On Sept. 20, hundreds of Socorro Independent School District educators and staff walked through the district’s neighborhoods with a single mission: to help students who had dropped out of school reclaim their path to graduation.
Through home visits and meaningful conversations, these counselors, teachers and administrators aimed to reconnect with 225 students and their families, highlighting the life-changing opportunities education offers such as earning a diploma, pursuing college and building a successful career.
“Education is such an important pathway to success, and we just want to let them know how important it is, and we want them back,” said Superintendent James Vasquez, who participated in SISD’s first Walk for Success in 2014 when he was a school principal.
During the annual outreach event, Team SISD members walked around the neighborhoods surrounding high school feeder areas to talk to students who have yet to enroll in the new school year. Over the last five years, Walk for Success has successfully helped recover more than 250 students. This year, four students have reenrolled since the event took place.
“This program has been going on for 11 years, and if we bring back at least one kid, we succeeded,” SISD Board Vice President Paul Guerra said.
Vasquez emphasized that there were several reasons why students may not return to high school. These include family relocations, homeschooling or private schooling. Other factors may involve academic challenges, family obligations, or disengagement from school.
Patricia Pedroza, the principal of El Dorado High School, recognized that many students face difficulties that prevent them from returning to school. She said she was committed to helping these students overcome their challenges so they can resume their education.
“Oftentimes, the scholars we're looking for came into some kind of hardship, and we want them to know that we are here to help them through that hardship and to continue to support them into whatever the next step is for them,” Pedroza said.
Casey Rangel, an assistant principal at Montwood High School reminded students and their families of the various opportunities the district provides to ensure a smooth return to school.
Rangel said students can return to their home campus or attend Options High School, a non-traditional high school that provides a flexible learning environment for those seeking to earn either a high school diploma or GED.
Vasquez added that students who were not interested in pursuing higher education could obtain a certification through the district’s Career and Technical Education programs, which would prepare them for meaningful employment after graduation.
Another reason some former students may hesitate to return to school is that they are too embarrassed to ask for help after falling behind.
During one home visit, Dr. Ignacio Estorga, principal of Socorro High School, met with a former Bulldog who was just one class shy of graduation. This visit highlighted the importance of the district’s outreach efforts to help every student take the necessary steps toward success.
“I don't think the kids realize that this is an opportunity for them to finish one step of education. And to be one class short is huge. And sometimes I don't think they know that they are that close to graduating,” Estorga said.
Nancy Torres, the principal of Americas High School, acknowledged that it can be challenging for students to spend an extra year in high school. However, she and her staff were dedicated to providing a supportive environment where students do not feel judged and can work toward achieving their goals.
“They might be embarrassed coming back. They’re going to be returning for a fifth year, and they don’t want to be with a new cohort, so providing them that safe place, a private place, and most importantly a goal, a plan if they have a goal is important,” Torres said.
Board Trustee Alice Gardea emphasized that visiting former students’ homes was an important step toward building trust and demonstrating the district’s commitment to helping students succeed and graduate high school.
“We're here for you. We are a part of the family. Our team is here to embrace you, and there are not going to be questions. Just come back. You're a human being. You're part of us, and we want to make sure that we do everything and anything to help you succeed,” Gardea said.