Southwest ISD Points of Pride
March 1, 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.
Tree Plantation: A Partnership for a Greener Future at Spicewood Park
The city of San Antonio, Parks and Recreation department took a significant initiative by funding a tree plantation at Spicewood Park Elementary, which has greatly benefited the school and its surrounding community. This project would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our Special Education Teacher, Mr. Marines, who worked in collaboration with Brian Everman, the Project Manager of Urban Forestry, to organize and guide the event.
With the support of the city of San Antonio, nearly $16,000 was allocated for this project, allowing for the purchase and planting of a variety of trees that will not only provide shade and aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the overall well-being of the school community by providing a healthier environment for students and staff.
We are also grateful for the unwavering support of our principal, Mrs. Velazquez, who encouraged and facilitated the tree plantation project at Spicewood Park Elementary. Her leadership and vision for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable school environment have been instrumental in making this initiative a reality.
The tree plantation at Spicewood Park Elementary serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and community support. Thanks to the city of San Antonio, Parks and Recreation, Brian Everman, Mr. Marines and Mrs. Velazquez, our school has been transformed into a more vibrant and eco-friendly space that will benefit generations to come. Let us continue to work together to nurture and protect our environment for the betterment of all.
McAuliffe Rockets Athletics Scores Huge Fundraiser Success
Huge Congratulations to McAuliffe Rockets Athletics on their Fundraiser Success!!
Thanks to the incredible dedication and support from McAuliffe athletes, parents, family, teachers, and staff, our recent fundraiser has been an enormous success, surpassing all expectations!
Record-Breaking Contributions: The outpouring of support from our community members has resulted in record-breaking contributions, which will significantly benefit our school athletic programs, activities, and initiatives. Our initial goal was to raise $5000, however, McAuliffe Athletics with the support of athletes, parents, family, teachers, and staff, we raised a total of $11,875.
Engagement and Participation: The fundraiser witnessed remarkable engagement and participation from all involved, showcasing the spirit of teamwork and commitment towards a common goal.
Impact and Future Initiatives: The funds raised will have a tangible and positive impact on various aspects of our athletic department, enabling us to enhance brand new weight equipment, support extracurricular activities, and invest in our end of year athletic field trip and sports banquet.
McAuliffe Rockets Athletics would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, volunteered, and supported this initiative. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made a profound difference and exemplify the strength of our community.
-Coach Brian Gonzales
Words Take Flight: Sky Harbour's Literacy Night!
Sky Harbour Elementary hosted a literacy night with student performances from the drama and their ballet folklorico "Los Delfines”. The theme of the literacy night was to "Travel The World Through Books", with each station including a themed country or continent. In addition to staff coming out to support, the event also included a table to support Relay For Life and a team from the San Antonio Public Library was there with plenty of great books for students to read!
Spotlight on Success: Communications Team Shines Bright at State Conference
Our SWISD Communications team attended the Texas State Public Relation Association annual conference this past week. Members from the SWISD Communications Team participated in sessions where they learned about the latest industry trends, and were immersed themselves in a whirlwind of innovation and insight. From dynamic keynote speeches to interactive workshops, each session offered valuable knowledge and fresh perspectives. Engaging with industry experts and fellow professionals, your communications team explored emerging technologies, refined strategies, and honed their skills to navigate the evolving landscape of communication with finesse. Additionally, they came home with multiple awards for their projects, including two Gold awards. Congratulations to our amazing communications team!
SWISD Pride Takes Center Court With The San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs welcomed staff, students, and community members to 'SWISD night' in their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder! Through our dedicated SWISD link, fans were able to attend the game, have a courtside experience before the game, as well as receive a voucher for food and a drink with their ticket. Additionally, a portion of sales will come back to support the Southwest ISD Education Foundation. To make the night even better, the Spurs got a big win!
Bilingual Brilliance: Dual Language Teacher Shines as H-E-B Rising Stars Finalist
Mr. Jorge Alvarez, a 5th grade Dual Language teacher at Bob Hope Elementary School, earned him a well-deserved spot as a 2024 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Rising Star Elementary Finalist! The surprise visit from H-E-B representatives and SWISD staff, including our very own Superintendent, Dr. Jeanette Ball, was an unforgettable moment for Mr. Alvarez and his students, as they were honored for his work in the classroom. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mr. Alvarez received a $1,000 check for himself and another $1,000 for Bob Hope Elementary School.
The HEB Excellence in Education Awards celebrates exceptional public school professionals like Mr. Alvarez, who now advances to compete with other educators for the chance to win even greater cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $25,000! Congratulations!
Unleashing Creativity: Students Harnessing Digital Green Screens for Dynamic Presentations
Fourth grade students at Indian Creek Elementary have immersed themselves in innovative learning with Digital Green Screens. This enables them to be creative in creating dioramas that allow them to tell stories and execute projects. The students were able to conduct the projects from beginning to end on their own. Fourth grade teacher, Ms. Connie Sandlin, said that this project encouraged independent exploration and creativity for her students.
Senior Titans Leading The Way For 2024 Season
This week’s Snippets takes us onto the diamond at SW Legacy HS, where two Senior Titans Baseball Players are looking to lead the team both in the classroom and on the field.
"Now batting number seven, Jonathan Macias". Macias is eager to get the season going with the goal of reaching the playoffs. The former Titans football player has had fun putting in the work getting ready for the season which Jonathan hopes will lead to success through the season. Jonathan’s favorite class is his Professional Communications Class which has helped him and other Titans students “grow out of their shells.” Jonathan tells Snippets his favorite go-to food is the meaty-meaty pizza, plus his favorite baseball movie is The Hill.
"Now batting, number eight, Howard Freeman". Howard is also excited about the season and the potential this young Titans team. Howard wants to lead this team in the classroom and on the diamond which he feels is his duty as a Senior teammate. After graduating from SW Legacy, Howard wants to take his football talents to the next level with the goal of suiting up and playing college football and seek a degree in civil engineering. Freeman’s favorite baseball movie is 42, and can't resist a good ole bacon cheeseburger and fries.
Thanks to both Jonathan and Howard for taking the time to visit with us at Snippets. Good luck this season and in the classroom. We will see you at graduation. GO TITANS!
Homegrown: Mat Campos
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 AV Technician, Mat Campos.
Campos enjoys being back where we started. "It all just set my roots here," Campos Said. When he came back to work for the district, he felt like he was back home. "It's a feeling of home, like you never left."
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: Paul Patina
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 Scobee School to learn about 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Paul Patina. 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.
Making Waves of Success: Dive into the SWISD Aquatic Center's Early Triumphs
On this weeks Beyond The Arches we focus on the early success of the Southwest ISD Aquatic Center. We interview Aiden Diaz as he becomes the first diver to go to the State Competition, as well as some of the other district leaders in aquatics to talk to us about the future of aquatic success for SWISD!
Scoreboard: A Dive Into Aquatics
On this week's podcast we take a deep dive into aquatics and learn about our diving program with Aiden Diaz, a state finalist from Southwest High School, and Head Diving Coach, Megan Ashoo.
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
The Dragonfire Dance Team & The Dragonette Pep Squad Will Hold A Mandatory Parent Interest Meeting
Attention parents of all current & incoming Southwest High School Students! The Dragonfire Dance Team and the Dragonette Pep Squad will be holding a mandatory parent interest meeting on March 4th in the SWHS cafeteria at 6 pm.
Texas A&M-San Antonio’s Future Jaguar Day invites YOU to our premiere open house and see firsthand what it means to be a Jaguar! At Future Jaguar Day, you will have the opportunity to speak with Admission Counselors, hear more about scholarship opportunities, meet with current students and faculty, learn about the many support services offered to students, and more! Start your Jaguar Journey at Future Jaguar Day!
RSVP here.
National SEL Day at SWISD
March 8th is National SEL Day! SWISD campuses will be celebrating National SEL Day all week long with special activities and student action challenges. Click on the link below for activities you and your family can use to celebrate National SEL Day at home.