Parent Newsletter

Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

Welcome to a new school year! I hope you had a restful, enjoyable summer filled with special moments with family and friends. As we begin this exciting new chapter together, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to both our returning families and those who are joining our school community for the first time.

The start of a new school year is filled with hope, opportunity, and the promise of new experiences. Each day brings a chance to learn something new, build meaningful friendships, discover talents, and grow both academically and personally. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare classrooms and create a safe, welcoming environment where every student can thrive.

This year, we encourage every student to be curious, work hard, show kindness, and embrace challenges with confidence. Success is not measured only by grades but also by the effort you give, the respect you show others, and the positive choices you make each day.

Parents and guardians, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Your involvement plays a vital role in your child's education, and together we can help every student reach their full potential. We look forward to working closely with you throughout the year.

To our outstanding faculty and staff, thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students. Your hard work and enthusiasm are the foundation of our school's success.

As we begin this school year, let us work together to create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their very best.

Thank you for being part of our school family. I look forward to celebrating many accomplishments with you throughout the year.

Here's to a wonderful, successful, and memorable school year!

Warm regards,

Kathleen Ese
Principal
Dr. Joseph Torres Elementary

AMessagefromAssistantPrincipalHolt:

🌟🪶 Raptor Families — PBIS Campus Expectations Reminder! 🪶🌟

We are excited to continue strengthening our positive school culture through our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) Campus Expectations. These shared expectations help all students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn each day.

Please take a few minutes to review our campus expectations with your child and talk together about how they can show these behaviors at school every day.

✅ Be Respectful
✅ Be Responsible
✅ Be Safe
✅ Be Ready to Learn

When our Raptors soar by following these expectations, they earn recognition, rewards, and celebration opportunities throughout the year — and we love celebrating their success! 🎉

Thank you for partnering with us and helping our Raptors soar to success every day.

With appreciation,

Your Campus Team 🪶🌟

Welcome to a brand-new school year! We’re glad to have you back and, welcome new Raptors to Dr. Torres Elementary School. We have missed our students so much, and we are excited to reconnect with them as we start this new 2026-2027 school year! Our theme this year is LEVEL UP! We are ready to help every student grow, learn, build confidence, and reach their next level.

As your school counselors, we are here to support students with their academic, social- emotional, and personal development. Our goal is to help every Raptor feel safe, supported, connected, and ready to learn.

We will be putting on events throughout the year to help build relationships with students and families. With that being said, we will be hosting our first kickoff event for the year, which will be held next week Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 11am-9pm at Peter Piper Pizza. We hope to see you there.

Don’t forget to mention Dr. Torres when placing your orders!!!

Your School Counselors,

Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Sanchez

Mission Statement: The mission of Dr. Joseph Torres Elementary school counseling program is to provide all students in PK3-5th grade with an equitable, data-driven school counseling program that addresses the needs and interest of all students. The school counselor will provide students with positive school climate that cultivates acceptance, empathy, and perseverance through school wide activities, classroom guidance lessons, small group, and individual counseling. The counseling program will foster a positive and supportive school environment where students feel accepted, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Vision Statement: The vision of Dr. Joseph Torres Elementary school counseling program is to create a school community where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, both academically and emotionally. We envision a school where every student develops a love for learning, builds strong relationships, and becomes a responsible, compassionate, and engaged member of society. Through a comprehensive counseling program, students will become high school, college, and career ready lifelong learners.

Jessica Frederick- Family and Community Liaison

Contact Me:

jlfreder@episd.org

(915) 236-5225