Canutillo ISD Kicks Off New School Year With High-Energy GRIT Convocation

With cheers, music and a packed auditorium of educators, the Canutillo Independent School District officially kicked off the 2025–26 academic year Monday morning with its annual GRIT Convocation under the theme “Brick by Brick: Building the Future of Canutillo.”

Hosted at Canutillo High School, the event welcomed hundreds of teachers and staff members from across the district’s 10 campuses for a morning filled with celebration, school pride and inspiration.

“This district is built on something real, something strong,” said Dr. Jesica Arellano, who delivered her first address as interim superintendent. “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, a longtime district leader and former principal of both Garcia Elementary and Northwest Early College High School, spoke about the district’s continued growth, upcoming bond-funded construction projects and the resilience of educators following a difficult year of budget cuts. She encouraged staff to see themselves as builders of the future.

“Some days the work feels heavy, the progress feels slow,” she said. “But with vision and heart, we build something lasting. That’s what GRIT is all about.”

This year’s convocation was made possible thanks to the generous support of community partners, including RAIZ Federal Credit Union, Sparrow Company Executive Search and Staffing, Procedeo Group and Renaissance Learning.

The convocation opened with the traditional Parade of Schools, a spirited march of staff members representing each campus, followed by a series of games and competitions to determine the winner of the coveted GRIT Spirit Stick — a symbol of school pride and unity. 

After three events, including a building block challenge, a district trivia quiz and a lip sync battle, Jose Damian Elementary School walked away with the title.

District staff also heard from special guest speakers, including City of El Paso Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chavez and Dr. Clifton Tanabe, dean of the College of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso.

“GRIT is not just an event, it’s a mindset,” said Dr. Debra Kerney, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction, in her closing remarks. “We are grateful for every one of you who brings energy, commitment and love into our classrooms. You are the foundation of Canutillo.”

With the new school year officially underway, students are set to return to classrooms on Aug. 4. District leaders hope the momentum from convocation sets the tone for a year of academic excellence, collaboration and continued growth — brick by brick.