Parkland High School

Parkland High School is part of the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas.HistoryOriginsParkland High School first opened its doors as Parkland Grade School in 1958. By 1960, the school's curriculum could not accommodate high school courses. Those students who were entering high school were forced to attend nearby high schools, Irvin and Burges High Schools. The decision was made by the Ysleta Independent School District to expand Parkland Grade School into Parkland High School. In 1959, the student body was asked to vote for the school's mascot and school colors. The Matador and black and gold were chosen. In September 1962, the doors to Parkland High School were officially open. The school only had 9th grade and 10th grade, as well as all primary grades.1960'sAt the time of Parkland High's opening, there were three other high schools established, making Parkland High the fourth high school in the district. The school in 1962 consisted of 100 wing, 200 wing, the cafetorium (the current administration offices) as well as the nearby Parkland Elementary. Until 2006, Parkland Elementary and Parkland High had the distinction of being the only combined primary/secondary campus in the Ysleta Independent School District. Parkland High graduated its first class in 1964. One member of that class, Kathy Henry, continued to serve as head of the Mathematics Department. She retired towards the end of the school year of 2008. It was during this time that the school was given its official coat of arms by the Jostens Jewelry Company, which also made the school's first class rings. The school opened Matador Stadium in 1965 and the old gymnasium in 1966. Every spring, the school would hold its annual "Spring Corrida", which was the equivalent version of today's Senior Prom. The school would host representatives of other schools in the city in the event, and likewise send its own to their respective dances. By the end of the decade, Parkland High had a student population of 300 students. Parkland Elementary curriculum was separated from the school in 1967, and Parkland Junior High School was separated in 1969 and opened its doors a short distance away.