Dear El Paso ISD, 

This week began with an opportunity for our district to see something historic. Students throughout El Paso ISD were able to safely view this year’s monumental solar eclipse thanks to the donation of viewing glasses from Buc-ee’s and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The celestial spectacle — the likes of which won’t be viewed again in North America until 2044 — reminded us of the wonders that surround us, both in the skies and in the vibrant tapestry of our district. There are plenty of other great things to see in El Paso ISD. 

One example is the recognition being offered to one of our most diligent and long-serving employees. Liz Gutierrez, the head custodian at MacArthur PK-8 School, was nominated in Tennant Company’s fifth annual Custodians Are Key recognition program. The competition recognizes custodians throughout the country who do the utmost to make their schools a better place for teachers and students. Congratulations, Liz! 

You can see some of the amazing work created by our talented student-artists Tuesday, April 16, when our El Paso ISD Fine Arts Gallery hosts an awards ceremony and reception for the Colors of Art Awards and Exhibit. Awards will be distributed to middle and high school students. If you can’t make it to the reception, the artwork will be on display at the gallery, located at 1014 N. Stanton, throughout next week.  

Tuesday also marks the day of our regular board meeting. The board will be joined by a new trustee. Dr. Jack Loveridge will be sworn in as the representative of District 3, which is comprised of schools in the Austin High School feeder pattern. Dr. Loveridge enters the seat after an appointment process that culminated Thursday when trustees conducted a vote after asking questions of all candidates. We extend gratitude to the other two candidates who showed interest in joining the board and we invite them to continue serving the district in other capacities. Welcome, Dr. Loveridge. El Paso’s District looks forward to your contributions to the Team of Eight.  

This weekend, performers from Austin and Bowie high schools will compete in the Class 4A one-act play area competition. Students will take the stage Saturday at Monterrey High School in Lubbock. The Bears arrive in the Hub City fresh off a first-place finish in bi-district competition. All the best to our thespians. Break a leg! 

A number of track and field athletes are vying for a chance to advance to regional meets in their respective classes during area competition today. Class 4A and 5A athletes are at Hanks High School while Class 6A is being hosted at Franklin High School. Good luck to our runners, jumpers and throwers! 

We continue to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. A reminder that Purple Up! is Friday, April 19. Wear your purple T-shirts to show your support of our military-connected families.  

Speaking of purple, one of our favorite Burges High School graduates was in the spotlight earlier this week. Tristen Newton led the Connecticut Huskies to their second consecutive NCAA men’s basketball national championship Monday with a 75-60 win over Purdue University. Newton was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, a bright cap to his final season as a collegiate player, which also saw him earn All-American honors. Tristen is a shining example of the remarkable possibilities that abound at El Paso ISD.

El Paso’s District is a place where you can safely behold the sun or become a shining star. Register your child today to inspire and empower them to thrive. To learn more about all the exceptional opportunities El Paso ISD has to offer, visit our School Finder. 

It starts with us.  

Sincerely,

Diana Sayavedra
Superintendent of Schools

April 12, 2024