Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
April 6, 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.
SWHS Varsity Boys Soccer Head to Brownsville for 5A Region IV Semi-Finals Soccer Tournament
Southwest Legacy Best Buddies Host Egg Hunt
The Southwest Legacy High School Best Buddies club recently hosted a fun-filled Egg Hunt for the Special Education Students from their feeder middle and elementary schools. The event was held at the Southwest Legacy Titan football field and saw students excitedly collecting eggs filled with treats and prizes. The event was a huge success, with students enjoying live music, delicious hotdogs, and cotton candy, along with special treats from Kona Ice.
The Best Buddies club played a significant role in fostering a sense of unity and pride amongst fellow and future Titans. Best Buddies is a student-run friendship club that creates buddy pairs between students with and without disabilities, thereby creating an inclusive school climate for students and a community culture of acceptance.
The Egg Hunt is a great example of the positive impact such clubs can have in creating an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. Through events like these, Best Buddies continues to promote the importance of empathy and friendship among students, thereby creating a brighter and more compassionate future for all.
Standard Aero Donates 88 Easter Baskets to SWISD McKinney Vento Students in Generous Holiday Gesture
Standard Aero has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the community by donating 88 Easter baskets to the SWISD McKinney Vento population. These baskets were delivered to elementary students, bringing joy and happiness .
The company has been a generous donor to the SWISD McKinney Vento students for many years, including during the holiday seasons. The District is thankful to Standard Aero for their continued contributions and support.
The District also recognizes the coordination efforts of Jocabeth Moreno, McAuliffe Social Worker, Mrs. Annie Britton, Support Staff Supervisor, and Mr. Patrick Britton, who made the donation possible. Their tireless efforts were instrumental in ensuring that the Easter baskets were distributed to the students in a timely and efficient manner.
Successful Season Continues for Southwest HS Band and Colorguard
Southwest High School's Colorguard has added another achievement to their already impressive record, winning first place at the TECA State Championships held in Hidalgo, TX on March 25th. The team's performance was nothing short of exceptional, beating the next group by almost 4 points in their class. Their talent and hard work were acknowledged with the Outstanding Movement, Design, General Effect, and Equipment awards. Jamie Cirilo, a member of the team, also received a scholarship worth $1,000 from the TECA Association. This win makes them repeat state champions for two consecutive years. The Colorguard has made Southwest HS proud by winning their class and adding another title to their list of accomplishments.
On March 29th and 30th, the two concert bands from Southwest HS hosted and participated in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. Only 11 out of the 30 bands that competed received the Sweepstakes Award from UIL. The Wind Ensembles A and B from Southwest HS were two of those 11 bands and were among the eight bands that received "Superior" ratings from all six judges (three concert and three sightreading). What's more, six out of the 11 bands that won the Sweepstakes Award were from SWISD. These are outstanding achievements for our school and speak volumes about the dedication and talent of our music department.
The Jazz Band from Southwest HS was also in the spotlight as they participated in the Taft Jazz Festival held on April 1st. The band's performance was outstanding, and they were awarded a Superior Performance plaque. Caleb Fuller, a member of the band, was recognized as an "All Star" of the Festival for his Trombone performance. This is yet another testament to the exceptional talent of our students.
These students aren't slowing down anytime soon. They will be performing during Fiesta, St. Mary's Jazz Festival, Spring Concerts, and the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
SWISD Golf and Tennis Teams Score Big at District Tournaments: Regional Qualifiers Set to Compete in UIL Region IV Tournament
We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the SWISD Golf and Tennis teams for their outstanding performance at the recent 28-5A District tournaments. The student-athletes demonstrated tremendous skill and dedication, and we are proud to announce the names of those who have qualified for the upcoming UIL Region IV Tournament.
In golf, Savanah Blanco secured SWHS's qualification and will be competing at the Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen on April 17th and 18th.
Meanwhile, both the SWHS Dragons and SW Legacy Titans had a successful run at the District Tennis Tournament. The student-athletes displayed exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to announce their qualification for the UIL Region IV Tournament, which will be held at the HEB Tennis Center in Corpus Christi on April 12th and 13th.
At SWHS, we would like to congratulate Solangel Perez for her impressive performance, which earned her the 28-5A Girls Singles Runner Up and Regional Qualifier titles. Miriam Medina and Lucero Alvarado also deserve recognition for their win as 28-5A Girls Doubles District Champions and Regional Qualifiers. Roy Cruz and Nicholas Manzano placed 3rd in the 28-5A Boys Doubles and were named Regional Alternates.
At SW Legacy, we are proud to announce that Nicolette Esquivel and Dante Cortez won the 28-5A Mixed Doubles Championships and were named Regional Qualifiers. Raeann De La Rosa and Ian Quintero also achieved the 28-5A Mixed Doubles Runner-Up and Regional Qualifier titles. Finally, Christian Altamirano and Jacob Cruz secured the Boys Doubles Regional Alternates position.
Once again, congratulations to all our Golf and Tennis Regional Qualifiers! You have demonstrated your exceptional talent and hard work, and we wish you all the best in the upcoming tournament. Go Dragons and Titans!
SWISD Student Snippets: CAST STEM Thespians
This week’s Snippets takes us backstage to CAST STEM HS, where we visit with three thespians in the Theater Club led by Mr. Jose DeHoyos. Please welcome to the Snippets' Stage CAST STEM Sophomores Eve Baker, Jason Eslora, and Rhianna Noll.
Eve has a love for theater and is glad that it is in her life. She loves the camaraderie of the entire group. Eve was also a Penguin Project mentor in January in the Annie, Jr. play performing the role of Mrs. Hannigan. Eve as well as her fellow actors are looking for the group to grow and become successful next year during the UIL competition season.
This season's production is performing Paganini. Rhianna Noll is playing the role of Angelina. Rhianna loves her first-time experience of acting this season plus being a part of a group that feels like family to her. Rhianna’s passion for theater has led to her growth in the group from being a theater tech last year to an actor this year.
In the world of acting, folks often say “Break a leg” to encourage good luck for the actor's upcoming performance(s). In Jason’s case during his freshman year, he literally broke his leg on stage during a performance. Now he’s back on his feet this season enjoying his time in the theater group. Like Eve, Jason wants to see the theater group grow and be successful in the future. His advice for everyone is not to break their leg because you will never hear the end of it.
All jokes aside, this group looks to have a bright future at CAST STEM HS. Take a bow and thank you for taking the time to be on this week’s student Snippets.
Spicewood Park ES Students Create Pollinator Gardens
Spicewood Park Elementary School's third grade students have been actively engaged in their research on climate change and how it impacts their local community. As part of this initiative, the students have created several pollinator gardens to promote nature and observe essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The students' efforts in creating these gardens demonstrate their commitment to learning and implementing sustainable practices. By creating these gardens, the students have provided an opportunity to connect with nature and observe the ecosystem up close. They have also taken a significant step in creating a healthy environment that supports pollinators that are essential for the growth and reproduction of plants.
The initiative taken by these third-grade students is commendable, and their efforts are sure to inspire others to follow suit. Spicewood Park Elementary School is proud of these students for their dedication to promoting sustainable practices and taking steps towards a healthier and greener future.
National Assistant Principals Week
Southwest ISD is proud to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week, recognizing the dedication and hard work of our assistant principals who play a critical role in the success of our students.
Assistant principals work tirelessly to ensure that our schools run smoothly and efficiently, creating a positive learning environment for all students. They are instrumental in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, coordinating school programs and activities, and providing support and guidance to students, teachers, and staff. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and Southwest ISD is grateful for their unwavering dedication to the students. Assistant principals work tirelessly to ensure that students are provided with the resources and support they need to succeed academically and socially.
During this National Assistant Principals Week, Southwest ISD would like to express its gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and dedication to our students. Their commitment to education, professionalism, and leadership is commendable, and we are proud to have them as part of our team. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our assistant principals for their invaluable contributions and commitment to ensuring the success of our students.
Homegrown
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 honor of National Assistant Principals week, we spoke with Maritza Jaramillo, Assistant Principal at Bob Hope Elementary.
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: Kalyn Guthrie
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 the Rangers at Southwest Elementary to get the insider's view of 1st-5th Special Education Inclusion teacher Kalyn Guthrie. Relatively new to the teaching profession, Ms. Guthrie has called SWISD her home for the last three years.
Here is the insider’s look at Ms. Kaylin Guthrie
How do you spend your summer breaks?
I like to travel and spend time with my family and friends.
What is your dream vacation?
For my dream vacation, I would love to travel to Bora Bora in Tahiti.
If you were trapped on a desert island and could only download one movie to watch over and over, what movie would you download?
I would download the movie Nacho Libre, so that way, “I could get a little taste of the glory.”
If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?
I would travel the world.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
They would probably be surprised that I have an NCCAA National Championship ring.
What is one of your favorite memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories from my childhood is shooting skeet with my Papa.
Let's take a look at Ms. Guthrie the Educator.
What has been your or your students' best accomplishment so far this year?
My students mastering their IEP goals.
How do you keep things fresh and engaging for your students?
I like to incorporate multisensory learning and just making sure my students are having fun.
What inspires you as a teacher at school?
Knowing that most of my students need just one person to believe and advocate for them.
If you could pass on a piece of wisdom to your students, what would you share?
That their learning disabilities DO NOT define who they are and with confidence and hard work, they can do anything they want to do.
What was the best advice any of your teachers have given you?
No one can take away YOUR education, so use it wisely.
What is your favorite dish from the cafeteria?
I love our school’s Nachos.
National School Librarian Day
Southwest ISD is proud to celebrate National School Librarian Day and recognize the invaluable contributions of our school librarians.
School librarians play a crucial role in providing access to information and resources that support student learning and academic success. They are passionate about promoting literacy, fostering a love for reading, and developing essential research and critical thinking skills.
Our school librarians work tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to a diverse collection of books, e-books, and other educational resources that promote learning and enhance their educational experience.
During this National School Librarian Day on April 4, Southwest ISD would like to take this opportunity to thank our school librarians for their unwavering commitment to education and their critical role in shaping the future of our students. They inspire and motivate our students to become lifelong learners, and their impact on our schools' academic success cannot be overstated.
On this Week's Scoreboard Podcast, Brandon Medina and Peter Wagner focus on the Southwest Soccer team going to the Regional semi-finals in Brownsville with the opportunity to play for a state title if they win the next few games! We also highlight both high schools' incredible District Championship Tennis squads, Golf, and powerlifting. You can tune in here
Student & Staff Holidays
All campuses, district offices, and facilities, including the SWISD Aquatic Center will be closed this Friday, April 7, 2023 and Monday, April 10, 2023.
We wish you all a wonderful extended weekend!
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