Dear Canutillo Community,
As we gear up for the new school year and celebrate the return of our teachers on Monday, August 3, we will pause to remember a solemn event, which occurred in El Paso last summer.
In memory of those who lost their lives at the August 3 Walmart shooting last year, the district is asking all employees to wear white in observance of this tragedy. In addition, we invite all of our staff, students, parents and community to place commemorative home-made ribbons, posters or decorations with a message of hope on a designated area of the fence at a campus of their choice the morning of August 3. This is not a gathering.
At home, people can join in by placing a luminaria on their porch on the evening of August 3 or an orange ribbon on their front door. People are encouraged to upload their pictures and use #BeCanutillo and #ElPasoStrong.
We have an exciting time of professional development planned for teachers! Teachers can learn and enjoy at their campuses or may elect to gain access remotely. The district will provide safety training during the course of the first two weeks and take every precaution to ensure the wellbeing of all.
In terms of students, in order to maintain safety while providing flexibility, when we are able to return to on-campus instruction, we are offering parents two learning options for their children. They may either attend classes 100% on campus or participate entirely through remote platforms.
Parents will be asked to sign a commitment form declaring the option they select for their children. The option you choose will be a commitment for a 9-week grading period. Elementary and middle school parents will be receiving a link to this form on the email on your parent account. High school parents will receive a separate survey. You can also find this link on our social media, website or
by clicking here. Contact your campus for the commitment form if you don't have access to the internet.
We ask faculty, staff and parents to consider health department infection rates when making decisions regarding physical attendance at school.
Lastly, I continue to advocate for the equitable treatment of CISD at the state level in view of the pandemic. In a recent letter to Commissioner Morath, I have asked for the suspension of certain rules related to academic testing, accountability, and funding. You may access his letter on our website.