact Christine Fuentes, Assistant Principal, at christine.fuentes@oside.us or Margarita Luna, School Community Advisor, at margarita.luna@oside.us. Your voice matters, and we’d love to have you with us!
PTO Updates:
Thank you to everyone who joined our monthly PTO meeting last night! You can read the full details in the PTO meeting minutes. The minutes are also attached to the Google Calendar event on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
- Fundraising Success: PTO made a profit of $1,048 this year, double last year’s profit! The raffle baskets were a big hit, and we’re grateful for your support of this new endeavor.
- Membership Drive Extended to November 20: PTO voted to extend the membership drive through Friday, November 20. Membership envelopes and half sheets will be sent home! The envelope is for cash, and the half sheet has the Venmo QR code. Any class with 100% participation will earn a pizza or ice cream party (the class chooses). Only one person from each family needs to join to count!
- Next PTO Meeting: Wednesday, November 18, at 4:30 PM. Please note this is one week early because the last week of the month is Thanksgiving week.
See’s Candy Sale: Please support our PTO and our 5th Graders go to camp!
Join the Community School Leadership Team
Laurel Elementary is looking for parents, family, and community members to join our Community School Leadership Team! Together, we bring diverse voices to the table, center the priorities and strengths of our students and families, and turn great ideas into action. Your perspective and experience can help shape the future of our school. To learn more or get involved, contact Mr. Sega at (760) 966-4225 or albert.sega@oside.usa.
Volunteers Needed for Brighter Bites! ¡Se necesitan voluntarios!
Handball Tournament
Join the City of Oceanside Parks & Recreation for a Handball Tournament on Saturday, November 14, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at 709 San Diego St., Oceanside! First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded, and families can sign up online at www.oceansiderec.com or by scanning the QR code on the flyer. Every registration includes a donation of canned goods, which will help spread holiday cheer to our Eastside community.
Friendsgiving at the Joe Balderrama Recreation Center
Families of Oceanside Parks and Recreation After School Program participants are invited to this year’s Friendsgiving celebration! Join us for an evening of community, fellowship, and memory making as we gather in the season of gratitude. Please RSVP by November 12. A potluck form is also available if you’d like to share a dish. Bringing one is not required, but it is appreciated. Questions? Contact Destiny Rodriguez at (760) 435-3379 or drodriguez@oceansideca.org.
Clubs 4 Claus Community Event
Bring the whole family to Clubs 4 Claus on Saturday, December 12, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Joe Balderama Park (709 San Diego St., Oceanside)! Enjoy a fun-filled day with a DJ, entertainment, free food, and a Kids Zone, and Santa Claus will arrive at 1:00 PM with presents for the kids. This family-sponsored event, hosted by the North County Lowriders and local car clubs, is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season together!
Padres Aprendiendo a Ser Mejores Padres- Parents Learning to Be Better Parents
The Oceanside Unified School District and Oceanside High School invite families to a free series of parent workshops. You’ll learn about what’s happening in our community and how to help your children succeed in school and in life.
📢 Please note: These workshops are presented in Spanish only.
Featured speaker: Dra. Beatriz Villarreal
Where: Oceanside High School, Performing Arts Center (PAC) Lobby, 1 Pirates Cv, Oceanside, CA 92054
When: 5:30-7:30 PM
Topics and dates:
- Oct. 26: Education Is Power
- Nov. 2: Positive Discipline and Limits
- Nov. 28: The Truth About Drugs
- Nov. 4: Mental Health
- Dec. 2: How to Talk About Sensitive Topics
- Dec. 9: Dangers of Technology
We hope to see you there!
Parenting the Love and Logic Way- Free Workshop
OUSD is excited to offer free Love and Logic® workshops to help families raise responsible, confident kids without the power struggles! You will gain practical, empathetic tools to set calm boundaries, allow children to learn from their choices, and strengthen your family's bond.
Oceanside Community Centers Donation Drive
Together we can make a difference! Oceanside Community Centers is collecting dry goods and hygiene items to support local families and individuals in need through their food pantries. Donations can be dropped off at the Crown Heights Community Center (1210 Division St.) or the Chavez Community Center (605 San Diego St.), and please call ahead to schedule your drop-off.
After School Program- City of Oceanside Parks & Rec
Looking for a fun place for your child after school? The City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation offers an After School Program at the Joe Balderrama Recreation Center, where students ages 6-12 enjoy games, crafts, and activities in the afternoons.
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 3:35-6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 1:05-6:00 PM
Walking pick-up is available from Laurel Elementary. The program follows the OUSD calendar and is located at 709 San Diego St., Oceanside, CA 92058.
Cost: $100 per semester, with scholarships available for as little as $20 per semester. To apply for a scholarship
⚽ Free Sports Skills Training: 9th Man Social Club🏀
The Joe Balderrama Recreation Center is offering free sports skills training for youth ages 6-17, and all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome! Community sports programs encourage participation, promote inclusion, and help build friendships among diverse groups of kids.
Build skills. Build friendships. Build community.
When: Tuesdays, 4:45-6:00 PM
Who: Ages 6-17
Where: Joe Balderrama Rec. Center, 709 San Diego Street, Oceanside, CA 92058
Cost: Free
To learn more or register: Call (760) 435-5530, sign up in person, or register online at www.oceansiderec.com.
🌟 Free Youth Leadership Program🌟
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join the Oceanside Parks & Recreation Youth Leadership Program at the Joe Balderrama Rec. Center. It’s free, and it’s a great way to meet new people, build skills, and make a difference in the community.
What teens will do:
- Build leadership skills
- Learn CPR and first aid
- Gain work experience
- Take part in community service
- Enjoy outdoor activities
- Prepare for their future careers
When: Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 PM
Who: Ages 13-18
Where: Joe Balderrama Rec. Center, 709 San Diego St., Oceanside, CA 92058
Cost: Free
Meet new people. Learn new skills. Make a difference. Be a leader.
Register now!
"I forgot my Chromebook"
We understand that this happens from time to time. With that in mind, Mrs. Hill has shared her Chromebook Loaner Expectations, and we'd like to pass them along to our families:
Chromebook Loaner Expectations:
A loaner is a device borrowed for the school day. It must stay at school and be returned when you're finished using it.
- Loaners may be requested at the beginning of the day, or during recess and lunch.
- Loaners may not go home. They must be returned by 3:00 p.m. to the library, or to the front office if returning after school.
- Please log out of the computer before returning the device.
- Take care of the loaner just as you would your own device: no rough play, food, or water nearby.
Please note: chargers will not be loaned out.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures- 26-27
Our Arrival/Dismissal Procedures are the same as last year and can be found in the Family Handbook. We've attached a picture here for your convenience.
Remember to always use crosswalks when crossing the street.
If you have any questions, our office staff is here to help!
During the Day, Off and Away!
We are excited to share our cell phone policy, "During the Day, Off and Away," for the 2026-2027 school year (Board Policy 5131.8). Our goal is to create a safe and focused learning environment for all students by minimizing distractions and promoting their mental well-being.
Key Points:
Cell Phone Usage: Students must turn off (ringer/tone/sounds off) and store their phones in their backpacks upon entering campus. Phones should stay off until they leave.
Communication: Classrooms have landlines for students to contact parents when necessary. Phones will be accessible in emergencies.
Academic Benefits: Reducing phone usage helps students stay focused and engaged in class.
Safety and Security: This policy helps prevent cyberbullying, ensures students focus during emergencies, and reduces the risk of theft or loss.
Support and disciplinary measures are in place for policy violations to help students adjust.
Thank you for your support as we work together to enhance our students' learning experience and well-being.