The Encinitas Union School District celebrated its 26th annual Extended School Year Summer Olympics on Thursday, July 17, at Ocean Knoll Elementary School.
The event brought together students from across the district for a morning filled with energy, excitement and inclusive fun.
The Summer Olympics are a highlight of the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) program — a four-week summer session designed to support students who benefit from continued instruction to maintain progress and ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.
Approximately 75 students participated in this year’s celebration, representing all nine elementary schools in the district. The activities were thoughtfully adapted to support a wide range of abilities, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student had the opportunity to participate, shine and be celebrated. Students rotated through a variety of engaging events, including an obstacle course, field hockey, parachute games, basketball, beanbag toss and more — each designed to encourage movement, joy and connection.
This year’s theme, “Reading Rocks!”, spotlighted the joy of literacy. Each classroom selected a favorite book, series or author and created themed Olympic banners displayed during the opening Parade of Athletes. Students chose titles such as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Pete the Cat” the “Magic Tree House” series, creatively bringing the stories to life on their class banners.
Parents and families had the opportunity to attend the event to celebrate their students. Additionally, students part of the Summer Language Academy, a separate summer program designed to help students improve their language skills, lined the sidewalks during the parade to cheer for the ESY athletes. Following the parade, students participated in their activity rotations and ended the event together with a closing ceremony.
The tradition of the Summer Olympics was originally started by Lori Miller, a beloved Adaptive Physical Education teacher whose passion for inclusive movement and student engagement continues to inspire the event year after year. The district carries the tradition forward in her memory.
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