From The Desk of the Superintendent

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!

As we approach the close of the first semester and the joy of the holiday season begins to take hold, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary fall it has been in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Our classrooms have been alive with curiosity and creativity, our fine arts programs have filled our auditoriums with music and color, and our athletic fields and courts have showcased the grit and determination of our student-athletes, including our State Champion Eagle Mountain High School Girls Volleyball team, the first state champions in school history. The energy, the learning, the sense of purpose—it’s all been remarkable to witness. 

This time of year naturally invites us to pause and take stock, and there is much to celebrate. Across our district, students are growing—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and as young leaders in our community. Whether it’s mastering new concepts, strengthening friendships, or stepping into opportunities that stretch their potential, our students continue to remind us why our highest priority remains the same: Every student grows at least one year, every year. 

That clarity of purpose guides every decision we make and unites every member of our team. From the teachers who plan engaging lessons, to the paraprofessionals who support instruction, to the bus drivers who greet students with a smile at the start of each day, our staff works together with one shared goal in mind: the success of every student who walks through our doors. 

As we enter the final days before the semester break, I am especially grateful for the partnership with our families. Your support—making sure students arrive each day ready to learn, encouraging them through challenges, celebrating their successes—has a profound impact. Through our ongoing campaign, Here Today, Ready for Tomorrow, we’ve continued to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance. Each day in school truly matters, and your efforts at home help strengthen routines and build the habits that lead to long-term achievement. 

The Christmas season has a way of bringing out the very best in a community, and that is certainly true here in EMS ISD. I am continually inspired by the hospitality, generosity, and heart I see throughout our district. From campus service projects to community partners who step in to support families in need, the spirit of giving is alive and well. It is a beautiful reminder that our schools are not just centers of learning–they are centers of connection. 

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season filled with peace, joy, and meaningful moments. May the break provide time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy the blessings around you. I look forward to welcoming our students back in January as we begin a new semester—and a new opportunity—to continue growing together.

Jerry D. Hollingsworth, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD