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EMS ISD Recognized as One of the Nation's Best Communities for Music Education for 13th Consecutive Year

For Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, music education is about more than performances and awards. It is about creating opportunities for every student to discover their talents, build confidence and develop skills that last a lifetime.

That commitment has once again earned national recognition.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD has been named one of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation, marking the 13th consecutive year the district has received the prestigious honor.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation recognizes school districts across the nation that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. To earn the recognition, districts complete a comprehensive application detailing funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, support for music programs and community music-making opportunities.

"This recognition reflects what we believe at EMS ISD, that every student deserves the opportunity to experience the power of music as part of a well-rounded education," said Carla Hardy, EMS ISD director of fine arts. "Receiving this honor for the 13th consecutive year is a testament to our dedicated teachers, supportive leadership, families and community members who continue to invest in meaningful opportunities for our students."

The NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education program celebrates school districts that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music education.

"Our community understands that fine arts are an essential part of preparing students for success," Hardy said. "We are grateful for the continued support of our music programs and look forward to creating even more opportunities for students to learn, grow and shine."

Receiving this recognition for the 13th straight year reflects EMS ISD's long-standing commitment to providing students with enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. From elementary music programs to award-winning middle and high school ensembles, students have opportunities to develop creativity, collaboration and confidence through music at every stage of their educational journey.

We are #EMSProud to once again be recognized as one of the nation's Best Communities for Music Education.

EMS ISD celebrated an exciting milestone this summer with the launch of its inaugural TeachFest, a dynamic new professional learning experience designed to energize, empower, and elevate educators as they prepare for the year ahead.

TeachFest 2026 took place June 15-17 at Eagle Mountain High School and welcomed approximately 450 EMS ISD educators over the course of three days. The multi-day event marked a bold step forward in how EMS ISD approaches professional learning by offering educators a flexible, engaging and impactful experience tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Participants had the opportunity to attend one, two, or all three days, building their own personalized professional learning journey. Modeled as an “all-star training camp” for educators, TeachFest encouraged participants to “build their own playbook” by selecting sessions that aligned with their interests, campus needs, content areas and professional goals.

“TeachFest represents more than a single event. It signals a shift in culture,” said Dr. Walter Berringer, Deputy Superintendent. “This experience reflects our commitment to empowering teacher voice and leadership, promoting collaboration across campuses and content areas, and delivering professional learning that is relevant, differentiated and meaningful for our educators.”

What makes TeachFest especially meaningful is its foundation. The event it was built by educators, for educators. The event brought together EMS ISD teachers and leaders, along with experienced professionals and partners, to facilitate sessions that were both practical and inspiring.

Throughout the three days, educators participated in a wide variety of sessions focused on research-based instructional strategies, differentiation and scaffolding practices to support diverse learner needs, innovative technology tools that enhance teaching and learning and specialized sessions supporting areas such as special education, gifted and talented education, and more.

Beyond the session content, TeachFest was designed to be a true professional learning experience. The event created space for collaboration, connection and celebration, allowing educators to learn from one another, share best practices and build momentum heading into the new school year.

“The energy around TeachFest was remarkable,” Berringer said. “This was not just about attending sessions. It was about igniting passion, sparking innovation, and strengthening the collective efficacy of our teaching community. When educators have opportunities to learn from one another and take ownership of their growth, our students ultimately benefit.”

TeachFest also reinforced EMS ISD’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and investing in the growth and success of staff. By celebrating the expertise within the district and creating opportunities for educators to lead and learn together, EMS ISD continues to strengthen a culture of collaboration and excellence.

As TeachFest grows in the years ahead, district leaders hope it will continue to serve as a meaningful professional learning experience that inspires educators, supports strong instruction, and helps prepare every classroom for a successful school year.

The room was filled with quiet anticipation as Phoenix Saysanam approached, unaware of who was waiting for him. 

At the end of the long hall stood two familiar faces, the same ones he had recently seen on the cover of an EMS Proud magazine that left a lasting impression. Officers Koby and Antoine Stevenson, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD graduates, were now standing in front of him. 

“I’ve seen them on the cover, and now I get to see them in real life and connect with them,” Phoenix said. “It all came full circle today.” 

For Phoenix, a Boswell High School senior and Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC) student, that moment was more than a surprise. It was a reflection of a journey shaped by inspiration, opportunity and the people who believed in him along the way. 

A PATH TAKES SHAPE 

Phoenix’s interest in law enforcement didn’t begin through a family connection. It started during a school career day at Elkins Elementary. “It was when our school resource officer came by and showed us the equipment,” he said. 

That early spark grew into a clear path through EMS ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs. At HCTC, Phoenix has immersed himself in the law enforcement program, gaining hands-on experience, earning certifications, and documenting training activities through his own project, Tactical Thursday Media. 

“This district really prepared me,” he said. 

The Stevenson brothers saw that same preparation in themselves years earlier. As graduates of Boswell High School, they take pride in the foundation EMS ISD gave them. They remain committed to giving back and mentoring students like Phoenix as they begin their own journeys. 

THE POWER OF ONE EDUCATOR 

While Phoenix’s career path is rooted in opportunity, his story is anchored in something deeper: the impact of a teacher. For Phoenix, that teacher is Mrs. Conners-Casillo at Boswell. “She bridged the gap between being a teacher and being human. She was more like family,” he said. 

In her classroom, students felt seen, heard, and connected. That sense of belonging didn’t fade when she transitioned to teaching a different grade level. Instead, it inspired Phoenix to find a way to keep that connection alive. 

INSPIRATION IN PRINT 

After reading the EMS Proud editions of 287 North Living and seeing stories that highlighted people he knew and the community he calls home, Phoenix was inspired to create something of his own. 

“I just wanted to highlight my class for the impact they’ve had on me and my teacher as well,” he said. 

What started as a simple idea became Senior² Standard, a student-created publication filled with stories, photos, and updates designed to keep his classmates connected to one another and to the teacher who made such an impact. 

The process wasn’t easy. “It takes a long time… a lot of effort,” Phoenix said. But for him, the work was worth it. “We didn’t want it to be goodbye. We wanted it to be like a ‘see you later.’” 

Through writing, design, and storytelling inspired by 287 North Living, Phoenix created something meaningful not just for himself, but for those around him. 

OPPORTUNITY IN ACTION 

Stories like Phoenix’s are a reflection of what’s possible when students are given opportunities to explore their interests and are supported by educators who go beyond the classroom. 

From early exposure to careers, to hands-on training at HCTC, to teachers who build lasting relationships, EMS ISD provides pathways that help students discover who they are and who they want to become. 

For Phoenix, those experiences have built both confidence and clarity as he prepares for what comes next. “I’m excited to meet more people, make more memories, and prepare myself for the fast-paced industry,” he said. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

As graduation approaches, Phoenix plans to continue his education in criminal justice, with long-term goals of serving his community in law enforcement. 

Along the way, he carries the lessons he has learned from educators, mentors, and experiences that shaped his journey. 

After reflecting on his path, Phoenix summed it up in a way that speaks not only to his future, but to the impact of those who helped guide him there: “Make your life matter, not by how much space you take, but by how much meaning you create.” 

In Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, that meaning is built every day, through opportunity, connection, and the people who inspire students to turn meaningful moments into momentum. 

FEATURED IN 287 NORTH LIVING

Phoenix Saysanam's story was featured in the May 15 - June 19, 2026 edition of 287 North Living magazine. 

 

Elementary PACE (gifted and talented) students across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD once again took center stage during this year’s Evening with the Experts, sharing weeks of independent research, creativity and learning with families, staff and community members.

This year’s Evening with the Experts included district showcase events at Chisholm Trail High School for Chisholm Trail and Saginaw feeder campuses, along with campus-based presentations for Boswell and Eagle Mountain feeder campuses. These exciting events gave students across EMS ISD the opportunity to proudly present their work and engage with visitors.

From science and technology to history, culture and personal passions, students explored a wide range of topics through detailed displays, visuals and interactive conversations. Cafeterias, libraries and hallways were transformed into exhibition spaces as students confidently explained their learning and answered questions from guests.

“Table after table, I saw students explaining their learning, answering great questions, and living out our mission that calls us to spark a ‘...passion for a lifetime…’” Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, EMS ISD Superintendent, said. “In short, it was a beautiful thing to behold.”

The event is a hallmark of the district’s PACE program, encouraging students to pursue topics they are passionate about while strengthening research, communication and presentation skills. Throughout the showcases, students demonstrated not only academic growth, but also confidence, curiosity and pride in their work.

As guests moved from project to project, the energy throughout each event reflected the meaningful learning experiences happening across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Evening with the Experts continues to celebrate student voice, creativity and the passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.