Dear Tolleson ESD families and community,

This week, we have so much to celebrate and be grateful for! As we approach the end of the quarter, we appreciate our families, teachers, and staff for their partnership in student success. Parent-teacher conferences are happening at the end of the week, providing an important opportunity to connect, reflect, and plan for continued growth.

We want to recognize our incredible district social worker, Miss Madeline Hernandez, during National School Social Work Week. Her dedication to supporting our students’ well-being, providing resources and fostering a positive school environment, is truly invaluable. Thank you for all you do to ensure our students thrive!

It is also Maintenance Appreciation Week and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our maintenance team, whose hard work keeps our schools safe, clean, and running smoothly. Their efforts behind the scenes make a huge difference in our students’ daily experiences on all of our beautiful campuses.

And finally, spring break is just around the corner! We hope our students, staff, and families take this well-deserved time to rest and recharge.

Thank you for being a part of the Tolleson ESD community!

With gratitude,

Ms. Gisselle Herrera

Superintendent, Tolleson Elementary School District

Sheely Farms Elementary Girls Basketball team has triumphed as champions after an outstanding season! Their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance paid off in a thrilling championship game, where they showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship. From start to finish, the team's commitment to each other and their hard work throughout the season led them to this unforgettable victory.

Congratulations to the entire team for their incredible achievement – we are proud to call them champions and can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented young athletes!

We are thrilled to share that our collaboration with the Assistance League has once again made a meaningful impact on our students! Through their generosity and commitment, we were able to provide over 400 students with new uniforms, shoes, and other essential items this year.

The Assistance League continues to be an invaluable partner, helping ensure our students have the resources they need to feel confident and ready to learn. Their support goes beyond the classroom, making a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families.

We are so grateful for this ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing this important work together. Thank you, Assistance League, for your dedication to our community!

This talented group met with Superintendent Herrera to inform next year’s Superintendent Student Council! These student leaders will be working alongside the superintendent to bring fresh ideas and make a difference in our school community. We can’t wait to see all they will accomplish!

Our advanced mariachi students had an unforgettable experience as they performed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s Fiesta Mexicana for a special audience— foreign exchange students!

The excitement was high as our talented musicians shared their passion for mariachi, proudly showcasing the music and traditions they have learned. But this event was more than just a performance—it was a cultural exchange. Our treasures were eager to learn about South Korean music, language, and customs, creating a beautiful moment of connection between two cultures.

What inspired you to become a social worker, and what do you love most about your role?

• I was inspired by my mom. She would always help our community and be there for those that needed her most. What I love most about social work is the people and families I meet.

How do you support students and families in our district?

• I support students and families by helping them get to their goals and making whatever they are going through just a little bit more manageable and more easier.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to students who may be struggling?

• Let someone know and allow them to help. Sometimes the hardest part is asking for help but knowing how to advocate for yourself is the most important skill you can have.

How many years have you been with the district?

• I worked for the district for three years in 2016 and recently came back this year.

Our youngest treasures at Sheely Farms are bringing their imaginations to life through painting! This week, our preschoolers had a blast experimenting with colors to create beautiful masterpieces. More than just a fun activity, painting helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression.

It is always inspiring to see their excitement as they mix colors and bring their ideas to the canvas! Beautiful masterpieces!!

At Arizona Desert Elementary, our 6th graders are sharpening their math skills and building confidence in problem-solving! This week, students engaged in interactive lessons that challenged their critical thinking and teamwork. Whether working through equations, collaborating on word problems, or applying real-world math concepts, these young mathematicians are strengthening their understanding every day. Keep up the great work, AZD coyotes!

This week, students at Porfirio H. Gonzales and Sheely Farms stepped into the spotlight, interviewing for the prestigious roles of Mayor and CEO at their campuses! With enthusiasm and big ideas, they showcased their leadership skills and creativity, hoping to lead their teams to success. The competition was tough, but each student demonstrated their ability to think critically and work collaboratively.

These interviews are a valuable part of the JA BizTown experience, giving students the chance to practice real-world skills and take on important responsibilities. Our future leaders are inspiring us all with their citizenship qualities!