Southwest ISD Points of Pride
August 22nd, 2023
Nov. 3, 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.
Fire and Armor Pep Rallies
The 2nd Annual Fire and Armor Bowl Punt Pass Kick
Tonight is the sixth edition of the Fire and Armor Bowl game between your Southwest Legacy Titans and Southwest Dragons under the glorious Friday Night Lights at Dragons Stadium. On Wednesday, future Titans and Dragons boys, and girls from 6th - 3rd grades from our SWISD schools competed in the 2nd annual Fire and Armor Bowl SWISD PE Punt Pass Kick competition at Titans Stadium.
These future varsity athletes showcased their passing, punting, and kicking skills in a friendly competition in front of family and friends. Thanks to all the SWISD coaches and student-athletes from both high schools who volunteered to make this event a success for their younger counterparts.
Congratulations to all 6th - 3rd-grade winners on their punt pass kick performance, all the winners from this competition also won the title of “honorary captain” for the Fire and Armor Game tonight.
Honorary Captains
6th Grade Girls:
Izabella Ramirez MCNAIR
Starr Sereseroz MCAULIFFE
Mila Friesenhahn MCNAIR
6th Grade Boys:
Ian Chong RESNIK
Emeliano Almos RESNIK
Alberto Briones RESNIK
5th Grade Girls:
Jana Rivera SUN VALLEY
Jaelin Gray SUN VALLEY
Tayhanna Craig MEDIO CREEK
5th Grade Boys:
Jose Chavarria KRIEWALD RD SCHOOLS OF ARTS
Erick Lopez SKY HARBOUR
Javier Barron SUN VALLEY
4th Grade Girls:
Karlie Delune SKY HARBOUR
Elisa Garza SKY HARBOUR
Joshlynn Barkley HIDDEN COVE
4th Grade Boys:
Icker Fuentes SUN VALLEY
David Leiva MEDIO CREEK
Tucker Fields ELM CREEK
3rd Grade Girls:
Aliyah Leeper MEDIO CREEK
Braelynn Adame SPICEWOOD PARK
A’Nyri Jackson MEDIO CREEK
3rd Grade Boys:
Alavaro Davila BOB HOPE (Not Pictured)
Charlie Martinez SUN VALLEY
Theodore Solano ELM CREEK
SW Legacy Team Tennis District Champions
We're celebrating the SW Legacy Titans Team Tennis District Championship, as they've made history not only for their school but also for SWISD Athletics on Beyond the Arches.
Southwest High School's Competitive BBQ Team Wins Big at First Ever Cook Off
Southwest High School's Smoking Dragons left a strong impression at the Texas High School BBQ Regional Qualifier Cook-off. In their debut competition, these talented students surprised everyone by securing 1st place in the ribs category and 3rd place in the chicken category. The Dragon Smokers BBQ Team includes Bobby Rey Delgado, Ezra Ovalle, Seth Krueger, Matthew Perez, and Celestina Chacon. They entered dishes in categories like pork chops, beef fajitas, ribs, chicken, and chili. Texas High School BBQ Association competitions are unique because all the cooking is done by students, with no adults allowed in the cooking area.
Even more impressive is that the Smoking Dragons embarked on this journey for the sheer enjoyment and love of barbecue. Many team members have grown up cooking barbecues and assisting their dads and grandfathers. Whatever their barbecue background, all team members thought that competing in barbecue would be fun.
The Smoking Dragons team is about having a great time while acquiring valuable life skills like time management and teamwork. These students collaborate, sharing their passion for cooking and savoring every moment. Competing in barbecue competitions isn't just about smoking meat perfectly; it's about working together, planning, and making the most out of each moment. Southwest High School's Smoking Dragons exemplify how SWISD students can learn and grow by pursuing their passions. Their success is a testament to their dedication and love for good barbecue.
Up next for the Smoking Dragons is the Southwest Area Buyers Club BBQ Showdown at Traders Village, another Texas High School BBQ cook-off in December, and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Junior Pitmaster Challenge, where the team will put their BBQ cooking skills to the test for a chance to win a scholarship. The Smoking Dragons from Southwest High School have left their mark and ignited a flame of passion for barbecue, showcasing the joy and rewards of pursuing one's passion. We can't wait to see where their delicious journey takes them next!
Kriewald School of the Arts Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Last week, the Kriewald Road School of the Arts (KRSA) celebrated its 25th anniversary just before the start of its annual fall festival. Dr. Patty Escobedo, KRSA's inaugural principal, along with Board President Sylvester Vasquez and Vice-Principal Elisa Prieto, reminisced about the school's inception and emphasized how it has preserved its distinct spirit. The festivities featured a video presentation and live performances by KRSA students. Following the celebration, the KRSA community came together to enjoy a variety of food, games, and other activities during their fall festival.
SWISD Hosts Master Leadership of Greater San Antonio
This week, Southwest ISD played host to a class from the Master Leadership Program of Greater San Antonio. The group embarked on a tour of SW Legacy HS, providing them with a close-up view of our exceptional Fine Arts programs and their profound influence on our students and school culture. Upon their arrival, students from the cheer, dance, and band programs extended a warm welcome and showcased their talents before guiding the group on a comprehensive tour. Culinary Art students prepared a delicious feast, followed by a panel discussion led by District leaders, emphasizing the significant role that Fine Arts programs play in public schools.
Established in 2004, Masters Leadership Program (MLP) has a rich and proud history of preparing and connecting proven leaders to serve on Boards and committees of nonprofit agencies and civic commissions. MLP graduates are driven by a desire to improve our community, which includes societal inequities and systemic injustice.
Relay for Life Celebrates Halloween with Trunk or Treat
Relay for Life of Southwest ISD organized its annual Trunk or Treat event on Halloween at Southwest Elementary School. This safe and family-friendly event attracted a large and lively crowd who received a generous amount of candy.
The spirited participation of the Southwest ISD Board of Trustees and our Superintendent, Dr. Jeanette Ball, embraced the Halloween spirit by donning costumes and transforming themselves into the characters of Snow White and the seven dwarves. Their involvement added a touch of magic to the occasion, delighting both young and old attendees. Additionally, the dedication of Southwest ISD's devoted employees was on full display as they contributed their time, effort, and creativity. Many decorated their vehicles and dressed in various costumes that entertained and engaged the community throughout the evening. This collective effort highlighted the strong sense of community and the commitment to creating memorable moments for the people of Southwest ISD.
Homegrown: Nancy Chavez
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 examine how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week, we interviewed Nancy Chavez, 2nd Grade Teacher at Kriewald School of the Arts.
Mrs. Chavez enjoys teaching her students. She shared her thoughts on what she hopes students will take away from her classroom. "I want them to know that there is hope. Chavez also enjoys working with a great team. "Building that team will give us great lessons for students to succeed.
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 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.
In this week's Teacher Feature, we visit Southwest Elementary to get to know 3rd Grade Teacher Mrs. Yara Schutter. Mrs. Schutter has been in education for 20 years and has spent seventeen years teaching in SWISD.
Upon entering Mrs. Schutter's 3rd-grade classroom, you notice her students fully engaged with their assignments. The room exudes an inviting and impeccably organized atmosphere, where everything and everyone seems to have its designated spot. It brings to mind a quote from Simon Sinek, the author of "Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, " stating, “When we know WHY we do what we do, everything falls into place.” This feeling of everything falling into place perfectly encapsulates the ambiance of Mrs. Schutter's class.
As far back as she can remember, even as an elementary student, Mrs. Schutter says she always wanted to lend a helping hand. She was a headstrong perfectionist with a knack for numbers, so she always looked forward to learning about math, but she always kept an eye out for opportunities to serve someone. Mrs. Schutter eventually decided to be an attorney and completed two and a half years of law school. It wasn’t until her own children were preparing to start school that things started to fall into place for Mrs. Schutter. That’s when she decided she wanted to work with our youth and found her heart in education.
Mrs. Schutteer says that her oldest daughter inspired her to become a teacher because when her daughter started school, Mrs. Schutter saw firsthand how many children struggled. Mrs. Schutter felt so fortunate to be able to teach her daughter fundamentals before she started kindergarten.
Mrs.Schutter’s “why” is obvious it is the smiles on her students’ faces. “ My students inspire me as a teacher because not only do they learn from me, but I also learn from them,” Mrs. Schutter says. Her favorite part of being in the classroom is the students, and she loves to help them make the connection of what they are learning to be able to use in their everyday lives.
Mrs. Schutter, thank you for all that you do. We wish you and your students all the best.
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.