YWA Updates

This past week, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its A–F ratings for schools.
We anticipated receiving an “A” rating, but we are thrilled to share that we were also awarded all seven academic distinctions—the highest possible recognition! Even more exciting, we were the only high school in EPISD to achieve this honor.

The distinctions were awarded in the following areas:

• Mathematics

• Reading/ELA

• Science

• Social Studies

• College Readiness/Post Secondary Readiness

• Academic Growth
  
• Achievement Achievement
  

This recognition is a tremendous honor for our students, teachers, and administrators. Distinctions are based on how well schools perform relative to campuses with similar demographics and programs. To earn a distinction, a school must rank in the top 25% of its comparison group. Out of 40 peer schools, we ranked in the top 10 in every category!

Congratulations to our entire Warrior community on this outstanding achievement!

We kicked off our Middle School Softball season this past Saturday and boy was it a great set of games! Congratulations to our athletes on your performance!

Please join us for our next Middle School Softball games:

• August 28th YWA vs. MacArthur at Alta Vista Park (Home Game) - 6pm and 7:30pm
• September 6th- YWA vs. Canyon Hills at Chapin HS - 9am and 10:30am
• September 13th- YWA vs. Charles MS at Alta Vista Park (Home Game) - 9am and 10:30am
• September 20th- YWA vs. Tinajero at Jefferson HS - 9am and 10:30am
  
• September 25th- YWA vs. Bobby Jo Hill at Alta Vista Park (Home Game) - 6pm and 7:30pm
  

We are excited to announce that YWA will be hosting our first Middle School Dance this Friday, August 29th during our Assembly Schedule! 🎉 2:45pm to 4:00pm

• Tickets: $5.00 (Tickets will be sold Friday morning during breakfast. This is the only time to purchase a ticket. Cash only!
  
• Concessions will be available during the dance! Cash only

• Dress: FREE Dress Day if students purchase a dance ticket! (Students must follow YWA Dress Code Guidelines)

We look forward to seeing our students there for a fun and memorable event!

Thank you for a fun Dress Up Week! We begin our uniform requirements tomorrow- Monday- August 25th!

Just a gentle reminder:

Families have until October 20, 2025, to purchase the full formal uniform. We understand that Lands' End does have some items on back order. We knew this before posting the uniform details, that is why we pushed our start date to October 20th! We will work with our families if there continues to be a delay at that time!

In the meantime, students are required to wear a school-color polo with the YWA logo and black uniform bottoms (leggings are not permitted).

📎 Please refer to the attached documents (available in English and Spanish) for detailed dress code guidelines.

🔹 PTSO will continue to offer iron-on YWA logos for polos. The first two are free, and additional logos are available for $1 each in Room C103.

✨ Need Support?
We are committed to supporting families in need. Please click the link below if you require assistance with uniforms: https://forms.office.com/r/p7JAH6t0Ak

OR if you are inclined to help a family in need or donate items, click on the following link:

https://forms.office.com/r/QqhyBSQwGx

🚫 Please Note:

• Leggings, jeans, and baggy pants are not permitted.

• As we launch the school year with our new uniform, dress code and uniform checks will be enforced. Please review the guidelines carefully.

• Facial & NOSE piercings and excessive makeup are not allowed under EPISD dress code guidelines. Students should remove all facial piercings and apply only modest makeup. Parents, we appreciate your support in helping us uphold these expectations in alignment with EPISD policy.

📌 Check out our FAQs on the New Uniform Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ YWA New Uniform Questions in English_Spanish.docx

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact our Secretary,

Ms. Jaclyn Dominguez:
📞 915-236-4892

📧 jydoming@episd.org

We’re excited to officially welcome the Class of 2029 to high school at our upcoming 9th Grade Coating Ceremony!

As a special gift, Dr. Ontiveros will be purchasing either a YWA Blazer or a YWA Letterman-style Sweater for every 9th grade student—students will get to choose their preferred item!

9th Grade Parents can send us their request through this link: Complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/6YjPGHFqTM

📏 Sizing information and additional details will be shared soon!

📅 Save the Date: September 25, 2025
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM

Location: YWA Cafeteria

This year, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481, which prohibits the use of cell phones and electronic devices in schools during the instructional day.

At YWA, we will continue enforcing our Cell Phone/Electronics Policy with an important update:

🔹 Students are not permitted to use electronic devices at any time—from morning arrival until afternoon dismissal.
🔹 All devices must be stored in a purse or backpack and may not be carried on the student’s person (i.e., in pockets or hands).

Thank you for your continued support in maintaining a focused learning environment.

The law defines “personal communication devices” broadly to include:

• Cell phones

• Smartwatches

• Tablets

• Laptops

• Radios, pagers, and other digital communication-capable devices

✅ Allowed Exceptions

The law allows students to use their devices in limited cases, including when required by:

• An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan

• A medical directive from a physician

• Legal safety requirements or approved emergency procedures

Please review the full policy carefully to ensure understanding and compliance.

Just a reminder that we do not have school on Monday- September 1st! Enjoy your 3 day weekend!

ATTENDANCE Matters!

YWA currently has an outstanding attendance rate of 97.35%, ranking us as the #2 campus in the district! 🎉 Thank you for continuing to send your students to school each day.

As a reminder, whenever possible, please schedule appointments after lunch to minimize missed instructional time. Students with excessive absences will be placed on an attendance improvement plan.

Let’s keep up the great work and aim for #1! 💪✨

We offer free breakfast and lunch to all students!

-Breakfast is served daily from 7:30am to 8:20am

Students may also bring their own lunch from home.

• A limited number of microwaves are available in the cafeteria for student use.

• Please note: We do NOT provide refrigerator storage for student lunches.

🏫 Cafeteria Guidelines

• Middle School students must remain in the cafeteria or directly outside the cafeteria during lunch to ensure proper supervision. They are not permitted to walk around the campus during lunch.

• High school students are permitted to eat outside of the cafeteria, but they are expected to clean up after themselves to help maintain a clean and welcoming campus environment.

🚫 Food Delivery Policy

• No food deliveries are allowed for any student during instructional time. Deliveries will not be accepted.

• Food deliveries (including Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.) are NOT permitted for middle school students.

  • Middle School Parents are welcome to bring lunch in person or join their student for lunch.

🚶 High School Open Campus Privilege

• YWA is an open campus for high school students during lunch.

• Students are permitted to leave campus; however, they must return on time for their afternoon classes. Late returns may result in disciplinary action and revocation of open campus privileges.

• Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, clean, and respectful environment for all Warriors!

📅 Please use the link below to access our LIVE Calendar—updated regularly as new events are confirmed. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

🔗YWA LIVE LINK

📌 August 2025 Events

• August 25 – Pan Dulce & Coffee with the Principal — 8:30 AM in Room B100

  --Class Meetings (during advisory)- Middle School in Gym, High School in Cafeteria

• August 26 –HS Volleyball @ Burges 4:30, 5:30, 6:30

• August 27 – Campus Improvement Team (CIT) Meeting 4:15pm in B100
  All parents are welcome to get involved in campus decision-making. We will be accepting nominations for the roles of parent, community member, business member, and teacher/staff representatives.

• August 28- Title I meeting with Parents 5:15pm B 100

-MS Softball Games at Alta Vista Park (Morenci & Copia) 6pm & 7:30pm

• August 29- Middle School Dance- only Grades 6-8th $5.00 and free dress if attending dance.

-HS Volleyball Tournaments (various locations)

• September 1- Labor Day! NO School!
• September 2- A Day- Donuts with Daughters (PTSO Members Only)

-HS Volleyball @ Burges HS 4:30pm, 5:30pm, & 6:30pm

• September 4- TSIA2 Testing for Math College Prep Course ONLY 8:30am
• September 5- HS Volleyball @ MT. View 5:30pm, 6:30pm
• September 6- MS Softball 9am & 10:30am at Chapin HS Softball Field

-Senior Activity: Jeans Event 10am-2:00pm