The Lion Letter
Weekly Update - 10.23.26 - Issue 13
🦸 Red Ribbon Week at Laurel: Be a Hero, Stay Drug Free!
Laurel Lions, get ready to show your superpowers! Join us October 26-30 for Red Ribbon Week, when we celebrate the power of making healthy choices and standing together as a school community. Our spirit days are a fun way for students to show that they’re stronger together!
Halloween Dress Code (OUSD Safety Reminders)
The Oceanside Unified School District is committed to maintaining a safe learning and teaching environment for our students and staff. Our security personnel, schools and district administrators continue to work with local law enforcement and other safety entities to make all of our schools safe.
With that in mind, please reference the following dress code guidance for the upcoming Halloween/ Festival festivities.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please call Saul Watson (760-966-7888, saul.watson@oside.us) or Dr. AnnaLeigh Pacheco (760-966-4024).
Exciting News for 5th Grade Families! ¡Campamento Cuyamaca!
Dear 5th Grade Families,
Please check your email! You should have received a message from our Assistant Principal, Christine Fuentes, with the subject line “Exciting News! 5th Grade Camp Cuyamaca & Next Steps.” Please read it through when you have a moment, and reply by Monday, October 26, 2026.
In the meantime, please take a look at the wonderful flyer created and supported by our PTO!
Upcoming Events & Next Steps
- 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. If you’d like to avoid any internet connection issues, we recommend coming in person.
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.
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.
🦁 Join the Laurel Lions PTO!
Our Laurel Lions PTO is growing, and we'd love for you to be part of it! Membership is just $10 per person, and anyone can join: parents, staff, and community members. When you join, you become a voice for our students and a partner in their success, helping build a stronger, more connected school community. Every family brings something valuable to the table, and we can't wait to welcome you.
To join: Scan the Venmo QR code on the flyer, or call (760) 415-7897 for more information.
Click on the title to see this past meeting's notes.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SUDEIowqDpk7dPU4PGvjjo7xvWFh1F1UgYjAUFqNGYo/edit?usp=sharing
PTO meets every 4th Wednesday of the month, 4:30–5:30 pm.
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!
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.
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.
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.