Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
April 27, 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.
Paletas with the Superintendent Kicks Off Fiesta Parade at Bob Hope ES
Southwest High School Honors Top Ten Graduating Students at Banquet
On Wednesday night, Southwest High School held a special banquet to celebrate the academic achievements of its Top Ten graduating students. The event was attended by faculty, staff, families, and friends of the honored students.
During the ceremony, the scholars were given the opportunity to recognize and thank their families and teachers who played a significant role in their academic success. It was a heartwarming moment as the students expressed their gratitude towards those who have supported and guided them throughout their academic journey.
The Top Ten graduating students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance, dedication, and commitment to their studies. The school administration and staff were proud to honor these exceptional students for their hard work and dedication.
Top Ten Graduates
Bethany Sczepanik - Valedictorian
Lanie Ruiz - Salutatorian
Roxanne Pautin
Gavin Avey
Miles Moxley
Leiah Bodden
Haley Lafler
Tayelor Casey
Leonardo Fernandez Jr.
Madison Perez
Penguin Project Performs at Fiesta Especial
CAST STEM Places at the ACE Race
CAST STEM entered three electric cars in the 5th Annual Alamo City Electrathon (ACE Race). The ACE Race Invitational was created as an academic opportunity for student programs in high school and community colleges, to generate excitement and awareness of career and technical opportunities associated with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The South Texas Business Partnership organized this event to offer students in our region a real-world, hands-on learning experience like no other, bringing STEM home to the future workforce of America.
With the support of Legacy Alternative Solar Electric Racers (L.A.S.E.R.) Coach - Andrew Chavez, Class of 2017 Southwest HS Alumni - Vincente Flores of the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI,) and longtime friend and STEM/CTE Consultant for SWISD - Bob Franz, CAST STEM High School ACE Race Team overcame many obstacles this year showing perseverance, dedication, and strong teamwork, and is delighted to announce that two of the three cars entered through the Engineering Inspections on Friday were awarded 1st place in the Rookie Division and 3rd place overall in the 24 Volt Division, competing against 17 other experienced teams.
SWISD Celebrates Administrative Assistants Day
This week, we celebrated Administrative Assistants Day and we want to take a moment to recognize the amazing work our administrative assistants do every day. We held an appreciation luncheon at the SWISD Aquatic Center to thank them for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making our schools run smoothly. They truly are the backbone of our district and we couldn't do it without them.
Let's give a big shout-out to our administrative assistants for all that they do. Thank you for your service and for being a vital part of our Southwest ISD family!
4th-grade Student Author Shae Foster from Kriewald School of the Arts Recognized at Board Meeting
SWISD Student Snippets: Southwest High School BPA
Fresh off their State Competition advancements, the Southwest HS Business Professionals of America team packed their bags and headed to Anaheim, CA for the BPA 2023 National Leadership Conference. At the conference, our BPA Dragons will compete in over 50 workplace skills assessments in Career and Technical education.
Leading the way at the national conference are junior Eric Martinez and senior Peyton Walch, both of whom are proud of how the team did at the state competition and are excited to compete at nationals. Both students are competing in the Linux category. The conference runs from April 26 - 30. Good Luck to everyone. Go Dragons BPA!
#wearesw #igniteyoursuccess #swisdsnippets
Sky Harbour Elementary
Hidden Cove STEAM Academy
Indian Creek Elementary
Elm Creek Elementary
Beyond The Arches:
Welcome to 'Beyond The Arches' which highlights students' stories and activities.
With Fiesta 2023 Festivities in full effect this week. It's showtime for the Southwest Dragon Marching Band who will be performing at Thursday Night's Battle of the Bands Competition, and then marching along on Saturday Night in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Leading the way are two Senior Drum Majors who are enjoying every bit of it on Beyond the Arches!
Homegrown: David Ellis
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 8th Grade McAuliffe Middle School Social Studies Teacher and Southwest High School Girls Soccer Assistant Coach, David Ellis.
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: Roger Fisher
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 Scobee Middle School to get to know Physical Education Teacher and Athletics Coach, Roger Fisher. Coach Fisher has spent his entire 26-year career teaching and coaching in SWISD.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
The thing that surprises them the most is when I tell them I was in the choir in middle school. I had a pretty good sound that I got from my mother. In the 6th grade, I performed "Smoking in the Boys Room" by Motley Crue with two older kids that were way cooler than me. My 8th-grade year, me and two of my friends performed "Paul Revere" by the Beastie Boys. Our Fall and Summer performances were legendary at Terrel Wells Middle School back in the 80s. The students are also surprised when I tell them I only weighed 100 pounds in middle school and 147 pounds when I graduated from high school. I always point out one of the smaller athletes and say "That was Coach Fisher in middle school." I wasn't always a big muscular guy. I had to work really hard at it. I think it's inspirational when I tell the kids about my journey to being a big strong dude and that they can follow in the same path if they are willing to put in the discipline and hard work.
What are some of your favorite memories from childhood?
Growing up, my dad was my hero. My dad was a middle school coach at Kingsborough Middle School when I was born and moved on to the high school level as a basketball coach where he became an athletic director at Harlandale Independent School District. I grew up on the sidelines of his football games and the bench of his basketball games. As soon as I could walk and talk and stay out of the way, I was with my dad and his teams. My dad also played softball and basketball in church leagues. I absolutely loved watching him play. My mom and I never missed a game...whether he was coaching or playing in it. I guess you can say I was born into this profession.
What inspires you as a teacher at school?
There are so many things to choose from...especially after 26 years. There are so many aspects of this profession that provide inspiration. I guess I'd have to say It's the look on a kid's face when they feel absolutely proud of themselves. That moment when something great happens for them. It could be the PE student that leads the class in push-ups or the group of kids that wins another team championship for the Scobee Tigers. It truly is a special moment when students, parents, teachers, and administration come together and feel pride for the accomplishments of our kids.
If you could pass on a piece of wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Simple...always do what's right and don't lie. A life free of guilt will be a happy life. You'll be successful financially, in marriage, parenthood, in friendship, with family, and in every other aspect of life. If you can look yourself in the mirror and smile, you're good and those around you will be good with you as well.
What was the best advice any of your teachers have given you?
I met the best teacher of my life when I was six years old. She was not the teacher of the class, but a fellow student. We grew up together through elementary school, middle school (where she actually tried to beat me up once), and high school...where we became boyfriend and girlfriend when we were 16 years old. We got engaged after I graduated from college and got married during my first year teaching at the old McNair Middle School. She has been the light in my life and has taught me many lessons. The best one is simple...Just show up. Don't skip the important stuff...The things that you can't do over and the times you can never get back. Be there for those that are most important to you. Don't get too tied up in routines and things that should come second to what really makes you happy. Family and our closest friends come first. Our motto is "Adventure is out there!"
SWISD Communications Department
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