Dear El Paso ISD,
This week, our district came together to honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Our annual 9/11 Ceremony was a moving reminder of courage, sacrifice, and unity. We were honored to welcome Garrison Commander Colonel Michael Soyka of Fort Bliss as our guest speaker. His message highlighted the importance of resilience and service, values that continue to inspire our students and staff. I am grateful to our JROTC cadets, musicians, and staff members whose heartfelt contributions made the ceremony a memorable tribute.
Last Friday’s telethon dedicated to reaching families of students who have not yet returned to our classrooms kicked off our Right Here. Right Now. Because…attendance campaign. I am so proud of our staff who gave their time to personally connect with families and remind them that we are here to help. It is so important for us to connect with our students and families to ensure they understand that at El Paso ISD there is a place for every child at our schools. Throughout the school year you will experience different aspects of the campaign, designed with our students, to make certain that every learner knows that they matter and that consistent attendance isn’t just key to academic success but also essential for them to experience the moments that enrich their educational experience.
At El Paso ISD, we take great pride in supporting our military-connected students and families. I am excited to share that 10 more of our campuses have earned the Purple Star Campus designation, a recognition from the Texas Education Agency for schools that demonstrate outstanding support for military families.
Congratulations to Austin High School, Charles Middle School, Irvin High School, Lundy Elementary, Mesita ECDC, Richardson Middle School, Tom Lea Elementary, Kohlberg Elementary, Milam Elementary, and Moreno Montessori School for achieving this honor. These new designations bring El Paso ISD’s total count to 63 Purple Star Schools, reflecting our deep commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated in our schools.
This week, El Paso High School celebrated the legacy of someone who brought countless victories and unforgettable moments to our district. Beloved track coach Danny McKillip, who passed away last year, was honored with the official dedication of the school’s track in his name. Former students and community members shared cherished memories of Coach McKillip, reflecting on the profound influence he had on their lives and on our district. I had the pleasure of listening to stories about the impact he made on the lives of students. Coach McKillip was more than a coach and teacher — he was a mentor, a role model, and a lifelong source of inspiration. We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact he made on El Paso ISD and our students.
I also had the privilege of visiting Polk and Hawkins Elementary Schools this week to celebrate their outstanding achievements. Both campuses earned an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency, and we proudly presented them with banners recognizing their success. These accomplishments are a reflection of our students’ hard work, the dedication of our educators, and the strong support of our families. Congratulations to both school communities!
Next week, families will have an important opportunity to connect with teachers during Parent-Teacher Conferences, scheduled for September 16–18. These conversations are essential for celebrating progress and discussing strategies to ensure academic growth. Please take advantage of this time to strengthen the partnership between home and school that supports your child’s success.
I would also like to thank our families who have filled out the annual Federal Impact Aid Form; your efforts help us secure essential funding to support our students. For those who haven’t had a chance, we request you please complete the survey by September 18, 2025, by clicking here.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that we have officially announced the Class of 2026 graduation dates. Please visit our website to view the full schedule Graduation Schedule 2026. We can’t wait to celebrate our seniors as they reach this incredible milestone.
It starts with us.
Sincerely,
Martha Aguirre
Interim Superintendent of Schools