Dear El Paso ISD,
As Fall Break begins, I want to take a moment to wish our students, families, and staff a restful and enjoyable week. This time offers a well-deserved opportunity to recharge and reflect on all we’ve accomplished together so far this semester. I also want to commend the students who participated in intersession this week to strengthen their skills and stay on track for success. Your commitment is inspiring.
In the coming weeks, El Paso ISD will host a series of community meetings to gather feedback regarding the search for our next Superintendent of Schools. These meetings will give families, staff, and community members the opportunity to share their thoughts on the qualities and priorities they’d like to see in the district’s next leader. More details, including dates and locations, will be shared soon. I encourage everyone to take part in this important process. Your voices will help shape the future of El Paso ISD. Click this link for more information on the Superintendent search process and to fill out a questionnaire that will provide insight into the qualities the community is looking for in the next superintendent.
The district is also inviting families and teachers to share their thoughts on the newly implemented cell phone policy. Your feedback is important and will help us better understand how the policy is working in classrooms and across our schools. Two short surveys — one for families and one for staff — will be available from October 10 through October 24. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to share their experiences and any ideas you’d like to share. While the policy itself is required by State law, your input will help us strengthen how it’s implemented and ensure it continues to support safe, focused, and positive learning environments for every student.
October is a month filled with important celebrations. We’re proud to honor our campus leaders during National Principals Month, recognizing the passion and dedication they bring to our schools each day. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of health, early detection, and supporting those impacted by the disease. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the district’s upcoming mammography services and share this resource with loved ones.
Last week, we officially launched the Inspire Academy, a professional learning series that supports educators aspiring to become assistant principals and campus leaders. Forty teachers and staff members attended the first session, where they explored strategies for leadership, coaching, and campus culture. Programs like Inspire Academy help us grow strong leaders from within — ensuring our schools continue to thrive today and in the future.
We also celebrated the spirit of teamwork and wellness at the Raise the Bar: Stars, Stripes & Spokes event, where middle school students from four campuses competed in a bike race that challenged both their endurance and determination. The event, held in partnership with our Employee Benefits Department, marked the conclusion of our Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant and highlighted the strength of our military-connected community.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with our Superintendent Teacher Advisory Council (Super TAC) last week. I am deeply grateful to this group of dedicated educators for sharing their insights and experiences. Their perspectives are helping shape the future of teaching and learning in El Paso ISD, ensuring that our decisions always reflect the voices of those in the classroom.
I also want to highlight the creativity of our students featured in the “Furry & Feathered Art History” exhibit at the EPISD Stanton Gallery. This whimsical collection reimagines famous artworks through the lens of the animal kingdom, showcasing the imagination and talent of students from across our district. The exhibit runs through Oct. 22, and I encourage everyone to stop by and see the incredible work of our young artists.
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, I also want to encourage families to attend our High School Program Nights, which begin after Fall Break. These events give families the opportunity to explore the unique programs and opportunities offered at each of our high schools. To view the full schedule and learn more, please visit episd.org/highschoolprograms.
As we move forward this month, let’s continue to celebrate our students, support one another, and stay united in our purpose.
It starts with us.
Sincerely,
Martha Aguirre
Interim Superintendent of Schools