The Canutillo Independent School District rang in the new academic year with energy and enthusiasm at its annual GRIT Convocation. Held at Canutillo High School, the event gathered teachers and staff from the district's 10 campuses on Monday morning for a time of celebration and camaraderie ahead of the 2025–26 school year, as reported by Canutillo ISD.
The theme for this year's convocation was "Brick by Brick: Building the Future of Canutillo," with Dr. Jesica Arellano, the interim superintendent, delivering her first address at the event. She highlighted the district's growth and the resilience of educators, especially following a year of financial challenges. "And we are still building brick by brick. As educators, you are the ones who change lives, one student at a time. That is the foundation of Canutillo," Dr. Arellano told Canutillo ISD.
Community partners were acknowledged for their support of the convocation, including RAIZ Federal Credit Union and Sparrow Company Executive Search and Staffing, among others. The convocation's proceedings began with the Parade of Schools and included multiple events such as a building block challenge and a district trivia quiz. In a bid to galvanize school spirit and unity, Jose Damian Elementary School clinched the coveted GRIT Spirit Stick.
Canutillo staff were further inspired by special guest speakers like City of El Paso Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chavez and Dr. Clifton Tanabe, from the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Debra Kerney, the associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction, embodied this spirit in her remarks, "GRIT is not just an event, it’s a mindset," as mentioned by Canutillo ISD. "We are grateful for every one of you who brings energy, commitment, and love into our classrooms. You are the foundation of Canutillo."
