Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
February 3, 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 Peguin Project Performers Given Red Carpet Treatment Ahead of Shows
Congratulations on a successful production from day one of rehearsals up to the premiere on opening night. A huge "Thank You!" and "Congratulations!" goes out to everyone who lent a helping hand to make this SWISD Penguin Project a big success. We look forward to seeing what's in store for next year's Penguin Project.
Click here to look at more photos from the event.
Student Spotlight: Eve Baker, CAST STEM HS
Thousands raised for McAuliffe MS Student Injured During Holiday Break
Nearly $8,000 was raised for McAuliffe MS student Marcus Rutledge at last week's Rocket Fest. Marcus was involved in an accident during the winter break that resulted in the young athlete receiving burns to more than 80% of his body. Students and staff came up with the idea to hold a fundraiser for the Rutledge family during this difficult time. The McAuliffe Middle School Rocket Fest was held last Friday, with all proceeds going to Marcus' family. The event brought in supporters from around the district, as other SWISD campuses joined the fundraising efforts by hosting booths at the event.
McAuliffe Middle School 8th Grader Wins BBQ Cook-Off
Principal Spotlight: Monique Lara, Sun Valley ES
Sun Valley Elementary School Principal Monique Lara is the District's newest principal. She joined Southwest ISD this past August and hit the ground running. The dynamic educator gave us a glimpse into her past and her hopes for Sun Valley Elementary School by answering a few of our probing questions.
Are you from San Antonio?
Yes
How long have you been in education?
I have been in education for 16 years.
What made you go into education?
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. As I grew older I was inspired by some pretty amazing teachers to continue to pursue a career in education. I wanted to have a positive impact on students in the way I had been impacted by educators I was fortunate enough to cross paths with. Several years back I came across a quote from Steve Jobs, and they are truly words to live by, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." And I can honestly say I LOVE what I do, I LOVE the teachers, students, and families that I work alongside and I truly enjoy the colleagues that I am able to learn from and collaborate with!
What drew you to SWISD?
The community! From the very beginning of the process, SWISD felt like home!
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the opportunity to continuously learn, work with others, being able to help and support others, and meet and exceed goals!
How is your first year going at Sun Valley?
It has gone by extremely fast! It's hard to believe we are already in February. It has been great so far! Everyone has been extremely supportive and so warm and welcoming!
What do you love most about your school community?
I love how our school community feels like family!
What is your vision for Sun Valley?
My vision for Sun Valley is to serve as a model school of high-quality teacher performance and student achievement not just for SWISD, but also for San Antonio and the surrounding areas!
SWISD’s Mental Health and Social Services Provide Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
SWISD is working to ensure that mental health well-being is a reality for everyone by offering Youth Mental Health First Aid to staff members. This training educates our staff on how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges for individuals that interact with our students on a daily basis.
In partnership with the Center for Health Care Services, the Youth Mental Health First Aid training was delivered to more than 200 participants from our transportation department, including our SWISD social workers, counselors, police officers, and nurses. Individuals that completed the training received a 3-year certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This training will allow certified individuals to develop an action plan that responsibly identifies and addresses any potential issues involving students and mental health challenges.
If you would like your staff trained in identifying mental health challenges, please contact Daisy Nieto, Mental Health and Social Services Coordinator at dnieto@swisd.net.
SWISD Homegrown: Christopher Cooper
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 Christopher Cooper, Restorative Coach at Southwest Legacy High School.
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 In The News
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