Southwest ISD Points of Pride
August 22nd, 2023
Nov. 10, 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.
Thank You to Our SWISD Veterans!
As we commemorate Veterans Day this weekend, Southwest Independent School District takes great pride in acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the numerous Veterans who contribute their valuable skills and dedication to our district. This special day allows us to recognize the commitment and sacrifices made by these individuals in service to our country. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each Veteran within our school community and all of our Veterans across the country.
Pumped up for Playoffs
The Southwest Dragons started their football playoff season with a morning pep rally. The football team will play Corpus Christi Veteran’s Memorial tonight at 7 p.m. @ Dragon Stadium. The basketball and swim teams were also recognized as they started their fall seasons. The staff and students brought the hype and energy to send off the football players to a successful game. Go Dragons!
Bringing The HEAT: Fire & Armor Bowl VI
The 6th Annual Fire & Armor bowl game occurred last Friday, November 3, with Southwest High School winning 34-7 against Southwest Legacy. The Fire & Armor series is now tied 3-3. This game was the first time a home team was able to secure a victory! Thank you to the families, athletes, staff, and student body for making this Fire & Armor exciting and fun for all of SWISD!
Melodies and Friendships are What Make The Scobee Tiger Band a Note Above The Rest
Scobee Middle School band students competed against 23 other middle schools at the Region 11 All-Region Band Competition. Over 500 middle school students from South San, Southside, Medina Valley, Harlandale, East Central, Schertz/Cibolo, and Judson ISD all compete at this event to earn a spot in one of the two All-Region Bands, which are similar to All-Star bands made up of the best middle school musicians. The Tiger band represented SWISD well, with 24 Scobee students earning a spot in either the top Band or the 2nd Band. We also had 12 students earn a spot as All-District band members. For the 2nd year in a row, the Scobee band has had the most students earn a place in the bands compared to all of the other 23 middle schools that competed! Hector Telles, the Band Director at Scobee Middle School, said, "Everybody should experience being a part of some type of music class, whether it's mariachi, band, choir, or even theater, because it brings out a different side of people that makes you feel good, happy, and accomplished." Watch this week's Beyond The Arches to learn more about some of the leaders from the Scobee Tiger Band and what makes them unique!
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Southwest High School welcomed the Class of 1993 for their 30-year reunion. Last weekend, class members kicked off their reunion weekend by taking a tour of SWHS to see the exciting new renovations it has been given since their time as students. After the tour, they attended the Fire & Armor Bowl to cheer on their fellow dragons. Their weekend was continued with events filled with family, friends, and fun. Thank you to the Class of '93 for celebrating with us.
Class reunion organizer Gerry Gonzales enjoyed being back on campus with her classmates. "Touring the high school brought about feelings of nostalgia with sections of the school that haven't changed and feelings of awe and pride with how much it has changed. We all had the same sentiment, "I wish this were here when we were in school" and "These kids have it good." All of the attendees had fun at the game. "Everyone had a great time at the game. We were reminiscing about playing on the field, cheering on the sidelines, and marching on the field in our distinct band uniforms. Memories of games won and lost, tough coaches, and hard practices. We wouldn't have done anything different. We fondly remembered what it was like being 18 again." Gonzales said.
SWISD Police Department Welcomes New Officers
Earlier this week, SWPD celebrated a special moment, welcoming 13 new officers to the SWISD family. The Pinning of the Badges ceremony is an integral part of our Police Department culture, and they are excited to share this experience. Thank you to our officers who work daily to keep us safe!
Superintendent's Advisory Council Leads the Way
The Superintendent's Advisory Council met for their second meeting of the year. The council comprises SWHS, SWLHS, and CAST STEM high school student representatives. This group meets monthly with Superintendent Dr. Ball to discuss important campus topics and engage in leadership exercises and team-building activities that they can take back to their home campuses. The students enjoyed the open dialogue and many group activities this week. We're proud of our student leaders and their willingness to go above and beyond.
Spicewood Park Honors Their Campus Heroes
Today, Spicewood Park saluted the heroes who served our nation with courage and commitment. Family members and teachers who have served were honored today. The entire school was present to cheer and thank their special guests. Thank you to all our veterans for your sacrifice and dedication. Happy Veterans Day!
Feast of Gratitude: Celebrating Thanksgiving Traditions
Earlier this week, our SWISD families gathered for our annual Thanksgiving luncheons. Each campus hosted its own luncheon that our Child Nutrition department provided. The staff, students, and families enjoyed a meal with turkey and holiday sides. Everyone was grateful to celebrate another successful holiday meal together.
HOMEGROWN: Valerie Treviño
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 Valerie Treviño, 1st grade teacher at Spicewood Park Elementary.
Treviño shared how much she enjoys working with her first-grade team. "I have an excellent first-grade team. We do a good job of talking to each other." She also hopes that her kids will take away 'kindness' from her classroom. "I have a good group, and they are so amazing. Sometimes, the world can be so rough it takes a lot of strength to be kind. That is something that I want to instill in my kids."
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.
Titan and Dragon Athletic Warriors Lend A Helping Hand Ahead Of Thanksgiving Break
Athletes from across the district helped distribute turkeys to Southwest ISD staff this week. Students from middle school and high school arrived with signs, noisemakers, and big smiles to say thank you to the employees of Southwest ISD! We appreciate all of our student volunteers for once again showcasing their commitment to service in the SWISD community!
Titans Kitchen Giving Back With Thanksgiving Staff Luncheon
SWISD Teacher Feature: Yara Schutter
Welcome to the SWISD Teacher Feature, where we take a ‘behind the curtain’ look at some of the amazing teachers in the district.
On this week's Teacher Feature, we visit with Bob Hope 4th grade bilingual teacher Irene Mauricio as she shares her story of making connections with her students that lead to their with success.
ScoreBoard Podcast - Playoff Football & The Dynamic Duo
On this week's show, we talk basketball, swimming, and playoff football! Additionally, we have Anthony and Annabella Zapata in the studio to talk about their journey through cross country, as well as track and field and how they have become so successful in SWISD Athletics!
Southwest High School Playoff Football Game (Watch Here)
IT IS GAMEDAY SOUTHWEST!
We will be streaming our Friday night playoff game on Texas Sports Productions. We will be showcasing our district in many ways during the stream. Please share if you are not able to make it out! For full game coverage please visit:
https://www.ksat.com/sports/big-game-coverage/streams/
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