The Socorro Independent School District launched exciting new opportunities for elementary students across the El Paso region by introducing two first-of-their-kind academies for the 2022-23 school year.
Escontrias Fine Arts Academy and Paso Del Norte STEAM Academy successfully launched in August with tremendous interest from SISD and out-of-district families eager to join the specialized academies.
Dozens of students applied to attend the schools quickly filling up the Pre-K through fifth-grade classrooms at the schools.
SISD assistant superintendent of schools Melissa Parham said the academies have been extremely successful in many ways, including drawing new students into the district and improvements in attendance.
“The academies are going really well,” Parham said. “The turnout has been out amazing, and the kids are loving it.”
The STEAM and fine arts academies drew some 160 transfer students to the schools, with some parents driving from West El Paso for their children to attend the East Side schools.
“We are providing our students with opportunities that could change the course of their future because they are experiencing things that they may have never had learned or are learning things that they didn't know about themselves before that could lead them to great things,” Parham said. “It’s not a matter of students specializing in a specific area but to have various experiences to see what they want to pursue and focus on in the future.”
Students and parents were eager to experience the unique learning model that captures students' interests along with activities and specialized instruction that keeps them engaged in school.
“I see that my daughters are happier and excited to go to school,” said Viviane Chacon, a parent to a first grader and second grader at Paso Del Norte. “It has made a huge difference for both my children.”
Since the start of the year, the academies have been helping students thrive in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts, along with their traditional core instruction.
Full steam ahead
Anne Thomas is the STEAM coordinator at Escontrias. She recently returned to SISD after having worked at several other school districts throughout various cities and said that compared to everywhere else she has worked, the rigor and resources in SISD are unmatched.
“It’s been amazing to see the mentality of the students evolve and how inspired they seem,” Thomas said. “They are looking at things in a new inventive way and are so much more engaged.”
She added that the unwavering support from the district and campus administration is why the teachers are 100 percent on board with new initiatives like the elementary academies and the reason why students succeed in Team SISD.
“I like all the projects that we do, like working with the Legos and the robots,” said Leonardo Garcia, a fifth-grade student at Escontrias STEAM Academy. “I like science because I get to experience and learn different things so I’m happy that we have this at our school.”
Escontrias’ instruction specializes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). STEAM Academy students attend science and engineering classes in newly renovated labs, work hands-on with technology such as 3D printers and robotics, while developing lifelong skills that include collaboration, communication, and confidence.
“Our goal was for our teachers to come back to a new culture, a brand-new way of being innovative and engaging,” said Escontrias STEAM Academy principal Jesse Aguirre. “In turn, this has led to our students having a higher order of thinking, presenting their concepts with confidence and knowing how to use their communications skills.”
Aguirre said students are currently enjoying high tech classrooms and science labs, as well as innovative afterschool robotics programs.
Finding the art in your heart
At the Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy, the focus is on the integration of visual and performing arts for a rich, meaningful learning experience. Dance, visual arts, digital art, theater, and music, such as choir, band, and orchestra, are incorporated into the students’ instruction.
Campus facilities were specially prepared for students to receive their fine arts lessons. The dance room has new wooden floors, a black box theater was built, and a large room was converted into the music classroom.
“We have amazing opportunities for kids here and they are expanding their repertoire,” said Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy principal Adalberto Garcia. “The kids become comfortable with their own talents, and they are more inclined to explore their strengths.”
Garcia said the school is expanding its afterschool enrichment program to include piano and digital art lessons and he’s seen great excitement among students who are enjoying their experiences at the school.
“I love this school. Until I came here, I was shy but now I am able to show off my talents and am comfortable in front of others,” said Destiny Ammons, fifth-grade student at Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy.
Vanessa Keyser, theater teacher at Paso Del Norte and the only elementary school theater teacher in the area, said one of the most amazing things has been seeing fine arts elements being incorporated into regular classroom curriculum and seeing it give the students differentiation in learning, particularly how it creates a new way of thinking for scholars.
“Fine arts people in SISD have been waiting for this and to have this dream realized is fantastic,” Keyser said. “We are excited for these two academies to lay the groundwork for future academies, and I am so thankful to be a part of it.”
Expanding with more academies in the future
Keyser’s thinking is not far off, with district administration planning to open more specialized elementary academies next school year after seeing the success and response to the current two elementary academies.
For now, the current academies are looking forward to continuing the trajectory of student growth and showcasing the student progress and achievement.
Paso Del Norte will be partnering with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to provide training where teachers can refine their fine arts skills in areas such as dance and drama.
They also will have a prima ballerina from London who will provide after school classes to students.
In the spring, the fine arts academy will put on a licensed Disney performance of the Lion King Broadway Show.
Escontrias students soon will have access to drones and Green Cars that they will be taught to navigate on their own. Teachers are currently undergoing STEAM certification through the National Institute for STEAM Education.
The STEAM academy also will continue showcase nights to give parents the opportunity to view what students have been learning in the classroom, such as research presentations, projects, and performances.
To learn more and apply to the elementary academies, visit www.sisd.net/elementaryacademies.
Published December 15, 2022
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