(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – January 10, 2025) — Attendance is the number one predictor of student success, and El Paso ISD is committed to taking proactive measures to support every student’s academic growth. Acknowledging the crucial role of consistent attendance, the district is implementing innovative strategies and working closely with campuses to overcome attendance challenges while fostering strong partnerships with families.
One such initiative is "Operation Fox Finder," which took place on Monday, January 6, at Jefferson Silva High School. Led by teacher volunteers, this program is designed to engage with students who have chronic absenteeism. During the event, teacher volunteers conducted home visits to reach out to more than 100 students who had been struggling with attendance.
“I believe this is important because it lets the community know we care about the children. We also want to make a connection and establish close relationships with our community, so that families know they can always reach out to us,” said Emily Morales, Student Outreach Specialist.
Morales helped organize “Operation Fox Finder” and said the volunteers received several responses from families, many of whom expressed a need for additional support. “Hopefully we see the impact for the upcoming school year and the willingness that we are trying to show them so that the kids know our schools are a safe place,” Morales added.
The initiative’s success demonstrates the power of collaboration and dedication within the Jefferson Silva High School community. Irvin, Franklin and several other El Paso ISD campuses have also implemented similar home visit programs to foster meaningful connections with families and encourage consistent attendance.
The Importance of Attendance
El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra recognizes that attendance is the number one predictor of student success because students who attend school regularly are more likely to stay on track academically, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and graduate ready for future opportunities.
Texas law mandates compulsory attendance for students between the ages of 6 and 19, as well as for younger students enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten. This aligns with El Paso ISD's efforts to prioritize consistent attendance through policies and programs that support students and families in meeting these requirements, such as attendance improvement plans and community outreach initiatives. Frequent unexcused absences often result in the development of attendance improvement plans involving parents and guardians, which focus on providing support and strategies to improve attendance. In some cases, additional consequences such as detention, loss of privileges, or referrals to Truancy Court may also apply.
"Attendance is not only about fulfilling legal requirements; it’s about providing each student with the opportunities they need to thrive academically and personally. Our work goes beyond ensuring students are physically present in class; it’s about creating an environment where they feel supported, engaged, and motivated to attend regularly,” said El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra. “When we all work together—parents, teachers, and the community—we can ensure that no child is left behind due to attendance challenges.”
Parents play a critical role in supporting their child’s attendance by promptly providing documentation for excused absences, establishing consistent routines, and engaging with school resources to address barriers to attendance. These measures, combined with district-led initiatives, aim to reduce chronic absenteeism and ensure students receive consistent and meaningful educational experiences.
District-Level Support
On Thursday, January 9, the El Paso ISD Audit Committee held its meeting to address gaps in attendance and identify areas for improvement. The audit report provides the district with actionable insights to address challenges and implement corrective measures during the school year. These audits are opportunities for growth, helping El Paso ISD enhance processes and support its campuses in achieving better attendance outcomes.
“As we continue to review and refine our attendance strategies, the insights we gain from audits play a critical role in our ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes,” Sayavedra said. “Attendance is a community responsibility, and through programs like Operation Fox Finder and home visits, we are actively engaging families to build trust and highlight the importance of regular attendance.”
The district is dedicated to refining attendance processes and ensuring transparency through audits.
The district’s commitment to improving attendance extends across all schools. Programs like Operation Fox Finder and home visit initiatives at Irvin and Franklin High Schools exemplify the collective effort to engage families, build trust, and emphasize the importance of regular attendance.