(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT - July 16, 2025) — As we get ready to welcome students back for an exciting new school year, El Paso ISD is sharing important updates to help families prepare. From expanded dress code options and free school supplies to new statewide guidance on cell phone use, here’s what you need to know before the first day of school on August 4.
Expanding Options to the Student Dress Code
El Paso ISD has finalized updates to its student dress code for the 2025–26 school year and is excited to announce expanded options making life a little easier for parents.
The district’s existing school uniform policies have not changed. If your child’s campus currently has a uniform requirement, that policy will remain in place; we’ve simply expanded options with more color choices and styles. If your campus does not require uniforms, the updated dress code policy is more flexible and inclusive. El Paso ISD high schools do not have uniform requirements and are subject to dress code policy.
For campuses that use uniforms, students can still wear their school colors, in addition to white, navy, and gray. Both jeans and twill pants in blue/navy, khaki, and black will be allowed at all middle school, PK-8, and elementary campuses.
Spirit days, college days, and other themed events will continue to provide opportunities for students to show school pride, and the dress code is designed to support participation in schoolwide celebrations. At elementary campuses, spirit shirts can now be worn daily.
The full dress code guidelines for each grade level as well as a list of schools that require uniforms are now available on the district website at episd.org/dresscode.
Free school supplies
El Paso ISD is making back-to-school easier for families across the district by providing free school supplies for students for the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative ensures that students have the tools they need to start the year strong and stay focused on learning.
Elementary students will receive individual school supplies, while secondary supplies will be provided as classroom sets. Supplies will be provided to students during the first week of school.
“Removing barriers to learning starts with making sure every student has what they need to succeed on day one,” said Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre. “By providing school supplies for all students, El Paso ISD is not only easing the burden on families, but also reinforcing our commitment to educational equity and readiness.”
Please note that while the district is covering the majority of basic supplies, some campuses may request additional items not included in the district-provided supplies. Additionally, Tippin Elementary and Lundy Elementary will not receive supplies as they are not Title 1 schools. Families are encouraged to check with their child’s campus for any campus-specific needs.
Studies show that having access to essential school supplies helps improve student engagement, participation, and academic success. By investing in our students from the very start, El Paso ISD is helping pave the way for a successful school year.
Here is a list of supplies students will receive:
Elementary School Student Supplies: (Grades PK - 1)
• Pencils, 2 medium soft lead, wood, pre-sharpened
• Crayons, Crayola or equal
• Thick Markers, Crayola or equal
• Composition Book, top half blank to draw, bottom half for writing, wide ruled
• 1/2" x 9-3/4", 200 pages
• Pocket and Brad Folders, with prongs, 2 pockets, poly, letter size, 3-hole
• Pink Bevel Eraser
• Glue, Elmer's School or equal
• Glue Stick, Elmer's Washable or equal
• 5" blunt-tip scissors, left or right handle, Fiskars or equal
• Pencil pouch
• Play-Doh (or equal), 4 pack, 4 oz containers, Assorted Classic/Primary Colors
Elementary School Student Supplies: (Grades 2 - 5)
• Pencils
• Color Pencils, Crayola or equal
• Crayons, Crayola or equal
• Thick Markers, Crayola or equal
• Expo Dry Erase Markers, Assorted Tips, Assorted Colors
• Wide Ruled Paper, 8-1/2" x 11", pack of 200 sheets
• Composition Book, wide ruled, approximately 9-3/4" x 7-1/2", 200 pages (100 sheets)
• Pocket and Brad Folders, with prongs, 2 pockets, poly, letter size, 3-hole punched
• Pink Bevel Eraser
• Assorted Highlighters
• Washable Glue Stick, Elmers Washable, 0.24 oz
• 5" pointed-tip scissors, left or right-handed, Fiskars or equal
• 12" Plastic ruler
• Pencil pouch
Middle School: Supplies will be distributed to each teacher as a class set for traditional campuses. PK-8 campus students will receive individual supplies.
• Pencils, 2 medium soft lead, wood, pre-sharpened
• Color Pencils, Crayola or equal
• Black, Blue, Red Pens, ballpoint, medium point, approximately 1mm
• Assorted Highlighters, chisel tip
• Thick Markers, Crayola or equal
• Composition Book, college ruled, approximately 9-3/4" x 7-1/2", 200 pages (100 sheets)
• College Ruled Filler Paper, 8-1/2" x 11", pack of 200 sheets
• Pocket and Brad Folders, with prongs, 2 pockets, poly, letter size, 3-hole punched
• 2" Ring Binder
• 12" Plastic Ruler
• Glue Stick, Elmer's Washable or equal
• Pencil sharpener with waste container, handheld to capture shavings
• Pencil pouch
• Dry erase markers, Fine point, pack of 4, Expo or equal
High Schools: Supplies will be distributed to each teacher as a class set.
• Pencils, 2 medium soft lead, wood, pre-sharpened
• Assorted Highlighters
• Black, Blue, Red Pens ballpoint, medium point, approximately 1mm
• College Ruled Composition Book, approximately 9-3/4" x 7-1/2", 200 pages (100 sheets)
• College Ruled Filler Paper, 8-1/2" x 11", pack of 150 sheets
• Mechanical Pencils, 0.5mm, 2 lead
• Sticky Notes, Post-it or equal
• 3”X 5” note cards, lined
• Dry erase markers, Fine point, pack of 4, Expo or equal
Cellphone Ban
Texas House Bill 1481, signed into law on June 22, 2025 by Governor Greg Abbott prohibits the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other non-instructional communication devices during the school day. The new rule will take effect at the start of the 2025–26 school year for El Paso ISD students beginning on August 4. According to the mandate, the Board of Trustees has until September 18 to adopt a policy that outlines the consequences for violating the cell phone ban. While some details are still being finalized, we want to ensure that parents and families are aware of the upcoming changes well ahead of the September 18 deadline. Our goal is to provide clarity and consistency across campuses and help everyone prepare for a smooth transition as the law takes effect. We will update families as more guidance becomes available.
We encourage parents and guardians to stay connected through our official website and social media channels for the latest updates and helpful reminders.