📚💛 This National Family Literacy Month, Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen joined students for a special read-aloud to share stories, inspire imaginations, and celebrate the power of reading.
Family literacy plays a vital role in building strong readers, strengthening connections at home, and shaping bright futures. Here’s to the stories that bring us together! 🌟📖
#NationalFamilyLiteracyMonth #CommunityTrustUnityPartnership #LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
Family literacy plays a vital role in building strong readers, strengthening connections at home, and shaping bright futures. Here’s to the stories that bring us together! 🌟📖
#NationalFamilyLiteracyMonth #CommunityTrustUnityPartnership #LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
🧡🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, La Joya ISD family!
We are grateful for our students, staff, families, and community who make our district shine every day.
Wishing you a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. 🦃✨
We are grateful for our students, staff, families, and community who make our district shine every day.
Wishing you a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. 🦃✨
📣 La Joya ISD families, we want to hear from you!
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. As we move forward, we want to remind our families that these School Action items are recommendations and not final decisions.
We invite you to join us for your campus’s upcoming meeting to learn more, ask questions, and share your thoughts.
❤️ Your voice matters, and we appreciate your partnership every step of the way.
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📣 ¡Familias de La Joya ISD, queremos escucharlos!
Gracias por ser una parte esencial de nuestra comunidad escolar. A medida que avanzamos, queremos recordarles que estas acciones escolares son recomendaciones y no decisiones finales.
Les invitamos a unirse a la próxima reunión de su plantel para conocer más, hacer preguntas y compartir sus ideas.
❤️ Su voz es importante, y valoramos su colaboración en cada paso del camino.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. As we move forward, we want to remind our families that these School Action items are recommendations and not final decisions.
We invite you to join us for your campus’s upcoming meeting to learn more, ask questions, and share your thoughts.
❤️ Your voice matters, and we appreciate your partnership every step of the way.
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📣 ¡Familias de La Joya ISD, queremos escucharlos!
Gracias por ser una parte esencial de nuestra comunidad escolar. A medida que avanzamos, queremos recordarles que estas acciones escolares son recomendaciones y no decisiones finales.
Les invitamos a unirse a la próxima reunión de su plantel para conocer más, hacer preguntas y compartir sus ideas.
❤️ Su voz es importante, y valoramos su colaboración en cada paso del camino.
La Joya ISD is celebrating a milestone moment! 🌟
Our very own Laura Aguilera has made history as the first UTRGV graduate student to receive the 2025 Stacie McGee Student Scholar Award. 🎉🏆
Her advocacy🗣️, heart ❤️, and commitment to our students ✨ reflect the best of our district and our community.
Congratulations, Laura — thank you for continuing to inspire La Joya ISD. ❤️
Our very own Laura Aguilera has made history as the first UTRGV graduate student to receive the 2025 Stacie McGee Student Scholar Award. 🎉🏆
Her advocacy🗣️, heart ❤️, and commitment to our students ✨ reflect the best of our district and our community.
Congratulations, Laura — thank you for continuing to inspire La Joya ISD. ❤️
⭐📚 Success begins with showing up.
Daily attendance helps students stay on track, stay involved, and reach their full potential.
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
Daily attendance helps students stay on track, stay involved, and reach their full potential.
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
📣 La Joya ISD continues its district-wide initiative to support student wellness through Parent Informational Sessions presented by La Joya ISD Student Services and the La Joya ISD Police Department. 💬
These sessions help parents support youth mental health and understand the dangers of vaping.
🗓️ Upcoming Session Dates and Locations:
📍 Juarez-Lincoln High School
December 5 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
📍 Jimmy Carter High School
December 9 | 5:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 La Joya High School
December 12 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
For more information, please contact Student Services at 956-323-2175.
These sessions help parents support youth mental health and understand the dangers of vaping.
🗓️ Upcoming Session Dates and Locations:
📍 Juarez-Lincoln High School
December 5 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
📍 Jimmy Carter High School
December 9 | 5:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 La Joya High School
December 12 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
For more information, please contact Student Services at 956-323-2175.
La Joya ISD is committed to keeping our community informed about the School Action Recommendations. These proposals aim to strengthen academics and ensure students have access to stronger educational opportunities.
Read the graphic for key details and visit lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions for the full overview.
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La Joya ISD comparte los hechos detrás de las Recomendaciones de Acciones Escolares. Estas propuestas están diseñadas para fortalecer lo académico, reinvertir en los estudiantes y asegurar que cada niño tenga acceso a mejores oportunidades educativas.
Revisa el gráfico para ver los detalles clave y visita lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions para ver la información completa.
Read the graphic for key details and visit lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions for the full overview.
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La Joya ISD comparte los hechos detrás de las Recomendaciones de Acciones Escolares. Estas propuestas están diseñadas para fortalecer lo académico, reinvertir en los estudiantes y asegurar que cada niño tenga acceso a mejores oportunidades educativas.
Revisa el gráfico para ver los detalles clave y visita lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions para ver la información completa.
🌟A core pillar in our strategic plan, La Joya ISD is prioritizing Excellence in Leadership🌟
When excellent leadership is the foundation for student success, we are able to Achieve Excellence together💪
It's why priority number 1 in our strategic plan is Excellence in Leadership‼️
#LJISDAchievingExcellence2030
⛽🎉 Exciting things are happening in our community!
La Joya ISD is proud to join our partners at Stripes as they celebrate their official groundbreaking — a win for growth, community, and new opportunities. 💫
Our students lit up the morning with special performances, showcasing the heart and talent of La Joya ISD. 🌟🎶
Together, we continue building strong, connected communities, reinforcing Priority 4 of Achieving Excellence Together: 2030 - Community Trust, Unity & Partnership! 🤝💎❤️
🍁REMINDER: La Joya ISD schools and offices will be closed from November 24 to 28 for Thanksgiving Break. 🍂
Classes will resume Monday, December 1. 📚
Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday week. 🧡
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🍁RECORDATORIO: Las escuelas y oficinas de La Joya ISD estarán cerradas del 24 al 28 de noviembre por las vacaciones de Acción de Gracias.
Las clases se reanudarán el lunes 1 de diciembre. 📚
Les deseamos a todos una semana tranquila y llena de gratitud. 🧡
Classes will resume Monday, December 1. 📚
Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday week. 🧡
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🍁RECORDATORIO: Las escuelas y oficinas de La Joya ISD estarán cerradas del 24 al 28 de noviembre por las vacaciones de Acción de Gracias.
Las clases se reanudarán el lunes 1 de diciembre. 📚
Les deseamos a todos una semana tranquila y llena de gratitud. 🧡
✨🎄 It’s time, La Joya ISD!
Our 12 Days of Holiday Cheer start December 4, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our students, staff, and families. Each day brings a new theme, a little joy, and a whole lot of district spirit.
Let’s make this season shine together! 🌟❤️💚
Our 12 Days of Holiday Cheer start December 4, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our students, staff, and families. Each day brings a new theme, a little joy, and a whole lot of district spirit.
Let’s make this season shine together! 🌟❤️💚
💡 What’s Really in Your Vape?
Many vapes contain toxic chemicals like acetone, nickel, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. These substances can damage the lungs and brain.
La Joya ISD encourages students to stay mindful of the risks. It’s not just vapor. It’s toxic.
Stay safe. Stay vape-free. 🚫
Many vapes contain toxic chemicals like acetone, nickel, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. These substances can damage the lungs and brain.
La Joya ISD encourages students to stay mindful of the risks. It’s not just vapor. It’s toxic.
Stay safe. Stay vape-free. 🚫
Here are the key facts about the School Action Recommendations. These are recommendations only and nothing changes in 2025–26 school year. Review the graphics to learn more and stay updated with accurate information.
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Aquí están los datos más importantes sobre las Recomendaciones de Acción Escolar. Son solo propuestas y no habrá cambios en el año escolar 2025–2026. Consulte las gráficas para obtener más información precisa.
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Aquí están los datos más importantes sobre las Recomendaciones de Acción Escolar. Son solo propuestas y no habrá cambios en el año escolar 2025–2026. Consulte las gráficas para obtener más información precisa.
🎄✨ It’s the most wonderful time of the year at La Joya ISD!
Join us for our 5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 4, for an evening filled with holiday magic, student performances, sweet treats, letters to Santa, and joyful moments for the whole family. 🎅❤️
A FREE community event you won’t want to miss! 🎁🌟
#LJISD #TreeLighting2025 #CommunityTraditions #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Join us for our 5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 4, for an evening filled with holiday magic, student performances, sweet treats, letters to Santa, and joyful moments for the whole family. 🎅❤️
A FREE community event you won’t want to miss! 🎁🌟
#LJISD #TreeLighting2025 #CommunityTraditions #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Happy Substitute Educators Day from La Joya ISD! 💛🍎
Today, we celebrate the dedicated substitutes who step into our classrooms with care, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to our students. Thank you for keeping learning strong and supporting our campuses every day. We appreciate you more than you know.
Thank you!!
Today, we celebrate the dedicated substitutes who step into our classrooms with care, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to our students. Thank you for keeping learning strong and supporting our campuses every day. We appreciate you more than you know.
Thank you!!
🍁REMINDER: La Joya ISD schools and offices will be closed from November 24 to 28 for Thanksgiving Break. 🍂
Classes will resume Monday, December 1. 📚
Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday week. 🧡
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🍁RECORDATORIO: Las escuelas y oficinas de La Joya ISD estarán cerradas del 24 al 28 de noviembre por las vacaciones de Acción de Gracias.
Las clases se reanudarán el lunes 1 de diciembre. 📚
Les deseamos a todos una semana tranquila y llena de gratitud. 🧡
Classes will resume Monday, December 1. 📚
Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday week. 🧡
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🍁RECORDATORIO: Las escuelas y oficinas de La Joya ISD estarán cerradas del 24 al 28 de noviembre por las vacaciones de Acción de Gracias.
Las clases se reanudarán el lunes 1 de diciembre. 📚
Les deseamos a todos una semana tranquila y llena de gratitud. 🧡
This Substitute Educators Day, La Joya ISD recognizes the substitute educators who ensure continuity in teaching and learning. 🧑🏫📖
Your flexibility, professionalism, and commitment make a lasting impact every day. Thank you for all you do. 🍎📚👏
#SubstituteEducatorsDay #AmericanEducationWeek
La Joya ISD Announces School Action Recommendations to Strengthen Academic Quality and Student Opportunities
LA JOYA, Texas — La Joya Independent School District has announced initial school action recommendations for the 2026–27 school year as part of its ongoing commitment to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, best-fit learning environment. The recommendations align directly with the district’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and its North Star Goal of having 90 percent of students enrolled in A- or B-rated campuses by 2029.
The proposed actions would close or repurpose select campuses to improve academic outcomes, address enrollment shifts, and allow for strategic reinvestment in programs that elevate student success. By realigning facilities and staffing, the district projects up to $27.2 million in potential savings, which will be reinvested to strengthen instruction, expand career and technical education, and enhance student programming.
“These recommendations are about doing what’s right for students,” said Dr. Derek Little, Chief of Academics and School Leadership. “By reassigning students to our highest-performing campuses and expanding innovative school models, we can ensure every child receives the level of excellence our community expects and deserves.”
The initial recommendations include:
The closure of Benavides Elementary - students reassigned to Sam Fordyce Elementary
The closure of Peña Elementary - students reassigned to Clinton Elementary and Gonzalez Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Leo Elementary - students reassigned to Flores Elementary and E.B. Reyna Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Ann Richards Middle School - students reassigned to Garcia Middle School and Memorial Middle School determined by students’ residential zones
J.D. Salinas Middle School will close temporarily and reopen in 2027–28 as a Choice Career Academy Middle School, creating new pathways in career and technical education (CTE).
“These changes ensure more students are learning in higher-rated schools while also allowing us to modernize our facilities and expand opportunities,” Dr. Little added. “Our goal is not just efficiency, it’s excellence. Every decision connects back to our strategic priorities of empowering graduates, developing thriving students, and sustaining operational excellence.”
La Joya ISD will hold staff and community meetings from November through January to gather feedback and answer questions from families. Final recommendations will go before the School Board on January 21, 2026.
“Our Achieving Excellence Together 2030 strategic plan is about preparing students for limitless opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “These recommended school actions allow us to acknowledge and act on the declines in enrollment that the District and community have known about for years, ensure that we are delivering on the promise of educational excellence for all students, align ourselves with fiscally responsible practices, and reinvest in what matters most; strong schools, great teachers, and innovative programs that inspire success.”
For more information about La Joya ISD’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and the school action timeline, visit www.lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions
LA JOYA, Texas — La Joya Independent School District has announced initial school action recommendations for the 2026–27 school year as part of its ongoing commitment to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, best-fit learning environment. The recommendations align directly with the district’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and its North Star Goal of having 90 percent of students enrolled in A- or B-rated campuses by 2029.
The proposed actions would close or repurpose select campuses to improve academic outcomes, address enrollment shifts, and allow for strategic reinvestment in programs that elevate student success. By realigning facilities and staffing, the district projects up to $27.2 million in potential savings, which will be reinvested to strengthen instruction, expand career and technical education, and enhance student programming.
“These recommendations are about doing what’s right for students,” said Dr. Derek Little, Chief of Academics and School Leadership. “By reassigning students to our highest-performing campuses and expanding innovative school models, we can ensure every child receives the level of excellence our community expects and deserves.”
The initial recommendations include:
The closure of Benavides Elementary - students reassigned to Sam Fordyce Elementary
The closure of Peña Elementary - students reassigned to Clinton Elementary and Gonzalez Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Leo Elementary - students reassigned to Flores Elementary and E.B. Reyna Elementary determined by students’ residential zones
The closure of Ann Richards Middle School - students reassigned to Garcia Middle School and Memorial Middle School determined by students’ residential zones
J.D. Salinas Middle School will close temporarily and reopen in 2027–28 as a Choice Career Academy Middle School, creating new pathways in career and technical education (CTE).
“These changes ensure more students are learning in higher-rated schools while also allowing us to modernize our facilities and expand opportunities,” Dr. Little added. “Our goal is not just efficiency, it’s excellence. Every decision connects back to our strategic priorities of empowering graduates, developing thriving students, and sustaining operational excellence.”
La Joya ISD will hold staff and community meetings from November through January to gather feedback and answer questions from families. Final recommendations will go before the School Board on January 21, 2026.
“Our Achieving Excellence Together 2030 strategic plan is about preparing students for limitless opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “These recommended school actions allow us to acknowledge and act on the declines in enrollment that the District and community have known about for years, ensure that we are delivering on the promise of educational excellence for all students, align ourselves with fiscally responsible practices, and reinvest in what matters most; strong schools, great teachers, and innovative programs that inspire success.”
For more information about La Joya ISD’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan and the school action timeline, visit www.lajoyaisd.com/schoolactions
💎💫Together, we are building stronger communities!
La Joya ISD is proud to join our partners in the City of Peñitas as they break ground on the site of their new Home Depot location! 🧡
Our students truly shined as they performed for city leaders and the community, showcasing their heart, talent, and pride for La Joya ISD.
Moments like this reinforce Priority 4 of Achieving Excellence Together: 2030 - Community Trust, Unity & Partnership! 💎❤️
La Joya ISD is proud to join our partners in the City of Peñitas as they break ground on the site of their new Home Depot location! 🧡
Our students truly shined as they performed for city leaders and the community, showcasing their heart, talent, and pride for La Joya ISD.
Moments like this reinforce Priority 4 of Achieving Excellence Together: 2030 - Community Trust, Unity & Partnership! 💎❤️
📸✨ Recognition photo from the November 19, 2025, Board Meeting.
