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The sign for Leo J. Sampson Elementary School stands on a grassy lawn.

A woman with brown hair smiles in a professional headshot.

Principal’s Message

Irene Fernandez

Dear Students, Parents, Teachers, Staff, and La Joya Community,

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I introduce myself as the new Principal of La Joya High School. As a proud son of the Rio Grande Valley and the child of migrant farmworkers, I’ve seen the power of education to change lives—and I’m living proof of what faith, perseverance, and community can do.

My journey in education began as a high school security officer and has led me through the roles of teacher, coach, department head, and assistant principal. I’m now honored to lead this campus, and I’m committed to serving with faith, purpose, and heart.

This year, our guiding message is:

Persistence, Rigor, and Purpose — Every Student. Every Classroom. Every Day.

Together, we will build an exemplary campus—not by luck, but because we have the best teachers, a passionate staff, and students worth believing in. I promise to lead with integrity, visibility, and service, and to always keep our students at the center of every decision.

To our students: You are capable of greatness.
To our staff: You are the heartbeat of this school.
To our families: Thank you for trusting us with your children.

Let’s make this a year of growth, unity, and excellence.

Let’s lead with Heart. Let’s rise as Powerful  Coyote Champions. This is Coyote Country

District News

🎯️ OUR STRATEGIC PLAN IS IN MOTION!

November 7, 2026

🎯️ OUR STRATEGIC PLAN IS IN MOTION!

At La Joya ISD, we're turning our vision into action and making steady progress toward Achieving Excellence Together:2030! 📈✨📊 Here's a look at where we stand:✅ 1,155 strategic plan deliverables✅ 3...

🎥 ICYMI: THREE COMMITTEES. ONE SHARED VISION!️

November 7, 2026

🎥 ICYMI: THREE COMMITTEES. ONE SHARED VISION!️

La Joya ISD recently brought together educators, students, and parents for our Superintendent’s Advisory Committee sessions, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, valuable feedback, ...

📚✨ Get Ready for Children's Book Week!

November 7, 2026

📚✨ Get Ready for Children's Book Week!

La Joya ISD is excited to celebrate Children's Book Week, November 9–13, with this year's theme, “Books: Get Curious!”Students are invited to join the fun with a week of themed dress-up days celebr...

🎶💃🏻🇲🇽 THE STAGE IS SET!🎻❤️✨

November 7, 2026

🎶💃🏻🇲🇽 THE STAGE IS SET!🎻❤️✨

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of music, culture and tradition as our talented La Joya ISD mariachi and folklórico students take the stage! 🎺🌟Join us TODAY and TOMORROW for two spectacu...

🐺🏈 IT'S GAME DAY, LOBO NATION! 🔥❤️

November 7, 2026

🐺🏈 IT'S GAME DAY, LOBO NATION! 🔥❤️

La Joya ISD Board Member Valeria Vega is sending a special message of encouragement to our La Joya Palmview High School Lobos as they take the field tonight! 🎥🙌🏼Let's bring the energy, show our Lob...