In a move to reconnect with students and their families, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) launched Operation Search, a district-wide telethon campaign for reaching out to households where students were notably absent at the beginning of the school year or had left without a formal transfer last year. Through the campaign, dubbed "Right Here. Right Now. Because...attendance," staff members came together after working hours on September 5 to make hundreds of calls seeking to understand the specific situations of students, offer support, and discuss possible re-enrollment or other educational paths available within the district. According to a statement by El Paso ISD Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre, "Every student matters, and we want them to know that they have a place here in El Paso ISD," as per El Paso ISD.
The initiative puts the spotlight on the crucial connection between maintaining attendance and achieving academic success. Data from the U.S. Department of Education suggests that missing just 10% of school days, which is about 18 days a year, can significantly reduce a student's academic performance. Furthermore, the district's spokesperson highlighted the link between higher attendance and increased funding, with every 1% rise in average daily attendance translating to an estimated $3.2 million for supporting school programs and resources. Mark Paz, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools, acknowledged the importance of calling families "after hours" to facilitate a dialogue with parents who might be unavailable during standard working times.
El Paso ISD isn't stopping at phone calls; later this month, they plan to go door-to-door for further direct engagement with families. Additional planned events are also on the horizon to reinforce consistent school attendance as a primary indicator of academic achievement. "We may not bring kids back right away, but this is the start of a dialogue, and we’re not giving up on our students," Paz told El Paso ISD. Staff during the telethon helped families with the registration process, answered queries, and provided details on district resources and program options.
