Cheetah Chatter

This week we explore what it means to be a “Critical Thinker.” Students will use evidence to support claims, consider multiple perspectives, and solve problems creatively. Critical thinkers are curious and courageous—they embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.

Last week, Central’s first graders had the opportunity to work together, problem solve, and get imaginative with a STEM project! In Benchmark Unit 2, the first grade students learn about fables and fairy tales. In one of our favorite stories, The GingerBread Man, the Gingerbread finds himself in a predicament that ultimately ends with him being gobbled up by the story's antagonist, the fox. The first graders were presented with a problem: The Gingerbread needs to cross the river without the help of the fox (we know how that ends). As a team they could decide to save the Gingerbread Man using one of three options. They could build him a boat to float across the river, a bridge to go over the river, or a hideout to conceal himself!

Our First graders learned how to compromise, communicate, come to a conclusion, and let their creativity take charge as they built their projects with items like popsicle sticks, marshmallows, toothpicks, and tape! Add a little bit of messy with a whole lot of fun! We are so proud of the way that our first graders have embodied so many of the traits highlighted within Escondido’s Learner Profile such as Empathetic Collaborator, Effective Communicator, Critical Thinker, and Creative Problem Solver! Way to go first graders!

A huge thank you to all the families and teachers who joined us for our 4th Grade Meet & Mingle! Costumes were worn, cookies were eaten, and—most importantly—connections and relationships were built. It was such a joy to see our students, families, and staff laughing, creating memories, and celebrating together. Events like these remind us just how special our Central community truly is!

We are so grateful to our amazing PTA for organizing a delicious and well-deserved pizza lunch for our staff! A special thank-you to Marco’s Pizza in Escondido for their generous donation and community support. Your kindness helps make Central such a special place to learn and work!

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!

A healthy breakfast sets the tone for a great day of learning! Students who eat breakfast are more focused, energized, and ready to take on the day.

At Central Elementary, all students are invited to enjoy a FREE breakfast every morning at 7:45 AM in the cafeteria. Starting the day with a nutritious meal helps build strong minds and healthy habits!

Thanks to California’s Universal Meals Program (School Meals for All), every public school student—from TK through 12th grade—can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day, no matter the family’s income. Meals must be eaten on campus and cannot be taken to go.

No sign-up or ID is needed—students simply go through the cafeteria line and enjoy!

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 celebrating attendance with a fun new incentive to keep the energy high before Veterans Day! Students who show up on time and ready to learn next Monday, 11/10, will get a special treat—music and recognition for showing up and shining!

All students who come to school on Monday, November 10th will receive a Song Request Slip!

Students can write down a school-appropriate song they’d like to hear during morning arrival.

Each request will go into our Cheetah Song Basket, and starting Wednesday, November 12, a new song will be selected and played each morning all the way until Winter Vacation!

The student whose song is chosen will receive a special shout-out over the announcements, and their song will become our Morning Walk-In Tune for the day!

Show up, get your slip, and you might be our next Cheetah DJ—because at Central, we celebrate every student who shows up and shines!

We’re so excited that so many families signed up to join this creative and fun experience with Ms. Jessica, our Student Success Coach and talented artist.

Although registration is now closed, we look forward to hosting more family art nights and creative events in the future—so stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to connect, create, and make memories together!

Event Details (for confirmed families):
Date: Wednesday, November 19
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (Painting begins promptly at 6:00 PM. Doors will close once painting begins.)
Popcorn and beverages provided
Childcare available for young siblings

Thank you for your enthusiasm and support—our Central community truly shines!

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