October is a month of growth and connection. Students have settled into their routines, strengthened their friendships, and are learning more about themselves and each other every day.
This month, we celebrated Bullying Prevention Month by focusing on kindness, empathy, and what it means to be an upstander. Students learned how to recognize bullying, how to safely speak up for themselves and others, and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in our school community.
We also wrapped up Hispanic Heritage Month, where students celebrated the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
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Encourage your child to give at least one genuine compliment or kind word to someone each day, whether it’s a classmate, sibling, or teacher.
- At dinner or bedtime, ask, “Who did you lift up today?”
- “Did someone say something kind to you?”
Small, everyday kindness builds empathy and helps create a school community where everyone feels safe and valued.
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TK-5: Emotion Regulation
- Students learned the stoplight method to regulate their emotions (stop, name, and pick).
- Students also reflected on body signs, thoughts, feelings, and actions to help them know when they feel dysregulated and created their own toolbox with different tools to help them regulate.
- 💡Conversation Starter: Ask your student(s) to show them your toolbox.
TK-5: Identity & Self-Esteem
- Students explored their personal identities through a picnic activity by learning that just as a picnic requires specific elements, so do they.
- Students created a strengths shield to help build their self-esteem.
- 💡Conversation Starter: Ask your student(s) to show them their shield.
TK & Kinder:
- TK & Kinder students received additional lessons on telling the truth, being responsible, and being confident.
6th grade: Bullying Prevention
- Received lessons on the difference between bullying, conflict, and a mean moment
- Bullying must meet RIP criteria (repeated or pervasive, intentional & impactful, and power imbalance)
- 💡Conversation Starter: Ask your student what B.U.S.T.E.R. is? (How to be an upstander)
7th grade: Bullying Prevention & Peer Pressure
- Bullying must meet RIP criteria (repeated or pervasive, intentional & impactful, and power imbalance)
- Learned about spoken/unspoken peer pressure and how we can stand up for ourselves!
- 💡Conversation Starter: What are examples of positive peer pressure?
8th grade: Bullying Prevention & Conflict Resolution
- Bullying must meet RIP criteria(repeated or pervasive, intentional & impactful, and power imbalance)
- Learned the 5 steps of conflict resolution (name it, listen back, be patient, find the root cause, set future expectations)
- 💡Conversation Starter: Name a time they had a conflict and could apply these steps.
7-8 grade: Respecting Differences
- Students worked together to figure out invisible and visible differences (family values, religion, culture, etc.)
- They identified that everyone around them is different, but that doesn't mean different is wrong, bad or "weird"
- Practiced distinguishing the difference between disagreement and disrespect
- 💡Conversation Starter: What is something they could say to a peer to show they disagree in a kind way?
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When students learned about respecting differences and bullying prevention, we had a meaningful discussion about how differences such as religion, race, culture, and family values make each of us unique and shape the way we see and experience life. This connects to Habit 5, Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, because students recognized that everyone brings a different perspective. Before judging or reacting, we need to listen and try to understand where someone is coming from. Students discussed how taking time to understand others helps prevent bullying, builds empathy, and makes our classroom a place where everyone feels respected and heard.
💡Conversation starter: What are examples of visible and invisible differences between you are your peers?
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EES Unity Day & School Wide Activities
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EMS Hispanic Heritage & Bullying Prevention
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8th grade families, please remember to submit your choice application before the November 15th deadline! |
Try a nightly “put-up” at dinner or bedtime. Each person shares one kind thing they noticed someone in the family do that day. When kids hear kindness modeled at home, they bring it with them to school! |
Sharia's Closet
Request Clothing or Essential Hygiene Options
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Schedule: Mon-Fri (9-5), Sat (11-3)
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Location: 6244 El Cajon Blvd #5
Social Emotional
Tutoring
Step Up Tutoring
Virtual 1-on-1 tutoring to 2nd-6th grade students from underserved communities
- 2x a week, 12 weeks minimum commitment
- Requirements: Registration through Step Up Tutoring, interview, training modules
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Free access to paid coaches to provide assistance and guide students in K-8 as they learn.
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Free access to learning materials, computers, online research tools, and other digital resources at the library.
Bonita Family Resource Center:
Helps San Diego residents access to
- healthcare
- food assistance
- utility savings
Free enrollment and benefits navigation services.
Local Libraries & Events
Tierrasanta Branch:
Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch:
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