(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Sept. 8, 2025) — El Paso ISD took an innovative step to bring students back to the classroom through Operation Search, a districtwide telethon designed to personally reach out to families.
As part of the Right Here. Right Now. Because…attendance campaign, district staff gathered Friday evening, September 5, in the EPISD Board Room to make hundreds of calls to the homes of students who either did not show up at the start of the school year or who left El Paso ISD last year without formally transferring. The effort aimed to learn more about each student’s situation, offer support, and help families find the best path forward — whether that’s re-enrolling in their current school, exploring specialized programs, or connecting with a graduation coach for additional guidance.
“Every student matters, and we want them to know that they have a place here in El Paso ISD,” said Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre. “This telethon is about making sure no student falls through the cracks and that families know we are here to help.”
Mark Paz, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools, emphasized how reaching out after hours made a difference.
“Calling after hours is a unique difference because some of these families may be working during the day, so doing this event after work hours allows us a chance to contact parents and hopefully get a response,” Paz said. “We may not bring kids back right away, but this is the start of a dialogue, and we’re not giving up on our students.”
The initiative also highlighted the critical link between attendance and academic success:
A positive school climate improves attendance and outcomes, helping students feel connected and engaged in learning.
Missing just 10% of school days — about 18 days a year — can lead to significant drops in academic performance.
Students with consistent attendance are far more likely to graduate on time and access college and career opportunities.
(Source: U.S. Department of Education)
Every 1% increase in average daily attendance (ADA) also brings in an estimated $3.2 million in funding to support teachers, classrooms, and student programs.
Through the telethon, staff members assisted families with registration, answered questions, and provided information about resources and program options across the district. The event also reinforced the importance of consistent attendance as the number one predictor of academic success.
Students from the Center for Career and Technology Education (CCTE) prepared meals for staff, using their culinary skills to support the event. The experience gave students a chance to showcase their training while contributing to the district’s mission of bringing peers back to school.
Operation Search is just the beginning. Later this month, El Paso ISD teams will take the campaign into neighborhoods with door-to-door outreach to continue conversations with families. Additional events will be planned throughout the year to support students in returning to the classroom.
“El Paso ISD is committed to ensuring every student is Right Here. Right Now. Ready to inspire, empower, and thrive,” Aguirre said.