Cheetah Chatter

At Central, we want every student to feel safe, respected, and included. Sometimes, the word “bullying” gets used to describe many different situations, but not all unkind or hurtful behavior is bullying. Knowing the difference helps us respond and support students in the best way possible.

What is bullying?
According to our Second Step program, bullying happens when someone keeps being mean to another person on purpose, and it happens more than once. It also involves a power imbalance—for example, when one student is stronger, older, or more popular.

Bullying might look like:

• Repeated teasing or name-calling

• Leaving someone out on purpose again and again

• Repeated physical harm or intimidation

What’s not bullying:

• A one-time disagreement or argument
• A misunderstanding or accidental hurt feelings
• A conflict between two students who are equally matched in power

Most of the time, when children have problems with peers, it’s a conflict, not bullying—and those situations are opportunities to learn how to solve problems, communicate, and build empathy.

At school, we use Second Step strategies like Calm it Down, Talk it Out, and Make a Plan to help students work through challenges respectfully and safely.

If your child shares a concern, encourage them to tell an adult at school. Together, we’ll listen, support, and guide them toward solutions that help them feel safe and confident.

Our kindergarten cheetahs are learning all about PAWS. We do our Personal Best on our work. We Act Responsibly at the Library. We Work and Play Safely during group time. We Show Respect to All during Dinosaur School.

Tuesday, October 21st was filled with laughter, smiles, and fall fun! Our TK and Kindergarten students enjoyed a wonderful day of games, activities, and a festive photo station perfect for capturing sweet memories.

A big thank you to our amazing teachers and volunteers who made this event possible, and to all the families who joined us to celebrate the season together. Your support helps make events like this so special for our youngest Cheetahs!

Next week is Red Ribbon Week, a national celebration encouraging students to make safe and healthy choices! We’ll mark the week with fun spirit days that spread positivity, pride, and a little Halloween fun:

• Monday – Celebrate Red Ribbon Week: Wear red.

• Tuesday – Your Future is Bright: Wear bright-colored clothing.

• Wednesday – Dress for Success: Wear your best outfit and bring a smile for Picture Day.

• Thursday – Proud to Be a Cheetah: Wear your Central Cheetah apparel.

• Friday – Trick or Treat: Wear orange and black or your Halloween costume.

Let’s make it a week full of Cheetah Pride and healthy choices!

All 4th grade students and their families are invited to join us for a fun Cookies & Costumes evening.

Come enjoy cookies, connect with other families, and show off your favorite costume. It’s a great opportunity to build community and celebrate together!

Date: Tuesday, October 28

Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: In the MPR

Location: Blacktop

Starts: 8:10 AM

Everyone is welcome to wear a fun costume, but participation is not required.

Please remember:

• No masks
• No inflatables
• No scary costumes
• No blood
• No weapons

Join us for a frightfully fun morning at Central!

Accidents happen—and sometimes our Cheetahs get muddy, wet, or need a quick change during the school day! If you have children’s clothing or shoes that your kids have outgrown but still have more to give, please consider donating them to Central Elementary. We’re especially in need of pants, shirts, socks, and sneakers in elementary sizes. Your donations help keep our students comfortable and ready to learn! Donations can be dropped off in the front office at any time.Thank you for your generosity and Cheetah Pride!

Let’s work together as a school community to help others in need this winter.

For the next month, we will be collecting NEW SOCKS

If you are able to donate to help out

October 2 to November 13, 2025

SOCKTOBER
Small socks.
Big socks.
Even in between socks.
Orange socks.
Blue socks.
As long as they are new socks.

13th Annual

Central School Pay it Forward Club

We’re in the last stretch of our Pumpkin Patch Perfect Attendance Challenge! Each class has been coloring in a pumpkin on their poster for every day of perfect attendance — and our patches are looking amazing!

Let’s finish strong, Cheetahs! There’s still time to fill in a few more pumpkins before the challenge ends. The class with the most pumpkins by Thursday, October 31st will win a special fall treat with Charlie & Coco!

Thank you for helping your child show up, shine, and grow every day — we love seeing those pumpkin patches bloom!

Our very own Ms. Jessica, Student Success Coach and talented artist, will guide students and their families through a step-by-step painting lesson that everyone can enjoy—no experience needed!

Date: Wednesday, November 19

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Painting begins promptly at 6:00 PM.

Please note: Doors will close once painting begins.

Popcorn and beverages provided

Childcare available for young siblings

Space and materials are limited—the first 50 families to sign up will be able to attend. Please use this link to sign-up

Our Lost & Found is bursting with jackets, sweatshirts, and sweaters looking for their owners! Please take a moment to stop by the front area (or have your student check during recess or dismissal) to see if anything belongs to them.

The PTA is looking for parent volunteers to help us create and decorate for our Annual Grinch Winter Dance!

• When: Every Tuesday during Volunteer Club
• Time: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Room 38

Bring your creativity and join us in making this year’s Winter Dance a memorable event for our students! We look forward to seeing you there.

We’re excited to welcome family volunteers on campus this year! To get started, every volunteer must complete the EUSD Volunteer Application process.

Click here to view the full Volunteer Application and Approval Process

Note: If you were approved last year, you do not need to reapply unless your level, TB test, or license/insurance has expired.

Vista Hill Incredible Years Parenting Class- Wednesday 8:30-10:30 am

Food Distribution-Every Friday Outside Community Center 2:00-3:00pm

Joining the PTA helps make our school an even better place for students. Your membership supports school events, field trips, staff appreciation, and programs that strengthen home-school connections. Plus, it gives families a voice in planning fun and educational activities. Become a member for just $10 and help us keep our PTA strong!

Click HERE to Join Now!

Besides providing support for our school, your PTA membership offers valuable benefits!

Click HERE to find out how to get valuable discounts.

Central Elementary is participating in the Learner-Centered Collaborative (LCC) Enabling Conditions Survey, open from October 9 – November 14. This important survey helps us better understand our school’s culture, climate, and student engagement by gathering perspectives from students, staff, and families.

The survey includes parallel questions for teachers, staff, and students, allowing us to see where perceptions align and where they differ. These insights will help guide our ongoing work to ensure every student learns, leads, and belongs.

Take the LCC Survey HERE

Your feedback is invaluable in helping shape the future of Central!

122 West 4th Ave

Escondido, CA 92025

(760) 432-2431