Mission Elementary
Riding the Wave of Excellence!
Our Dolphin Community Helpers🧑🏻✈️👷👮🏻♂️🧑🏻🚒
Dance party for our TK Recess
Dear Mission Families,
We hope you are having a wonderful week! Here are some important updates and reminders from Mission Elementary.
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans and Military Families
As we approach Veterans Day, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. As a reminder, school will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
🍫 Miss Chocolate Fundraiser
Our Miss Chocolate fundraiser items have been delivered to students! A big thank-you to our PTO, 5th Grade Students, and Ms. R. for all of their help organizing and delivering the orders to classrooms. We appreciate everyone who supported this fundraiser!
🌱 Garden Day Update
Please note that Garden Day has been rescheduled for next Saturday, November 14, 2026. Please see the flyer for more details. We hope to see you there!
💦 Dunk the Principal!
We are excited to announce a fun opportunity for some of our students to Dunk the Principal!
Current 4th and 5th grade students are eligible to participate if they meet one of the following criteria:
Scored a Level 4 in ELA, Math, or Science on the CAASPP.
Made one level of growth in ELA, Math, or Science on the CAASPP.
Reclassified in June 2026.
We are so proud of our students for their hard work and accomplishments! This will be a fun way to celebrate their achievements and recognize their dedication.
📝 Upcoming Screener – Grades K–2
Kinder through second grade families, please be sure to check your email for important information about an upcoming student screener. If you did not receive the email, please contact your child's teacher.
💻 State Assessment Practice – Grades 3–4
This week, students in grades 3–4 started practicing state assessments. These assessments help students become familiar with the format and expectations of the state assessments they will take in the spring. Students will have an opportunity to practice the academic content as well as navigate the online testing platform. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident when it is time for the actual assessments.
🔐 Technology and Responsibility
As students continue using technology for learning, we ask parents to please continue reinforcing the importance of being responsible digital citizens. We encourage you to talk with your children about using school devices appropriately, following technology expectations, and taking care of our school equipment. Together, we can help our students develop safe and responsible technology habits.
💛 CharacterStrong: Gratitude
This month, we will continue to focus on gratitude through our CharacterStrong lessons. Students will explore what it means to be grateful, recognize the people and things they appreciate, and learn ways to express gratitude in their daily lives. We encourage families to continue the conversation at home by sharing what you are grateful for!
Thank you for your continued support, flexibility, and partnership. We are grateful to have such a wonderful school community!
Go Dolphins! 🐬💙
Upcoming Events
Nov 11: Veterans Day (School holiday)
Nov 13: PTO Restaurant Night @ Dave & Buster's (3:00-9:00 pm)
Nov 17: PTO Meeting 5:00 pm
Nov 23rd-27th: Thanksgiving Week-School closed
Warmly,
Ms. Martínez, Principal
Ms. Sánchez, Assistant Principal
Do you enjoy playing fun games? Come spend some time with our students playing Memory Challenge, Connect 4, UNO, Mancala, and more! We welcome support any day, but we especially need volunteers on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Please contact Ms. Marissa Diaz if interested marissa.diaz@oside.us
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.
Everyone is invited to attend PTO meetings. Join us in helping us plan fun and engaging activities for our Mission Students!
When? Tuesday, November 17th
Time: 5:00pm
Where? Room 22
Know anyone interested in joining PTO? Sign up to receive email reminders of upcoming meetings and events- here!
Your involvement is crucial to the success and enrichment of our students' educational experiences.
Immigration Resources: Supporting Our Families
Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD) is committed to ensuring every student feels welcome, safe, and supported at school. Families can access resources to better understand their rights and find support when needed.
- ✅ Every child has the right to attend public school, regardless of immigration status.
- 🛑 Immigration information: Review OUSD’s guidance on student and family privacy.
- ⚖️ Immigration enforcement: Learn about the legal requirements for access to school property and student records.
- 🔒 Student privacy: Confidential student information is protected by law.
Additional Resources
- 📄 Student/Family Rights Checklist (English & Spanish)
- 🤝 Community immigration support and family preparedness resources
Explore resources and learn more by clicking here.
OUSD is committed to supporting all families and connecting them with helpful information and community resources.
Attendance Initiative: Play-Well TEKnologies!
Play-Well TEKnologies is returning to Mission for an exciting new attendance initiative!
As an enrichment program that teaches STEM concepts through LEGO®, Play-Well is helping us encourage students to come to school every day. We are launching a special LEGO® Club competition to champion great attendance.
Right now, our 3rd through 5th graders are competing to see which classroom will host the LEGO® Club. The class with the highest average attendance will win the grand prize in November. Our TK through 2nd-grade students will get their turn to compete right after!
Dads’ Club at Laurel Elementary
The Vista Community Clinic Dads’ Club is a welcoming space for dads to connect, learn, and grow together. Come build relationships, strengthen your parenting skills, and connect with other dads in the community.
This Semester
October 6 – January 19
6:00–7:30 PM
Laurel Elementary School
1410 Laurel St., Oceanside, CA 92058
Language
English sessions will be offered this semester.
Spanish sessions will be offered next semester.
Topics Include:
Understanding your role as a father
Healing from your past
Taking care of yourself
Understanding feelings and emotions
Supporting sons and daughters
Open to ALL Dads!
Interested in joining?
Call 760-566-9599 or scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.
Hello Mission Families!
I am excited to introduce myself as your student's school counselor. My name is Emanuel Sandoval, and I am dedicated to supporting the social, emotional, and academic well-being of all students. Ultimately, school counselors strive to create a positive and supportive school environment where all students can thrive.
I believe in building strong partnerships with families and I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Together, we can help your child reach their full potential.
I look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year.
Contact Info:
(760) 966-8739
Mental Health Resources
Free Mental Health Resources for Families
- Parent Guidance – Access free courses, on-demand webinars, and resources to support your child’s mental health and well-being.
- Parent Coaching – OUSD families can receive free one-on-one support from a coach or therapist, along with therapist-created resources. (See flyer for details.)
- Mental Health Series – Join free webinars throughout the year on topics such as anxiety, setting boundaries, and body positivity. More information and registration: See Here.
- My Life is Worth Living™ – An animated series that shares stories of young people facing challenges and highlights the importance of connection, hope, and choosing life.
- Care Solace- is a no cost, online resource with a live 24/7 concierge meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health related programs and counseling services.
These resources are available to help families support student mental health and well-being.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time dedicated to fostering open conversations about mental health, strengthening supportive connections, and learning how to recognize when a loved one or community member may be struggling.
At the elementary level, our student-facing work focuses on building foundational social-emotional skills: identifying feelings, practicing empathy, and learning how to ask a "trusted adult" for help when emotional burdens feel too heavy. Supporting the well-being of our kids is a shared team effort, and awareness at home plays a vital role.
Key Warning Signs to Watch For
Changes in mental health can look different for everyone. Based on guidance from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), pay attention if you notice new, unexpected, or worsening behaviors in someone you care about:
What They Say: Talking about wanting to die, feeling unbearable guilt or shame, or expressing that they feel like a burden to others.
What They Feel: Expressing feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, feeling trapped, unbearable physical or emotional pain, extreme sadness, heightened anxiety, or uncharacteristic rage.
Behavioral Shifts:
Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they usually love.
Significant shifts in eating or sleeping patterns.
Displaying extreme mood swings or acting recklessly (such as taking dangerous physical risks).
Saying unusual goodbyes, giving away cherished items, or actively researching harm.
Increased alcohol or substance use.
Immediate Support & Crisis Resources
If you observe these warning signs, trust your instincts and connect with support immediately. You do not have to navigate this alone, and help is available 24/7:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support from a trained counselor.
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 to connect with a crisis volunteer.
National Institute of Mental Health: Visit nimh.gov/suicideprevention for additional mental health educational materials.
If you ever have concerns about your child's emotional well-being while at school, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, valued, and supported.
Nov 11: Veterans Day (School holiday)
Nov 13: PTO Restaurant Night @ Dave & Buster's (3:00-9:00 pm)
Nov 20: SOM 8:15 - 8:45
Nov 23rd-27th: Thanksgiving Week-School closed
Attendance Matters
Why does attendance matter? A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. If your student misses school, please be sure to call or email our attendance office:
Email: attendance.mis@oside.us
Phone: (760) 966-8701
✏️ If your child will be absent 3–15 school days, please request Short-Term Independent Study at least two weeks in advance so teachers can prepare work and we meet state requirements.
Health Tips
Students may attend school if they are:
- Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Free of vomiting for the past 24 hours.
- Free of diarrhea for the past 24 hours.
- Experiencing only minor cold symptoms.
- Experiencing asthma symptoms that are responsive to medication.
- Cleared by a physician following hospitalization, an orthopedic injury, or a communicable disease.
Still have questions? Call our Health Office at 760-966-8721
Nutrition Services
Breakfast is served from 7:45-8:10am. Breakfast time is strictly enforced so that students can begin class on time. If your child plans to eat breakfast at school, we recommend they arrive by 8:00am to have plenty of time to enjoy their meal.
Lunch is served at various times and by grade level.
School Menus may be accessed by clicking this link.
Aeries Parent Tutorial Videos and Instructions
The link below provides instructions on how to access the Aeries Parent Portal. Through this portal, you can view important information such as your child’s attendance, behavior updates, state test scores, and report cards. These are valuable resources to support regular conversations with your child about their progress. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions about their academic or social development.
Parent/Caregiver & Student Handbook
Please review our Parent/Caregiver & Student Handbook for important information, practices, and procedures at Mission Elementary.
Free, Live Online Tutoring for 3rd-12th Grade
Live person tutors that are available within a very short time following student request/log in from their school device.
Most tutors are retired teachers and students getting their teaching credentials
Help with homework/prepare for a test
Spanish-speaking tutors available
No time limit for sessions, but most students stay between 15-20 min per session
- Email: Mission@baseprograms.com
- Website: baseprograms.com/mission
- Program Directors: Sandra Valdivia Call/Text: (760) 681-1151
Before School (Daily)
6:45am-8:15am
After School
M/T/Th/Fri: 2:55pm-6:00pm
Wed/Minimum Days: 12:25-6:00pm
Device Insurance
The Chromebook Device Protection Plan is now available. We encourage all families to enroll. The cost is $20 per student (maximum $60 per family), while repairs for Chromebooks typically range from $100–$350. Payments can be made online through www.myschoolbucks.com using a credit card or electronic check.
Resources
- Protection Plan
- OUSD ITS Webpage (Student Chromebook Program)
- Genuine Lenovo 65W Chromebook Charger (replacement charger)
Please remind students that Chromebooks are loaned by the district and should be handled with care. Avoid adding stickers or damaging the device, and encourage students to bring their Chromebook to school fully charged each day. Thank you for your support!
We want to emphasize the importance of monitoring and limiting your child's screen time and social media usage. While technology and social media can offer valuable educational and social opportunities, they also have the potential to become a significant distraction and, if not managed carefully, can have negative effects on your child's development. Below are 2 tips to support responsible use of technology.
TIP Number 1
Set Time Limits: Establish daily or weekly screen time limits based on your child's age and needs. Ensure they have enough time for other activities like homework, physical exercise, and social interactions.
TIP Number 2
Monitor Content: Regularly check the content your child is interacting with, whether it's through apps, games, or social media platforms. Ensure it's age-appropriate and safe.
TIP Number 3
Click here for tips on how to protect mental health with Social Media.
All OUSD students who plan to ride and park an E-Bike on any district campus will need to go through the free E-Bike process. This helps promote safe biking habits and ensures students are prepared to ride responsibly to and from school and school-sponsored events.
Please note: Only middle and high school students will receive a permit sticker to park their E-Bike on campus.
Steps to follow:
Complete a liability waiver- completed in data confirmation
Take the OUSD-approved E-Bike Safety Course (CHP Online Certification)
Submit the Online Bicycle Permit Application with a parent or guardian
(Recommended) Register the E-Bike for free on Project 529 in case it is lost or stolen.
E-Bike Safety (AB 544):
New Requirement: All E-bikes are now required to have a red reflector or red rear light (solid or flashing) visible from 500 feet at all times.
Thank you for supporting student safety in our school community!
Please follow all posted signs and staff directions during pick-up and drop-off. Use designated lanes, avoid double parking, and stay alert for students crossing. Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe. Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety
- Use marked crosswalks and follow traffic signals.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle or e-bike.
- Ride with traffic, obey signs and signals, and use lights or reflective gear when visibility is low.
- Drivers should watch for pedestrians and cyclists, yield when required, and allow safe passing distance.
Would you like this newsletter translated to another language?
- Using a desktop computer click on the "Translate" button at the top of the newsletter
- Select the language you want the newsletter translated
- On a cell phone look for the icon and click to select language to translate
You may access the Great Schools website HERE.
No Dogs on Campus
Mission Elementary School
Website: mission.oside.us
Address: 2100 Mission Ave. Oceanside, CA 92058
Phone: (760) 966-8700
Follow us on Instagram: @missionelementary_dolphins or