A Week of Music, Laughter & Grizzly Spirit
Last week, our Glick Middle School community came together for two traditions that highlight everything we love about our students, their creativity, energy, and school spirit.

At the Band-o-Ween Concert, Glick’s Middle School Band joined our Advanced Elementary Band for a festive evening filled with music and costumes. Students, and even their music teachers, dressed up and performed with such enthusiasm that the whole gym buzzed with excitement. The fun continued the next day with the Glick Halloween Social, where students danced, played games, and spent time with friends in a space full of laughter and connection.

Events like these remind us that Glick is more than a school, it’s a community that celebrates learning, creativity, and joy together. Check out our Instagram @Empireunionsd to see more photos and videos of all of the Grizzly fun!
3 days ago, Francis Rosales
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There’s something for every family in this month’s Family Resource Bulletin!

Looking for a little extra help or something fun to do with your kids this month? Our November bulletin is full of free community events, job and housing resources, Thanksgiving support, and mental health tips, plus tons of photos from across our schools!

Whether you’re needing support or just want to see what’s happening around EUSD, this is a great place to start.
3 days ago, Francis Rosales
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Bulletin Board
We know that many families may be facing changes or delays in their food benefits right now. If this is affecting your household, please know you are not alone. There are free food resources available all year in our community. Every family is welcome, and you do not need to meet any requirements or share personal information to receive help. These programs exist to make sure everyone has access to healthy food and support. There is no registration or paperwork required, simply show up, and you will be welcomed with care. To learn more about these programs, visit our news feed below, check ParentSquare, or follow us on our district Instagram.
9 days ago, Francis Rosales
FoodBank
Sometimes mornings are tough, we get it. But every day your child spends at school is a day to learn something new, laugh with friends, and feel proud of themselves. Even just a few missed days a month can make it harder to keep up, but showing up, even on the hard days, makes a big difference. Let’s help our kids build confidence and routines that last a lifetime.
9 days ago, Francis Rosales
Every Day Counts
Every Day Counts
Every Day Counts
Every Day Counts
Earlier this month, Empire Elementary partnered with Soles for Kids and the Empire Elementary Boosters to bring over 300 brand new pairs of shoes to our students. It was such a joyful day full of laughter, excitement, and so many smiles as students had their feet measured and got to pick out their new shoes. Check out more photos from this special day on Instagram @empireunionsd
14 days ago, Francis Rosales
Soles for Kids
Soles for Kids
Soles for Kids
Soles for Kids
Soles for Kids
Soles for Kids
Celebrating National School Lunch Week! This week, our Superintendent C.W. Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Andreya Viscovich, and district staff rolled up their sleeves to join our amazing Food Services team in serving lunch at our schools. It was a wonderful reminder of how much heart goes into every meal. The laughter in the cafeteria and the smiles from students truly show the care and dedication of our Food Services team. We are so grateful for everything they do to make school days brighter, one lunch at a time. Check out more photos from the week on our Instagram @empireunionsd
22 days ago, Francis Rosales
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Welcome to Thriving Together, a space where our dedicated school professionals share practical tips and tools to help families support student success at home. This month, we’re featuring Mrs. Arzac, school counselor at Glick Middle School, who supports students and families with warmth, understanding, and everyday tools that help kids thrive at home and at school.

Whether your child is learning to manage big emotions, stay focused on routines, or make positive choices, these small steps can make a big difference. Mrs. Arzac is sharing a few simple strategies families can use at home, like setting clear routines, practicing self-regulation, and using encouragement to guide behavior, all centered around connection and consistency.

Parenting isn’t always easy, and every season brings new challenges, but you’re not alone. Our counselors are here to support you and your child every step of the way.
24 days ago, Francis Rosales
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
We’re proud to celebrate Kaushik Dominguez, a 6th grader at Sipherd Elementary, who was selected out of the entire student body as this year’s Sipherd Student Spotlight!

Kaushik’s kindness, understanding, and grace shine brightly every day, qualities that reflect both his character and the support he receives at home. His family’s involvement and encouragement are a powerful reminder that when schools and families work together, students thrive.

Congratulations, Kaushik, and thank you to the Dominguez family for being such a wonderful example of partnership and care within our school community. See more moments from the board meeting on Instagram:@empireunionsd
24 days ago, Francis Rosales
Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight
El Concilio California is hosting a free Study Group every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 4:00pm–6:00 p.m. in downtown Modesto. Students are invited to bring their devices and homework for a supportive and focused study session led by caring mentors at El Concilio.

Address: 1314 H St., Modesto, CA 95354
When: Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
For questions: (209) 338-5715

(This event is hosted by El Concilio California and shared as a community resource for EUSD families.)
29 days ago, Francis Rosales
Study Group
Study Group
After reading The Great Compromise with counselor Monika Teves, Sipherd students got to taste the story come to life. Thanks to cafeteria manager Ana and our amazing team, students were surprised with 292 Spacos, (plus 10 adventurous adults!) feeding 414 students in total. More than a fun lunch, it was a lesson in teamwork, compromise, and creativity our students won’t forget. Read more about it on our News Feed below and follow @eusd_official to see more fun school moments like this!
about 1 month ago, Francis Rosales
Spacos!
Spacos!
Spacos!
This month’s Family Bulletin Board is here! Find the full set of flyers and community resources on Instagram or ParentSquare.
about 1 month ago, Francis Rosales
Family Bulletin Board
Family Bulletin Board
We’re back with our second Thriving Together feature, highlighting the incredible people who make a difference for students every day.

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Vargas, our counselor at Empire Elementary. Mrs. Vargas supports students and families by creating a safe place to share, teaching skills for problem-solving, and helping kids feel confident. Whether she’s in the classroom leading lessons or meeting one-on-one with students, she is a steady source of encouragement and support. Scroll down to hear her practical tips for starting the year strong and join us each month as we continue to share wisdom from the heart of our schools.
about 1 month ago, Francis Rosales
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Thriving Together

Learn English with Confidence! Free Adult English Classes for EUSD families, in partnership with LearningQuest!

Program Highlights:
- Free classes & materials
- Free childcare
- Welcoming for all levels

When: Tues & Thurs Sept 30 – Apr 16
6:00PM–8:00 PM Empire Elementary 5201 1st St, Modesto, CA 95351

Call Adriana (209-606-6799) or Juliana (209-750-7228) to register.
Spots fill fast! Sign up today!

about 1 month ago, Francis Rosales
English
Spanish
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Free Money for Your Child’s Future? Yes, Really! California is investing in your child’s future through CalKIDS, a free program that provides money for college or career training for eligible California students. Check out our News Feed below to learn more.
about 1 month ago, Francis Rosales
English
Spanish
Student Spotlight: Ella Matos
We’re proud to celebrate Ella Matos, 6th grader from Stroud Elementary and this year’s Stroud Student Spotlight honoree! Ella was recognized at last week’s Board Meeting for her leadership, character, and positive attitude. Read more about Ella’s recognition and see photos from the night on our News Feed and catch extra moments on Instagram: @Empireunionsd
about 2 months ago, Francis Rosales
Student Spotlight
This month’s Family Bulletin Board is here! Find the full set of flyers and community resources on Instagram or ParentSquare.
2 months ago, Francis Rosales
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Thriving Together: Meet Our Instructional Coaches

We’re kicking off our new monthly series with EUSD’s Instructional Coaches , Monique Preciado, Katrina Haskin, and Kandance Jenkins. This month, they share strategies to help children handle back-to-school anxiety and start the year strong.
3 months ago, Francis Rosales
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Smiles, high-fives, and fresh beginnings! Our EUSD schools are buzzing with excitement as students and staff kick off a brand new year together. Want to see more first-day smiles and special moments? Follow us on Instagram @Empireunionsd for more photos of our amazing students in action all year long!

¡Sonrisas, chócalas y nuevos comienzos! Nuestras escuelas de EUSD están llenas de energía mientras damos inicio juntos a un nuevo año escolar. Quiere ver más sonrisas y momentos especiales del primer día? Síganos en Instagram @Empireunionsd para más fotos de nuestros increíbles estudiantes durante todo el año escolar.
3 months ago, Francis Rosales
First Day of School
First Day of School
First Day of School
First Day of School
Free lunch and groceries all summer long! When school is out, it can be harder for families to access regular meals. Luckily, many local programs offer free food and meals for kids and families during the summer.
5 months ago, Francis Rosales
Food Distribution
Food Distribution
Your summer just got easier! Our Summer Family Fun Guide is filled with free and low-cost activities to keep your kids learning, exploring, and having fun all summer long. From local events to creative at-home ideas, there’s something for everyone. Download it now and start planning your best summer yet!
5 months ago, Francis Rosales
Summer Guide ENGL
Guia de Verano 2025