Southwest ISD Points of Pride
August 22nd, 2023
October 13, 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 Middle Schools Dive into Career Exploration at 9th Annual College and Career Fair Hosted by UIW
This week, all four SWISD middle schools made the University of the Incarnate Word their destination for the 9th annual College and Career Fair.
Career volunteers from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden, the San Antonio Fire Department, H-E-B, and the United States Air Force, to name a few, were on hand to share their experiences about their day in the life of their job. Also contributing to the experience were our CAST STEM, Southwest, and Southwest Legacy High School students showcasing their CTE Pathways, Extracurricular Clubs, and Activities.
SWISD is thankful to UIW for this partnership and for hosting this event to allow our students to see glimpses of what their future may bring.
Books on the Block: Little Locker Project Unveiling
Earlier this week, SWISD education community partner, the Texas Yes Project, stopped by Medio Creek and Sky Harbour elementary schools to present each campus with their own Little Locker library. The Little Locker project aims to connect communities through libraries sponsored by The Frankie Casseb Youth Literacy Club. Students from both campuses and their principals enjoyed their events Wednesday morning. Thanks to the Texas Yes Project and The Frankie Casseb Youth Literacy Club. For allowing our students to expand their minds through reading books. Enjoy this clip from both events that day.
A Hero’s Homecoming: Elm Creek Elementary School Facilitates Emotional Reunion for Military Family
Dr. Ball Visits Titan Football Team
This week, Dr. Jeanette Ball, our Superintendent of Schools, showed her support for the Southwest Legacy Football team by treating them to dinner from Chick-fil-A. In addition to providing them with a meal, she also dedicated time to interact with the players, attentively addressing their concerns and needs. The student-athletes presented Dr. Ball with a gift of SWL Titan gear and a round of applause as she extended her best wishes for their upcoming game against Southside this week.
SWISD Educators On Path to Become National Board Certified Teachers
Every student deserves to be taught by an accomplished teacher, and the National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education. This certification was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.
Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher(NBCT) is a rigorous and comprehensive road. The process is designed to assess and recognize accomplished teachers. It is a long process that typically takes several months to a year, demanding unwavering dedication to professional growth, introspection, and the pursuit of teaching excellence by those who choose to obtain the certification. However, the advantages of acquiring National Board Certification, which include enhanced teaching skills and expanded career prospects, render it a valuable and fulfilling endeavor for educators.
Presently, Southwest ISD supports a select group of teachers on their journey toward becoming National Board Certified Teachers. Among them, Amber Aguayo, a 4th-grade teacher at Spicewood Park Elementary, underscores the significance of their collective efforts, noting that despite hailing from diverse campuses and teaching various subjects, they have united as a robust cohort. They were chosen as pioneers in the SWISD/Region 20 National Teacher Certification Program, driven by the aspiration to pave the way for future participants.
Having teachers with a National Board Certification is good for SWISD because it elevates teaching quality, supports teacher development, and ultimately contributes to better educational outcomes for students. It is an investment in the long-term success and reputation of the school.
Titans Bakery Bakes a Batch of Pineapple Empanadas for Hispanic Heritage Month
SWISD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Gears Up for 2023-2024 School Year With A Focus on Leadership Development
The SWISD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council help its first meeting of the 2023-2024 school year, with students from Southwest High School, Southwest Legacy High School, and CAST STEM High School ready to take a deep dive into nurturing leadership development among its members. Under the guidance of Steve Mackey, incorporating engaging activities and open, honest discussion students will work collaboratively to enhance the conditions for optimal learning and the well-being of all students.
SWISD firmly believes that these monthly Superintendent's Student Advisory Council sessions will empower students to become leaders in their own right, paving the way for a supportive, secure, and inspiring educational environment.
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.
Principal of Positivity: McAuliffe Principal Shines Bright with New Degree and New Campus
This week's principal highlight is Dr. Jorge Cruz, new principal of McAuliffe Middle School, who recently finished his Doctorate.
Dr. Cruz said his love for education stems from his relationship with a former Math teacher. "I did have a math teacher, Mr. King, who made a difference in what I wanted to do with my career. I knew that I wanted to become a teacher and, more specifically, a math teacher because of Mr. King. He never gave up on me and always worked with me in the mornings and at lunchtime. He would tell me to come in and let's work on things together. That meant so much to me."
Dr. Cruz is known for having a positive attitude and always being in good spirits with students and faculty. When asked about his personality, he said, "I always have had a positive, very optimistic mindset. I have a purpose here and will make a difference in people's lives in some way, form, or fashion. And with me, it's education with kids and their families in the community that I serve. No matter what happens personally, I will still have that positivity. It's not for anyone else to worry about or to deal with, so why not be positive and always be in a good mood with everyone else?"
Dr. Cruz spoke about the importance that other people have had on him and his desire to give back to those eager to learn with him in charge, especially when it comes to furthering their academic learning. "I like being that role model for them. With my professional growth, you can see I have never stopped growing. I'm always eager to learn."
Dr. Cruz also spoke about the challenges he faced to get his Doctorate. He said he planned to finish his degree quicker, but he got married, had children, and had more professional growth. He explained that even though it took him longer than anticipated, he appreciates those who motivated him never to give up. "Even when it's the tough times when it was those times that I felt that I couldn't do it or when I would travel to A&M Kingsville and come back late at night and then come to work the next day. I would look in the mirror and ask myself, what in the world am I doing right now? But then I would see the support system from my wonderful staff all over the district serving our community: principals, teachers, custodians, cafeteria staff, maintenance workers, and everybody I got to build relationships with and get to know. They've always motivated me and got me here to where I am."
Congratulations, Dr. Cruz, you are an excellent example of always striving for greatness here at SWISD! Happy National Principals Month!
SWISD Celebrates Texas Education Human Resources Day
SWISD's Human Resources Department is known for delivering exceptional customer service. Whether it's for prospective, current, returning, or former employees, the SWISD Human Resources Department prioritizes timely feedback, staffing support, and employee relations guidance to ensure that every member of the Southwest ISD team feels valued and supported.
To celebrate the incredible people in our HR Department for Texas Education Human Resources Day, Dr. Ball and the rest of the SWISD Senior Staff held a special luncheon to say "thank you" for all of their hard work.
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.
TxDot Road Closures this Weekend Near SW Legacy
TxDot will be closing Somerset Road from the Loop 410 Intersection to the Intersection at Fischer Rd starting Friday, Oct. 13 at 11 p.m. until Sunday evening, Oct. 15. Suggested alternate routes include using I-35 & Fisher Rd or Hwy 16 & Watson Rd.
District of Innovation Amendment Meeting
Southwest ISD is currently working on amending its District of Innovation Plan. As part of this process, we are scheduling a public meeting on Monday, October 16, at 5 p.m. to discuss this addition and to solicit feedback. This meeting will be held virtually, click here for the zoom link.
We look forward to see you there.
Homegrown: Matthew Martinez, McNair Math Teacher
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their outstanding accomplishments. 'Homegrown' is our weekly segment highlighting successful Southwest ISD alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also examine how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week, we interviewed Matthew Martinez, McNair Math teacher and Multi-classroom Lead.
Martinez shared that he doesn't just serve his students as a teacher but as a support system. "Even though I'm their teacher, I will still be in their life. I can be their support system whenever they need it." He also shared how his elementary teacher influenced him to pursue his profession. "I knew after having him for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade I wanted to do the same thing."
If you know of alumni that 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: Jefferson Johnson
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 Southwest High School to get to know Dual Credit American Government, Dual Credit Texas Government, and Sociology Teacher Mr. Jefferson Johnson. Mr. Johnson has spent his entire 29-year teaching career in a Southwest High School Classroom.
While sailing around the world, he discovered a shortcut. Mosquitoes, out of sheer respect, refuse to bite him. In museums, he is allowed to touch the art. He is SWISD's version of "The Most Interesting Man in the World." Named after three of our country's founding fathers, you might assume that Jefferson Adam Johnson was destined to be a government teacher. However, Mr. Johnson hails from a family of educators and credits his father and uncle as the inspirations behind his teaching career. Being a teacher has also afforded him the time and means to pursue his passions, including spending quality time with his wife, playing video games, and traveling.
Mr. Johnson's global adventures have taken him to Pamplona, Spain, and yes, he ran with the bulls. As a lifelong fan of the Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Yankees, he frequently travels to watch his favorite teams play. Remarkably, he has attended the World Series five times to watch the Yankees, and they have never lost a game he was attending.
During high school, the District's Most Interesting Man recalls being an average student who divided his time between playing basketball and the trombone. In a bid to improve his hand-eye coordination, his high school basketball coach suggested that Mr. Johnson learn how to juggle. As a result, it wasn't uncommon to see a high school-aged Mr. Johnson juggling in the hallways on his way to class.
Juggling, as it turns out, is a valuable skill for any teacher. How else does one keep three different classes engaging and relevant for students? As a government teacher, Mr. Johnson incorporates current events and as much popular culture as possible into his teaching. Yet, his overarching lesson is that success in life hinges more on hard work than intelligence. Mr. Johnson states, "I am consistently amazed by the dedication of our students and their ability to overcome daily challenges; it's genuinely inspiring."
Mr. Johnson, 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.