Superintendent's Monday Message
April 29, 2024
Dear Southwest ISD,
I hope everyone had a great weekend, whether you spent it celebrating Fiesta or tackling tasks on that extra day. It's a busy time of year, and despite my best efforts, I can’t seem to keep up. The challenge lies in the number of wonderful events in Southwest ISD. It's a good problem to have, but there are more happenings than I can possibly attend. There are countless individuals truly deserving of acknowledgement and praise, including our students, staff, and the entire district community, who continually achieve remarkable things across academics, special education, bilingual programs, athletics, FFA, clubs, and more. The list of accomplishments is extensive, and while I'll mention a few, it's important to note that it's far from comprehensive, as it would require hundreds of pages to cover everything.
Last week, we held our inaugural Circle of Excellence Banquet. In previous years, each high school held a top 10 banquet, but this year, we came together to celebrate our highest-ranking students as one family. Please take a moment to view the wonderful pictures from the event here and this beautiful program. The program showcases our exceptional students, a testament not only to our high schools but also to our elementary campuses, as over 97% of these students began their journey there.
Friday night was particularly memorable as Southwest High School Softball won a thrilling game against Edison. Despite a tied score of 5-5, the team persevered through an extra inning, ultimately winning. It was a nail-biter of a game, but they never gave up. I'm so proud of their resilience! With this win, the Dragons Softball team advances to the Area Round of the UIL State Softball playoffs, where they'll face Liberty Hill.
Additionally, the SWHS Baseball team wrapped up 28-5A play with a 9-5 record, earning a #2 seed in the State UIL Baseball playoffs. They are now headed to the Bi-District round against the Edison Bears. I’m incredibly proud of the Dragon Baseball team and wish them the best on their playoff journey! The playoff schedule for both teams is listed below.
At regionals, the Southwest Legacy Tennis teams gave outstanding athletic performances. The Boys clinched the title of 2024 District 28-5A Boys Team Champions, while the Girls secured the position of 2024 District 28-5A Girls Team Runner-Ups. Both teams excelled in doubles and singles, with top-three placements. Congratulations to the athletes and their coaches for their remarkable achievements.
On Friday, I had the pleasure of watching Southwest Legacy NJROTC participate in the Battle of Flowers parade. Special thanks to Mr. Alfaro and Mr. Valdez for their support in helping with student involvement. Our Southwest Legacy Marching Band dazzled the crowd during the Fiesta Flambeau Night parade under the direction Ms. Balarin. Additionally, SWHS showcased a beautiful float in the Battle of Flowers parade, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Michael Sandoval and the students involved.
As we approach National School Principals Day on May 1st, let's take a moment to recognize the invaluable leadership of our principals. They shape the tone and culture of our schools, making daily sacrifices to ensure smooth operations. While we celebrate them on this designated day, it's important to note we appreciate them every day of the year.
Lastly, I'm thrilled to share that, thanks to the hard work of the entire District, I was honored on Friday by Palo Alto College as the Educate South Superintendent of the Year. This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our outstanding staff members. Thank you all for your incredible contributions! YOU truly make our District shine.
Wishing you a fantastic week ahead, filled with appreciation for all that you do!
Sincerely,