Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
March 24, 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.
SWISD Student Snippets: Bethanny Sezepanik, Chanel Medina, and Roxanne Pautin
It's a triple header feature on this week’s Snippets. Let’s meet Southwest High School Seniors Bethanny Sezepanik, Chanel Medina, and Roxanne Pautin, who are part of the Health Sciences pathway on the Southwest campus
Bethanny is grateful for the Health Science Pathway that has driven her passion for pursuing a career in the medical field. She attributes the program's hand on experiences to helping all health science students with succeeding toward their medical goals. When the Student Council President, HOSA and NHS member, and Dragon Basketball player is not busy with school life, she loves to spend time with her friends, try new foods, play the drums, hoop it up on the court, and spend time with her five-year-old dachshund Cooper.
Chanel Medina describes her health sciences program experience as EMPOWERING. In a setting that will be her future, Chanel sees the importance of the Health Sciences Pathway and the opportunities the program presents to students and future Health Care professionals. Chanel’s goals after graduation are to attend Texas A&M-SA to pursue a psychology degree to become a mental health counselor for children. The HOSA President and NHS member loves to put in the hard work to accomplish her goals.
Roxanne Pautin also gives the Health Sciences Program’s hand on experience a nod to her success. This year, Roxanne is part of the HOSA, NHS, and Student Council. She said while the program was enduring, Roxanne was thankful for all the hard work finally paying off. When she is not in school, Roxanne loves to read romance novels and watch TV, anything from My Little Pony to Game of Thrones.
The trio of friends loves to hang out as they enjoy the countdown to graduation. The Health Sciences Pathway has allowed these Seniors to earn certifications for their futures in the Health-Care Industry. All three students are registered dental assistants, certified phlebotomist technicians, and certified clinical assistants. Congratulations on all your hard work in health services and your high school career. Good luck in your future endeavors. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us on Snippets.
Saturday with Southwest ISD
We’re just one day away from a day of festivities you won't want to miss! Join us on Saturday morning at McAuliffe Middle School at 9:30 AM to meet with Superintendent Ball over coffee and pastries. This is a great opportunity to discuss next year’s calendar, the upcoming bond election, and the incredible opportunities and benefits of our specialty high school, CAST STEM.
In addition, we’re hosting a District-wide Job Fair from 9 AM - Noon at McAuliffe MS. We have a wide range of employment opportunities available, including positions for Teachers, Police, Paraprofessionals, Auxiliary Personnel, Substitutes, Bus Drivers, Cafeteria Personnel, and more. Bring your resume, reference contact information, proof of certification, and degree/transcript information for same-day interviews on-site. Starting teacher salary for Southwest ISD is $56,900, with stipend opportunities. Letters of Intent will be given to qualified candidates. Visit www.swisd.net/jobs for more information.
Lastly, come join us at Medio Creek ES for the SWISD Open Car Show Fundraiser from 9 AM - 3PM. The family-friendly event will feature food, games, and music, and admission is free for attendees. Car registration will take place from 9-11 a.m., with an entry fee of $30 on the day of the show. Awards will be presented to the top 30 entries. We can't wait to see you there!
SW Legacy Power Lifter Places at State Championship
SWHS Dragons Soccer Program Celebrates Two Bi-District Championships
SWLHS Titan Gamer Breaks Into Top 10 Ranking
The R20 Premiere Esports League, which consists of San Antonio Area High School esports teams has just released its latest Top 10 rankings for the Spring Tournament Season.
Southwest Legacy Freshman Dameazzthan Cantu has earned the designation of the 8th-best gamer in the city-wide league. Dameazzthan will be the #8 Seed in the upcoming R20 Premiere Esports League Fiesta High School Invitational Tournament where he will compete against other top area high school gamers. The winner of this esports tournament will receive the Grand Prize of a $2000 recurring yearly scholarship to attend Texas A&M San Antonio. If Dameazzthan looks familiar, it's because he was also the 2022 Fire & Armor Esports Invitational Champion and an exceptional gamer.
The R20 Premiere Esports League Fiesta High School Invitational Tournament will take place on Sunday, April 30 at Texas A&M San Antonio. Good luck Dameazzthan and let's go Titan Esports!
Dragon Drama Advances
Southwest High School Dragon Drama performed 'Picnic' at the UIL 5A Bi-District One Act Play Contest. They were voted one of the top three plays by a panel of judges and will advance to the Area Contest.
The Area Contest will be held on March 29 at Smithson Valley.
Southwest High School Style Colorguard to Compete In State Championship
The Southwest Style will be competing at the TECA South Championships this weekend in Hidalgo, TX. The group is currently ranked 1st in their Scholastic Regional Division and hoping to bring home the state championship title. “I feel confident in the group going into this weekend, they work hard and put in the dedication for this final contest,” said Jeremy Contreras, Colorguard Director of Southwest HS.
Home Grown: Cynthia Alvarado-Cuellar
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. In this week's spotlight, we spoke with STEM and Digital Learning Mentor Cynthia Alvarado-Cuellar.
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 Beyond the Arches: SW Legacy HS Business Pathway
Business is booming this semester at the Armory at SW Legacy HS where Titans on the business pathway learn various skills in retail on this week's SWISD Beyond the Arches.
SWISD Teacher Feature: Michael Sandoval
In this week's Teacher Feature, we visit with the Dragons at Southwest High School to get to know World Geography and Student Leaders Teacher Michael Sandoval. Mr. Sandoval has spent his entire 22-year career teaching in SWISD.
Here's a peek into Mr. Sandoval's life outside the classroom...
What is one of your hidden talents?
Photography. I love taking photographs of sunsets, clouds, and my family.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is anywhere where there are mountains, snow, and great food. I would love to go back to Leavenworth, Washington where my wife and I celebrated our honeymoon.
How often do you "accidentally" start teaching at home?
Never. It is never an accident!
How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend summer breaks with my family watching movies, playing games and tennis, and eating good food.
What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?
My "trapped on a desert island" movies are The Shack, Nacho Libre, and the Princess Bride.
What is one of your favorite memories from childhood?
One of my best memories from childhood is winning the Pizza Hut Care Bear Coloring contest.
What world record do you think you have a shot at beating?
The world record I think I have a shot at beating is winning the most sneakers on the Nike SNKRS app. I love shoes!!!
If you could have a meal with any historical figure (past or present) or any character from literature who would it be? Why? What's on the menu?
If I could have any meal with any historical figure, it would be Jesus. I would want to know what I need to do to be a better husband, father, friend, and teacher. Menu: We would eat tacos together.
Now let’s learn about Mr. Sandoval, the educator.
What traditions or superstitions do you have for the First Day of School?
One tradition that I have on the first day of school is I have my students write their biggest fear in starting the new school year. Then, they crumble the paper into a ball and shoot a basket in a Little Tikes basketball hoop. It symbolizes throwing their fear away on the first day,
How do you keep things fresh and engaging for your students?
At the beginning of each class, I pick 2 students to share GOOD THINGS (something good that happened to them in the last 24 Hours). It helps me to stay connected to what students are doing and what interests them. Good things help keep things fresh and engaging.
What inspires you as a teacher at school?
The things that inspire me as a teacher are my Dreams. Most of my dreams have come true. Graduating from high school...college, marrying my best friend, building a house, and having 3 beautiful kids. I tell my students that no matter what happens, if they work hard their dreams will come true, too.
If you could pass on a piece of wisdom to your students, what would you share?
If I could pass on a piece of wisdom to my students, I would tell them to eat dinner with their families with no phones. Disconnect with your phone so you can connect with those you love.
What was the best advice any of your teachers have given you?
The best advice a teacher gave me was to make sure whatever hard/bad things you are going through...to make sure you don't bring them with me into the classroom. Students have enough weight to carry on their own.
What is your favorite dish from the cafeteria?
My favorite dish from the cafeteria is Cheese Enchiladas. Please bring back the Enchiladas!!!!!
Quick Response Questions
We have a new addition to the Teacher Feature called The Lightning Round, a fast and furious one-word answer to a random get-to-know-you series of questions. Teachers were presented with two options and had to choose one option without thinking about their selection or providing an explanation.
Work or play?
Play
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Winter or Summer?
Winter
Morning or evening?
Evening
Sweet or savory?
Sweet
Binge whole seasons or watch episodes one at a time?
Watch episodes one at a time
Win the lottery or find your dream job?
Find dream job
Travel to the past or travel to the future?
Travel to the past
Learn by doing or learn by watching?
Learn by watching
Cannonball into the pool or dip a toe in first to test the waters?
Cannonball into the pool
On today's show, Brandon Medina highlights the upcoming matchups for Softball & Baseball as well as the playoff matchups for Legacy and Dragon Soccer.
Listen to the podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, and more here:
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