(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Mar. 4, 2025) — El Paso ISD’s ongoing Destination District Redesign (DDR) is making strides with a strong emphasis on community-building to support students, families, and staff during the transition brought about by school closures and redesign.
The latest Building Community Retreat, held on March 3 at the Professional Development Center, brought together school leaders, teachers, and parents from schools undergoing changes. The retreat aimed to foster relationships and create unified transition plans through team-building activities, updates on priority registration and staffing, logistics planning, and collaboration sessions designed to build community cohesion.
"When we began these DDR retreats, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but now I’m incredibly grateful for the partnerships we’re forming with the amazing faculty and staff at Murphree PK-8," said Melissa Ortiz, Principal of Putnam Elementary. "These efforts show how a positive mindset and teamwork can lead to great outcomes."
Building Bridges Between Schools
DDR building community focuses on creating a welcoming environment by connecting students and staff from closing schools to their new campuses. Schools involved in the most recent retreat include:
• Lamar Elementary → Mesita Elementary & Mesita ECDC
• Newman Elementary → Bobby Joe Hill PK-8
• Putnam Elementary → Murphree PK-8
• Rivera Elementary → Western Hills Elementary
• Rusk Elementary → Crockett Elementary & Clendenin Elementary
• Zavala Elementary → Cooley Elementary & Douglass Elementary
El Paso ISD has prioritized clear communication, outreach, and campus connections to ensure smooth transitions for all stakeholders.
"We will always honor the legacy of the schools we are consolidating," said Laila Ferris, Principal of Mesita Elementary. "Their history will remain a part of our shared story as we welcome new students into our school family."
Bringing Communities Together
Several schools have hosted events to ease the transition and foster connections:
• Zavala Elementary: Counselor Ernest Pelletier created a video tour of Cooley and Douglass Elementary to introduce students to their new campuses.
• Mesita Elementary: Students sent Valentine Grams to future classmates at Lamar Elementary.
• Newman Elementary and Bobby Joe Hill PK-8: Hosted an open house and scavenger hunt for incoming students, with Bobby Joe Hill students delivering candy grams.
• Western Hills Elementary: Sent Christmas cookies to Rivera Elementary students.
• Putnam Elementary and Murphree PK-8: Families attended an open house at Murphree in January.
"We’ve been brainstorming new opportunities with Putnam, like adding clubs and activities for next year," said Christine Miles, Principal of Murphree PK-8. "Our goal is to honor Putnam’s legacy while creating opportunities for all students."
The district has also provided transportation between schools to ensure families can participate in community-building events and familiarize themselves with their new campuses.
Progress in Priority Registration
El Paso ISD has made significant progress in registering families impacted by the redesign:
• 99% of families have responded.
• 8% of families have chosen not to return due to military relocations, moves out of the district, or out-of-state moves.
Outreach efforts are ongoing to assist the remaining families in finalizing their plans.
"The support from Cooley and Douglass Elementary has been outstanding," said counselor Ernest Pelletier. "We’ve organized cross-campus events and created video tours so students can feel confident and excited about their new schools."
A Unified Vision for the Future
The DDR process is more than just school closures—it’s about fostering a stronger, more connected community. El Paso ISD leaders are optimistic about the transition and the positive impact it will have on students and families.
"Our students aren’t just joining a school; they’re becoming part of a community," said Patricia Lira, Principal of Lamar Elementary. "By creating a comfortable and inclusive environment, we’re setting the stage for long-term success."
Parents are also playing a pivotal role in shaping the transition.
"As a parent and Putnam alumnus, I’m deeply invested in this process," said Michael Guerra. "My wife and I both attended Putnam, and we want to ensure this transition benefits every student, family, and staff member."
With ongoing collaboration, outreach, and community events, El Paso ISD is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition for all involved. More events are planned throughout the spring to reinforce this dedication to building stronger school communities.