Message from Superintendent Diana Sayavedra
Dear El Paso ISD,
We are in the midst of homecoming season! This tradition centered around a football game gives our students a chance to revel in a week of themed dress-up days, pep rallies and dances. They also get to support their friends on the field and in the homecoming court in a show of school pride that leaves lasting memories. Homecoming is one of the many unique aspects of attending public school that we feel enriches lives and creates a sense of community.
Homecoming is also a time to recognize our excellent alumni. One such remembrance will take place this evening at Irvin High School, where 2003 graduate Anthony Salas will be honored before kickoff with a moment of silence and helicopter flyover. Anthony was tragically killed earlier this year in the line of duty as a Texas Department of Public Safety special agent. We extend our heartfelt support to his wife, Lizzett, and their three children, who will be present at the game. Anthony, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, devoted his life to serving others and his impact continues to reverberate with Rockets everywhere.
Two current El Paso ISD students – Deena Al-Dahwi, from Coronado High School, and Anna Dixon, from Franklin High School – certainly made their impact felt this week. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that Deena and Anna are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. They are the only students from El Paso County to receive the honor, a shining example of El Paso ISD’s vision to offer premier educational opportunities. Congratulations to both of you!
As we approach our first intersession Oct. 3-14, I am amazed by our teachers and staff that ensure the academic growth and success of all our students. Providing every student with a challenging and enriching curriculum is a goal I will continue to see is met.
Parents play just as significant a role in giving their child the best opportunities. Many parents met their children’s teachers this week during parent-teacher conferences. I hope this period offered an opportunity to establish and maintain a positive relationship with our campuses. The relationships parents forge with schools are vital in shaping their children’s futures.
This week also saw the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The annual celebration takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Today is Sept. 16, or 16 de septiembre, a date that marks the commemoration of the Mexican cry for independence. Originally known as the “Grito de Dolores” and now commonly known as El Grito, the recognition was first organized in 1825 and is observed each year to mark the start of the Mexican War of Independence that began Sept. 16, 1810. This period presents a wonderful opportunity for El Paso ISD to honor the impact of Latinos/Latinas in our bicultural community. It is also a time for our schools to remind students of the value of diversity. Making connections to help us navigate through our differences and foster positive outcomes is at the core of what we do as educators.
Thank you, collectively we all make a difference in the lives of our students.
It starts with us.
Sincerely,
Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent of Schools