Counselor & Social Work
Weekly Communication: Week of 4/20/2020
SWISD's COVID-19 Updates: Dr. Verstuyft's latest message
Dear Southwest ISD Families,
These have not been easy times for our school community and all those around the world impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Southwest, it’s meant transitioning our families into a completely remote learning environment, while waiting to see if we could soon resume face-to-face classroom instruction. However, in support of safety efforts to combat this dangerous virus, and following the executive order issued from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, SWISD will continue with its remote instructional continuity plan for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. I know this news has many asking what this means for our families. Though these are unprecedented times for all of us, one thing that remains familiar is our commitment to our students. The District will continue working towards its commitment to provide the best educational experience even through these uncharted times.
For the remainder of the year, the District will continue working and administering instruction remotely. I want to commend our teachers, staff, students, and families for their efforts in this transition. I know it has not been easy, but your determination has made this remote learning environment possible for our families. The District’s meal curbside distribution plan will also continue with safety guidelines. The latest sites and information can be found on our website, www.swisd.net/covid19.
As far as the end of the year ceremonies, we are in discussions on how we can best celebrate these events and their honorees, to include our senior class. We will continue to keep you updated on these events as we work alongside our local and state health authorities to support safety guidelines. Texas Commissioner Mike Morath will also provide guidance to schools during this transition. In the event we are allowed to crowd assemble before, possibly even after the end of the school year, we will communicate a plan for these gatherings. Parents, please keep your communication open with us and share any questions or concerns on www.swisd.net/communityquestions. This is an active page where we are uploading responses to your inquiries.
Our communication efforts will continue through our social media sites, the Remind app, School Messenger, our media partners, and website www.swisd.net. Thank you for your trust, support, and patience as we continue to work with our local health authorities to ensure we make the best decisions for our students and staff.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft
Superintendent of Schools
We are here for You - Counselors & Social Workers Virtual/Remote Services
Request to talk to your Counselor &/or Social Worker - Click HERE
SWISD Spotlight Video on Counseling Services and Q&A
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Click on link below for more information on prevention and awareness.
2-1-1 Texas: Connecting People & Services - you can search for services by zip code
By Grade Level: Resources, Activities, Updates, Lessons
Elementary Level
Mindfulness Activity/Lesson: Kindness
Book Read Aloud - YouTube video
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow & Jen Hill
Want to Talk to Your Counselor or Social Worker?
Social Emotional Well-Being:
2 Minute Mindfulness:
Middle School Level
Future Planning:
Texas Reality Check is an activity that will give you an idea of what you will need to earn to live the kind of lifestyle that you want and/or dream of.
Start with the Reality Check and continue as you research jobs and careers. It's a fun way to learn about future planning.
Want to Talk to Your Counselor or Social Worker?
Counselors are also available by email. You can request an appointment to talk to your counselor through the request form or email. Counselors will set a communication time/date through Remind Call during business hours: 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Social Emotional Moment:
Responsible Decision Making: Making good choices - watch short scenario video.
High School Level
College & Career
Just because the colleges & universities are closed due to COVID-19, does NOT mean that you cannot take TOURS of these campuses. Click on the link below and choose from more than 600 colleges to tour and its FREE.
You Visit - College Virtual Tours
GenTX Decision Day: May 1st:
Seniors - stay in contact with your high school on how you can be part of the Virtual Decision Day.
Want to Talk to Your Counselor or Social Worker?
Counselors are also available by email. You can request an appointment to talk to your counselor through the request form or email. Counselors will set a communication time/date through Remind Call during business hours: 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Post Secondary Planning and Scholarship(s) of the Week
NCAA Eligibility Center COVID-19 Response FAQs
Deadline Extended to May 5th - on the following Scholarship
Paulina Chavez Scholarship Application
SWISD Hispanic/Latino Students pursuing a four year degree in STEAM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics). No income requirement. Selected recipients will be notified no later than May 22, 2020.
Please continue to check & monitor your status on the following:
Scholarship Search Locations:
COVID-19 Crisis Updates from a few universities:
Below are links that provide information on what these universities are doing to support students during the COVID-19 crisis, current schedules, and any specific updates for their campuses.
Baylor Institute for Air Science COVID-19 Information
Gannon University COVID-19 Information
Hampton University COVID-19 Information
Hofstra University COVID-19 Information
Kean University COVID-19 Information
Landmark College COVID-19 Information
Lynn University COVID-19 Information
Mercyhurst University COVID-19 Information
Midwestern State University COVID-19 Information
Niagara University COVID-19 Information
Salisbury University COVID-19 Information
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi COVID-19 Information
Texas A&M University - Kingsville COVID-19 Information
Touro College, New York College of Career and Applied Studies COVID-19 Information
University of Houston-Victoria COVID-19 Information
University of North Carolina Wilmington COVID-19 Information
SW Cares - Wellness Team: Counselors & Social Workers
Email: lgonzalez@swisd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/swisd.net/guidance/home
Location: 11914 Dragon Lane, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-622-4335
Twitter: @swisd_counselor