(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – December 10, 2024) — Every weekday morning, Guadalupe Perez walks into Aoy Elementary School with a warm smile and an open heart. Known affectionately as "Grandma" by students and staff, Perez has become a cherished presence at the school, volunteering nearly every day as part of the Foster Grandparent Program, a City of El Paso initiative designed to connect seniors with school-aged children.
The program matches senior adults aged 55 and older with volunteer opportunities in schools, enabling participants to stay active while making a difference in the lives of children. Perez’s presence exemplifies El Paso ISD’s commitment to fostering whole-child development and creating inclusive environments where students can thrive both socially and emotionally.
For Perez, this opportunity has been nothing short of transformative—for both herself and the students she serves.
“Me encanta este programa especialmente porque mi hija ya creció, así que no tengo que preocuparme mucho por ella,” Perez said.
(“I love this program especially because my daughter has already grown up, so I don’t have to worry much about her.”)
“Ahora todas las mañanas vengo a la escuela para estar con los niños. Me siento muy orgullosa y muy cómoda estando aquí con todos.”
(“Now every morning, I come to the school to be with the children. I feel very proud and very comfortable being here with everyone.”)
Perez volunteers in classrooms, offering support with everything from tying shoes to helping students with their schoolwork. Her dedication has created a strong connection within the school.
“She has created a beautiful community with the kids that even the Pre-K 4 kids walk by and they’re like, ‘Hola, Grandma,’ or they ask her for help,” said Melinda Dominguez, a teacher at Aoy Elementary. “Everybody calls her grandma. She’s built rapport with multiple grade levels and not just the one class she’s working with.”
For Perez, being part of the program is more than just volunteering; it’s about making meaningful connections.
“Me siento mucho amor y aprendo mucho de los maestros y de todos,” Perez said.
(“I feel a lot of love, and I learn a lot from the teachers and everyone.”)
“Me gusta participar en este programa porque hay algunos niños aquí que no tienen abuelos, así que nosotros actuamos como sus abuelos para ellos.”
(“I like taking part in this program because there are some kids here who don’t have grandparents, so we act like their grandparents for them.”)
Aoy Elementary teacher Juan Sermeno noted how the program benefits both the children and volunteers like Perez.
“This program benefits people like Guadalupe because she gets to be around these wonderful children,” Sermeno said. “As people get older, they may not have as many people around them, but with her being around the children, it helps her and picks her spirits up. As for the children, this helps them with their social and emotional learning.”
Sermeno has worked closely with Perez, providing her with guidance to best support the students.
“I teach her how to be with the children—how to help me with the children’s behavior and different things,” Sermeno said. “She’s very helpful and very open. She’s a very nice lady, and the children appreciate her a lot.”
The Foster Grandparent Program enables income-eligible seniors to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per week. Volunteers serve as tutors, role models, and mentors for children, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
For Perez, the program has become an integral part of her life.
“Estar aquí con los niños me da un propósito,” Perez said.
(“Being here with the children gives me purpose.”)
“Este programa es muy especial porque no se trata solo de ayudarlos, se trata de que todos aprendamos unos de otros y crezcamos juntos.”
(“This program is so special because it’s not just about helping them—it’s about all of us learning from one another and growing together.”)
Perez’s contributions mirror the district’s vision to make El Paso ISD a destination district—one that values innovation, empowerment, and community partnerships to support every student’s hopes and dreams.
Her warmth and dedication have left an indelible mark on Aoy Elementary, showing how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of love and community.
To learn about programs that are offered at Aoy Elementary, click here.