Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
April 21, 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.
Southwest Legacy HS Student Wins Go Public Art Spotlight
Valerie Montoya, a Legacy student at Southwest High School, has won a spot in the Go Public High Art Spotlight competition. This annual event, now in its fourth year, is a collaboration between Go Public, the Texas Cavaliers, and VIA San Antonio. The winning artwork from 29 high school and elementary school students will be featured on VIA buses around town.
Aside from the thrill of having her artwork on a bus, Valerie will also get the chance to see her piece up close during a special reveal event. At the event, winners can take photos with their friends and family in front of their artwork.
The Go Public High School Art Spotlight is a popular competition that gives students the opportunity to see their artwork in a larger-than-life format on the exterior of a VIA bus. This year's event promises to be a big success.
Dragon Warriors Receive Patch
Over 150 Southwest High School students chose to have success in athletics, academics, school spirit, and service. By volunteering for community service projects and supporting their fellow Southwest High School Athletes this exceptional group of students was presented with their own Dragon Warrior Patch.
The Warrior Programs at SWISD intentionally focus on developing character in our athletes by instilling the traits needed for ethical behavior and functioning within a society, such as integrity, respect, and caring.
Southwest Legacy HS Scholars Recognized During Top Ten Banquet
Southwest Legacy High School recognized its Top Ten students for their academic achievements, commending their dedication to excellence and passion for learning which sets them apart. The high school's cafeteria was transformed into an elegant dining room Wednesday night, where students from the school's culinary program served dinner and drinks to the guests.
During the banquet, the students had the opportunity to express gratitude to a teacher who had a significant impact on their success. They emphasized the crucial role of teachers in guiding them throughout the years. Additionally, the students took the time to thank their parents for their support throughout their academic journeys.
We are extremely proud of these students and their achievements, proving that hard work, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge can lead to great things. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the impact they will make in their future endeavors.
We extend our congratulations to the Top Ten students from Southwest Legacy High School, their teachers, and parents, who played a vital role in their success. We are excited to see what the future holds for each of them.
Top Ten Students
Laura Alejandra Lopez (Valedictorian)
Isabella Luna (Salutatorian)
Hiram Bethuel Vinaja
Arely De Luna
Alyza Marie Santos
Janaina Axtlali Gonzalez
Camila Maldonado
Aidan Martin Cisneros
Emily Adamari Coronado
Daniel Gonzalo Canelo
SWISD Designated as Best Communities for Music Education for Fifth Year in a Row
Southwest ISD has once again been recognized for its exceptional commitment to music education, receiving the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for the fifth consecutive year. This designation is awarded to districts that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in providing music education and access to all students.
To qualify for this designation, Southwest ISD underwent a thorough assessment process, which included answering detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.
Research into music education has shown that it has numerous benefits for children, including cognitive and social skill development. In fact, after just two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more significant improvements in speech and reading scores, compared to their less-involved peers. Additionally, students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school but also attend college.
Southwest ISD is proud to receive this designation and remains dedicated to providing its students with outstanding music education opportunities.
Dr. Ball Throws Out First Pitch at Annual Fire & Armor Softball Game
Night In Old Southwest was a Great Success
Spicewood Park Elementary
Elm Creek Elementary
Big Country Elementary
Hidden Cove STEAM Academy
Kriewald Road School of the Arts
Beyond The Arches: Agarita at Spicewood Park Elementary
Welcome to 'Beyond The Arches' which highlights students' stories and activities.
Spicewood Park Elementary students were treated to a classical music experience this past week that taught them about cultures, storytelling, and more! The Agarita Ensemble offers a new way to experience classical and contemporary music for students, while also educating them on the music and where it comes from. We took a visit to see what teachers thought about the ensemble, and what the performers hope to accomplish with their performances!
Homegrown: Angelica Angulo
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their great accomplishments. ‘Homegrown,' is our weekly segment where we highlight successful SW alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also look at how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week we spoke with Spicewood Park Elementary, Assistant Principal Angelica Angulo.
If you know of alumni that work in the SWISD district that you would like to recommend to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam Ruiz at sruiz9098@swisd.net.
SWISD Teacher Feature: Ian Turanski
Welcome to the SWISD Teacher Feature, where we take a ‘behind the curtain’ look at some of the amazing teachers in the district.
In this week's Teacher Feature, we visit Southwest Legacy High School to get to know Aquatic Science and Esports Coach Mr. Ian Turanski. Mr. Turanski. Relatively new to the teaching profession, Mr. Turanski has spent his entire four-year career teaching at Legacy High School.
Here is an inside look at Mr. IanTuranski .
How do you spend your summer breaks?
I usually spend them traveling to visit family with my wife but this year will change every summer for the rest of my life. My wife and I will be welcoming our Baby Girl in June!
What are your “Trapped on a desert island” books or movies?
If Star Wars was the only thing I could watch or read for the rest of my life... I think I would be content.
What is your dream vacation?
I would love to go back to Italy and visit the cities I wasn't able to go to when I was younger. Venice, Florence, Monza (especially on a Formula-1 race weekend)
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby has been 3D printing. I could go on for hours on why I enjoy it but it has truly taught me more skills than I ever thought was possible. I never really saw myself as a creative type but I recently have been teaching myself how to design 3d models. It has taught me how to work on electronics, how to 3D model, and how to manufacture a particular item. I even print models that can be painted for various purposes. It really has been an awesome experience owning 2 3D printers. (Saving for a 3rd). The big project I am currently working on is my fully wearable screen-accurate Phase 2 Clone Trooper Helmet. Happy to share more if anyone is interested.
What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe?"
I can cook a really great Fettuccini Alfredo. Yes, I am happy to share the recipe!
What is one thing you wish you enjoyed more?
I wish I enjoyed more reading. I was never a big reader throughout my childhood but as I have gotten older I have been pushing for myself to read more because there is a ton of information in books.
If you could live inside any video game, which game would it be? Why did you choose this game?
If I could live inside a videogame I would probably want to live inside Stardew Valley. The game is a peaceful farming sim where you move to this valley and are working on establishing your farm and upgrading things for aesthetic appeal. This seems like the most peaceful option that avoids getting attacked by a cataclysmic power every few years.
If you could be a character in any book, movie, or show which book, movie, or show would it be?
If I could be any character in media I would want to be Captain Rex from Star Wars the Clone Wars and other Star Wars stories. Captain Rex is a strong passionate individual who happily leads his men into battle regardless of the outlook of the mission. He fights hard and follows orders. When the time came for order 66 though he was saved by Ahsoka Tano he continued to work to help his brothers fight for a better life in their galaxy. His story continues to be written to this day. I am excited to see the direction they take in his story.
What kind of student were you in High School?
In High school, I was the kid that kind of bounced between groups. I was on the football and wrestling team but I also hung out with theater kids. I was in AP DC classes but I hung out with the on-level crowd. I was all over the place.
What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject was probably my Chemistry class. Science overall was my favorite.
What traditions or superstitions do you have for the First Day of School?
My family would always take the first day of school pictures. My wife and I have kept that tradition going on as adults.
What has been your or your students' best accomplishment so far this year?
The best accomplishment I have had so far this year is probably pushing students on the esports team on my campus to compete in competitions. As the coach of the Esports team, I helped provide the competition space for one of our kids to compete in the R20 Finals as the number 8 seed. We were also fortunate enough to have another student get the invite to play in the last-second qualifier.
What inspires you as a teacher at school?
The student successes. At the end of the day, we are all here for the kids. We may have moments where we lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel but once you see those kids go off and pursue their dreams, that's what keeps me coming back.
If you could pass on a piece of wisdom to your students, what would you share?
If you have something you want to try, do it. The worst thing that can happen is you say you didn't enjoy it as much as you thought you would. If you never try at all, you will always sit there and wonder what if.
What was the best advice any of your teachers have given you?
The best advice I got was in my first year of teaching. I was told by one of my mentor teachers and I follow it every day. "Let the only plan be that something is going to go wrong. That way if nothing goes wrong, then everyone is surprised!" I was also told, "Don't take things personally, and don't let that one individual get to you.”
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