Southwest ISD Points of Pride
August 22nd, 2023
October 6, 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.
Champions of Health: SWHS Sports Medicine Students Attain Heart Saver First Aid CPR AED Certification
Congratulations to Southwest High School's sports medicine program!
Students at Southwest High School have completed their Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Certification from the American Heart Association and are now officially certified for 2 years. Covering fundamental principles and techniques, these students have displayed their understanding of assessing and addressing medical emergencies, injury emergencies, environmental emergencies, as well as preventing illness and injury.
Kymara Wilson, a Senior at Southwest, spoke about the importance of this certification by saying "well, to me, it means a lot because I did a lot of stuff to get that certification and not just at this school. At my previous school, I was a cadet at my dad's firehouse and I did a lot of things to try to get that certification and it didn't quite work out. But being able to get it here at Southwest, it was a big highlight of my senior year".
We also caught up with Gladys Sosa, also known as 'Trainer G', who is the lead trainer that teaches the Sports Medicine class at Southwest High School. When asked about the importance of the course she said "I think it's very important. As long as people recognize that we're also a health care profession that is very helpful to our kids because a lot of people see athletic trainers and they think we only tape ankles or they see student trainers and they think that all they do is pass out water. They do a lot more. Sometimes we have 100 kids on the sideline for football and it's very overwhelming. We're watching the game, we can't see anything on our side or behind us and we're just watching the 11 to 22 players on the field. The students here are the ones that walk the sidelines and are helping us like clean cuts or helping us evaluate some of our kids, which is so important".
Ariana Walters, a Senior at Southwest, spoke to us about how the sports medicine course has opened up opportunities for her after high school. She said "after high school, I want to go to nursing school to become a nurse practitioner. So this training program has helped a lot because we learn a lot about everything, not just things to do in sports, but the body and everything as well to further my knowledge. So when I do go to college and whatnot, it's going to be easier to learn that kind of stuff, after having a background in it".
Gladys Sosa ended her interview by explaining how proud she is to be leading a program like this for students at Southwest High School. She said "whenever my kids join sports medicine, I tell them that they don't have to be athletic trainers to be in my class. They can be nurses, they can be doctors, they can be anything in the medical field not just necessarily in the sports medicine field. A lot of this class is very similar to the health classes that are offered here at Southwest and elsewhere. So I think it's very important for all of us to work together to better improve our kids and just make sure that they have careers in whatever they would like".
Southwest Alumni Punches His Way to the Top
Southwest alumni, Mario Barrios recently fought his way to win the WBC welterweight title by unanimous decision. Barrios is known for competing in the super lightweight division, which allowed him to showcase his talent, skills, and power. He began his professional boxing career in 2013 and has built a successful track record for himself in the boxing community. He has deemed his ring name ‘El Azteca." He takes pride in his Aztec roots, culture and foundation. Barrios has record with a significant number of wins by knockout. In 2019, Barrios secured the WBA super lightweight title, marking a significant milestone in his career. He has successfully defended his title, solidifying his status as one of the top contenders in the division with a 28-2 record.
Off the ring, Mario Barrios is known for his humility and dedication to his craft, making him a respected figure in the world of boxing. Congratulations Mario!
Homecoming Glory for SWISD High Schools
We had two unforgettable nights of triumph for our Southwest ISD high schools during the Homecoming Games!
Dragons Soar High: The Southwest ISD Dragons dominated the field, securing a resounding victory with a final score of 47-7 over Laredo Nixon.
Titan Triumph: The SW Legacy Titans proved their mettle, sealing the deal with a thrilling 10-7 win against the Laredo Cigarroa Toros.
A big congratulations to our incredible athletes, coaches, and the entire SWISD community for their support and dedication.
Check out SWHS photos here.
Check out SWLHS photos here.
Celebrating Perfect Attendance Stars!
We're thrilled to continue our "Attend to Win" campaign, recognizing the dedication and commitment of our outstanding students and classes across the District!
Dr. Ball had a fantastic time visiting students throughout the district, spreading smiles, and handing out popsicles and exciting prizes to this week's winners!
A HUGE shoutout and heartfelt thank you to the Southwest Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the perfect attendance prizes. Your support means the world to us!
We couldn't be prouder of our incredible students and their families for prioritizing attendance. Your commitment to education is truly inspiring!
Let's keep up the fantastic work, everyone!
SWISD Celebrates World Teacher Day
This week, we celebrated World Teacher's Day. Our teachers are more than just educators; they are the pillars of knowledge, the spark of enthusiasm, and the embodiment of passion in our schools. They inspire, guide, and shape the future of our students and our community.
In honor of World Teachers Day, we decided to ask our students what they love most about their teachers and why.
To all of our dedicated teachers: Thank you for your commitment, your efforts, and the incredible impact you make in the lives of our students. You are the heart of our district and community, and we are incredibly grateful for you.
Spicewood Park's Science Night Sparks Young Minds and Ignites Curiosity
The hallways of Spicewood Park ES were buzzing with excitement as students, parents, and teachers came together for an unforgettable Science Night. The event showcased the boundless curiosity and creativity of our young scientists. Participants enjoyed creating fun mixtures and solutions for interactive energy demonstrations. Our SPE families were treated to a night filled with hands-on learning and discovery where imaginations soared, questions flourished, and the love for science truly took flight. Thank you to all who made this Science Night an astounding success!
SW Legacy Team Tennis wins District Championship
SWISD Athletics would like to congratulate coaches Javier Gomez, Wes Beltran, and Titan Team Tennis on a truly HISTORIC season as they are making their first playoff appearance in the history of the program and did it while winning the first Team Tennis District Championship! The Titans will enter the playoffs as the #1 seed from District 28-5A and will play in the Bi-District round of the playoffs against Jefferson High School on Tuesday,10/10 at 10 am at the McFarlin Tennis Center. We wish the Titans the best of luck as they march through the UIL 5A Team Tennis Playoffs.
SWISD Athletics would also like to congratulate Coach Willie Arceo, Michael Ludyen and Dragon Team Tennis on another stellar season as well as continuing their streak of qualifying for the playoffs. The Dragons will enter the playoffs as the #2 seed from District 28-5A and will face Highlands High School in the Bi-District playoffs on Tuesday,10/10 at 10 am at McFarlin Tennis Center. Good Luck Dragons!
SWHS Girls and Boys Watter Polo Playoff Information
The SWISD Athletics Department is excited to congratulate the Southwest High School Girls and Boys Water Polo teams coached by David Moore and Jerry Hernandez for earning a repeat berth into the UIL 6A Water Polo State Playoffs!
The Lady Dragons will kick off their playoff journey against Alamo Heights on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Alamo Heights Aquatic Center at 5 p.m. Tickets for the match will be $5 for adults and $3 for students. Visit www.swisd.net/athletics to purchase tickets.
The Dragons will also kick off their playoff journey against Alamo Heights on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. at the Alamo Heights Aquatic Center.
Dragon Volleyball is on Fire
Dragon Volleyball is going strong! The Lady Dragons are currently 30-4 overall and 8-0 in District 28-5A play. KSAT recently did a story, which you can read here.You can also catch them in action tonight at 6p.m. at SWHS as they face Medina Valley!
SWHS Football Gives Back
In the wise words of Coach Franco, "Life is a two-way street; if you're given something, you should give something back." Our Dragon Warriors from SWHS Football are living up to this philosophy in an incredible way! To show their deep appreciation, they volunteered to clean ALL the buses in our SWISD Transportation Department. This is their way of saying thanks to those who support them.
Did you know? Our Transportation Department serves a whopping 5,000 students daily, operating a fleet of around 150 buses and employing over 100 dedicated transportation heroes!
Covering more than 115 square miles each morning and afternoon, they play an invaluable role in ensuring our district runs like clockwork.
Recently, Coach Franco rallied over 100 football players, from Freshman to Varsity, to clean buses after their routes. This act of kindness allowed our bus drivers to leave early and unwind, instead of dealing with cleaning and parking. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Our bus drivers are often the sole reason some students make it to school. Without them, some wouldn't attend school, participate in extracurricular activities, or enjoy field trips. A BIG thank you to all of bus drivers!
October Employee of the Month: Ms. Samantha Arnold, Southwest Legacy HS
We're thrilled to shine the spotlight on Ms. Samantha Arnold from Southwest Legacy High School, our October Employee of the Month!
Ms. Arnold's remarkable impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and her dedication to our students is truly outstanding. She was nominated by a parent who praised her for helping their daughter overcome shyness. The nomination also highlighted Ms. Arnold's extraordinary impact, emphasizing her ability to nurture relationships and instill a strong sense of community service in her students. Her guidance inspired students to explore ways to give back to the community. Known for her dedication, hard work, and teamwork, she organizes movie night activities involving Interact students in film selection, promotional material creation, and theme design. Additionally, the club actively participated in meaningful community service initiatives, such as helping the Salvation Army on 9/11, tree planting at Hidden Cove, and contributing to Field Day.
SWISD Curriculum & Instruction's Annual College & Career Fair
Calling all SWISD 8th graders to one of the year's most anticipated events – The SWISD Career & College Fair! 8th graders, get ready to explore a world of possibilities for your future.
- Discover Your Passions: Explore various career options, from medicine to technology, arts to engineering, and everything in between!
- Plan Your Path: Learn about different colleges and universities.
- Meet the Pros: Connect with professionals in various fields and get insights into what it takes to succeed in your dream career.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare to dream big! This event is your chance to kickstart your journey towards a bright and promising future.
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Survey
The Division of Review and Support at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) strives to improve special education services for Texas local education agencies (LEAs). Parents are invited to complete this anonymous survey to help support Southwest ISD by gathering information for all stakeholders that will assist TEA in futher developing support and resources. The survey runs from now till Dec. 22. Click here to take the survey.
Homegrown: Lauren Terrazas
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 Lauren Terrazas, SWISD Safety Clerk.
Terrazas appreciates the opportunities that SWISD has given her. "When I think of Southwest, it has given me a lot of opportunities. I really emphasize that. I have had many great experiences with everyone that I have worked with."
If you know of alumni that work in the SWISD district that you would like to nominate to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam at sruiz9098@swisd.net.
SWISD Teacher Feature: Michelle Guajardo
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 High School to get to know English 2 Teacher Mrs. Michelle Guajardo. Mrs. Guajardo started her teaching career as a summer school English teacher back in 1991 and has spent 32 year teaching career in a Southwest High School Classroom.
Having some talent can provide a student writer with a slight advantage. However, it's important to understand that talent alone isn't sufficient for becoming a skilled writer. The process of writing involves multiple stages, including drafting, editing, revising, and continuous practice. This is precisely what Mrs. Guajardo is teaching her English 2 students.
Reflecting on her own high school experience, Mrs. Guajardo describes herself as an average student who lacked significant motivation or a clear vision for her future. It wasn't until the beginning of her Junior year that her vision for the future started coming into focus. Mrs. Guajardo discovered that she ranked in the top 25 percent of her graduating class and was eligible for scholarships. She recalls, "It felt like a sudden revelation, igniting an intense drive within me." From that moment on, she dedicated herself to improving her grades, graduating at the top of her class and ultimately completed her degree.
What motivated Mrs. Guajardo to embark on a teaching career? She fondly recalls her mother playfully suggesting, "Why not become a teacher? You'll have evenings, weekends, and summers off to spend with your children." In truth, Mrs. Guajardo's inspiration for teaching came from, Mrs. Burge, one of Mrs. Guajardo’s high school English teachers. Mrs. Burge once reviewed a question written by Mrs. Guajardo and confidently declared to the entire class that Mrs. Guajardo was an English teacher in the making.
Mrs. Guajardo finds joy in good music, relishes great food, and cherishes the company of loved ones. Mrs. Guajardo is passionate about creating. "I truly enjoy exploring new things, whether it's creating delicious meals or writing stories that capture cherished family memories," she states. Mrs. Guajardo leverages her passion for creation in her teaching approach, consistently seeking innovative ways to introduce the essential skills her students need to succeed.
Mrs. Guajardo, 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.
SWISD Parents Mark Your Calendars for the SWISD Parent Symposium
SWISD Community, register now for the inaugural SWISD Parent Symposium. SWISD Parent Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at Southwest High School. This event promises to be an invaluable resource for parents and guardians, offering various informative sessions to enhance their engagement in their child's education and well-being.
The Parent Symposium will feature diverse workshops, allowing attendees to choose three sessions that align with their interests and concerns. These sessions will cover crucial topics, including:
- Pre K - 5th Literacy & Math
- College Information
- Career and Technical Education
- SWISD Counseling
- Advanced Academics
- Attendance
- Drug & Safety Awareness
- Plus Other Exciting Topics
In addition to the informative sessions, Southwest ISD is pleased to offer a free Mini Medics Camp tailored for Kindergarten through 5th-grade students. This camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., providing a fun and educational experience for children while their parents attend the Parent Symposium. Please note that a limited number of slots are available for the Mini Medics Camp, and registration is required via the provided QR code on the flyer. Stay tuned for more details about the specific session offerings and registration information.