El Paso ISD community,
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each of you for your continued commitment and involvement in our DDR community meetings. Your participation makes a significant difference, and together, we are making strides toward our shared goals of delivering a high-quality educational experience for all of El Paso’s children.
During the recent Texas Urban Council (TUC) annual retreat, our students spoke passionately about their efforts to make their campuses feel safe and welcoming for all. They shared inspiring stories about initiatives they’ve implemented, such as peer mentoring programs and community-building activities, which emphasize the importance of ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging. Our principals also contributed valuable insights, discussing the strategies that lead to successful campus environments, including fostering strong relationships among staff and students and promoting inclusive practices. Their remarks truly highlighted the strengths of our community and the vital role of student voice.
In addition to the impactful discussions, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing student performers at the TUC event. The Fine Arts consistently shine in El Paso ISD, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our students. Their performances added a special touch to the event and demonstrated the importance of the arts in our educational experience.
Another celebration worth noting is the recognition of Lisa Mendez, a source of enormous pride for our district. Lisa, a former Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Grant Program Manager and current Assistant Director of Fund Development, is the inaugural recipient of the INSPIRE Award, a new recognition provided by the Department of Defense for the South-Central Region. She was honored for her outstanding accomplishments in managing the district's DoDEA grant program. El Paso ISD and the United States Military share a special bond, including the highest number of Purple Star campuses in the country, which reflects our deep commitment to serving military families.
This connection was further exemplified as Stanton Elementary was selected as the 2024 Fort Bliss Red Ribbon Champion! To celebrate this achievement, the Fort Bliss Garrison Commander and the public affairs team visited the campus for a special ceremony, presenting the Stallions with a 6-foot teddy bear—a wonderful reminder of their commitment to living healthy, drug-free lives.
Also this week, Leadership TASB visited our campuses, including Dr. Green, Young Women's STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy (YWA), and El Paso High School. We showcased the incredible work being done in our district. Our principals played a vital role in this, highlighting innovative programs and initiatives that are making a difference in our students' lives. Their passion, dedication and commitment to excellence are applauded.
As we conclude the DDR Phase III community meetings this week, I am reminded of the importance of our collective efforts. As I shared in my op-ed, "The future of El Paso ISD is bright, and it is built on the foundation of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to our students." Your engagement and support are vital to ensuring that we continue to move forward together.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support!
It starts with us.
Sincerely,
Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent, El Paso ISD