The ancient storyteller Aesop wrote, “A kindness is never wasted.” The line comes from his fable, “The Lion and the Mouse,” in which the diminutive rodent frees the mighty lion from a hunter’s trap days after the lion spared the mouse from becoming a meal. The story illustrates how no act of kindness is ever a fruitless venture.   

El Paso’s District saw all manner of kind demonstrations as our schools marked Random of Acts of Kindness Week. Students and staff held doors open, gave each other compliments and performed all types of generous acts. These gracious moments cost us little and offer great benefits in return. They boost our own feelings of confidence, encourage others to repeat good deeds and create a more positive, optimistic community.  

Optimism is evident in our student-athletes in recent days. Today, 11 of our wrestlers began competition at the UIL state wrestling tournament. It also the second day of the area round of the girls basketball state playoffs. Four El Paso ISD schools — Burges, Chapin, Franklin and Irvin — remain in the hunt for a state crown. Meanwhile, eight of our boys basketball programs — Andress, Austin, Bowie, Burges, Chapin, Coronado, Franklin and Irvin — begin the bi-district playoffs Monday. It’s a busy and exciting time for athletics. Go, El Paso ISD! 

Austin High School’s Junior ROTC students also scored big last weekend. A team of five Panthers completed an eighth-place finish during the 2023 JROTC Air Rifle Regional Competition against high school teams from 10 U.S. states. Kudos to our cadets! 

This week, we kicked off Buenas Noches, El Paso, the district’s new literacy initiative featuring videos of notable figures from throughout the region reading a children’s book. The video series aims to foster a love for literacy, which we know helps our youngest learners succeed. The generosity of many members in our community will now allow every child to have a bedtime story. Thank you! 

Our El Paso ISD community also exudes kindness during trying times. Our students were vital in collecting 45 units of blood in the aftermath of a violent incident at Cielo Vista Mall this week that left our community shaken. Also, I was proud to see our faculty and staff come together in support of El Paso both in spirit and on location at Burges High School, where law enforcement officers and first responders reunited loved ones impacted by the incident. Thank you, also, to community members and businesses who donated goods and services to those who worked the scene at Burges. The giving spirit of everyone involved personified what it means to be El Paso Strong. 

I hope all of you enjoy the long weekend as we mark the Presidents Day holiday. When you return to campuses, you’ll only have two weeks of classes left before spring break. Remember that kindness can move mountains. I hope we all continue to exhibit it to each other in the weeks ahead. 

It starts with us. 

Sincerely, 

Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent of Schools

Feb. 17, 2023