As we reflect on the past year, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) has much to celebrate. Guided by our theme of “Growing Greatness and Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders” ,we have achieved significant milestones. From academic achievements to organizational acknowledgments, our district’s unwavering focus on prioritizing student success and well-being has resulted in a year filled with accomplishments that showcase the dedication and collaboration of our staff, students, and families.
Raising the Bar in Academic Achievement
This year, FUESD stood out as a leader in education across California, earning recognition from the California Department of Education for achieving some of the highest increases in test scores for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics statewide. These gains reflect the district’s commitment to providing high-quality instruction and targeted support for every learner.
In addition, the district received the prestigious Honor Roll District Award from the Educational Results Partnership and four schools—La Paloma Elementary, Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary, San Onofre Elementary, and Live Oak Elementary—were recognized with the Honor Roll Schools Award. These accolades are a testament to our schools’ sustained excellence and focus on academic achievement, affirming the dedication of our educators and the collective efforts of our school communities.
Lighthouse Status for Leadership and Community
San Onofre Elementary, La Paloma Elementary, Live Oak Elementary, Maie Ellis Elementary, and Mary Fay Pendleton School received Leader in Me Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll Recognition this year, a prestigious recognition awarded to schools that demonstrated exceptional implementation of the Leader in Me framework in addition to exemplary academic growth.
Among these outstanding schools, San Onofre Elementary achieved additional honors for its Exemplary Academic Growth and Exemplary Academic Proficiency, showcasing its commitment to both advancing student achievement and maintaining high academic standards. These accolades highlight the dedication of our educators and the focus of our school communities on fostering leadership, academic excellence, and a positive, inclusive culture for all students.
Purple Star Schools: Supporting Military Families
This year, every school in FUESD is a proud recipient of the Purple Star Award, a designation recognizing schools that go above and beyond to support the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. These awards reflect FUESD’s deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported.
Advancing Equity Through the California Community Schools Grant
Potter Jr. High, William H. Frazier Elementary, Maie Ellis Elementary, and Fallbrook STEM Academy were awarded a $5 million California Community Schools Grant. This transformative milestone will enable us to strengthen our focus on equity and enhance support for students and families at these schools. The funds will help expand services and ensure that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Financial Stability and Prioritizing Student Supports
FUESD remains steadfast in its commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every dollar supports our students and their success. With a balanced budget and a positive certification, we have prioritized the inclusion of key staff at every site to enhance both academic and social-emotional opportunities for our students. This includes counselors, social workers, PE teachers, STEAM teachers, reading intervention teachers and technicians, instructional coaches, and behavior technicians. Together, these dedicated professionals allow us to offer a well-rounded educational experience that addresses the whole child—fostering growth academically, socially, and emotionally—while providing enriching opportunities that inspire creativity and exploration.
Expanded Learning Program
The Expanded Learning (ELO) Program achieved significant milestones this year, enriching after-school experiences for over 1,000 students across all eight FUESD schools—a 300-student increase. Supporting the district’s reading initiative, ELO restructured its Genius Hour to include rotations for independent and guided reading. The program also offers 30 non-school days of enrichment, including Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Camps. This year’s Fall Camp engaged over 175 students in arts, ELA, and STEAM projects. With preparations underway for Spring and Super Summer Camps, ELO continues to provide enriching opportunities that foster learning and growth for FUESD students.
Professional Growth
At FUESD, adult learning and continuous improvement are core values that drive our commitment to excellence. This year, we invested in implementing monthly grade-level Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), where teachers from every grade level across the district come together to align expectations and collaborate on best practices. While teachers engage in meaningful professional development, students participate in VAPA Days (Visual and Performing Arts Days), which enrich their learning experiences through creative opportunities to explore and express themselves. These initiatives ensure both educators and students are growing, thriving, and inspired.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we close out this remarkable year, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication of our teachers, staff, families, and community partners. Their unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in our success.
While we take a moment to celebrate these achievements, we remain focused on the work ahead. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing and high-performing educational environment for every student will continue to guide us in the coming year.