Dear Tolleson ESD Families and Community,

This week, we celebrated student excellence at our annual District Spelling Bee! Our participants showcased incredible focus, preparation, and resilience, making us proud of their hard work like always - and making history in our district! Congratulations to all our participants. Our first place winner will be advancing to the regional competition!

We also hosted our Academic Parent-Teacher Team (APPT) meetups, where families and educators came together to discuss academic goals and strategies to support student success.Thank you to the families who joined us and took time to engage in meaningful conversations about student progress and the tools available to enhance learning.

Finally, I encourage you to review the attached letter that was sent to families on Friday. This letter was sent to provide clarity and reassurance that the safety, security, and dignity of our treasures are our highest priority. Please click below to read our full statement.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Tolleson ESD a place of growth, opportunity, and connection. I encourage you to stay involved, share your thoughts, and join us in fostering an environment where every child thrives. Your voice matters, and together, we can achieve excellence for all.

With gratitude,

Ms. Gisselle Herrera

Superintendent, Tolleson Elementary School District

We are excited to share that our district and schools have been nominated in multiple categories for this year’s Best of the West Awards! These nominations celebrate our incredible staff, teachers, and schools that make our district a standout in the community.

Show your support by voting for us in the following categories:

• Best Place to Work (Question 37)
• Best School District (Question 86)
• Best Elementary School (Question 90)
• Best Elementary School Teacher, Efrain Casillas (Question 94)

You can vote daily from now until February 20th. Help us shine a night on the incredible work being done by our teachers and staff. Thank you for helping us continue to make Tolleson ESD a true beacon of excellence in our community.

Congratulations to all our amazing spellers who participated in this year’s Tolleson ESD Spelling Bee! This year’s competition made history as our longest bee ever, lasting an impressive 29 rounds. Every student showed incredible perseverance, skill, and courage under pressure.

Special recognition goes to our winners:

🏆 First Place: Leila Bryan, Arizona Desert

🥈 Second Place: Amy Rios, Sheely Farms

🥉 Third Place: Kailany Delgado-Peña, Arizona Desert

This event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our spelling bee coordinators: Ms. Golden (AZD), Ms. Tavizon (DOE), Ms. Quezada (PHG), and Ms. Tracey (SFE). Thank you to the teachers, principals, and families who have supported these students on their journey—your encouragement makes all the difference!

We are so proud of all our participants for making this a memorable event and showcasing the incredible talent in our district.

Our incredible JAG students at Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary are making a difference! This week, they rolled up their sleeves for a campus cleanup day - demonstrating their dedication to keeping their school environment beautiful and welcoming for all.

This is one of many community service projects they take on throughout the school year. Thank you to our JAG students and staff, across all our campuses, who support this program —you are making our communities a better place every day!

At Tolleson Elementary School District, our Food Service Department is more than just a team—they are the heart of our schools. Every day, they work tirelessly to ensure our students receive healthy and delicious meals that fuel their learning and growth. From breakfast to lunch, they prioritize nutritious options while serving smiles with every tray.

We are incredibly thankful for their dedication to provide delicious meals to our treasures, ensuring every student is ready to take on their day. Thank you, food service team, for your invaluable contributions to our district's success!

Families, please ensure your school office has your most up-to-date contact information, including your cell phone number and email address. This helps us keep you informed about important updates, events, and announcements. Thank you for staying connected!

This week, Suntec recognized Ms. Villalón, a dedicated first-grade teacher, for her exceptional contributions to our school community. Known for her unwavering commitment to her students, Ms. Villalón creates a classroom environment filled with encouragement and inspiration.

Her innovative teaching methods and passion for education are transforming young lives, and this award highlights the tremendous impact she has on her students' success. Congratulations, Ms. Villalón! Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed.

✨ Who Should Enroll? If your child is turning 5 years old by August 31st, they are ready to embark on their kindergarten adventure with us!

🖍 What is the Keep Early Entrance Program? For children turning 5 between September 1–December 31, our KEEP Early Entrance Program gives them a head start, offering full-day learning opportunities to set them up for success.

🍎 Free Meals for All! Every student in our district receives free breakfast and lunch to fuel their minds throughout the school day.

📚 Is Kindergarten Full-Day? Yes, it is! From morning to afternoon, our engaging and nurturing environment supports your child’s academic and social growth.

🏡 Do I Have to Live in the Boundary? No! Families living outside of our school boundaries are welcome to apply and join the Tolleson ESD family. We welcome ALL students!!

🌟 Enroll Now and Start Their Journey! Whether it’s the first step in their educational path or a milestone for your family, we are here to support your child in achieving success—no exceptions!

Visit our website or stop by our Welcome Center to enroll today. Questions? Send us a message!