Cheetah Chatter
News, Events, and Updates for Our Central Families
Cheetah Chatter
News, Events, and Updates
October 26 - October 30
From the Principal's Den
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that we will be holding our annual Costume Crawl on Friday, October 30th, first thing in the morning!
Students are invited to come to school wearing their costumes and join in the fun as we kick off the day together. To ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone, please keep the following guidelines in mind when choosing your child’s costume:
School-Appropriate: All costumes must be suitable for a school environment.
No Weapons or Gore: Please leave toy weapons, prop items, and gory or frightening accessories at home.
Safety First: Costumes should allow students to see clearly (avoid masks that obstruct vision while walking) and move safely without tripping hazards.
Parent & Visitor Information: Parents and guardians are warmly invited to come and watch the Costume Crawl! If you plan to attend, please remember:
Check-In: All visitors must check in at the front office to receive a visitor badge before entering campus.
Viewing Areas: Please remain in the designated spectator areas throughout the event so our students have clear pathways for the parade.
We look forward to seeing all the creative and fun costumes! Thank you for your support in making this a safe, spirited event for our school community.
Warmly,
Dr. Chavarin
Important Dates
October 26-30: Red Ribbon Week
Friday, October 30: The Central Cheetah Costume Crawl at 8:10 am on the Blacktop
Wednesday, November 4: McDonald’s Fundraiser Night (1146 E Valley Pkwy) at 4-7 pm
Thursday, November 12: PTA Meeting in the Community Room at 2:00 pm
Scroll down for more details on each of these events.
EUSD Commitment: A Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment for Every Student
The Right to Education is Universal
Our district is fully committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for every student. Under California law (AB 49), all children have a legal right to a public education regardless of immigration status.
Privacy & Security: Schools do not share student records or personal information with immigration enforcement without parent consent or a court order. Campus access is strictly restricted.
Family Resources: Access our district's AB 49 Informational Webpage and EUSD Parents and Families Portal for updates. For legal or basic needs support (food, housing), connect with Interfaith Community Services and their specialized Immigration Clinic.
If you have questions or need assistance, please stop by your school’s main office or Family Engagement Center!
What's Roaring At Central
Kindergarten Lunch & Learn Success!
Our Kindergarten Lunch & Learn event was a wonderful success! The Multi-Purpose Room and lunch tables were packed with students and families enjoying mealtime, connection, and community together. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who were able to join us and make this event so special!
Festive Fall Fun!
Last week was filled with so much festive fun and excitement!
First, Dr. C’s Fun Zone was a huge success! We were thrilled to see twice as many students earn their way into this monthly celebratory event. The energy was high as students wrapped each other up like mummies, raced on broomsticks, balanced eyeballs on spoons, and dug through "monster guts" for fun surprises.
We also hosted our PTA Spooky Run Fundraiser! Rain or shine, our students didn't let a little weather slow them down—they walked, skipped, and ran around the track to spooky tunes. The PTA did a fantastic job with the awesome decorations that put everyone in the spirit. A huge thank you to our PTA for organizing such a wonderful, memorable day for our students!
Campus Updates & Reminders
School Traffic Safety & White Zone Guidelines
As we work together to keep our students safe, we want to remind everyone of the legal guidelines regarding our school’s drop-off and pick-up zones. Recently, there has been confusion regarding what is permitted in our designated White Zones.
To ensure a smooth, safe traffic flow and protect our children, please adhere to the following rules:
- White Zones are for Immediate Passenger Loading Only: Under California Vehicle Code § 21458 and Escondido Municipal Code § 28-212, white curbs are strictly reserved for the immediate loading and unloading of students.
- Strict Time Limits & Driver Attendance: By local ordinance, stopping in a white zone shall not exceed five minutes. The driver must remain with the vehicle at all times and be actively loading a student. Standing outside your vehicle or waiting for an extended period legally reclassifies your vehicle as "parked," which is strictly prohibited.
- No Unattended Parking: Vehicles left unattended or parked in a white zone—at any time, including overnight—are in direct violation of city code and are subject to immediate citation and towing by local parking enforcement.
- Keep Crosswalks Clear: Crosswalks must remain completely unobstructed at all times so that our children can safely cross the street. Please do not block, double-park, or stop your vehicle inside or directly in front of a crosswalk.
Please help us keep our kids safe and our traffic line moving by following these legal guidelines. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to the safety of our entire school community.
Reminder: Complete Our Family Survey!
Help us reach our goal! We’re aiming for 100% participation in the Central Elementary Community School Family Survey 2026–2027, and while we’ve almost reached 20% participation, we still need to hear from the rest of our amazing families!
Central is dedicated to learning, leadership, perseverance, and belonging—and your voice is essential in shaping our school's future actions. Please take just 5–10 minutes to share your family's needs, local connections, and unique talents. As a thank-you, completing the survey enters you into a raffle for exciting prizes, including gift cards and official Central swag!
Make your voice count and complete the survey today!
CLICK HERE to complete the Central Elementary Community School Family Survey 2026–2027
Upcoming Events
Red Ribbon Week - October 26-30
Monday - WEAR RED
- Wear red clothing or accessories to kick off the week.
Tuesday - SUPER HERO DAY
- Wear a cape, a superhero shirt, or dress like a real-life hero (firefighter, doctor, teacher, parent).
Wednesday - PICTURE PERFECT
- Dress to impress in picture-day best attire.
Thursday - HAT DAY
- Wear your favorite hat!
Friday - COSTUME DAY
- Wear a Halloween costume or wear orange and black.
The Central Cheetah Costume Crawl
Central Elementary School’s Annual Parade!
WHEN & WHERE
Date: Friday, October 30th
Time: 8:15 AM
Location: On the Main Blacktop
INFO FOR PARENTS & VISITORS
Visitor Check-In: Get a visitor’s sticker at the gate upon entry.
Attendance & Seating: Parents are invited to attend! Stand or sit in designated viewing areas.
PLEASE NOTE: Visitors must leave immediately after the event concludes.
PAWS for Attendance
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Here! Attendance Challenge: October 12 - October 30
Help your student's grade level win the ultimate celebration!
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Here! Grand Prize!
The Winning Grade Level Wins A... Michael Jackson MPR Dance Party!
October 12 - October 30 (A 3-Week Challenge)
How to Win!
Show up every day! (Perfect Attendance Counts!)
Be on time! (Be in your seat by 8:10 AM!)
Track the leaders! (Check the leaderboard weekly!)
Expanded Learning - EXPLORE
Central Elementary Flag Rugby Season Schedule
The Legion Community Foundation has partnered with the Escondido Unified School District’s (EUSD) Expanded Learning Opportunities Program to bring the Escondido Flag Rugby League to our after-school programming! Teams are already formed and actively practicing during the EUSD EXPLORE program.
All league games take place at Rincon Middle School. Come out and cheer on Central as they take the field:
Oct 3 (Game 1): 11:00 AM vs. Juniper (Field 2)
Oct 10 (Game 2): 10:30 AM vs. Pioneer (Field 2)
Oct 17 (Game 3): 9:30 AM vs. Rose (Field 1)
Oct 24 (Game 4): 9:30 AM vs. Glen View (Field 2)
Oct 31 (Game 5): 10:00 AM vs. Oak Hill Black (Field 1)
Nov 7 (Game 6): 10:30 AM vs. Reidy Creek (Field 1)
Nov 14 (Game 7): 9:00 AM vs. Lincoln (Field 2)
Nov 21: Championship Day (Times TBD based on seedings)
Interested in playing in future seasons? Visit the SD Legion Community EUSD League Page for more details.
Go Central!
Family Opportunities & Resources
October 2026 Kids Free Fun & Savings!
It’s a kid’s paradise all month long! Children ages 12 and under receive FREE admission with a paid adult from Oct. 1 to 31 at more than 70 of the region's favorite museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens, and more. Many locations are even free for the whole family!
With so many participating spots across the county, finding your next family adventure is easy. You can explore interactive discovery spaces, wildlife parks, world-class art exhibitions, and hidden cultural gems without breaking the bank.
How to Join the Fun:
Browse the complete list of participating museums to pick your family's favorite spots.
Download your specific venue vouchers in advance from the official San Diego Museum Council Coupons Page.
Head out and start exploring!
The Salvation Army - Escondido Corps
Looking for local programs, family activities, or community support? The Salvation Army Escondido Corps offers a variety of weekly programs and services for families, youth, and seniors:
Youth Programs & Activities: Kids in grades K–12 can join Kids Club on Wednesdays at 4:30 PM for games, meals, and activities, followed by Singing Company at 6:00 PM. Piano classes are also available on Sundays at 12:00 PM.
Food & Community Assistance: Access free food via the Family Food Pantry (Mondays & Fridays from 11:00 AM while supplies last) or the Senior Meal To-Go program (Fridays at 5:00 PM, RSVP required). Family & Social Services office hours are Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri (9:30 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00 PM–3:00 PM).
Worship & Bible Study: Sunday School begins at 9:30 AM, with Worship Service and Children’s Church at 10:30 AM. Mid-week Bible Study is held Tuesdays at 5:00 PM.
Seasonal & Special Events: Keep an eye out throughout the year for summer camps, Back to School supplies, Trunk or Treat, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas Angel Tree assistance.
Location: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA 92026
Phone: (760) 631-8212
Website: escondido.salvationarmy.org
Join Us for a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat & Dance Party!
Get your costumes ready and join us for a fun-filled evening for the whole family! The Salvation Army is hosting a Trunk or Treat & Dance Party packed with games, treats, and festive fun.
When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Where: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido
What to Expect: Music, cotton candy, snow cones, dinner, and tons of candy!
Want to attend or host a decorated trunk? Please RSVP or sign up to host by emailing amber.ohl@usw.salvationarmy.org. We can't wait to see you there!
Unlock Free Health and Wellness Support with Neighborhood Networks!
As a Medi-Cal Community Care Hub, Neighborhood Networks connects eligible members to no-cost local support:
Enhanced Care Management: 1-on-1 coordination for appointments, transportation, and care.
Community Health Worker Services: Local guidance and health navigation.
Housing Services: Assistance finding, applying for, and keeping stable housing.
Ready to connect? Fill Out the Neighborhood Networks Interest Form Here or Visit the Neighborhood Networks Website for More Information and to check your eligibility.
Questions? Call 619-273-3295 or email info@neighborhood-networks.org.
Free Family Support Services Available Through ChildNET!
Central Elementary families with children ages 0–5 can access no-cost support through ChildNET (a partnership between EUSD State Preschool and Vista Hill) to help kids manage big feelings, build social skills, and adjust to school.
Services Include:
Therapy & Case Management: Individual and family support.
Incredible Years® Programs: Small group skill-building and parenting classes.
Assessments: Includes psychiatric consultations when appropriate.
Social-Emotional Learning: Fun puppet-based lessons with Dina Dinosaur and friends.
How to Connect: Speak with Khrystina Hendrickson at Central Elementary, or contact the ChildNET office at 760-280-5020 (425 W. 5th Ave, Suite #101).
PTA
Your time, your support, and your donation make a difference!
Our Next PTA Association Meeting
- When: Thursday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Community Room
- Tip: Save time by entering directly through the Broadway entrance—no need to sign in at the main office when using this side of campus.
Fresh Gear Alert: New PTA T-Shirts Are Here!
Show your school spirit! The PTA is thrilled to announce that brand-new school T-shirts are officially available for purchase. They are just $15 each. Grab yours today to support our school programs and wear your school pride on your sleeve—literally!
Upcoming Fundraisers
McTeacher’s Night: November 4th
Mark your calendars for a fun evening out with family and friends! On Wednesday, November 4th, Central Elementary is hosting McTeacher’s Night at McDonald’s (1146 E Valley Pkwy).
Come grab dinner anytime between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and McDonald’s will donate 10% of ALL sales directly back to our school!
Your favorite Central teachers, the PTA Board, and our Principal will all be there in person hosting, greeting families, and cheering on our school. It’s a wonderful chance for students to see their teachers outside the classroom while raising money for Central. Skip cooking dinner on November 4th and come join the fun—we can't wait to see you there!