Polar Bear News

Vision 🎯

Inspire and empower learners to thrive.

Inspirar a los estudiantes para que prosperen.

Mission 🐾

Our mission at William C. "Nemo" Herrera Elementary School is to provide a learning environment that is positive, safe and caring; a fun place to learn and grow.

Nuestra misión en la Escuela Primaria William C. "Nemo" Herrera es proporcionar un ambiente de aprendizaje positivo, seguro y afectuoso; un lugar divertido para aprender y crecer.

Dear Polar Bear Families,

Congratulations on making it through the first couple of weeks of school! It has been an interesting and powerful start to the year, and I couldn’t be more proud of the way our community has come together.

We deeply appreciate your resilience, patience, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to your students and to their education. Your partnership plays an essential role in the success of our school, and we are so grateful for the support you show every day.

Thank you also for the feedback you’ve shared. It helps us continue to grow and improve in all that we do here at Herrera Elementary. We value your voices and your trust, and we are excited for all that lies ahead this school year.

Together, we will continue to ensure that every step counts for our students.

The pandemic created a lasting gap in student learning that students across the country are still carrying with them. If we don’t continue to improve our teaching practices, today’s students may not reach the same academic levels as students who graduated before or during the pandemic.

There’s no blame to place for how this gap began, but as educators, we are committed to closing it. This isn’t about rushing back to “the way things were.” It’s about doing the hard, intentional work needed to help every student get back on track and reach grade level.

Our teachers are working incredibly hard to make that happen, and we are proud of the progress our students are making. Together, with your support, we can help every child succeed.

Estimadas familias de Osos Polares :

¡Felicidades por haber superado las primeras semanas de clases! Ha sido un comienzo de año interesante y enriquecedor, y estoy sumamente orgullosa de la unión de nuestra comunidad. Agradecemos profundamente su resiliencia, paciencia, flexibilidad y compromiso inquebrantable con sus estudiantes y su educación. Su colaboración es fundamental para el éxito de nuestra escuela y estamos muy agradecidos por el apoyo que nos brindan a diario. Gracias también por sus comentarios. Nos ayudan a seguir creciendo y mejorando en todo lo que hacemos en la Escuela Primaria Herrera. Valoramos sus opiniones y su confianza y estamos entusiasmados por todo lo que nos espera este año escolar.

Juntos, seguiremos garantizando que cada paso cuente para nuestros estudiantes. La pandemia creó una brecha duradera en el aprendizaje estudiantil que los estudiantes de todo el país aún arrastran. Si no seguimos mejorando nuestras prácticas docentes, es posible que los estudiantes de hoy no alcancen los mismos niveles académicos que los que se graduaron antes o durante la pandemia. No hay ninguna culpa que atribuir a cómo comenzó esta brecha, pero como educadores, estamos comprometidos a cerrarla. No se trata de apresurarse a volver a "como antes". Se trata de realizar el trabajo arduo e intencional necesario para ayudar a cada estudiante a retomar el rumbo y alcanzar el nivel de su grado. Nuestros maestros están trabajando arduamente para que esto suceda, y estamos orgullosos del progreso que nuestros estudiantes están logrando. Juntos, con su apoyo, podemos ayudar a cada niño a tener éxito.

Polar Bear families welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful summer.

Please don't forget report your student absences to the following email address: herrera_notes@episd.org include name, student ID, grade and teachers name and the reason foe the absence. See the flyer below for some tips and more information about attendance. If you have any questions please call the school at 915-230-5000.

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo, familias de Polar Bear! Esperamos que hayan tenido un verano maravilloso. No olviden reportar las ausencias de sus estudiantes al siguiente correo electrónico: herrera_notes@episd.org. Incluyan su nombre, identificación del estudiante, grado, nombre del maestro y el motivo de la ausencia. Consulten el folleto a continuación para obtener consejos prácticos y más información sobre la asistencia. Si tienen alguna pregunta, llamen a la escuela al 915-230-5000.

Find below some informational links. There is also a link to parent portal, where you can check grades, attendance and communicate with the teacher.

A continuación encontrará algunos enlaces informativos. También encontrará un enlace al portal para padres, donde puede consultar las calificaciones, la asistencia y comunicarse con el profesor.

Parent Portal

Cell Phone Policy

Dear Parent/guardian,

Effective August 4, 2025, Texas House Bill 1481, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 22, 2025, prohibits the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other non-instructional communication devices during the school day for El Paso ISD students. This new regulation aims to address mental health, attention, and social development concerns among Texas youth. El Paso ISD remains dedicated to fostering high-quality, safe, and welcoming environments where students can unplug, engage, and thrive. Be Present & Power Down!

What El Paso ISD Students & Families Need to Know

Beginning August 4, 2025, students will not be permitted to use cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, AI glasses, or other digital communication devices on campus during school hours, from the first bell to the last. While students may bring their phones and digital devices to school, all devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks or designated areas within classrooms.

When Can Students Use Cell Phones on Campus?

We understand that ensuring student safety is a priority for parents and families, and there may be specific situations where the use of digital devices is necessary. The following exceptions apply:

• Students may use their cell phones if there is a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician. This documentation must be submitted and approved by the campus administrator.

• Students may use their cell phones for the implementation of an individualized education plan, a 504 plan, or a similar plan.

• In the event of a school emergency, students will be allowed to use their cellular phones or communication devices.

What Happens if a Student Fails to Follow These Guidelines?

Failure to comply with this law, related district policies, or regulations may result in confiscation of the device and other disciplinary actions in accordance with the district’s Student Code of Conduct.

If a confiscated cellular phone or digital communication device is not retrieved by the student, El Paso ISD will dispose of it appropriately after providing the necessary notice as required by law.

Students are responsible for their personal property and should take extra care to avoid leaving their devices behind or mistaking another for theirs. El Paso ISD will not be responsible for any lost or stolen cellular phones or digital communication devices.

Martha Aguirre

Interim Superintendent

For printable PDF document click below:

English version

Spanish version

Hello Polar Bear Parents!

We invite you to become a volunteer in or school. Please click on the link below to register or stop by he office, we are happy to guide you through the process fo becoming a volunteer at Herrera Elementary. There are great opportunities to get involved in your child's school activities.

¡Hola, padres de Osos Polares!

Los invitamos a ser voluntarios en nuestra escuela. Hagan clic en el enlace de abajo para registrarse o pasen por la oficina. Con gusto los guiaremos en el proceso para convertirse en voluntarios en la Escuela Primaria Herrera. Hay excelentes oportunidades para participar en las actividades escolares de sus hijos.

Hello Polar Bear Families!

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline to purchase our Spirit T-Shirts is this Sunday at midnight! We thank you for support to our students and school. Please scan the QR code on the flyer below to order.

¡Hola, familias de osos polares!

Les recordamos que la fecha límite para comprar nuestras camiseta escolar es este domingo a la medianoche. Les agradecemos su apoyo a nuestros estudiantes y a la escuela. Escaneen el código QR del folleto a continuación para hacer su pedido.

Hello Polar Bear Parents!

We are happy to welcome you back to Wellness Wednesday! Attached you will find the PE schedule. See you all Wednesday August 27th!

¡Hola padres de osos polares!

¡Estamos felices de darle la bienvenida nuevamente al Miercoles de Bienestar! Adjunto encontrará el horario de educación física. Los esperamos el miercoles 27 de agosto!

Join us for an informational meeting, where you can learn about Parent Portal, Attendance and the EPISD App. It is important that you are informed about the activities and events that are happening in the school and to have a close communication with your child's teacher. We hope to see you on, Wednesday August 20th at 8:30 am.

Acompáñenos a una reunión informativa donde podrá aprender sobre el Portal para Padres, la Asistencia y la aplicación de EPISD. Es importante que esté informado sobre las actividades y eventos que se llevan a cabo en la escuela y que mantenga una comunicación cercana con el maestro de su hijo. Los esperamos el miercoles 20 de agosto a las 8:30 am.