(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Oct. 14, 2026) — Music and Fine Arts opportunities spark creativity, inspire imagination, and help El Paso ISD students grow. That’s why Western Hills Environmental Science Elementary Academy music teacher Julie Gonzalez created a project designed to bring the joy of music to every student.

Thanks to a Classroom Impact Grant from the El Paso ISD Education Foundation, Gonzalez was able to realize Bellows of Joy, a project that purchases adaptive instruments to empower differently abled students and those with physical of intellectual challenges to participate in music class. Funding the project helped create more opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with their peers.

SEE THE VIDEO: Western Hills Performances

The spirit of giving has always been strong at El Paso ISD, and projects like Bellows of Joy demonstrate how community support, paired with educators' innovative ideas, can create more inclusive and engaging learning experiences for children.

Community members can help the El Paso ISD Education Foundation continue funding innovative classroom projects and expanding opportunities for students by making a donation during El Paso Giving Day through Thursday, Oct. 15. Donations made on October 15 at 8 a.m. may be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match while funds are available.

Donate: https://elpasogivingday.org/organizations/episd-education-foundation

The Foundation is El Paso ISD's nonprofit partner, providing Classroom Impact Grants, scholarships, and support for special initiatives across the district. These efforts

help teachers obtain resources for projects involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Fine Arts, music, athletics and hands-on learning.