The Bliss Elementary counseling team proudly celebrates earning the Silver Award in the 2026 Lone Star Awards!
Dear El Paso ISD Community,
At El Paso ISD, our school counselors are integral to the success, well-being, and personal growth of our students. They work tirelessly every day to help our children navigate challenges, build resilience, and reach their full academic and personal potential. A shining example of this dedication was recently recognized on a state level, as the counseling team at Bliss Elementary School earned a prestigious Silver Award in the 2026 Lone Star Awards from the Lone Star State School Counselor Association!
Serving more than 600 students, many from our valued Fort Bliss military families, Bliss Elementary exemplifies how comprehensive counseling programs empower students to thrive. We are immensely proud of the Bliss counseling team and thankful for every counselor across our district who ensures our students feel connected, supported, and inspired every day.
As we look ahead to an exciting week, I also want to invite all our families to join us for a fun, community-building tradition! This Wednesday, October 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bowie High School, our El Paso ISD Police Department will host its Spooktacular National Night Out. Bring your family out in costume for an evening of safety demonstrations, games, and connection with our dedicated officers and community partners. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brian Lusk
Superintendent of Schools
Staff Spotlight
When it comes to the district’s "Right Here, Right Now" attendance initiative, our teachers lead by example every single day! We want to give a massive shout-out to these incredible educators who demonstrate unwavering dedication to their classrooms:
Suzana Jackson (Andress High School)
Cynthia Guerra (Pre-K , Bliss Elementary)
These are just a few of our dedicated teachers who have shown up every day, and we know there are so many more of you across our campuses making the same commitment. Thank you to all our teachers for showing up, inspiring our students, and proving each and every day that being Right Here, Right Now makes all the difference!
Things to Know
Mandatory 2027 Health Benefits Open Enrollment for Employees
A quick reminder for all El Paso ISD staff members: Mandatory Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage is officially underway now through November 18, 2026. Because health insurance premiums and plan options are adjusting for the 2027 plan year (taking effect January 15, 2027), active participation is required for all active employees. Representatives are visiting campuses districtwide to provide step-by-step assistance. Review the full On-Site Open Enrollment Assistance Schedule to plan your visit.
Apply Now: Classroom Impact Grants (Deadline Oct. 30)
Time is running out for El Paso ISD educators to secure up to $1,000 for creative teaching projects! The El Paso ISD Education Foundation is inviting teachers, counselors, and campus leaders to submit proposals for Classroom Impact Grants to fund STEM kits, fine arts materials, technology accessories, and hands-on learning projects. Don't leave funding on the table! The application deadline is Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to apply or contact Russell Booth at rrbooth@episd.org for assistance.
El Paso ISD Students Honored in Congressional Essay Contest
Congratulations to Aarav Niraula from Wiggs Middle School for winning 1st Place and Josefina Villegas from Hornedo Middle School for earning an Honorable Mention in Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest! Out of nearly 150 middle school participants across our region, Aarav and Josefina were recognized during a special ceremony for their powerful essays reflecting on how growing up in El Paso shaped their understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture and traditions.