Grateful for Canutillo

Canutillo Community,

As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the spirit of this season and the many reasons we have to be grateful in Canutillo ISD. This week I had the privilege of visiting most of our campuses during their Thanksgiving lunches. Walking through cafeterias filled with students, teachers and families reminded me why this district is such a special place. There is something meaningful about seeing parents and grandparents come together with their children to share a simple plate of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. These moments capture the heart of our community and highlight everything we work for each day. Thank you to our food services staff for these delicious meals and thank you principals for creating these special moments, not only this week but every day.

This year my list of blessings feels longer than ever. I am grateful for our students who motivate us through their curiosity, resilience and optimism. Every day I see their determination to grow and succeed. They remind us that the work we do is important and that our efforts matter.

I am thankful for our teachers who show unwavering commitment to their classrooms and to the children who depend on them. They create spaces where students feel safe and supported. They spark imagination and encourage young minds to explore the world around them. I am equally thankful for our support staff who keep our campuses running, feed our students, drive our buses, maintain our buildings and provide essential services. Their work often happens behind the scenes yet it is vital to the success of our district.

I am grateful for our community which continues to stand with us through every challenge and every celebration. Whether it is passing a bond, attending school events or simply offering encouragement, you remind us that we are never doing this work alone. Your support strengthens our resolve and helps us move forward on behalf of our students.

I am thankful for our Board of Trustees which provides leadership and guidance for our district. Their decisions help shape the future of our schools and ensure that we stay focused on our mission to provide a high-quality education to every student we serve. 

This week I want to offer a special congratulations to our newly appointed Board officers. Sergio Martinez will serve as Board President, Lily Maldonado will serve as Vice President and Cindy Zuñiga will serve as Secretary. These three community leaders are not only dedicated advocates for public education but also proud graduates of Canutillo ISD. Their deep connection to this district is evident in every decision they make and I am honored to work alongside them as we continue to build on the strong foundation they help uphold.

As we head into our weeklong break beginning Monday, I encourage every family to rest, recharge and enjoy time together. We have accomplished so much already this school year. Our students have taken on new challenges and overcome obstacles with grace. Our teachers have shown creativity and perseverance. Our campuses have worked to build strong cultures of support. We have broken ground on major bond projects that will shape the future of learning in our district. These achievements are possible because of the people who make up our Canutillo family.

Thanksgiving offers us the opportunity to pause and appreciate what truly matters. For me, that is the people of this district and the relationships we build with one another. It is the shared belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. It is the pride we feel when students achieve their goals. It is the collaboration that happens every day to make our district better.

As Interim Superintendent I am grateful for the chance to serve this community. I am grateful for the trust you place in us to educate your children. Most of all I am grateful for the sense of unity that defines Canutillo ISD. It is what makes our district strong and what allows us to look ahead with confidence and hope.

I wish you and your families a safe and joyful Thanksgiving break. May your homes be filled with laughter, warmth and time with the people you love. Thank you for being part of this remarkable community and for everything you do to make Canutillo ISD a place where students can grow, learn and succeed.

Dr. Jesica Arellano
Interim Superintendent
Canutillo Independent School District