Community Crew News #37
May 11th, 2024
Greetings Conway Community!
As an Expeditionary Learning school we use circles as a regular practice. Circles represent wholeness, unity, and balance. Every point of the circumference is the exact same distance from the center, signaling equality. The structure of Crew Circles for us gives students a safe and reliable home base—the same small group of people who circle up every day or almost every day at the same time and place. The basic ingredients of Crew circle meetings are:
- Coming together in a circle that gives every member equal voice, value, and visibility
- Building relationships through brave, honest, and respectful communication
- Focusing on social and emotional skills, character, and academic mindsets as interwoven strands
- Creating opportunities for students to become leaders of their learning and their lives
Creating a structure where these ingredients are consistent and effective across the school takes time, often years and our staff is fully committed to this practice in the classroom and beyond. In fact, community circles are equally important and just as impactful. We all experienced the most beautiful community circle at the close of our Better world day. As we say, they are not just for students but for everyone in our Conway community. This is part of our school's collective investment in a restorative culture rooted in equity, inclusivity, and committed to social justice.
Adventurous Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you to all our families that help create a week of appreciation for our teachers. Our Conway Crew works especially hard to make sure all of learners's needs are met. They go above and beyond in all they do. As an expeditionary learning school, it is important to promote the kinds of adventure that create opportunities that are physical, artistic, challenging and outdoor adventure. Therefore an outdoor camping themed appreciation created a week of appreciation and adventure. We truly CAMP appreciate our Crew enough! A huge shout out to our EPIC Conway's PTA for hosting this delicious luncheon for our entire staff today and to all the families that made this week extra special.
Employees of the Year!
Teacher of the year
Congratulations Steve Palomino! Mr. Palomino is the epitome of excellence in education, consistently going above and beyond to inspire and empower his students and colleagues. His wit, keen sense of humor, combined with his passion for teaching is evident in the innovative and engaging lessons he creates. We’ve recently experienced that engagement and his natural ability to foster a love of learning in all who enter his classroom. Steve’s dedication to his students' success, coupled with his unwavering support and encouragement, make him a truly deserving recipient of Conway’s Teacher of the Year award."
Classified employee of the year
Congratulations to Nancy Muehl, our SAI paraeducator. Mrs. Muehl is a shining example of dedication and hard work in her role here at Conway. Her tireless efforts behind the scenes ensure that all her students feel safe, valued, and seen. She takes initiative in all she does, leads groups, plans lessons, and makes sure her learners' needs are met. Nancy’s positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence make her a valued member of our school community and a deserving recipient of the Classified Employee of the Year award."
Celebrating our Retirees!
Congratulations to our three kindergarten educators! Teachers Nancy Sotelo, Donna Sellier and paraeducator, Joan Bohnstedt will embark on a new chapter of their lives. We all want to express our deepest gratitude for their dedication, passion, and commitment to shaping the minds of countless students over the years. Their impact on our school community will be felt for generations to come.
Their wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support have touched the lives of so many, and we are truly grateful for the time we have spent learning from them. Their legacy as educators will continue to inspire us long after you close the door on your kindergarten classroom.
It is a well-deserved retirement. Please take time to thank these EPIC educators for hundreds of minds and hearts they have touched.
Communication is extremely important to everyone at our EPIC school. Please make sure to scroll all the way through the weekly message. If you miss a message, you can view all communication on our website under "NEWS".
I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire students to discover their unlimited potential through Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity, and Compassion. Together we are creating an EPIC school.
We are in this together and believe, We Are Crew, not passengers.
Tina Meglich
Principal
Principal Weekly Update #35
Conway Band Concert, May 16th
Families you are all invited to our Conway Band Concert on May 16th. Please see the information shared here. Families can attend any of the three performances that day.
Girls on the Run, GOTR
I-Ready students of the month!
Classified Staff Appreciation week, May 20 - 24
Information was sent home on Friday regarding this special week. More than ever, we want to make sure each member of our Conway Crew knows how much we value all they do. See information below regarding this special week.
Conway PTA’s fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese
Don't miss the final fundraising event!
Friday, September 8
3pm - 9 pm
Chuck E. Cheese
1126 W Valley Pkwy
Escondido, CA 92025
Flyers will be sent home later this week with great deals & coupons!
May 23rd -Celebration of Learning, 5-7pm
On behalf of our Conway Crew, we are all looking forward to seeing you ALL here at our 4th Annual “Celebration of Learning” on the evening of Thursday, May23rd, 2024.
What will be the shape of the evening?
The feedback received last year in 2023 helped us plan for this year, so we have organized formal presentations at two different times for every classroom beginning at 5:00pm. The library will be converted to an art, STEM, and PE gallery of high quality student work from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Is there a limit on attendance?
No, please bring along any family member and friends interested in seeing high quality work. All attendees will be the audience for our students. This year, an incentive will be in place to encourage families to visit other grade levels. The following day, students will share in crew what they learned by visiting another grade level and earn a cougar paw for every visit.
Is there a dress code for the evening?
Yes there is! Students are expected to dress for success. This is a formal presentation and a time for students to show the pride they feel for their learning. Please have your child dressed nicely in appropriate presentation attire.
Will there be a specific program to follow in the classrooms?
Our goal is to ensure that families have ample time to hear the formal student presentations, visit other classrooms, and enjoy the art and STEM projects. We encourage all families to visit other presentations to get a glimpse of future learning.
Food Vendors at Celebration of Learning
Will there be food available for purchase?
Yes there will be. We have invited a few food trucks, Frida’s Tacos, Cactus Cat’s coffee, Churros and Kona Ice. Our goal is that families have affordable dinner options. Come early, food trucks open at 4:30 pm.
RISE Program
A child’s behavior is simply a way of them trying to communicate their needs. As they grow and develop, their needs change.We invite families to our Behavior Workshop and learn the basics of behavior, the power of positive reinforcement, and the techniques to prevent tantrums.
We only have 2 sessions left and each one will include valuable information that when put into practice in a consistent manner will be of benefit to your child, you and your family.
Join us
Wednesday, May 15th at 10 am in room 5
Registration is not required but highly encouraged.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-p7n2JOo84i618Fkwy7lowIfdQK8DOQaa_Ojo243vfon99A/viewform
2024-25 Before and After School Program Interest Form
The Before & After School webpage will be updated then with the link to the updated Google form. Information went out in Sunday’s Family Communication and families with students who are or will be enrolled and attend in-person EUSD schools may complete the form. This includes incoming TK and new students to the district. While the interest form will be open throughout the 2024-25 school year, the deadline for the FIRST ROUND of potential placement is Wednesday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. The Expanded Learning team will process the forms received by this deadline and conduct lotteries as needed. We will notify families of their status (enrolled or waitlist) in mid-June.
Thank you for your support fielding questions and helping families find the online form on our website. Please let us know if there are any questions.
Stay Informed
Plan Ahead
Tuesday, May 14th - 6:00 pm Elementary Band Concert, CCAE
Thursday, May 16th - Conway Band Concert, 8:30am, 9:15 am or 10:00 am, MPR
Friday, May 17th - 8:00 am Volunteer Breakfast
May 20 - 24th - Classified Staff Appreciation Week
Thursday, May 23 - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Celebration of Learning
Friday, May 24th - Incentive Assembly - Los Futbuleros Show
Monday, May 27th - Memorial Day, No classes
Wednesday, May 29th - EPIC Awards 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades times TBD
Thursday, May 30th - Conway Community Field Day
Thursday, May 30th - 5th & 6th grade Hollywood Dance
Friday, May 31st - EPIC Awards k - 2nd grades times TBD
Tuesday, June 4th - 9:00 am 6th Grade Promotion
Wednesday, June 5th - Last Day of School - minimum day