Dear El Paso ISD,

A journey forward is more fruitful when visionary leaders show us the way. We are fortunate to have six distinguished individuals to point us in the right direction – our El Paso ISD Board of Trustees. It has been my honor to work with such dedicated public servants. I am grateful for the countless hours they devote to advancing our district for excellence in education.

This month, we recognize our Board of Trustees as part of School Board Recognition Month. These selfless individuals deserve to be lauded for all they do to communicate the district’s mission and vision to the community. We thank each of them for the vital support and input they offer to move El Paso ISD forward.

When our schools and community partners work together, everyone benefits. That was evident this week in El Paso ISD.

We closed the week celebrating a new community project with YWCA Paso del Norte Region that will provide students from the South Side with after-school enrichment centers at several of our campuses focusing on STEM, literacy, social emotional development, and health and fitness. Through YWCA, we will positively impact the trajectories of our students and vault them into STEM careers through these learning and enrichment hubs. This joint effort is possible through the work of U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and her office’s efforts on the most recent round of appropriations requests.

Also, this week, Bowie High School was one of only two sites in Texas to host the McDonald’s HACER Education Tour, a day of motivational assemblies, leadership development, parent workshops and more to help inspire students to overcome challenges and pursue higher education. Students across El Paso ISD high schools heard stories of triumph from notable individuals, including Katya Echazarreta — the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space. The event, which also offers students the opportunity to receive scholarships worth up to $100,000, was made possible by Richard Castro, a former educator and owner of 27 McDonald’s franchises in El Paso.

We are grateful for all our community partners. They help provide immense benefits for young people throughout the region and greatly assist El Paso ISD’s mission to inspire and empower students to thrive.

In athletics, our Chapin High School girls basketball team continues making waves throughout Texas. The Huskies have rolled out to a 22-5 record and are ranked No. 24 in the state by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. The season is a little less than three weeks from concluding. Support all our teams as they finish strong!

In fine arts, the Hornedo Middle School jazz band is preparing to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association convention next month. These talented students entertained the crowd during this month’s board meeting where they were recognized for their accomplishments. Play on, Tornados!

Lastly, the board has approved calendars for the district’s next two academic years. The District Calendar Committee received broad-based input in developing instructional calendars for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. The approved calendars can be viewed at episd.org.

As you can see, there’s lots to be excited about in El Paso’s District! Let’s continue our positive momentum.

It starts with us.