Dear El Paso ISD,
I hope you all enjoyed a restful and joyful Thanksgiving break. We are entering the final stretch before Winter Break, and I encourage everyone to finish the semester strong.
One of my favorite traditions this time of year is recognizing the incredible student artists behind our annual holiday cards. This year’s winners truly captured the spirit and creativity of El Paso ISD:
• · High School: Rose Macias, El Paso High School
• · Middle School: Dayana Echavarria, Navarrete Middle School
• · Elementary: Orlando Quinonez III, Tinajero PK–8
Their artwork will be featured in the districts official holiday card and displayed at the Fine Arts Gallery into January. Congratulations not only to our winners but to every student and teacher who submitted artwork. From drawings that featured our Franklin mountains to murals around the Lincoln Park area, the work is truly inspiring and creative.
On Friday, our Career and Technical Education Department hosted the annual Girl Power Event and VEX V5 Jingle Bot Jamboree at the Starlight Event Center. More than 30 exhibitors, such as NASA and the Department of Defense, were on hand to help students explore career options and had the opportunity to connect with role models in high-demand fields. Events like these open doors for our students and help them network with important agencies.
We are also celebrating a remarkable accomplishment at Burges High School. Senior Catalina Gutierrez was selected as one of only two delegates from the entire state of Texas to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C., this March. Catalina will meet with national leaders, participate in high-level discussions, and receive a $10,000 scholarship from The Hearst Foundation. Way to go Catalina!
Our student-athletes have earned major milestones, as well. We are proud to recognize students who have worked tirelessly to compete at the highest level and to those who signed with highly competitive university programs.
Congratulations to:
• · Johan Camacho, Bowie High School — UTEP Football
• · Daveon Singleton, Chapin High School – UTEP Football
• · Justin Morales, Franklin High School — University of Arizona Football
• · Eric Sandoval, Franklin High School — UTEP Football
As we continue focusing on our districtwide attendance rates. It is important to note that consistency in student attendance builds academic success. A fun way we are reinforcing the importance of attendance is through our school attendance battles. Next week, Bowie and Jefferson Silva will go head-to-head to see which campus can generate the strongest attendance rates. Friendly competitions like these create excitement, but more importantly, it reminds students that daily attendance in class matters.
The spirit of giving is alive across El Paso ISD as we launch our annual Toys for Tots campaign. From now through December 12, donation boxes are available at Central Office and several campuses. I encourage everyone who can to contribute a new, unwrapped toy, to do so. Your generosity brings holiday joy to children throughout our community, and I’m grateful for the kindness you show year after year.
As my time as Interim Superintendent approaches its close, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each of you. Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I have been inspired every day by your passion and belief in our district and students. Thank you for your support, your collaboration, and your belief in the future of El Paso ISD.
Sincerely,
Martha Aguirre
Interim Superintendent, El Paso ISD