Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
January 6, 2023
Welcome to Points of Pride, our weekly district e-newsletter featuring highlights from around Southwest Independent School District. If you have a story or highlight that you would like to submit, email communications@swisd.net.
McAuliffe Middle Staff and Students to Hold Fundraiser for Injured Student
The McAuliffe Middle School community is rallying together to help out a fellow student injured during the holidays.
Christmas Eve took a devastating turn for McAuliffe Middle School student Marcus Rutledge. The eighth-grader was seriously injured when grease oil spilled on him and burned nearly 85% of his body. The 14-year old has a long road to recovery. Over the last few weeks, Marcus has had several surgeries and will need months of medial care. His mother is taking time off from work to be close with Marcus during this difficult time and will not be earning income.
Students and staff came up with the idea to hold a fundraiser to help Marcus and his family during their time of need. McAuliffe is hosting a Rocket Fest on Friday, January 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds will go to the family. News 4 and KABB interviewed staff and students to help get the word out. Click on the link below to view the news story. Click here to donate.
The Penguins Are Coming!
SWISD Celebrates School Board Recognition Month
January is School Board Recognition Month and SWISD is celebrating its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district and its students. The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is Forward, Together, which highlights the collaboration among school leadership, teachers, and parents on behalf of students.
SWISD Students Win Big at Bexar County Junior Livestock Show
The competition took place Dec. 27 through Dec. 30 but students have been preparing since June when they first received their projects. The students had to feed the animals and care for them nights, weekends, and holidays. "It’s a great chance for kids to learn some responsibility. This program teaches kids how to work with other individuals and how to care for another living being," said SWFAA Advisor and Lead Agriculture Science Teacher Amanda Throckmorton.
At least 10 students took home top prizes. Congratulations to all the students who participated.
The students who placed will now have a chance to participate in the Auction of Champions this Saturday, January 23, at the Cowboys Dancehall. Click here to learn more.
Southwest Legacy HS Students Place in Photography Competition
Southwest Legacy High School Juniors Raeann DeLaRosa and Mia Barrientes placed in the Texas Association of Photography Teachers Fall Competition. Raeann took first place in the animal competition while Mia received an Honorable Mention. Nearly 5,000 high school students from across Texas entered the contests which had 12 categories. Winning students pictures are published in a Best of Texas book each year and given to the students and their teacher. The 16-year olds are a part of the Commercial Photography Pathway and are scheduled to become certified in Adobe Photoshop in the Spring. Raeann who will compete next year for the position of captain for Legacy Tennis Team has plans to attend medical school and become a surgeon. Mia will major in history with the hope of eventually becoming a college professor. Congratulations to both for their creative eye and commitment to accomplish great things.
SWISD Hosts Hoops Madness
On December 14, the district and community came together to compete and award our exceptional young student-athletes in a basketball skills showdown. Each elementary and middle school campus has been working on basketball skills in its PE classes. The top athletes from each campus participated in the district competition. Scores were tallied for each student in dribbling and shooting, with the top three boys and girls in each grade awarded medals. These students will also be recognized at our Fire and Armor basketball games on January 20.
SWISD Homegrown: Dixie Zaiontz
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their great accomplishments. In our new segment called ‘Homegrown' we highlight successful SW alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also look at how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. In this week's spotlight, we spoke with Dixie Zaiontz, Senior Purchasing Clerk in our Purchasing Department.
If you know of alumni that work in SWISD that you would like to recommend to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam Ruiz at sruiz9098@swisd.net
CAST STEM Teacher Wins Texas Thespians Hall of Fame Award
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Jose DeHoyos for being one of two theatre directors from the state of Texas to receive the Texas Thespians Hall of Fame Award! Award recipients are chosen for their dedication to theatre performance in Texas as well as for their contributions to continued standards of excellence. Hall of Fame recipients are impactful educators who have created a legacy in the Texas Thespian organization. Mr. DeHoyos will be presented this award next week at the Texas Thespian Educator Conference in Dallas.
SWISD ScoreBoard
SWISD Spurs Night
Come out to Southwest ISD Night at the Spurs game on Friday, January 20 against the Clippers! Discounted tickets are available for all staff, students, family, friends, and school supporters. Help show your support by purchasing tickets in the link below. The first 150 tickets purchased will have access to a courtside experience. The Spurs Courtside Experience allows you to come in early and watch both teams warm up from the first 13 rows of the arena before the general public is let in! Proceeds of the tickets will go back to the SWISD Education Foundation as well!
GO SPURS GO!
SWISD Communications Department
Email: news@swisd.net
Website: www.swisd.net
Location: 11914 Dragon Ln, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-622-4408
Facebook: facebook.com/SWISDsatx
Twitter: @swisd