Melissa Ortiz, Principal

Email Melissa Ortiz Here meortiz2@episd.org

(915) 236-3225

I am truly honored and humbled to serve as the Principal for Putnam Elementary. I am excited to return to the district where I first began my educational career as a third-grade teacher.

In my 23 years in education I have served in different leadership roles as a school counselor in the elementary and secondary level; as well as an assistant principal. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at El Paso.

My greatest achievements in life are my family. My husband David, my daughter Meadow and my son Darian. I am also a dog mom to Sammy and Milo, my two beautiful Mini-Schnauzers. On Sundays you may find my husband and I walking the rescue dogs at El Paso Animal Services with the 915 Rescue Runners Club.

My vision for school leadership at Putnam Elementary is to lead a campus and community that focuses on the whole child. We believe that all students can develop abilities, skills and mindsets, to strengthen their social, emotional and academic competence. I believe that is the bridge to continue with rigorous instruction and teaching with high expectations, so that all students can continue to be successful learners and demonstrate growth. My “WHY” is to do what is BEST for All students!

It is going to be an amazing 2024-2025 school year and I am eager to welcome back all of our students and parents in the Putnam Community. Go FALCONS!