Southwest ISD Points of Pride
February 23, 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 Classroom to Clouds: The 'Dragon One' Project Soars!
Taking A Dive To State
Aiden Diaz made history as the first diver to make it to the state competition for diving from Southwest High School. However, he also did amazing today at the diving state prelims where he placed 9th out of 24 divers, which pushed him in to the finals where he will compete! We wish Aiden the best of luck!
Behind the Screens: Resnik Presentation Regarding Safe Social Media Practices
Resnik Middle School at through a social media presentation presented bySWISD staff, including Roger Campos, Director of Multimedia Operations, as well as Sgt. Baker and Lt. Alvarez from the SWISD Police Department. The presentation was on social media safety, as well as how social media can be used for negative reasons. Many students didn’t know about some of the dangers and the staff were able to inform them. Additionally, Sgt. Baker and Lt. Alvarez spoke about the ability that law enforcement has when it comes to tracking and identifying activity on social media sites. Sgt. Baker said that he enjoys presentations because he is able to really engage with students in a group setting. He said "I enjoy helping these students learn about safety, specifically with social media, because there is so much online that can be harmful. It means a lot to see them engaged and caring about the information we are sharing".
Military Appreciation
This past Monday, Pupil Services hosted a SWISD Military Family Social. It was a special event to honor the military families in our community. Together with theirs kids, our military parents were invited to attend this event at SWHS. The event also served as a networking opportunity for military families to meet each other. The department provided food, games, and door prizes for attendees. The families had a great time exchanging stories, and playing games with each other. The event served as a reminder of the resilience and strength inherent in military families.
Health & Wellness Fair
Earlier this week, The Benefits Department hosted a Health & Wellness fair for district staff. The event took place during the district’s annual Cowboy Breakfast. The fair provided many great resources and vendors for district employees. Vendors included organizations who offered fitness, finance, wellness, and medical support. The event provided valuable insight and beneficial resource education.
Cowboy Breakfast
Spicewood Park On The Prowl In First Ever Panther Heartbeat 5K Fun Run!
Braving the cold temperatures last Saturday, Spicewood Park Elementary hosted its first-ever Panther Heartbeat 5K Fun Run! Spicewood Park thanks their Principal, Teachers, Staff, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeanette Ball, and all Community Sponsors and Volunteers who made the Panther Heartbeat 5K Fun Run a success. See you next year! GO PANTHERS!!
Softball Sisters For Life!
In the world of team sports, teammates come from different walks of life and usually build bonds like no other. Those bonds often become familiar like that of brotherhood or sisterhood and can last well past high school. For Lady Dragons Softball Players and real-life sisters, Madisyn and Paris Alaquinez, their bond goes beyond team. Madisyn a Junior Centerfielder and Paris a Sophomore Catcher on this year's team have been playing softball together since they were six and seven years old.
Paris also represents SWHS as a member of the Lady Dragons Varsity Basketball Team and is busy with her studies in the Early College Program. Madisyn is pulling double duty this spring sports season juggling centerfield for Dragons Softball and running track for the Dragons Track and Field Teams.
Madisyn says playing with her sister Paris brings out the best in both of them because they both push and hold each other accountable to do well. Paris tells Snippets that playing alongside Madisyn makes it fun for her as they share this softball journey together. The Alaquinez sisters have their sights set on being successful past their time at Southwest. After graduation, Paris hopes to play softball in college while seeking a medical degree in anesthesiology. Madisyn’s pathway is similar, but will look to major in business. In the meantime, Madisyn and Paris will conyinue to hang out together, take photos, and get fueled by Italian food. They relax by listening to all genres of music and watching movies, for Paris, it’s comedies and Madisyn loves her rom-coms.
The season is bright for this year’s Lady Dragons Softball Team, the Alaquinez sisters along with their 16 softball sisters will battle together for a run at a district championship, a spot in the state playoffs, and a potential run for a state title.
Thank you for taking the time to visit with Snippets. Good luck to Madisyn, Paris, and the rest of the Lady Dragons Softball Team this season. GO DRAGONS!
Homegrown: Sidrica Fenton
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 Sidrica Fenton, Crossroads Academy Teacher.
Fenton is passionate about leading her students to success. "I always try to motivate my students and I encourage them to continue with their dreams." She is grateful to work for a district that cares so much for their students and parents. "We are not only helping the students, we are also helping the parents."
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.
Teacher Feature: Julie Krueger
Welcome to the SWISD Teacher Feature, where we look at some of the amazing teachers in our district. In this week's Teacher Feature, we visit Southwest High School to learn about Mathematics Teacher, Julie Krueger. 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.
A 'Cut' Above The Rest: Titan Cosmo
We take to the stylist chair this week with Titan Cosmo at Southwest Legacy, featuring our Superintendent, Dr. Jeanette Ball! Join us for an inside look at the dedication, teamwork, and passion that make the Titan Cosmo Team so special.
Scoreboard: Championships & All-Stars
This episode of Scoreboard focuses on all spring athletics, including track & field, softball/baseball, soccer, SWISD's first state qualifying diver, and an interview with two All-Star Southwest High School basketball players!
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
SWISD Night With The SPURS!
Come out and welcome our San Antonio Spurs team back from their 'Rodeo Road Trip' against the Thunder on February 29th! Each ticket will benefit the SWISD Education Foundation, therefore, we ask that you come and support!
https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Southwestisd7
Here is what you get with your ticket:
- Include a Food Voucher with each ticket sold (valid for a hot dog and a drink)
- Fundraiser (Proceeds from each ticket sold will go back to foundation)
- Include a Spurs Fan Experience (i.e. Courtside Experience)