AEA Monthly Leadership
Message
April 24, 2026
Jorge Mora
Elementary School Principal
Dear Elementary Families,
Three weeks in and I’m still loving it here at AEA! A big thank you to everyone who joined our Zoom call this Monday, it meant a lot to get to introduce myself to so many of you.
Zoom is great, but nothing beats meeting in person! I’d love to see you at our Pastries with the Principal event on Thursday, April 23rd, right on the playground. Come say hello. I hope you can make it!
Warmly,
Jorge Mora, Principal
Dr. Jose Diaz
Middle School Principal
Dear AEA Families,
As we head into mid-April, our students are entering assessment season. CAASSPP assessment
Athletics and More
Our boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons are coming to an end, with two of our teams deep in the championship hunt. Soccer tryouts are completed, and games will begin the second week of April. Please be on the lookout for the schedules. Our students who completed the My 1of1 design studio will receive their clothing soon, and a showcase night is in the works for late April. In May, there will be a community event where students, staff, families, and local businesses can come together to celebrate AEA.
8th Grade parents, please check out the following link for promotion-related events. PROMOTION HQ
International Exchanges & Student Travel
As we step into 2026, we’re getting closer to our exciting departure to Germany (April 29–May 15)—and we couldn’t be more excited.
We’re also proud to kick off our brand-new AEA Global Explorers program, with Madrid as our first 2026 destination. And as a special addition to AEA Global Explorers, as a meaningful blend of cultural exploration and service learning. More to come…
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We wish our students and families a positive, productive, and successful Semester and New Year!
Jose A. Diaz, Ed. D,
AEACMS Principal
Grade-Level Teams
We also encourage you to stay connected with your child’s grade-level team:
- 6th Grade Team: 6thgradeteam@aeacs.org Includes Camp Information!
- 7th Grade Team: 7thgradeteam@aeacs.org
- 8th Grade Team: 8thgradeteam@aeacs.org
Student Expectations
At AEACMS, we believe in fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. When behavior concerns arise, our staff responds with a focus on reflection, restorative practices, and support to help students learn from their choices. We encourage all families to review our expectations outlined in the Student Handbook and continue to review expectations with your children.
When issues arise, we have several ways to communicate information, which are outlined below.
Front Desk: 619-780-0400
Powerschool Powerhub: Messages and direct communication with staff and teachers.
PowerSchool Schoology: Our Learning Management System
Behavior Support: Our behavior support system
!! Please contact support@aeacs.org for login information.
Avant Language Assessment
Last year, students participated in the Avant Language Assessment. This test measures proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Strong performance can qualify students for high school world language credit, recognizing their existing skills and allowing them to advance more quickly in their language studies. We will have students continue this assessment in the spring. Students in German will also continue to be assessed on the DSD as we have for many years.
For more information about the assessment, visit Avant’s website.
Pick-up & Drop-off Logistics
Elementary School
AEA is committed to keeping our students safe and being a good neighborhood partner.
Our families must obey traffic rules or risk citations.
We need our families to follow the crucial protocols below:
- Refrain from blocking our crosswalks with your vehicle.
- Refrain from blocking our neighbors’ driveways.
- Do not move our neighbor’s trash cans.
- Do not double park to drop off or pick up your children.
- Legally park and walk your student in through the front gate on A Street.
Vehicle drop-off and pick-up are at our A Street Back Gate ONLY.
Middle School
For student drop-off and pick-up, we kindly ask families to use the rear of the school whenever possible. While we understand the front entrance may feel more convenient, it quickly becomes congested. Please remember to slow down and avoid double parking, as this creates a backlog that can spill onto Market Street and cause traffic jams.
The San Diego Police Department is regularly in the area and may issue citations for double parking or obstructing the normal flow of traffic. Your cooperation helps keep our students safe and traffic moving smoothly.
Upcoming Events
No School Dates / Minimum Days / Important Dates
Reminder: AEACES Talent Show Applications Due
AEACES Talent Show applications are now open! Students are invited to showcase their unique talents—whether it’s singing, dancing, comedy, music, or something completely original. Don’t miss your chance to take the stage and be part of this exciting event. Be sure to submit your application by the deadline!
Click here to submit your application
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week from May 4 – 8, 2026
Join us May 4–8, 2026 as we celebrate Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! This special week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, passion, and hard work of the incredible educators and staff who make a difference in our students’ lives every day. From inspiring lessons to unwavering support, their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
Students are encouraged to show their appreciation by bringing handwritten letters, flowers, or small gifts to share their gratitude. Let’s come together to make this week extra special for those who give so much to our school community!
Upcoming AEA Board of Trustees Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Where: AEACMS (MPR) at 458 26th St, San Diego, CA 92102
This meeting is available in-person or remotely via Zoom and live stream. Live Spanish Interpretation will be provided, and ASL Interpretation will be provided upon request.
Click here for remote access links and 2026 – 2027 school year meeting schedules.
Click here for board meeting agendas.
Click here for more information on the AEA Board of Trustees.
Upcoming Events
8th Grade Community Project Presentation Night
When: Tuesday, April 28 from 5:30–7:00 PM
Where: AEACMS Classrooms
The Community Project is a key component of the IB Middle Years Programme, where students demonstrate their skills in investigating, planning, taking action, and reflecting. At our school, students complete this meaningful project during one semester of their 8th grade year.
This evening event provides students the opportunity to showcase their hard work and growth in front of family and friends. We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements and to hear firsthand about the impact of their projects!
Additional Resources
Special Education & Mental Health
Did you know that AEA has staff who can help you access mental health and special education services? If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff will be able to help you with initiating services in school or they will connect you to an outside agency to help meet the needs of your student and your family.
Contact information
Anna Klin, Special Education Coordinator
Email: aklin@aeacs.org
In addition, please click here for information on Child Find which helps to identify, locate, and evaluate children and youth ages 3 to 21 years of age who are suspected of having or have a disability or developmental delay, in order to provide appropriate special education services under the law.
Click here for information about the El Dorado Charter Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)