Cactus Trails Tribune
Every scholar, every day! October 2026
A Message from Leslie Thomas, Principal
Celebrating Excellence at Cactus Trails!
Dear DBACKS,
What an incredible week we had celebrating our school's achievement of earning an A Rating and all six Distinctions! We are so proud of our scholars, staff, and families for the hard work and dedication that made this success possible.
🎉To recognize this accomplishment, our 4th and 5th grade scholars enjoyed a special TOP DBack Celebration filled with games, arts and crafts, hair painting, game truck, hot dogs, and ice cream sundaes. The smiles and laughter made the day truly unforgettable!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our families for supporting our fundraising efforts throughout the school year. Your generosity allows us to provide memorable experiences that celebrate our scholars and strengthen our school community.
💜 Operation: Kindness Rocks
Our Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), Mrs. Belvin, is inviting all Cactus Trails families to participate in Operation: Kindness Rocks!
Decorate a rock with a positive or encouraging message and send it to school. Together, we will spread kindness throughout our community while honoring the unique experiences of military-connected students.
"Paint a kindness rock so bright, hide it snug and out of sight. When it's found, move it somewhere new, the rocks move just like military kids do! #OperationKindnessRocks"
We can't wait to see your creativity and kind messages!
🚗 Safety Reminder
The safety of our scholars, families, and staff is always our top priority.
Please help us by:
- Not blocking parking lot entrances or exits during drop-off and pick-up.
- Refraining from walking up the exit ramp in Parking Lot C.
- Following all traffic patterns and staff directions during dismissal.
Your cooperation helps keep our campus safe and ensures efficient traffic flow for everyone.
🍎 Helping Us Maximize Learning Time
Beginning immediately, we will no longer be able to accept DoorDash or other food delivery services for students.
We also ask families to help scholars arrive prepared each day with:
✅ Lunch
✅ Water bottle
✅ Backpack
✅ Homework and school materials
✅ Any other items needed for the school day
Taking a few extra moments to double-check belongings before arriving at school helps reduce classroom interruptions and maximizes valuable instructional time.
📚 Important Information for 4th Grade Families
If your child did not meet grade-level expectations on the 3rd Grade STAAR Reading Assessment, they may qualify for a $400 PASS (Parent Access to Supplemental Supports) Tutoring Grant through the Texas Education Agency.
The grant can be used for approved reading tutors and literacy support services designed to strengthen reading skills and support student success.
Apply online:
🔗 https://pass.tea.texas.gov
Please see the additional information below for eligibility requirements and application details.
Should you have any questions, please contact the campus, and we will be happy to assist you. Be sure to visit our campus website regularly at sisd.net/cactustrailses for important updates and information. You can also follow me on X @CTrails_ES to stay informed and see the wonderful learning and activities taking place at Cactus Trails. Thank you for your partnership, support, and for #ChoosinCactus!
Cactus Hugs & Hisses,
Leslie Thomas
Proud D-Back Principal
Parent Access to Supplemental Supports (PASS) Program
PASS (Parent Access to Supplemental Supports) $400 Reading Tutoring Grant
The Parent Access to Supplemental Supports (PASS) program provides eligible families with a $400 tutoring account to purchase reading/literacy tutoring services from TEA-approved tutors and providers.
Who Qualifies?
A student is eligible if they:
- Attend a Texas public school or charter school.
- Received a"Did Not Meet Grade Level" score on the Grade 3 STAAR Reading Language Arts (RLA) assessment in Spring 2026.
- May qualify even if they have already been promoted to 4th grade.
What Can the Funds Be Used For?
The $400 PASS account can be used for:
- In-person tutoring
- Virtual tutoring
- Literacy specialists
- Approved teachers and reading intervention providers
All services must be provided by TEA-approved PASS tutors/vendors.
How to Apply
- Create a parent account.
- Add your student.
- Submit the PASS application to verify eligibility.
- Select an approved tutor and schedule services.
Apply here:
https://pass.tea.texas.gov
Families, staff, community invited to community meetings to learn about Prop A
Calling all DBack families, staff, and community members! Join Superintendent James Vasquez at community meetings to learn more about the upcoming Prop A - Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election on Nov. 3. This is an opportunity to stay informed and hear important information related to our schools and the future of our district.
Register to vote by Oct. 5 for Nov. 3 election
The voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 election is less than two weeks away! Residents who need to register to vote, update their voter registration information, or verify their registration status may do so before the Oct. 5 deadline. Visit http://VoteTexas.gov for voter registration information. Additional election information is available at https://sisd.net/propa
What would Proposition A fund?
The Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election Nov. 3, 2026. Proposition A would provide additional resources for locally identified priorities across Socorro ISD, including teacher and staff compensation, student programs, safety and security, student devices, HVAC and bus replacements. House Bill 2 creates new revenue for the district, but it does not provide enough to sustain operations. Proposition A would help close the gap and provide resources for these district priorities. Explore the details of Prop A at www.sisd.net/propa
Safety and security a top priority in Prop A
Safety and security was a top priority for Socorro ISD when considering Prop A. The state requires an armed security officer at every campus but does not fully fund that requirement. Socorro ISD has budgeted positions for every campus, but the salaries offered have made those positions difficult to fill. Prop A would help provide competitive salaries for armed officers and maintain appropriate funding for an armed officer at every campus.
Important Dates October
10/14: Scholars return to school
10/20: Interim Reading test grades 3-5
10/21: Interim Math test grades 3-5, STUCCO training
10/21: PHHS Homecoming parade
10/22: Interim testing make-ups
10/23: CTE Science Fair
10/26-30: Red Ribbon Week
10/29: Kinder field trip
10/30: Fall Festival
September/October Book Of the Month
Please send in a 5X7 laminated picture of your child reading their favorite book
to be displayed on our "Wall of Readers" display outside of the library!
It will be on display for the duration of their time here at Cactus Trails!
SOCORRO ISD 2026-2027 ONLINE MEAL APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE
Check out Cactus Trails!🌵💚
Check us out!
CACTUS TRAILS MISSION AND VISION
Cactus Trails Mission: Every Scholar, Every Day!
Cactus Trails Vision: #ChoosinCactus
Contact information:
Email: cthoma@sisd.net
Website: sisd.net/cactustrailses
Location: 14701 Ralph Seitsinger, El Paso, TX, USA
Phone: (915) 938-2600
X: @CTrails_ES
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