Southwest ISD Points of Pride
August 22nd, 2023
Dec. 8, 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.
Bringing Holiday Cheer: SWISD Students Receive Heartwarming Christmas Gifts
For over ten years, SWISD campus social workers and Student Outreach Services (SOS) have organized a gift drive that supports vulnerable students and families in our district. They gather sponsors to donate gifts are based on student wish lists. After the gifts are delivered and wrapped, they coordinate with the supported families to deliver the items. Current and past sponsors include Standard Aero, BAMC Hospital, SWISD Police Department, and SWISD staff members. “Every year at the start of the Holiday season, I admit I feel a little worried that there won't be enough Christmas gift donors. I've come to learn that our SWISD staff, their families and our community always come through - it never fails. Worry is replaced with excitement and gratitude. Our donors are truly a blessing,” Southwest Legacy Social worker, Jocabeth Moreno said.
These generous contributions provide a sense of joy during a time that might otherwise be challenging for their families. It ensures that every child can experience warmth and hope during the holiday season. If you or anyone you know would like to sponsor a student of family next year, please contact Jocabeth Moreno at jmoreno@swisd.net.
SWHS Senior Earns Full Scholarship to Princeton University
Southwest High School's senior, Isaac Das, has been offered a FULL scholarship to Princeton University. Dr. Ball, District, and SWHS leadership surprised him Monday to celebrate his amazing achievement! This news comes shortly after his recognition as a National Merit Scholar, ranking in the Top 3% of students Nationwide in PSAT testing scores. We are so proud of this young man!
Bringing Brilliance: Parent Volunteer Illuminates School with Festive Lights
Last week, Indian Creek Elementary was illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. The decorations and installation were graciously donated by Indian Creek parent, Julio Villareal. Mr. Villarreal is a SWISD alumni and has a son who attends the school. He also owns a lighting and electrical company. Villarreal is always looking for way to give back to the community. “I love to be in a position to be able to give back. I have always been a believer of doing good to help people out,” Villarreal said. Villareal also wanted to help spread the spirit of the holiday season for Indian Creek students. “Sometimes the best part of the day for a student is when they are here at school."
CAST STEM High School’s Move to Palo Alto College Embraces Educational Transformation
CAST STEM High School is gearing up for a big move to the grounds of Palo Alto College. For CAST STEM students, this move means transitioning from high school learners taking college courses to becoming college-level students on a dynamic college campus environment.
The announcement of this move earlier this fall has ignited anticipation and enthusiasm among students and staff. This partnership promises an enhanced learning experience, granting CAST STEM students access to advanced resources and modern facilities.
As the countdown begins for the move in January , excitement grows among students. Many CAST STEM students describe the move as exciting if not overwhelming. CAST STEM student Daisy Reynolds says, “ A move like this is complicated, but in the end what will come this is going to benefit us more.” The integration of CAST STEM High School into Palo Alto College represents a fusion of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, aimed at empowering future leaders.
This move marks the inception of a new educational era in SWISD, where the synergy between CAST STEM High School and Palo Alto College amplifies learning and celebrates the potential of every student.
Lighting Up Victory: Southwest ISD Welcomes Upgraded Scoreboards
It is an exciting time to be a student and community member at Southwest ISD, especially when it comes to athletics! We will be updating all the scoreboards across the district to create an even more fun atmosphere for our student athletes and attendees. We took time to speak with Athletic Director, Peter Wagner, about the implementation process and how he thinks it will bring a positive impact to SWISD athletics. When talking he said "we are extremely excited about all the opportunities the implementation of the boards brings for recognizing all of our students and being able to further tell our story to all our community members and those who come to visit us from other communities. When our kids get to see their highlight videos and individual pictures up on the board, the excitement it creates will encourage greater participation in our programs and enhance the athletics experience for all our student-athletes and fans. Furthermore, we are implementing an educational component that allows our students to learn to work on the boards by creating content, working the cameras and running the show that can lead to post graduation opportunities at colleges, in the entertainment industry and high level entertainment facilities as well as professional athletic organizations".
By Spring Break 2024, all SWISD athletics will have upgraded scoreboards.
Introducing Southwest ISD's Innovative School-Based Telehealth Program
In a groundbreaking collaboration between The University Health System and Southwest ISD, a pioneering School-Based Telehealth Program has been launched, revolutionizing healthcare accessibility for students and staff at Southwest ISD. This program facilitates medical examinations remotely, linking students in the school nurse's office directly to a University Health Board Certified Healthcare Provider.
This partnership with The University Health System elevates their existing telehealth video visits by incorporating advanced handheld technology. Through this innovative approach, students and staff can now receive comprehensive medical attention without the need for in-person office visits. The program enables providers to examine, diagnose, and treat common conditions related to ears, lungs, heart, throat, skin, and abdomen all from the confines of the school campus.
At the heart of this partnership lies TytoCare, a virtual care platform equipped with a remote medical exam device that has proven to be a game-changer in diagnosing and treating various ailments.
Utilizing the TytoCare Medical Exam Kit's handheld device, a University Health Board Certified Healthcare Provider can gather real-time data through the school nurse's office.
This program offers unparalleled convenience for families, ensuring comprehensive care from the school nurse's office. Moreover, the connection with a University Health Board Certified Healthcare Provider is secure, prioritizing the safety and privacy of all users. The TytoCare remote medical exam device is FDA cleared and complies with FDA requirements.
Southwest ISD's introduction of the School-Based Telehealth Program in partnership with The University Health System marks a significant leap in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to SWISD’s students and staff, reaffirming its commitment to prioritize their well-being.
For more information contact your campus school nurse or SWISD Health Services Department at 210-622-4453.
STEM-tastic Evening: Sky Harbour Elementary Sparks Excitement with STEM Night
Sky Harbour Elementary had a STEM night this week to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This year they welcomed over 20 different vendors including the SWISD Police Department, the Southwest Legacy Career and Technical Education Department, the DoSeum, UTSA, and CPS Energy. When we asked about the importance of STEM night, Ms. Acuna, Principal of Sky Harbour Elementary, said that "stem night is very important because it gives us an opportunity to expand the learning for our students and bring in different components such as the arts and technology. The beauty of it here is that we took a different spin with it. We have invited many different San Antonio community members to come in and to help us in really make it a motivating and exciting time for our students".
Rooted Knowledge: Exploring the Wonders of Soil Education
Indian Creek Elementary hosted The Texas Wildlife Association this morning. A soil lab was given to the 4th and 5th grade students throughout the day. They engaged in activities that taught them about the different characteristics of sand, silt, and clay. This was a hands on activity and lesson that both teachers and students were able to participate in. The students enjoyed the lab engagement with their classmates and the organization.
Superintendent Student Advisory Council Student Spotlight: Tyler Morales
CAST STEM Junior and Superintendent Student Advisory Council Member, Tyler Morales, was accepted into the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) Program. The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars is an authentic STEM learning experience for Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s missions and become the next generation of explorers. HAS is a year-long commitment for Texas high school juniors which starts in the fall with a four-month online learning experience related to space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics.
Although a future with NASA is not out of the question,Tyler is definitely looking forward to an engineering career someday. What’s driving Tyler is the opportunity the HAS program offers for the hands-on application of theoretical knowledge. In other words, Tyler loves using science for solving puzzles and finding solutions to problems and he feels like prrogram will challenge him.
Depending on his performance, Tyler could be invited to join a team of other scholars to participate in a five-day gamified virtual experience where he will be mentored by NASA
scientists and engineers while working to plan a mission for an Artemis-themed mission to the Moon and Mars.
SWISD and the Superintendent Student Advisory Council is proud to call Tyler one of their own and wish him the best of luck!
Homegrown: Irene Gates, McNair Middle School
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their great accomplishments. ‘Homegrown' is our weekly segment where we highlight 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 interviewed Irene Gates, Texas History Teacher at McNair Middle School.
Gates is a first year teacher at SWISD. She knew she always wanted to come back and work for the district. "It has a small town closeness, where everyone is friendly, everyone knows each other." Gates is proud to be back home. "At one point Southwest is home, it's where you come back to, to your roots."
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.
The SW Legacy Robotics Team Places 7th in First Ever Robotics Competition
Nick's Angels to Fulfill Helping Legacy In Last Year of Toy and Blanket Drive
Poster Perfect: SWISD Students Win Big in Blue Santa Holiday Parade Contest
Three SWISD students won first place in their age group for the 22nd Annual Blue Santa Parade Poster Contest. Their artwork has been featured around the community ahead of this Saturday's (Dec. 9) community celebration on Beyond the Arches.
SWISD Teacher Feature: Mireya Villalpando
"On this week's Teacher Feature, we visit with Resnik Middle School 8th grade English teacher Mireya Villalpando as she shares her experience making connections with her students that lead to their success."
Mother-Daughter Tea Party Success!
Setting, Spiking, Podcasting: The Undefeated Scobee Volleyball Team
This episode of Scoreboard focuses on the undefeated 8th grade Scobee Volleyball team that made history at Scobee Middle School. Brandon Medina and Peter Wagner talk with the head coach and players, while also looking ahead at basketball and soccer, as well as the new scoreboards and turf that is coming to Southwest ISD athletics!
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