ESD Superintendent Update
Some thoughts for the starting school year
Hello Families,
This is a busy time of year for families and schools! As we move through the next few weeks, our students will be taking the mid-year i-Ready diagnostic assessment to measure their progress at the halfway point of the year. Six-week progress reports will be available during the first week of January, and the second half of the school year will officially start when we return from Winter Break on January 6.
During the holiday season, we want to share our appreciation for the partnership we form with families on behalf of our students. Our families are generous with their time and commitment to our schools and staff. We enjoy your participation in family nights, education events, and student performances. Thank you for helping make the Etiwanda School District a great place to educate children.
Please add the following upcoming districtwide events to your calendar:
November 25-29
Student Recess and Thanksgiving
December 20 - January 3
Winter Break
January 6
Students return to school after Winter Break (minimum day all sites)
January 8-9
LCAP Community Forums (more information below)
January 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
No matter what your holiday plans are, we wish you happiness, peace, and health. Best wishes from the staff at the Etiwanda School District.
Charlayne Sprague
Superintendent
As the school year progresses, your child will participate in several assessments, including the i-Ready Diagnostic and the End-of-the-Year State Testing (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress or CAASPP). While these assessments serve different purposes, they are interconnected, providing important insights into your child’s academic development.
What does the i-Ready Diagnostic Measure?
The i-Ready Diagnostic is a district formative assessment administered three times a year to provide a detailed picture of a child’s current academic skills in reading and math. Multiple data points (grade-level placement and growth measures) are used to monitor student learning and provide feedback during the learning process. It is used by teachers throughout the year to identify areas of strength and need, where intervention may be needed, and what steps are needed to make progress.
What does State Testing Measure?
State Testing (also referred to as CAASPP) is a state summative assessment administered to provide information about student achievement of grade level standards in language arts and math following a full year of instruction. Unlike the i-Ready Diagnostic, State Testing/CAASPP provides a more general picture of a child's overall academic achievement and readiness for the next grade. State Testing/CAASPP also plays a role in measuring how well schools and districts are preparing students to meet grade level academic expectations.
How Are They Connected?
Although the i-Ready Diagnostic and State Testing/CAASPP serve different purposes, they complement one another in support of a child’s academic growth. The i-Ready Diagnostic offers timely, specific insights into a child’s strengths and challenges during learning. i-Ready assessment information guides classroom instruction, ensuring that students receive the support they need throughout the year.
By the time a child takes the State Test/CAASPP in the spring, they’ve had numerous opportunities to build on their skills. The standards-based State Test/CAASPP then measures how well they’ve achieved the expectations of the grade level. Together, these assessments help form a comprehensive picture of a child’s learning and progress.
If you have questions about either assessment or how the data is used, please contact your child’s teacher or principal. Your involvement in your child’s education is important, and we are grateful for your partnership.
California’s new arts and music initiative is bringing exciting opportunities to our students for the 2025-26 school year through the state’s new Proposition 28 Art and Music in Schools. With special funding, the Etiwanda School District is now able to hire full-time credentialed Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teachers, providing every student with access to high-quality arts education.
Feedback on the family survey indicated that families were interested in seeing additional instruction in performing arts, media arts, and visual arts. At the intermediate level, this initiative will introduce an exploratory arts class at each grade, allowing students to experience a variety of creative disciplines. Elementary schools will benefit from arts instruction twice a month in visual arts, media arts, and performing arts, promoting creativity and self-expression in our youngest learners.
We’re excited to launch the visual and performing arts initiative next year, which will give students the chance to grow in new ways—whether it’s through their creativity, social interactions, or critical thinking. This program is designed to help them build valuable skills that will benefit them both now and in the future.
Sewer Line Construction on East Avenue is Progressing North – Prepare for Delays
A major sewer line construction project, connected to the housing development at the north end of East Avenue, is now underway south of the 210 freeway. It is expected to reach Banyan Avenue in the next month to six weeks. This project is not related to the Etiwanda School District; however, it will significantly impact school traffic, drop-off, and pick-up routines along East Avenue and a portion of Banyan Avenue.
Key Impact on Schools and District Sites: Once construction begins north of Banyan Avenue, left turns into and out of the East Avenue entrances and exits for Summit Intermediate, Etiwanda Colony Elementary, the District Education Center, the Etiwanda Operations Center, and the Transportation Center will not be possible.
Please be aware that East Avenue traffic may be intermittently reduced to one lane during construction. Be prepared for detours and delays when construction work reaches the intersections of East Avenue and Banyan Avenue as well as East Avenue and Wilson Avenue. We encourage all families, staff, and visitors to plan extra time for travel to and from school during this time. We thank you for your patience as we navigate these changes along with our families.
November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the cultures, traditions, and histories of Native American peoples. This month offers a unique opportunity for our district to engage in learning and celebration. We encourage the community to participate in local events and educational programs that highlight the significant contributions of Native Americans. From art exhibitions to storytelling sessions, there are many ways to explore this vibrant heritage. Join us in recognizing the important role Native Americans have played in shaping our nation, building a deeper understanding and appreciation of this part of our country's fabric.
