Southwest ISD Points of Pride
February 9, 2024
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.
From Roots to Giving: A Teacher's Dedication to Uplifting Her Students
Sidrica Fenton was named our Employee of the Month last week. Mrs. Fenton is deeply dedicated to helping students with her efforts moving beyond teaching and the classroom. She is a SWISD alumnus who is deeply rooted in our community. Fenton was met with many challenges early on in life, and has since thrived in everything that she has accomplished. She has a similar story to the kids in her classroom. “I can relate to them. A lot of their stories are similar to mine. They are going through a lot of hard times that I went through.” Fenton said. She prides herself on having successful and meaningful relationships with her students. She is sure to let them know that she is there to help them in all aspects of life. Two years ago, Fenton proudly earned a Bachelor’s degree. “College was never a topic in our neighborhood, our house, ever,” Fenton said. She wants to show her students that anything is possible in life, no matter how many challenges come their way.
Most recently, Fenton has volunteered to offer students another avenue to learn and complete their school work. She has teamed up with Miller’s Pond to set an area for her students to gather for school work sessions. Fenton has also reached out to various restaurants for donations of snacks during these sessions. “They enjoy it, they like it. It’s taking an hour away from them from being on the street. They are productive and learning.” This is the first of many ideas that Fenton has to go that extra mile to help her students succeed beyond the classroom.
Principal JJ Perez says she has a genuine concern for her at-risk students, noting that she never forgets where she came from. “She serves as a shining example of what someone can achieve with determination. We are incredibly fortunate to have her among us. She is truly amazing,” Perez said.
SWISD Holds Its First Ever Unified Sports Games
The SWISD Athletics hosted its first ever Unified Games at Southwest High School this week. Unified Sports offers an inclusive athletic experience. Both teams comprised of Special and General Education students from their respective high schools! The SWHS Competition Gym was loud, crowded, and everyone came together as ONE for these athletes on their night to shine! Check out more photos here.
CAST STEM High School Hosts Passport to Success at New Home
CAST STEM High School hosted its Passport to Success at its new home at Palo Alto College. This event was dedicated to guiding families through the transition from 8th to 9th grade. Families were welcomed to explore a wealth of valuable information, including details about Programs of Studies, Endorsements, and 4-year plans. It was a great opportunity for parents and guardians to gain insights into the academic pathways available to their children. Chromebooks were on hand for families ready to dive right into the application process on the spot. Seamless and convenient – just the way we like it!
We encourage those who couldn't attend Passport to Success to explore the CAST STEM HS website here and learn more about the application process. Join us on this journey towards academic excellence and personal growth at CAST STEM High School!
Aviation Icons Land at McNair: Pilots Share Tales of Triumph and Inspiration
Retired Army Lt. Col. Anne Patrie and her husband, Retired USAF Lt. Col. Chris Patrie, spoke to McNair Middle School students this week about the importance of aviation, as well as their stories about adventures all around the world.
Lt. Col. Patrie was instrumental in encouraging congress to allow women to fly aircraft, as she was one of the first women to fly a medevac helicopter into a warzone in support of ground combat troops in Iraq. She encouraged students by saying "reach for the stars and reach for the sky. Pay attention to what's going on within your own education, because nobody can ever take your education away from you".
Isaiah Logan, an eighth grader, was involved in the presentation asking questions and he said what he loved so much about aviation was "the history of it all, how it started, and how it could help us achieve goals in the future". After the presentation, Isaiah said he would love to learn about being a pilot in the future.
Exploring the Wild: Engaging Wildlife Presentation Inspires Students
Barn Hill Preserve’s free mobile animal education program visited Hidden Cove to introduce students to natural wildlife. The animal ambassadors gave the students an up-close and personal experience with the different kinds of animals we share the planet with to connect our learning with Sustainable Goal #15 Life on Land.
A Bee to Remember: A Student's Spectacular Success in the Spelling Spotlight
A huge congratulations to Dante Cortez, an 11th grader at Southwest Legacy High School, for winning 2nd place at the Region 20 Spanish Spelling Bee Competition, which took place on February 6, 2024. We are so proud of Dante! His hard work and dedication certainly paid off!
Homegrown: Dr. Joel DeLeon
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their accomplishments. ‘Homegrown' is our weekly segment highlighting successful Southwest ISD alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also look at how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week we hear from Data Fellow Coordinator, Dr. Joel DeLeon.
Dr. DeLeon is proud to work in the district that he grew up in. “I am rooted here. I grew up here. This is my alma mater. I am able to see their influence, impact, love, and compassion for the kids is heartfelt. It’s true and that’s a part of what I wanted to be a part of.”
If you know of alumni who 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 Student Spotlight: Madelyn Maldonado MCA 8th Grade
Meet Madelyn Maldonado, an exceptional 8th grader at McAuliffe Middle School who shines in both academics and extracurricular activities. As the Vice President of the National Junior Honor Society, Madelyn demonstrates strong leadership and dedication. As a testament to her hard work and academic prowess inside the classroom, Madelyn was recently awarded with a prestigious Valley Hi Optimist Club Award for achieving the highest GPA. This award recognizes students who exemplify the Optimist Club Creed.
Aside from her academic achievements, Madelyn has a passion for storytelling, which she attributes to her love for Social Studies. She appreciates the supportive environment created by her Social Studies teacher, Mr. Jaskinia, who fosters a sense of belonging.
Madelyn's artistic talents shine through her participation in choir and theater productions at McAuliffe Middle School. She has been an active member of the McAuliffe Choir since 6th grade and takes pride in being part of the first choir to win a sweepstakes award at the school. Currently, Madelyn is preparing to showcase her vocal abilities as Justice Charlier in the school's production of "Rock of Ages Jr.," where she will perform Pat Benetar’s “Shadows of the Night.”
In addition to her academic and artistic pursuits, Madelyn is also a skilled Cyberpatriot, showcasing her ability to defend computers from hackers in recent competitions, where her team reached the semi-finals. Madelyn's diverse talents and strong work ethic exemplify the outstanding students in Southwest ISD. Keep up the fantastic work, Madelyn—we're rooting for you!
SWISD Teacher Feature: James Sanchez-York
SW Legacy Titans Signing Day Festivities
Wednesday was a great day to be a Titan as three senior student-athletes signed their letters of intent further both their educational and athletic careers in college. Family, friends, Legacy Administration, Coaches, Teachers and Staff, and special guest Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeannette Ball packed the Legacy Auditorium for the festivities and to witness this special occasion.
Legacy Titans Volleyball Senior Abigail Soto, is headed up I-35 to Dallas to attend Cedar Valley College to play for the Suns Volleyball Team. Abigail shares with Snippets she was a ball of emotions from excitement and nervousness on signing day. She says that her Legacy Coaches and her teammates are what she will miss the most. Abigail is interested in majoring in either dentistry or veterinary medicine as her college career begins.
Ranger College is getting ready to welcome Anaiya Torres who will suit up for the Ranger’s Softball team next year. Anaiya was also filled with mixed emotions and was thankful for all the love and support her family and friends have given her throughout this part of her schooling and softball journey. Anaiya says she will miss her Legacy family but is excited to meet her new Ranger family next year. Anaiya shared that she always took in stray animals growing up and that her love of animals has led her major in veterinary medicine.
Anthony Zapata will be running from the Southwest side of San Antonio up Broadway Street and onto the University of the Incarnate Word campus. Anthony’s successful and decorated Titans running career paved the way for him to be Southwest Legacy’s first NCAA Division 1 signee. Anthony tells Snippets that he’s dreamed of earning a scholarship since he was a kid, but never thought he’d sign with a Division 1 school. Anthony says he’s excited to join the Cardinal's running team due to their team dynamic which was a perfect fit for Anthony’s choice of schools. Anthony says he will seek a pre-pharmacy major that will lead to a pharmacist after college.
Congratulations to all three Titans Student-Athetes. We are proud of your accomplishments and will continue to follow you in your next chapters in life. Thanks for taking the time to visit with Snippets. Remember Once a Titan always a Titan! #DestinationSWISD
Beyond the Buzzer: Inside Dragon Basketball's Epic District Championship Win
On this week's Beyond The Arches we head to the court to talk hoops with the newly crowned District Champion Boys Basketball Team at Southwest High School!
The Future of SWISD Athletics
JOIN THE SWISD FAMILY!
Ready to make a difference in the lives of students? Then, we want YOU! SWISD is on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our dynamic team! As the sixth-largest growing school district in San Antonio, we're committed to excellence, academic success, and creating a safe, nurturing environment for all. Explore exciting career opportunities with SWISD and be a part of our journey towards excellence. Apply today: https://bit.ly/3OrgxMk
We want to welcome all runners to join the Panther Heartbeat Fun Run at Spicewood Park Elementary! Don't miss out on a great event, fun community health fair, and a FREE fun run T-shirt for the first 100 paid participants! A portion of the proceeds will also go to the American Heart Association.
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Discounts
If you are looking to go to a Stock Show & Rodeo event, please visit the link provided. Each ticket purchased through the given link and unlock code will positively impact the show’s sales goals for scholarships for the youth of Texas. Offers are valid now - Tuesday, February 6, 2024