El Paso High - #TigerStrong

Tiger Community

Dear Tiger Community,

I hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed a restful and joyful Thanksgiving break with your loved ones. As we return to school this week, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership in ensuring the success of our students.

As we approach the final stretch of the semester, it's important that we all come together to make sure our students are starting strong and staying on track. Regular attendance and active engagement in school are crucial to academic success. Missing school, even just a few days, can have a significant impact on a student’s progress and performance in the classroom.

Here’s how you can help:

Encourage Regular Attendance: Consistent school attendance plays a vital role in students’ academic achievement. If your child is experiencing difficulties, please reach out to our school team—we’re here to support them and find solutions.
Stay Involved in Their Education: Check in with your child about their classes, assignments, and any upcoming tests. Encourage them to reach out to their teachers if they need extra help or clarification. Your involvement helps create a positive school experience for them.
Support for Academic Growth: Ensure your child is prioritizing their studies as we head into the final weeks before the holiday break. This is a critical time for students to finish the semester strong, and we want to help them reach their fullest potential.

We know that family involvement is key to student success, and we thank you for all you do to support our El Paso High community. Your continued engagement makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and together, we can help them achieve their goals.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help and look forward to finishing the semester strong!

#TigerStrong

Warm regards,

Dr. Rocha

Principal

STAAR Re-Testers & TSIA2

Tuesday November 19th at 9am

Monday December 2nd: Ensure your child knows where to report each day.

Tuesday December 3rd: EOC English I & TSI English.

Students who have passed STAAR & TSI English will report to the Auditorium.

Wednesday December 4th: EOC Algebra I, Biology, & US History. No TSI. Regular classes for those who do not need to re-test STAAR.

Thursday December 5th: EOC English II & TSI Math.

Students who have passed STAAR & TSI Math will report to the Auditorium.

Friday December 6th: STAAR Make-ups for those students who were absent or need to take multiple tests.

What is TSI?

I want to take a moment to highlight an important assessment that plays a key role in preparing students for success beyond high school—the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment (TSIA2 is an updated version of TSI).

The TSI is a state-mandated program designed to help ensure that students are prepared for college-level coursework in reading, writing, and math. For many of our high school students, the TSI serves as an essential step toward being college-ready and achieving their postsecondary goals.

Why is the TSI Important?

The TSI helps determine if students have the skills necessary to succeed in college without needing remediation. A passing score on the TSI is often a requirement for admission to Texas public colleges and universities and may also determine placement into college-level courses. For students aiming for higher education, college readiness is crucial, and the TSI is an important tool to measure that preparedness.

Here are a few key points about the TSI:

Assessment Areas: The TSI evaluates students in three critical areas—reading, writing, and mathematics—which are fundamental skills for success in postsecondary education.
College Placement: A passing score on the TSI can directly impact course placement at colleges and universities. It helps determine whether a student will begin in entry-level courses or if they will need additional developmental courses before taking college-level classes.
Opportunities for Retesting: If a student does not pass one or more sections of the TSI, they may be eligible to retake the exam. Our school will provide resources and support to help students prepare for retests.

How Can You Support Your Student?

As a parent, you play a key role in supporting your child’s college readiness. Here are a few ways you can help:

Encourage Preparation: The TSI is an important assessment, but it is also a manageable one for students who are prepared. Encourage your child to study and review any areas where they may feel less confident, particularly in math, reading, and writing.
Stay Informed: Make sure you are aware of testing dates and requirements. We will keep you informed about when the TSI is scheduled and any opportunities for additional preparation.
Promote College Readiness: Talk with your child about their future academic and career goals. Encourage them to take their high school studies seriously and remind them that preparing for the TSI is an important step toward achieving those goals.
Utilize School Resources: We offer various resources to help students prepare, including practice tests, tutoring, and workshops. Please encourage your child to take advantage of these opportunities.

In Conclusion

The TSI is not just a test—it’s a valuable tool that helps us understand how ready students are for the challenges of college-level work. By supporting your child through this process, you’re helping them gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their postsecondary education.

Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring that our students are ready for their next steps after high school. Together, we can help them achieve their dreams!

If you have any questions about the TSI or college readiness, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Amigos Unidos & P-TECH Lunch Meeting

Wednesday December 4th Main Lobby at 4:10pm

I am thrilled to announce an exciting event taking place on Wednesday, December 4 at El Paso High School from the creative brains of Melissa Arreola, and Angelica Rincon-Luna! Students from our Amigos Unidos (EB students in ESOL classes) & P-Tech Magnet Program will be coming together after school for a fun and productive afternoon of collaboration, creativity, & language practice.

What’s Happening:

On Wednesday, December 4, students from Amigos Unidos and P-Tech will meet up to hang out, create decorations, and practice their English language skills in a relaxed, interactive environment.
The students will work together on decorating various school spaces, all while engaging in meaningful conversations to strengthen their English language proficiency. This hands-on activity encourages teamwork and creativity, providing an ideal setting for students to build confidence in their communication skills.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from one another, create lasting friendships, and enjoy a sense of community outside the traditional classroom setting.

Why It Matters: This event is part of an initiative here at El Paso High aimed at promoting inclusivity and supporting language development. By bringing together students from different backgrounds and programs, we create an environment where learning is not only about academics, but also about building connections, practicing communication skills, and celebrating each other’s cultures.

We are incredibly proud of our Amigos Unidos and P-Tech students for their enthusiasm and dedication to making this event a success. It’s a great example of how our school is fostering an inclusive, creative, and collaborative atmosphere for all students.

Students can sign up in Mrs. Valdiviez's, Mr. Hiriart's, & Mrs.Komiyama's classes. Flyers are posted in their classrooms.

Science Fair

Saturday December 7th

I’m excited to share that El Paso High School will be hosting its first Science Fair in nearly a decade on Saturday, December 7th! This is a major milestone for our school, as we haven’t had a science fair at least since I’ve been here—nine years ago. It’s wonderful to see this event making a comeback, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for our students to showcase their scientific inquiry and creativity once again.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, December 7
Location: El Paso High School, Cafeteria
Time: Starts at 11:00am

Why This Matters:
The return of the Science Fair provides an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with science in a hands-on, meaningful way. It encourages exploration, critical thinking, and the development of research and presentation skills—traits that are vital for academic and personal growth. This event is just the beginning, and we plan to grow this tradition in the years to come, making it an even bigger and more integral part of our students’ educational experience.

Shout-Out to Bruce:
A huge thank you to Bruce De La Paz for his hard work and dedication in making this event happen! His efforts have been instrumental in bringing the Science Fair back to El Paso High, and we are all incredibly grateful for his leadership in organizing this exciting event.

This event is a wonderful step forward in our continued efforts to create opportunities for student growth and academic achievement.

Tree Decorating

All Students Can Participate

The El Paso High School Student Council is excited to host a Tree Decorating & Toy Drive event on Friday, December 6 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to get involved in the holiday spirit while giving back to those in need!

Event Details:

Date: Friday, December 6
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

How You Can Help:
Students are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to donate in support of Toys for Tots and to assist El Paso High students' siblings who may be in need this holiday season. In appreciation of their generosity, students who donate a toy will be welcome to enjoy the Hospitality Area during the event to relax, socialize, and take part in the tree decorating festivities.

This is a great way for students to give back to the community, spread some holiday cheer, and support local families who could use a little extra help this season.

For More Information:
Students interested in participating or with questions about the event can see their Class Sponsor for more details or Mrs. Serna, Student Activities Manager, in room 109.

We encourage all students to participate and help us make this holiday season a little brighter for those in need. Thank you for your continued support of our El Paso High School community.