Dear El Paso ISD,
As we step into May, there’s excitement in the air across our District. From classroom celebrations to district-wide events, this is a season of recognition, reflection, and joy. Our Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Personnel of the Year finalists are being honored, and graduation season is nearly upon us! We know our seniors are looking forward to walking across the stage and celebrating their achievements. Graduation dates and details can be found here.
Earlier this week, El Paso ISD held the 7th Annual Unidos Games—a cherished tradition celebrating the talents and perseverance of our exceptional student-athletes. From elementary to high school, hundreds of participants gathered over two days at Burges High School for inclusive and joyful competitions. I had the privilege of cheering on our students. Events like Unidos Games remind us of the strength found in inclusion, community, and believing in every child’s potential.
This Saturday, May 3, we’re thrilled to host the Raise the Bar Games at Chapin High School. This spirited competition brings together students from our 15 DoDEA campuses to showcase their teamwork, confidence, and athleticism. More than just a day of fun, Raise the Bar highlights our commitment to supporting the academic, emotional, and social growth of our military-connected students. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the families and coaches who champion student character and inclusion both on and off the field.
We are also proud to celebrate a significant recognition for one of our own: Austin High School Coach Eric Pichardo has been named a finalist for the prestigious Tom Landry Award, which honors high school football coaches across Texas for leadership and impact. Coach Pichardo is one of just eight coaches in the running, and he is the first from El Paso to be nominated. We wish him the very best at the award ceremony later this month!
Additionally, congratulations to a standout educator. Mandi McIntyre from Navarrete Middle School who has been named Instructor of the Year for the West Texas Kickstart program. This well-deserved recognition highlights the impact our educators are making not just in classrooms, but across the region. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and what it represents for our district.
Good luck as well to our amazing student-athletes from Burges, Chapin, El Paso, and Franklin, who are heading to the State Track and Field Meet this weekend at Myers Stadium in Austin. We are proud of their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence—go show the state what El Paso ISD is made of!
A friendly reminder that registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open. We encourage all families to complete the registration process early to help ensure a smooth start to the new school year. Visit www.episd.org/register for more information and to get started today.
Lastly, I want to give a big thank you to our students, staff, and families for coming together to build stronger communities as we continue the important work of strengthening our district:
• 95% of students from closing schools have chosen to stay with EPISD
• Expanded bus routes give families more access, flexibility, and opportunity
• 100% of staff from impacted schools have been placed to keep doing what they love—supporting student success
• Find the best school and program for your child: episd.org/schoolfinder
Let’s keep the momentum going as we close out the year strong. I appreciate the energy, compassion, and purpose you bring to our schools every day.
Sincerely,
Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent, El Paso ISD