
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.
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.





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
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



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.)
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.)



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!

This month’s Family Bulletin Board is here! Find the full set of flyers and community resources on Instagram or ParentSquare.



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.
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.





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!





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.



This month’s Family Bulletin Board is here! Find the full set of flyers and community resources on Instagram or ParentSquare.



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.
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.





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.
¡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.





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.



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!



Head over to our News Feed to learn about free community resource events happening this month!


Meet Mrs. Bauer, our Capistrano Elementary School Counselor and our featured counselor this month!



We know that spring break can be a mix of fun and stress, especially when routines are different and resources feel out of reach. So we've put together this simple guide to help you find support, activities and ideas to make this break a little easier. Scan the QR code to learn more!



Head over to our News Feed to learn about free community events happening this month!


2nd Cup of Coffee
Wednesday, April 30th
8:30 - 9:30 AM

Spring Break
April 21 - April 25
NO SCHOOL

Friday, April 18th
NO SCHOOL