Dear El Paso ISD,
I was so moved by all the events across the district celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. My mother and father were both teachers who inspired my life’s journey as well as many of our educators who are inspiring our children every single day. Please know, you are not only the foundation of our schools but of our community and we are very grateful for all you do.
Teacher Appreciation week leads into one of our most cherished celebrations of the year — the Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Personnel of the Year Awards! These finalists represent the heart of our schools, and we’re proud to honor their dedication to our students and campuses. Winners will be announced on May 22. You can meet the incredible finalists in this article: Meet the Finalists.
We proudly celebrated two incredible milestones this week—Rivera Elementary's 50th and Zavala Elementary's 100th anniversaries. These campuses have touched generations of students, families, and educators. We will always continue to honor their legacies and the lasting impact they’ve made on our community.
At El Paso ISD, we are committed to providing support for the whole child and are pleased to offer families the opportunity of El Paso ISD Summer Camp. Students will enjoy a summer camp curriculum that includes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Fine Arts activities as well as lots of nurturing fun. For more information, please visit the El Paso ISD Summer Camp webpage.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of joining El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson at a career fair at Kohlberg Elementary. We spoke with students about public service, leadership, and the responsibilities that come with our roles. It was a meaningful opportunity to inspire future leaders and help students see the many career pathways available to them.
Best of luck to the Coronado High School baseball team as they compete in the area round of the Class 6A playoffs this weekend! The Thunderbirds have had a strong postseason showing and continue to represent El Paso ISD with pride. We’ll be cheering them on as they face off against Byron Nelson High School in Midland.
I also want to celebrate the accomplishments of two outstanding student artists recognized in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Congratulations to Marium Zahra from Young Women’s STEAM Academy, who earned the Best Portrait award, and to Maura Rascon from Coronado High School, who received the TX-16 Choice Award. Their creativity and talent are inspiring, and we are proud to see them shine on this prestigious platform.
This week marked a transition in governance for our district. I want to extend heartfelt thanks to outgoing Trustees Israel Irrobali and Isabel Hernandez for their service and commitment to El Paso ISD. Their leadership has helped shape important initiatives that benefit our students and families. We are pleased to welcome incoming board members Mindy Sutton and Robert Osterland, and I look forward to working with the entire Board of Trustees in support of our shared mission: putting students first.
To all El Paso ISD families, you will receive a brief survey on Monday, May 12 asking about your experience with El Paso ISD. Your feedback will help provide us with the information we need to continue providing high-quality, rigorous learning experiences to meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and their future careers. Please remember to check your e-mail on Monday which will have the link to the survey.
As we approach the weekend, I also want to take a moment to celebrate all the amazing mothers in our community. Whether you are a mom, grandmother, caregiver, or someone who plays a nurturing role in the life of a child, your love and support make a profound difference every day.
Wishing you a joyful and restful Mother’s Day!
It starts with us.
Sincerely,
Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent, El Paso ISD