CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS
October 28, 2022
Pacific Rim Elementary School
The scent of fresh rosemary, basil, or mint. The sounds of windchimes and a water fountain. The taste of a sweet strawberry. The feel of a Lamb’s Ear leaf, or pebbly stepping stone underfoot. The visual opulence of peppers and tomatoes on the vine. Welcome to Pacific Rim’s Friendship Garden Sensory Patch, where students' senses are stimulated in a tranquil and verdant setting. The new Friendship Garden is a work in progress that has just opened its gates to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Students are excited about digging in the soil, planting vegetables, and helping to create a calm corner in their busy world. From designing to implementing, students are learning about composting, digging, planting, fertilizing, watering, and caring for their plants. A project of Pacific Rim’s new counselor, Miranda Shilling, the Friendship Garden will be a sanctuary where gossip and unkind words are unwelcome, and where respect, kindness, and teamwork are prized. Students are learning to “take out the bad things – the weeds, the rocks – and replace them with the good things – the healthy, nutritious plants, the water – and then watch them flourish.” As they plant and tend to their gardens they are building friendships, working together, and creating a safe place to rest and regenerate. The Friendship Garden has tables for student artists, writers, and those who want to work quietly, and cozy seating for those who want to read. Soon students will be able to paint Kindness Rocks with uplifting messages on them to add additional color to their refuge. One of Carlsbad Unified’s new elementary counselors, Ms. Shilling has set up several supports for the children on campus. Every two weeks she visits each classroom with a lesson on social skills and making friends, and lets students know that she is there as a resource when they need her. She also checks in with students who have been referred for some extra attention, and meets with students who drop in to talk about issues with friends or playground problems. She runs group counseling sessions for students who have had disruptions in their lives, providing a safe space to allow students to talk about their challenges and to learn new coping skills. On Unity Day she shared a message of standing up against bullying, and standing for kindness. And during Red Ribbon Week she joined in school-wide opportunities to involve students in activities that reinforce positive, safe behaviors. “We are very fortunate at Pac Rim to have Ms. Shilling as part of our team,” said principal Richard Tubbs. “She has brought a new energy and perspective to our campus.” Ms. Shilling and all of the new elementary counselors have begun to meet once a month to share ideas, materials, and lesson plans, and to develop a toolbox of resources. Out of the dirt and mud, the beautiful green plants grow. In their Friendship Garden, students are learning that, with work, their garden will come to fruition, and there will be delicious things to experience, to enjoy, and to share along the way.
Carlsbad Unified test scores among highest in the county
According to statewide test data released this week, Carlsbad Unified School District scores are among the highest in San Diego County, as students continue to exceed county averages in the preliminary results of the most recent California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). In English Language Arts, mathematics, and science, Carlsbad Unified student performance puts them among the top three unified school districts in San Diego County.
In each of the four years leading up to the pandemic, Carlsbad Unified’s overall test scores increased annually. There was no state testing in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
In 2022, the newly reinstated test was significantly revised by the California Department of Education (CDE), providing a new baseline for school districts to measure progress moving forward. Due to the significant changes in the test, districts are unable to make direct comparisons with previous years’ results, CDE officials said.
Carlsbad Unified School District - Parent University
A few of our favorite Instagram posts
Stay Connected with ParentSquare
Please download the ParentSquare app to stay updated on all of the news and announcements from your school throughout the year. Click here to learn more on our website.
Download the iOS App - Apple Store
Download the Android App - Google Play Store
Carlsbad Unified School District
Email: cusd@carlsbadusd.net
Website: https://www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us
Location: 6225 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Phone: 760-331-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/CarlsbadUnifiedSchools
Twitter: @CarlsbadUSD