Dear El Paso ISD,
Right Here. Right Now., a bold new attendance campaign developed with students to improve the attendance culture and inspire children not to miss out on the experiences, friendships, milestones, and memories that define their school years and enrich their lives.
The multiplatform campaign designed to connect with students and families and improve the culture of attendance, kicked off with a districtwide telethon. The next phase begins September 20 with Operation Search, a door-to-door outreach effort to re-engage families. Future phases will feature friendly attendance competitions between campuses, recognition for students and classrooms with the best attendance, and community partnerships to reward students for showing up.
This campaign shares one powerful message as it runs all school year across campuses, social media, newsletters, and community events: when students are present, they are on the path to success.
We cannot do this alone. We need your help! Please share this message with your family, friends, and neighbors and be a champion for attendance. Together, we can ensure every student knows they belong in our classrooms and that showing up—right here, right now—makes a lasting difference in their future.
This weekend, I will join teachers, administrators, and staff from across the district for Operation Search, a powerful outreach effort to re-engage students who have not yet enrolled or who may be struggling with attendance. On Saturday morning, we’ll gather at our high schools, form teams, and head into neighborhoods to connect directly with families. Together, we will knock on doors, connect with families about the reasons for the student is not attending school, offer support and solutions, and remind our community that every child has a place in El Paso ISD.
This week, I had the honor of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the El Paso Retired Teachers Association, alongside many local leaders. Their decades of service paved the way for the opportunities that students of the borderland region, and it was inspiring to thank them for their unwavering commitment to education.
Community spirit was also alive at our Bowie High School Homecoming Parade and the Coronado Homecoming Lunch Rally. These events showcased the pride, tradition, and sense of belonging that make El Paso ISD so special. From cheering alongside students, staff and community at Bowie to celebrating with students at Coronado, I was reminded once again of how deeply connected our schools are to the heart of this community.
Finally, I am thrilled to share that Douglass Elementary and Hartley PK-8 were selected as this year’s Extra Yard for Teachers winners! These grants, presented in partnership with UTEP Athletics and the College Football Playoff Foundation, will bring $9,000 in total to our schools to enhance student experiences. What makes this even more meaningful is that the initiatives being funded, like Douglass’ PBIS “Tiendita” designed from student feedback, were shaped by the voices of our learners. This recognition affirms that when we listen to our students, we create schools where they feel included, supported, and celebrated.
Together, these moments from the past week remind me that education is not only about academics, but it’s about community, connection, and care. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting our students every step of the way.
It starts with us.
Sincerely,
Martha Aguirre
Interim Superintendent of Schools