Superintendent’s Office

Message from Our Superintendent

Superintendent’s Message: February 2026

Dear Tolleson Union High School District Students, Families, and Staff,

I often reflect on my own experiences in high school, at the district next door, when I am thinking about how our students will react to new ideas. However, our students today are facing challenges that we didn’t see when we were growing up. We didn’t endure a pandemic and while people have always had different beliefs and values, we didn’t see a time when politics felt so divisive. We grew up being taught that the United States is a melting pot and bringing so many people together with diverse backgrounds was our greatest strength. In basketball it is good to be tall, but you don’t see any teams that focus on only having players that are at least seven feet tall. If they did, then they would probably lead the league in rebounds but also in turnovers. When we are all the same then we have the same strengths and weaknesses, but when we are different then we have someone with a strength that makes up for each of our weaknesses. Which brings me to the three items to discuss this month.

The national activity regarding ICE is having a significant impact on our community. Every campus ended January with a student walk out. The walkouts were organized and led by the students. We made every effort to coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure their safety during the walkout, but we need to continue to focus on their well being. Please talk with your students about feelings they may have about the current state of our nation or anything they may be feeling about family members who may be directly impacted by these events. We have support available so please reach out if you need us to connect with your student.

February is Black History Month and there could be no better time to be reminded of the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., since we are faced again with a nation that wishes to divide itself. As we spend the month celebrating the numerous accomplishments of Black Americans and how their contributions have enriched all our lives, then let us also be reminded that when we view differences as strengths then we can accomplish amazing things together.

We are also celebrating the Chinese (Lunar) New Year which begins on February 17. Our Mandarin program at West Point High School will once again have several festivities to honor the occasion. We are moving into the year of the horse. We had a podcast last year on this topic, and I welcome you all to go view it and learn more about Chinese traditions and culture.

February is the shortest month which just means that it is more jam packed with exciting events and activities! It’s beginning to feel warm in the 80’s, but get outside and enjoy all this month has to offer before we get back to our triple digits.

Warm regards,

Jeremy Calles

Jeremy Calles
Superintendent
Tolleson Union High School District