El Paso High - #TigerStrong

Dear Tiger Community,

We are approaching Week 8 of the school year, and I want to thank you for the important role you play in your student’s success. As we move forward, I encourage you to stay actively involved. Whether that’s checking attendance, monitoring grades, or staying in contact with teachers.

We also encourage you to motivate your student to get involved in school activities. When students participate, they not only build stronger connections with peers and staff but also grow in confidence and leadership.

There are so many benefits when schools and families work together in true partnership. With your continued support, we can ensure every Tiger thrives both inside and outside the classroom.

#TigerStrong

Warm regards,

Dr. Rocha

Principal

Follow me on Instagram ephsdr_rocha

Please help us welcome Ms. Monica Ortega, our new Assistant Principal for Guidance & Instruction, to El Paso High! Ms. Ortega comes to EPHS with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and she will be overseeing the counseling department to support our students in their academic and personal success.

She can be reached at mlortega@episd.org. We are excited to have her on our team and look forward to the great work ahead!

Wednesday September 17th at 12pm

Students will have an early release at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 17. All students are welcome and encouraged to eat lunch in the cafeteria before leaving campus.

Please remember, no student at El Paso High is required to pay for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Meals are provided at no cost to all Tigers.

Wednesday September 17th 1pm-6pm

Parents and guardians, please join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, September 17, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

To ensure that all families have the opportunity to meet with teachers, please limit each conversation to about five minutes. If more time is needed, we encourage you to schedule a separate appointment with the teacher for a later date.

We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to attend, even if your student is currently passing their classes. Building a strong teacher-parent partnership is key to supporting your child’s ongoing success.

Wednesday September 17th 5pm in the Library

If you are interested in having your student tested for the Gifted & Talented program, please visit our librarian, Ms. St. John, in the library during Parent-Teacher Conferences at 5:00 PM.

If you believe your student shows potential in any subject area, we strongly encourage you to attend this meeting. Our goal is to provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically and to ensure they are fully prepared for success after graduation.

September 20th & September 27th 9am to 12pm

Parents and guardians, if you receive a message regarding Saturday School, please ensure your student attends. Saturday sessions are designed to provide valuable support. Whether for TSIA2 testing, HP 1416 preparation, or to help students who may need to retake the EOC test in December.

These opportunities are in place to set our students up for success, and your partnership in ensuring their attendance makes a big difference.

Parents & Guardians, I encourage you to complete and return your Income Verification Form as soon as possible. Please make sure the form includes your student’s full name and student ID number.

Forms can be dropped off in the Attendance Office.

Having this information is required by the state and also plays an important role in our school report card, specifically in Domain 2B and Domain 3. Submitting your form helps ensure accurate reporting and can provide valuable resources to support all students on our campus.

Thank you for partnering with us to help our school and students succeed!

New State Law on Cell Phone Use

A new Texas law now prohibits students from using personal devices like cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets during the entire school day, including class time, class transitions, and lunch. All devices must remain powered off and stored away. This change is designed to reduce distractions and improve student focus and safety. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this at home.

Later this week, parents and guardians will be receiving NOA (Notice of Absence) letters. An NOA is a state-required notification that is sent when a student has three or more unexcused absences within a four-week period. The purpose of this letter is to keep families informed and to work together in addressing attendance concerns early.

If you notice a discrepancy between an unexcused absence and an excused absence, for example, if you previously emailed the school or submitted an absence form, please contact Assistant Principal Elizabeth Ochoa (ezubiate@episd.org) so we can review and make corrections if needed.

Students who continue to accumulate unexcused absences will also be placed on a 45-Day Attendance Plan, which is designed to provide additional support and structure to help improve student attendance and ensure classroom success.

Attendance Equals Academic Success

As we head into a new year of learning and growth, I want to take a moment to emphasize the critical role that regular school attendance plays in your child’s academic success. Each school day offers valuable opportunities for learning, social development, and personal growth that cannot be easily replaced.

Why Attendance is Crucial:

Academic Achievement: Consistent attendance allows students to stay engaged with the curriculum and build on their knowledge day by day. Missing even a single day can mean missing out on important lessons and activities that contribute to their overall understanding and performance.
Habit Formation: Regular attendance fosters a sense of routine and responsibility. It helps students develop good habits and a strong work ethic, which are essential skills both in school and beyond.
Social Interaction: School is not just about academics; it's also about building relationships with peers and teachers. Regular attendance helps students develop essential social skills and participate in collaborative learning experiences.

How You Can Support:

Set a Routine: Establish a consistent schedule for bedtime and morning routines to help your child wake up refreshed and ready for the day.
Communicate with Us: If your child is struggling with attendance due to health issues or other concerns, please let us know. We are here to support both you and your child in any way we can.
Encourage Attendance: Remind your child of the importance of attending school every day and celebrate their consistent attendance as a part of their achievement.

Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.