Letter to the Community - January 6, 2025
Dear Tolleson ESD Families and Community,
Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope this message finds you refreshed after a winter break filled with joy, rest, and cherished moments with family and friends.
I am deeply honored to begin my journey as your superintendent and to advance the mission, vision, and goals of our district. Tolleson Elementary School District is a community rooted in a proud history of dedication and excellence, known for providing high-quality educational programs that inspire academic achievement, innovation, and a holistic student experience.
As I step into this role, I bring twenty-eight years of experience in the field of education, including seventeen years of dedicated service to Tolleson ESD. My passion for this work is deeply rooted in my own personal journey, which has shaped my belief in the transformative power of education.
Together, we will honor our traditions, embrace innovation, and deliver the highest-quality educational experiences for our students. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to partnering with each of you to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
Reflecting on Excellence
Over the winter break, Tolleson ESD mariachi and marching bands performed at the Fiesta Bowl Parade, representing the heart and talent of our community. Watching their dedication come to life in such a memorable event reminded me of the passion and pride that make Tolleson ESD so special. A heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. Casillas, his team, staff, volunteers, families, and our amazing students for bringing our community together through music.
January is Governing Board Month
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Governing Board for their dedication and ongoing support of our students, families, teachers, and staff. It is our pleasure to welcome back re-elected members Ms. Belinda Quezada and Ms. Roberta Garcia, whose continued service reflects their commitment to our students and district community. We are also honored to welcome Ms. Adriana Morado, who brings over fifteen years of experience as a former Governing Board member in Tolleson ESD. Together with board president Ms. Tida Garcia and board member Mr. Samuel Quezada, their leadership reflects a strong commitment to our treasures and their continued support is greatly appreciated by our community.
Embracing Innovation
This year brings new ways to connect with our families. We are happy to introduce ParentSquare, a new mass communication system designed to send emails, text messages, and phone calls seamlessly from one platform to ensure that official communications are timely and accessible. You will receive a welcome email from ParentSquare this week. Please be sure to check your inbox and ensure it is not placed in spam.
Additionally, starting Monday, January 13, we will launch a brand-new weekly district newsletter to keep our families updated with the latest news from the week. The first edition will include a communication survey for families, and we would love your feedback to help us better serve you.
Shaping Futures
Kindergarten enrollment is officially here! Starting Monday, January 13, we invite families to join us for Kinder Enrollment Nights at each of our schools:
- Monday, January 13: Arizona Desert Elementary
- Tuesday, January 14: Desert Oasis Elementary
- Wednesday, January 15: Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary
- Thursday, January 16: Sheely Farms Elementary
All events will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. For families unable to attend in person, online enrollment is available starting January 13—a first for our district. We look forward to welcoming the future leaders of Tolleson ESD! Those eligible to enroll must turn five years of age by August 31, 2025. However, children who turn five between September 1 and December 31, 2025, may be eligible through our Kinder Early Entrance Program (KEEP). For more information, please visit the ‘enrollment’ section on the Tolleson Elementary School District website.
Looking Ahead
As we embrace 2025 together, I am filled with hope and determination for what we will accomplish. Every day presents new opportunities to inspire our students, celebrate their achievements, and ensure every child has the tools they need to thrive. I am grateful for your partnership in this journey, and I look forward to a year of collaboration, growth, and success for all.
Thank you for being a vital part of the Tolleson ESD community, where all students are capable of success—No Exceptions!
Sincerely,
Gisselle Herrera
Superintendent and Treasure Hunter