EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) officially started the 2025-2026 school year on Monday, July 28.
YISD’s superintendent of schools, Dr. Xavier de Las Torre, took over the district’s social media to deliver a welcome message to all families.
“Along with the start of classes, our district is bringing a renewed commitment to a theme that defines everything we are, excellence by design,” De La Torre said in the video.
De La Torre said the district continues to lead the way as the “highest rated district” in the city, saying the success is not an accident, but rather hard work and commitment from the district’s school and staff.
“For families, excellence of schools starts with one simple undertaking, attendance. Students can’t learn if they are not in school. And every day a student is in school is a day of growth academically, socially, and emotionally,” De La Torre said.
De La Torre said that on the district’s part, students’ and employees’ safety and security are the main priorities. The schools will continue to be clean and well maintained for learning and teaching.
Despite the budget challenges facing school districts nationwide, De La Torre said the student experience at YISD will not be compromised. The learning inside the classrooms will remain the same, as will the opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs.
De La Torre explained that to keep families connected, the district just launched a new app fully customizable by campus. You can download for Android or iPhone.
Families interested can still enroll in the district’s schools. For more information, you can click here.
Additionally, the district will also comply with the new state law, Texas House Bill 1481, and will implement a balanced districtwide cellphone ban during instructional time to help students fully engage and learn, De La Torre said.
YISD students will not be allowed to use cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, or any other devices capable of telecommunications or digital communication while on school grounds during school hours, according to the district’s website.
However, the district explained that students will be allowed to bring their cell phones/devices to school, but all devices must be kept in backpacks or stored in a district-designated area in the classroom.
In accordance with this new law, YISD will allow students to use their cell phone/device if:
- Necessary for implementation of an individualized education plan, a 504 plan, or similar plan.
- Due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician.
The district explained that all students will be allowed to use their cell phones/devices during a school emergency. In addition, all high school students will be allowed to use their cell phones/devices during their lunch period.
“At the Ysleta Independent School District, our excellence is by design. Together with our families, we are moving forward with purpose and confidence, and we look forward to make this school year one of the strongest yet,” De La Torre added.
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