Dear El Paso ISD,  

It’s been nearly 140 years to the day since El Paso’s District opened its doors for the first time. On March 5, 1883, the first public school in El Paso welcomed 107 students at the northeast corner of Myrtle Avenue and Campbell Street, setting off a storied tradition of El Paso ISD as the pioneer of public education in the region.  

That pioneering spirit remains true all these years later. This week, we let our community know that we are bringing Montessori education to the district. Beginning in 2023-24, students ages 3-6 will learn to look within, think creatively and become capable of rising to new challenges. We are excited about this latest step in El Paso ISD’s evolution. It is the realization of a long-sought goal and part of our commitment to enhance our region through education.  

Learn more about Montessori at El Paso ISD and start your child's journey at episd.org/montessori.  

Registration for all 2023-24 programs will begin April 3. We will be releasing more information in the coming weeks on our early childhood and secondary education offerings. Keep an eye on our website, social media and your mailboxes to learn more about our academic excellence.  

Our fine arts students are closing February with one last tribute to Black History Month. The Jazz Abstractions Art Show hosted an opening reception this week at the EPISD Fine Arts Gallery. The exhibit, which features vibrant works produced by students throughout the district, depicts the impact of jazz music on the American populace. It will be on display at 1014 N. Stanton St. through Tuesday, Feb. 28.  

I'm excited to share news about some of our exemplary student-athletes who became state wrestling and swimming champions last weekend. Congratulations to Jubilee Rendon of Franklin High School; Keilani Guillermo of Chapin; and Leilani Sanchez of Andress, for pinning the competition on their way to individual state titles. In the pool, the El Paso High School boys quartet of Holden Convertino, Zev Benjamin, Denny Adams and Marcos Otero won relay gold medals in the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle races.  

We are proud of these athletes’ efforts and will see them at a board meeting soon to acknowledge their accomplishments.   

It’s a wonderful time to be part of El Paso’s District! If you or anyone you know is hoping to join our efforts to inspire and empower students to thrive, you will have that chance during our El Paso ISD Hiring Fair next weekend. The fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Downtown El Paso. Parking is FREE. Bring your resumes and be ready to interview.  

We have one week of classes remaining before our two-week spring break intersession! Free breakfast and lunch will be served to all students — whether attending intersession classes or not — at all our campuses March 6-10. 

I hope all of you are enjoying the thrilling activities that make El Paso’s District such a phenomenal place. Let’s continue the momentum into March.  

It starts with us. 

Sincerely, 

Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent of Schools

Feb. 24, 2023