Southwest ISD Points of Pride
August 22nd, 2023
October 20, 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.
SWHS Alumna Chona E Takes Center Stage in a Candid SW Spotlight Interview with Dr. Ball
In this special edition of the SW Spotlight, Dr. Ball sits down with SWHS alumna Joanna Estrada, better known as Chona E! This budding comedian and TikTok sensation gives props to Southwest ISD for igniting her passion and then flips the script to delve into Dr. Ball's inspiring journey from humble beginnings.
Mary Niño, Kens 5 Excel Award Winner
KENS 5, in collaboration with Credit Human, recently paid a visit to Elm Creek Elementary School to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Mary Niño, who was recognized as the SWISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. In a gesture of appreciation and support, they presented Mrs. Niño with a check for $1,000. As an Excel Award winner, her commitment to the field of education and her significant positive impact on the lives of her students was recognized.
Mrs. Niño's story will be featured in an upcoming segment on KENS 5, allowing others to learn more about her inspiring journey, teaching philosophy, and the incredible ways she has made a difference in the lives of her students. This recognition is well-deserved and a source of pride for Elm Creek Elementary and the entire community.
We look forward to tuning in to KENS 5 to hear more about Mrs. Niño's incredible accomplishments and the inspiring story of her teaching career. In the meantime, let us congratulate her once again, celebrating her as an exemplary educator and a source of inspiration for educators everywhere.
Kens 5 Honors SWHS All-Star Athlete, Serenity Carey
Kens 5 Great Day SA visited Southwest HS to honor Senior Serenity Carey as this week’s All-Star Athlete award! Serenity Carey is ranked 14th in her Senior Class with a Grade Point Average of 3.96. She is a 4-year letterman on the Dragon Varsity Soccer team and a 3-year letterman for the Dragon Varsity Volleyball team. In addition to her many athletic and academic achievements, she is also a part of the Superintendent Advisory Board for Southwest ISD. Look for her feature next Friday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m. on Kens 5.
SWISD Fine Arts Brings Unique Performance to Students
SWISD students had the opportunity to witness a mesmerizing performance of "Mística" presented by the talented dancers of Ballet Nepantla. This captivating show took place at SW Legacy High School, celebrating the rich tapestry of creative and spiritual energies flowing through the indigenous, Afro, and Hispanic cultural roots. "Mística" served as a tribute to the diverse traditions that have shaped the community, drawing inspiration from the sacred and colorful customs of Día De Muertos, the Day of the Dead. The performance showcased the dancers' artistic talents and highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and unity, reminding everyone in the audience of the beauty and significance of these heritages.
Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda at Medio Creek Elementary
Dia de los Muertos is a vibrant and deeply rooted Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. From October 31st to November 2nd, this rich cultural observance is marked by colorful altars, marigold flowers, and lively celebrations. At Medio Creek Elementary, the Dia de los Muertos "Ofrenda" has become a beloved annual tradition, honoring the heritage and significance of this meaningful holiday.
Dia de los Muertos focuses on paying tribute to deceased loved ones and welcoming their spirits back to the realm of the living. It is not a time of mourning but rather a joyous celebration of life and death. During Dia de los Muertos, families set up ofrendas, or altars, adorned with various symbolic items. These altars serve as a place of remembrance, where offerings are made to entice the spirits to return for a brief visit.
The Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda has become a cherished and educational tradition at Medio Creek Elementary. Each year, students create a stunning ofrenda in the school's main hallway. It serves as a visual and cultural centerpiece, allowing students to learn about this unique Mexican tradition and connect with their heritage.
The ofrenda at Medio Creek Elementary is a collaborative effort. Students and their families contribute photographs, mementos, and favorite foods of their dearly departed loved ones. Everyone works together to arrange the altar with care and respect. The ofrenda is not just a beautiful display; it's an opportunity for the school community to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away.
Visitors to the school during Dia de los Muertos can witness the ofrenda, which stands as a vibrant testament to the importance of remembrance, cultural heritage, and the joy of life and death. It serves as a valuable educational tool for students, fostering an understanding and appreciation of the rich traditions that make up the diverse tapestry of our world.
Southwest Future Farmers of America Gearing Up for Competitions and Life
Meet Krystal Tondre, a junior at SWHS and a proud member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). Krystal's FFA journey began in the third grade as a "junior member." Krystal started by showing rabbits sheep and assisting with pigs. Alongside her animal-handling experience, Krystal has been involved in livestock judging from then until now, crediting FFA for teaching her numerous life lessons.
“It's been really fun to grow through the program. You make a lot of friends. It helps you learn a lot of responsibilities.” says Krystal, “Everything FFA teaches you is going to stick with you forever.“
Those life lessons have boosted confidence in Krystal through her years as she shares with Snippets that her public speaking skills have improved.
“When I was little, I was really shy, and I really didn't like talking to people. And now I've gone, and I've talked publicly throughout the state, and it's something that I've seen grow within myself.”
For Krystal and her fellow SWFFA teammates, the competition season is just around the corner.
Next up for the SWFFA team is hosting the Southwest Local Livestock Show, where everybody in the school district can bring their animals and show them against each other. This friendly, competitive livestock show gives the SW FFA team an opportunity to gear up for future winter competitions that lead up to the San Antonio Stock Show next year.
Krystal also encourages students interested in joining SWFFA, saying, “I encourage anybody to join FFA. It’s something that has changed my life for the better.”
Led by SWFFA Advisor Amanda Throckmorton, along with all the SWFFA students, SWFFA wants to say “Thank You!” to the SWISD School Board and Administrators for all their help through the years in support of SWFFA. Thanks to Krystal and SW FFA for taking the time to share their insights with Snippets.
Best of luck in your upcoming competitions, and as always, WE ARE SW!
Principal's Leadership at CAST STEM High School Makes Students Feel at Home
Ms. Jackie Rodriguez, currently in her second year at CAST STEM High School, has earned a reputation as a warm and approachable figure within the school community. Her consistent dedication and support for students and parents have been widely recognized. Her actions unmistakably reflect her genuine concern for the students and her commitment to the CAST STEM staff. Furthermore, many parents have expressed their gratitude for Ms. Rodriguez's leadership, transparency, and unwavering dedication to ensuring a memorable experience for their children at the school. Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez, you are appreciated!
Join Our SWISD Family As A Bus Driver
The SWISD Transportation Department is looking for dedicated professionals to join our fleet of bus drivers. The mission of the SWISD Transportation Department is to provide safe and effective transportation services for our students. Apply to join our team at www.swisd.net/jobs.
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Survey
The Division of Review and Support at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) strives to improve special education services for Texas local education agencies (LEAs). Parents are invited to complete this anonymous survey to help support Southwest ISD by gathering information for all stakeholders that will assist TEA in futher developing support and resources. The survey runs from now till Dec. 22. Click here to take the survey.
Homegrown: Nicole McCluskey, Southwest Legacy's Culinary Instructor
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their great accomplishments. ‘Homegrown,' is our weekly segment highlighting successful Southwest ISD alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also look at how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week we interviewed Mrs. Nicole McCluskey, Southwest Legacy's Culinary Instructor.
McCluskey loves how we are a community-based school district. She enjoys motivating her students to reach their goals. "You don't have to settle for less; you can go for more, you can achieve more, expand, and grow." She also encourages her students to explore life beyond San Antonio. "Being able to know how to handle yourself, away from your safety net, is going to be huge, and there is a world outside of San Antonio, They can grow if they choose to. They just have to put in the hard work."
If you know of alumni who work in the SWISD district that you would like to nominate to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam Ruiz at sruiz9098@swisd.net.
SWISD Teacher Feature: Lori Rodriguez
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 Bob Hope Elementary School to get to know Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Lori Rodriguez. Mrs. Rodriguez has spent her entire fourteen-year teaching career in SWISD.
Mrs. Rodriguez is passionate about furthering her education and learning more about how she can help her students. In fact, Mrs. Rodriguez is part of SWISD's inaugural group of teachers pursuing National Board Certification, a renowned standard in teacher certification known for its potential to enhance student learning.
For Mrs. Rodriguez, teaching is all about connecting with her students. "The best advice I have ever received (about teaching) was to build relationships with my students first. Gain their confidence and trust, and then the education piece will fall into place," Mrs. Rodriguez states.
As an elementary student, Mrs. Rodriguez recalls being very quiet and shy. She would keep to herself, and she loved to read the Junie B. Jones series. She has always loved reading and writing. So, one way she connects with her students is through reading. She says, "I am very theatrical, especially when I read to my students. I change my voice and use a lot of expressions with my arms and hands. The students love it!" Mrs. Rodriguez exemplifies John C. Maxwell's famous quote, "Students don't care what you know until they know that you care."
When asked about her inspiration for becoming a teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez remarked, "My kindergarten teacher was amazing, and I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. Hopefully, I am making her proud." The one lesson Mrs. Rodriguez always tries to share with her students is being respectful and kind. But at the end of each day, Mrs. Rodriguez states, "I want my students to know that when they come to school, they are in a safe space, that they are cared for, and that they are loved."
Mrs. Rodriguez, thank you for all that you do. We wish you and your students all the best.
If you would like to suggest a teacher for us to feature, you can email your nominations to communications@swisd.net with the subject line: Teacher Feature.