Socorro Independent School District teachers, faculty, staff, and administration were elated to welcome students back for the 2022-2023 school year Aug.1 at 50 campuses across the district.
The district opened the new year with inaugural, innovative schools of choice, a new elementary campus and continuing its well-known programs that prepare students for college and careers, such as dual credit courses, early college high schools, free Pre-K and a three-year-old early childhood education program, award-winning Career and Technical Education programs, outstanding fine arts programs, championship athletics, state-of-the-art technologies, and world-class facilities.
SISD Superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D. wished students a wonderful school year ahead filled with new opportunities, engaging activities, and ultimately, success in the classroom, in competition, and in life.
“Our commitment to you is to help you find your voice and achieve your highest potential,” Dr. Carman said. “What we ask of you is to stay focused on your studies, work to do your best and let your teachers, coaches and directors guide you to the greatness I know you can achieve.”
Educators were ready to greet students and continue the district’s longtime commitment of providing all students a rigorous, relevant, and high-quality education in safe learning environments.
Deana White, principal at Purple Heart Elementary School, said she was eager to have students and teachers back in the classroom for engaging teaching and learning.
“We are ready to welcome our heroes here at Purple Heart and to thrive this school year,” White said.
Dr. Sue Shook Elementary parent and family engagement liaison and military liaison Brittany Burnette said the first day of school is great for teachers and parents to form connections to help students prepare for academic success.
“The first day of school is always exciting, but so is a new school year,” Burnette said. “Everyone is excited and ready to hit the ground running.”
Randi Shreve, principal at Campestre Elementary School, said the first day of school is always a rush of emotions for parents and students.
“We are thrilled to see all the little ones back on campus and us Cobras are just ready to take on this new school year,” Shreve said.
The new school year also meant the opening of Ben Narbuth Elementary, the 50th campus in the district, which is part of new construction in the Bond 2017 program.
The new school is one half of the combination elementary and middle school that will serve the Eastlake High School feeder area of the district and accommodate the abundant growth in that area of the district.
“We’re super excited to open the district’s 50th campus for our students,” said Ben Narbuth Elementary principal Fernie Miranda. “Our teachers are energized and ready. We have a dynamic group of educators that are waiting for students. I know it’s a huge day for our scholars. We are super proud to be able to serve the community and the Eastlake feeder pattern.”
Team SISD also opened two new elementary academies as part of the district’s commitment to helping all students seize their opportunity to excel in the classroom.
The Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy and Escontrias Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Academy opened for 2022-2023 to give students unique, hands-on learning opportunities in the arts and sciences, as well as core curriculum and traditional elementary school experiences.
Socorro ISD also expanded its Dual Language Academy to two more campuses, Bill Sybert School and Hueco Elementary, while the program continues to be available at Myrtle Cooper and Dr. Sue A. Shook.
As parents dropped off their children for the first day of school in Team SISD, many were overwhelmed with emotions some celebrating the first day back to school with a photo and some crying tears of happiness as they waved their little ones off for the first time.
Nidia Sosa, a parent from John Drugan School, said she was sad about dropping off her child but looked forward to the memories her son would make and the experiences he would gain.
“I’m excited for him to learn and grow throughout this school year,” Sosa said.
Sun Ridge Middle and Sgt. Jose F. Carrasco Elementary parent Luz Villareal said it never gets easier leaving your children off at school.
“I’m proud of them, but it is also bittersweet,” Villareal said. “I’m happy for the kids because I know it’ll be a great year.”
Lilia Castaneda, a parent of a student at Eastlake High School, said she was nervous to drop off her child for their first year of high school but looked forward to all the potential in this next chapter of his life.
“He is looking to try out for basketball and is determined to focus on his education,” Castaneda said.
Lucia Jimenez, a parent from H.D. Hilley Elementary School, said she felt confident with how the district has dedicated itself to safety measures and precautions.
"They are keeping everything organized and safe, and I think they are doing a very good job today,” Jimenez said. “It allows parents and students to focus on looking forward to success of this school year."
Many students were ready to be back in the classroom, excited to meet their friends and looking forward to participating in clubs and extracurricular activities.
“I’m excited for this school year, especially since I’ll be getting my associate degree,” Gavin Binder, a senior at Pebble Hills High School.
Avery Wainwright, a first-grade student at Cactus Trails Elementary, said she was happy to be making new friends.
“Today was perfect,” Wainwright said. “I had a lot of fun.”
Mark Chavez, a senior in the Montwood High School Rams Early College, said he was looking forward to his last year of high school and earning his associate degree early.
“The opportunities from early college are massive,” Chavez said. “To be able to get these credits out of the way and to save money doing it, while getting ahead for the future is amazing. I’m glad to be reaping the benefits of this program here at SISD.”
Published August 5, 2022
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