(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – April 11, 2025) — Guillen Middle School is on a mission to transform student achievement through innovative programs, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Under the leadership of Principal Leticia Terrazas, the campus is fostering a dynamic learning environment where students are empowered to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
A Principal Committed to Change
With over a decade of administrative experience, Principal Terrazas is dedicated to ensuring that Guillen Middle School thrives. A former band student at Ysleta High School, Terrazas credits her success to her band teacher, Hector Galindo, whose discipline and guidance set her on the right path. Now, as a leader, she is determined to create similar opportunities for her students.
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“I want everyone to know that I am going to be here at this school for the long haul,” Terrazas said. “I’m not going to leave until my job is done here. I want to make sure that this school is solid before I leave.”
Her passion for education and student success is evident in her work. She has a proven track record of turning low performing schools around, a process she acknowledges takes time.
“You have to change the culture of the school and people’s attitudes to truly make an impact,” Terrazas said. “It took me almost seven years to turn around another school, but I love challenges, and I’m always ready to take on the next big thing that affects student success.”
A School Invested in Student Success
Guillen Middle School is embracing innovative programs and new strategies to set students up for success.
Algebra for All
Guillen is part of El Paso ISD’s Algebra for All initiative, ensuring every 8th-grade student has access to higher-level math.
“We are an Algebra for All campus because we need to set high expectations for students and teach them the skills, they need to be successful,” Terrazas said.
Kickstart Kids
The Kickstart Kids program has also been a tremendous success at Guillen, using martial arts to instill discipline, respect, and perseverance in students. The program has already made a major impact, with students excelling in competitions.
“Our students recently went to a tournament and came back with over 30 medals,” Terrazas said. “They love the structure and the opportunity to showcase their skills.”
Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) Model
Guillen Middle School is one of three campuses in El Paso ISD implementing the Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) model, a Texas Education Agency-supported initiative focused on academic transformation.
The ACE model is based on five key pillars:
Effective Principals and Teachers
Instructional Excellence
Extended School Day
Social and Emotional Support
Parent and Community Partnerships
The model has already proven successful at Canyon Hills Middle School, which saw double-digit academic gains. With this framework, Guillen is poised to replicate that success.
Extracurricular Activities and Incentives
The campus is also expanding student engagement through clubs, activities, and incentives to encourage participation in academic programs.
Guillen launched a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system, where students earn Grizzly Coins for acts of kindness, good behavior, doing the right thing, and attending Saturday learning camps. These coins can be used to purchase prizes such as skateboards, school supplies, sports equipment, and board games. Students can also use their grizzly coins to enter raffles at the Grizzly Recognitions assemblies which are held at the end of each nine weeks as a way to end the 9-week grading period with a celebration. Students can win bigger prizes such as bikes or other athletic equipment.
SEE MORE PHOTOS: Guillen Middle School students prosper with PBIS Program
“The campus had difficulty getting students to attend Saturday camps in the past,” Terrazas said. "According to school personnel; between 15-20 students would show up on Saturdays. Now, thanks to the strong PBIS system we have implemented, we’re seeing anywhere from 80 to over 100 students participating. We have hourly raffles for students who show up and they win cool prizes that middle school students love. All this is done to encourage students to attend."
Terrazas herself attends the camps each Saturday to support and encourage students, reinforcing the school’s commitment to academic growth.
In addition to the PBIS system, teachers are also rewarded for their hard work with Grizzly Bucks, a similar incentive program recognizing their dedication to student success.
Community Support
Guillen has received generous donations from the Bowie Alumni Association, which has helped stock the school’s prize vault for students earning Grizzly Coins. The campus has also raised funds to provide additional incentives and welcomes community donations to support student rewards.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Bowie Alumni Association,” Terrazas said. “Their generosity is helping us create an environment where students feel motivated and excited about learning.”
A Brighter Future for Guillen Middle School
With a passionate leader at the helm, transformative academic programs, and strong community support, Guillen Middle School is shaping the future of its students.
“The one and only thing that keeps me going are the students,” Terrazas said. “I love witnessing their positive transformation and monitoring their progress and achievements. I enjoy building relationships with all my students and getting to know their stories. I believe everyone has a story. This year our mantra is “No Straight Line to Success”. Our students have really embraced it and understand there are many different routes to take to be successful and reaching success looks different for everyone. Our students understand that it takes being safe, respectful and responsible to achieve anything! I have also worked hard to instill the belief in them that everything in life has a consequence, good or bad. ”
Through dedication, innovation, and a commitment to student success, Guillen Middle School is proving that with the right leadership and vision, every student can thrive.