Dear El Paso ISD,

This week, El Paso’s District celebrated the conclusion of our graduation season. We were excited to see more than 3,500 graduates cross the stage during 13 remarkably staged ceremonies at multiple sites. Each ceremony served as a stirring reminder of the collective payoff that students, teachers, staff and family members receive for more than a dozen years of hard work.

As I visited campuses throughout the year I was, and continue to be, inspired by the stories that this year’s graduating seniors shared as well as the high expectations they set for me and the district. These expectations will have a direct impact on the future of El Paso ISD and the city as a whole.

Indeed, the Class of 2023 is impressive. Together, they amassed more than $100 million in scholarships. They earned military appointments and acceptance to Ivy League colleges and many other prestigious universities. They have made us immensely proud, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors. Congratulations, graduates!

To see replays and photos from El Paso ISD’s graduation ceremonies, visit episd.org/grad2023

El Paso ISD’s Summer Learning Program got under way this week. The program is designed to meet the diverse needs of selected students and families. Students invited to the program will receive high-quality instruction that’s both interactive and engaging. Optional afternoon enrichment activities are available to elementary and middle school students, with rotations focusing on STEM, fine arts, and physical education. For information and schedules, click here.

The district is also offering all children in the community ages 1 to 18 free breakfast and lunch throughout the summer as part of the Seamless Summer Option meal program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meals will be served Monday through Friday through July 7 for elementary, Pre-K-8, and high schools, or through June 30 for middle schools. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a list of participating campuses, click here.

Next week our Board of Trustees will have their regular meeting at El Paso ISD headquarters. The meeting will be the final one for Board President Al Velarde. Mr. Velarde has been part of the board for a decade and has been instrumental in guiding the district through academic enhancements, bond projects and a host of other initiatives geared toward inspiring and empowering our students to thrive. He was also an incredible mentor and guide for me upon my arrival to El Paso a little more than a year ago. I am extremely grateful for Mr. Velarde’s service and hope the community will show its gratitude to him next week.

While the summer will remain a busy time for district offices, we hope our students and teachers are enjoying their time away from the classroom. Relax in the sun, take in the blue skies and do what you love. It won’t be long before we get back to work.

Adelante, together.

It starts with us.

Sincerely,

Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent of Schools