
After-school science fun in Ms. Lisa’s ASES class 🐻✨ Grizzlies powered balloons, made lava lamps, and built gummy bear DNA! #Grizzlies #STEM #ASES






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





Lunchtime at Glick Middle! 🐻 Building connections and Grizzly pride together.





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.





Capturing grizzly pride one rally game at a time 🐾🏁


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.)



8th Grade scientists digging into dirt and discovery 🌱 🔬

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



Grizzlies on the rise! Our talented middle school band took over the Johansen High School stadium, showing off their skills alongside the high school team 💜🐻🎶 #GrizzlyPride #GoGrizzlies


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!



Last month, students and staff at Norman Glick Middle School honored the birthday of their school’s namesake, Norman Glick, with a special celebration. Check out our News Feed below or our Instagram @Empireunionsd, to see more photos of this event!


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!

