Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
January 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.
SWISD Penguin Project Makes Headlines Ahead of Premiere Performance
The Southwest Independent School District’s Penguin Project is proud to present its premiere performance of “Annie Jr.,” at Southwest High School tonight at 7:00 pm. “Annie Jr.” is a musical licensed by Music Theatre International's Broadway Junior Collection, specially edited to be performed by children in a shortened form. This modified production is unique because all of the roles are filled by young artists with special needs. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – children the same age who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through four months of rehearsals and through the final performance.
“Every student deserves the chance to explore their creative potential, and through the SWISD Penguin Project, we can offer this opportunity to all of our students,” said Southwest ISD Superintendent Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft. “We have amazing and dedicated educators who have spent countless hours rehearsing with these students, and we are excited to see our students shine.”
Earlier this week, the San Antonio Express-News and KSAT's SA Live stopped by a rehearsal to get a behind the scenes look at the preparations before the premiere show.
Southwest ISD established the first chapter of the Penguin Project in Bexar County in the fall of 2022. The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Tickets are still available for the Saturday night show here.
Read the full San Antonio-Express news story here.
Community Rallys Around McAuliffe Middle Student Injured During Holiday Break
Students and staff at Southwest ISD’s McAuliffe Middle School are rallying around a student who was seriously injured over the winter break by holding a fundraiser to help his family during this difficult time. The McAuliffe Middle School Rocket Fest will be held this Friday at 5 p.m., with all proceeds going to the student’s family.
On December 24, 2022, 8th-grade student, Marcus Rutledge, was involved in an accident that resulted in Marcus receiving burns to over 80% of his body. To date, the student-athlete has already undergone ten surgeries. His road to recovery will be a long journey filled with numerous hospital stays and physical therapy putting a financial strain on Marcus’ family.
Upon hearing this news, Marcus’ friends and other classmates at McAuliffe Middle School decided to act. The students approached campus administration with the idea of hosting a school carnival with the proceeds going to support the family of Marcus Rutledge and any expenses that may arise as Marcus and his family go on this journey of recovery. The event is drawing in supporters from around the district, as other SWISD campuses will be joining the fundraising efforts by hosting booths at the event. Assistant Principal Michael Maldonado says, "It's very humbling and inspiring to see our students living out the core values that we try to instill in them every day." Just before the event kicks off, Director of Athletics Peter Wagner will present a $3000 check on behalf of the Texas High School Coaches Association's Benevolence Fund. Created in 2005, the fund permits the association to provide aid in hardship cases.
The McAuliffe Middle School Rocket Fest will include food, music, and games for people of all ages.
Resnik Middle School Hosts Appreciation Breakfast for SWISD Board Members
January is School Board Recognition Month, and SWISD is celebrating its trustees' dedication and commitment to the district and its students. The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is Forward, Together, which highlights the collaboration among school leadership, teachers, and parents on behalf of students.
Student Spotlight: Matthew Martinez, Southwest Legacy High School
Elementary Students Place in City-Wide Lego Robotics Competition
Scobee Boys 7th & 8th Grade Basketball Teams Win Conference Championship
The Scobee 8th grade "B" team finished their consecutive undefeated season with a perfect 10-0 record and won the Big 22 Conference Championship. This team finished their middle school basketball seasons with a perfect 20-0 record over the two-year span. The Scobee Tigers defeated Pleasanton Middle School by scoring 56-48 to cap off their second undefeated season. Coach Kerry Lovett says, “Every year we work hard and try to push each and every player to their full potential. These guys work extremely hard while believing in themselves, and lifting up each other. I am extremely proud of these young men and can't wait to see what they accomplish at the next level."
The Scobee 7th grade A team finished the 2023 season on a high note with a perfect 10-0 record and won the Big 22 Conference Championship. The Scobee Tigers stunningly defeated the Floresville Tigers by a score of 51-48 to cap off the undefeated season. Coach Roger Fisher says, “Our goal every season is to play at a relentless pace, making it hard for other teams to keep up. Our attitude is selfless, everyone shares the ball, and everyone scores in nearly every game. Our main focus on the court is defense which we play with absolutely no fear. When you step on the court with us, there will be somebody right in front of you the entire game.” Coach Fisher is extremely proud of his players, “It was my honor to share the court with these guys, and I look forward to watching them excel as Southwest Dragons and head out into the world to make their dreams come true.”
Congratulations to the teams for bringing the Conference Championship home to Southwest ISD. Go Tigers!
Spicewood Park ES Recognized at Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
Congratulations to Spicewood Elementary! Based on the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) national validated assessment process, Spicewood Park Elementary School has met the required criteria in the nine performance areas of high-performing schools required for the Beacon award.
Dragons and Titans Swim/Dive Teams Qualify for 5A State Regional Meet
Congratulations to both SWISD High Schools as they are sending boys and girls swimmers/divers to the State Qualifying meet on February 3 and 4th at our Southwest ISD Aquatic Center. Good Luck to all Dragons and Titans competing at the regional meet. Go, Dragons and Titans!
SWISD Homegrown: Carlos Pena
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their great accomplishments. In our new segment called ‘Homegrown' 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 Carlos Pena, a fourth grade teacher at Hidden Cove Steam Academy.
If you know of alumni that work in SWISD that you would like to recommend to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam Ruiz at sruiz9098@swisd.net
SWISD Communications Department
Email: news@swisd.net
Website: www.swisd.net
Location: 11914 Dragon Ln, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-622-4408
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Twitter: @swisd