Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
May 19, 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.
Southwest HS & CAST STEM HS Host Senior Walk Celebration
On May 18th, both CAST STEM High School and Southwest High School hosted their 2023 Senior Walk celebration, which saw schools from SWHS' feeder pattern join the festivities. The event was a huge success, with attendees enjoying delicious food and watching great student performances. Seeing the community support the school's graduating seniors was great.
The Senior Walk celebration is a wonderful way to honor the graduating seniors and their achievements. It was also an excellent opportunity for students, families, and the SWISD community to unite and celebrate. One of the event's highlights was graduating seniors from both CAST STEM High School and Southwest High School were selected for the chance to win a brand new Toyota Corolla car. Names were drawn from a list of qualifying students. Southwest ISD will have Facebook live coverage of the ten students trying their luck at North Park Toyota on May 25. Good luck, Seniors!
SWISD Police Department Celebrates 'National Police Week'
Today, we had the pleasure of treating the dedicated police officers of Southwest ISD to a delicious grilled hamburger feast. It was our way of showing our appreciation for their commitment to keeping our district safe.
During the luncheon, we celebrated these incredible men and women who go above and beyond to protect and serve our community. From ensuring the safety of our schools to maintaining order and offering a helping hand, our SWISD officers truly embody the spirit of service.
To all the officers of Southwest ISD, we thank you for everything you do. Your dedication and selflessness are an inspiration to us all. We are immensely grateful for your service and the sacrifices you make each day to keep us safe.
Resnik Student Competes at National Robotics Competition
SWISD Beyond the Arches: Genaya Santos
On this episode of Beyond The Arches, we highlight Genaya Santos, an eighth grader at Scobee Middle School who is trying to bring a focus on nutrition for the future of Southwest ISD athletics.
#wearesw #igniteyoursuccess #swisdbeyondthearches
Southwest Legacy Students Try New Menu Items
During lunch today, the students at Southwest Legacy HS had a fantastic opportunity to try out an array of delicious potential menu items provided by two of SWISD's incredible food vendors: Don Lee Farms and Rich's.
From whole-grain maple waffle flatbread breakfast sandwiches to mouthwatering quesadillas and irresistible pizza bites, the samples offered a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary possibilities at our school.
District Dietitian KyLee Oefinger and the dedicated Child Nutrition Department were present to gather valuable feedback from the students regarding these special menu selections. Their aim is to create nutritious and wholesome menus that truly resonate with our students' tastes and preferences.
This event is just the beginning! Our goal is to continue developing healthy and appealing menus for all campuses within our district, ensuring that every student has access to delicious and nourishing meals.
We're incredibly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to enhancing the dining experience for our students. Stay tuned for more updates on future food events and menu developments!
Beyond the Arches Bonus Edition: Senior Car Giveaway
It was round two for the senior car giveaway from Southwest and CAST STEM High Schools. The final seniors have been selected. We spoke to a couple of Seniors who earned a chance to win the Senior Car Giveaway at the 2023 Senior Walk on this bonus edition of Beyond the Arches.
SWISD School Board Recognizes Outstanding Students
Some of Southwest ISD’s exceptional students were recognized for their remarkable leadership and academic excellence at this month's Board meeting. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to us all, and we couldn't be prouder of their dedication and hard work.
These remarkable students have not only excelled academically but have also demonstrated outstanding character and dedication to their goals. They represent the future leaders and change-makers of our community, and we couldn't be more proud to have them as part of our school family.
Join us in congratulating these extraordinary individuals:
Elementary Student of the Month
Genaya Santos, Scobee MS
Kailana SalcedoSumano, Sun Valley ES
Valedictorians & Salutatorians
CAST STEM HS
Kayla Rivera, Valedictorian
Alexis Martinez, Salutatorian
Southwest HS
Bethanny Sczepanik, Valedictorian
Lanie Ruiz, Salutatorian
Southwest Legacy HS
Laura Lopez, Valedictorian
Isabella Luna, Salutatorian
Business Professionals of America Nationals Students
Southwest High School's Career and Technical students recently participated in the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, from April 26 to 30. This conference brought together nearly six thousand delegates from all over the country who competed in various business and information technology skills competitions, attended leadership and professional development workshops, received awards for community service activities, and obtained industry-based certifications. Today, we would like to express our appreciation and celebrate the dedication and enthusiasm our BPA students showed as they advanced to nationals in competitive events, honed their leadership and career skills, and made valuable contributions to the community through their service. We extend our gratitude to our CTE Teachers, Ms. Geraldine Molina and Mr. Howard Higgins, for their role as BPA Advisors.
SWHS Student-Athletes Commit to Play at the College Level
SWISD Student Snippets: Class of 2023 Valedictorians & Salutatorians
At this month's board meeting, all the accomplishments and accolades achieved by the Class of 2023 from all three high schools were recognized. In this week’s Snippets, we visit with the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from our three illustrious high schools.
Southwest Legacy’s Valedictorian, Laura Lopez, plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in biomedical engineering. After earning her undergraduate degree, Laura will pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree in dentistry.
Isabella Luna, SWL Salutatorian, plans to major in health and science at the University of Texas at Austin. She plans to use the certification earned in high school to work as a dental assistant while earning her undergraduate degree.
At CAST STEM HS, Salutatorian Alexis Martinez plans to attend Incarnate Word University to major in nursing. Upon graduation, Alexis would like to become a Physician’s Assistant. Kayla Rivera, the 2023 CAST STEM Valedictorian, plans to attend Texas A&M College Station to major in mechanical engineering and eventually work for Walt Disney theme parks as an Imagineer.
Finally, at Southwest HS, the Salutatorian Lanie Ruiz has set her sights on attending Texas A&M University in College Station. Her intended major is Animal Science, and she plans to apply to Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine.
As for SWHS, Valedictorian Bethanny Sczepanik plans to attend the University of North Texas, majoring in Biology. Upon graduation, Bethanny plans on attending medical school and becoming a physician.
There will be some rest and relaxation, celebration parties, and vacation travel plans before these SWISD HS alums start college in the fall. Congratulations to these women from our SWISD High Schools, empowering them to succeed now and in their futures. GO TITANS! GO COBRAS! GO DRAGONS!
McAuliffe Middle School
MCA's choir students sounded awesome and did a fantastic job at their Spring Concert. Talk about ending the school year on a high note!
MCA GT students have been working on their research projects and were able to showcase their work, discussing their findings with parents & the community at the choir concert. #RocketStrong
Resnik Middle School
Scobee Middle School
Bob Hope Elementary
Elm Creek Elementary
Hidden Cove STEAM Academy
Medio Creek Elementary
Southwest Elementary
Spicewood Park Elementary
Sun Valley Elementary
Homegrown: Luis Fonseca
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their accomplishments. ‘Homegrown,' is our weekly segment highlighting successful SW alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also examine how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week, in honor of National Police Week, we spoke with Southwest ISD Police Officer Luis Fonseca.
If you know of alumni that work in the SWISD district that you would like to recommend to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam Ruiz at sruiz9098@swisd.net.
SWISD Teacher Feature: Richard Baker
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, in honor of National Police Week, we spoke with Southwest ISD Police Officer, Sergeant Richard Baker. Sergeant Baker has spent the last 10 years of his 11-year law enforcement career serving SWISD.
Police Sergeant Richard Baker of the Southwest Independent School District (SWISD) recently shared his heartfelt journey and provided insights into his life as a law enforcement officer.
Despite limited encounters with the law during his upbringing, Baker expressed gratitude to the police officers who offered assistance during those rare occasions. However, a School Resource Officer during his high school years became his mentor and left an indelible impact on him. Tragically, the untimely passing of his mentor redirected Baker's path, but he remained committed to emulating the support he had received. Ultimately, he made the life-changing decision to pursue a career in law enforcement, driven by the cherished memory of his beloved mentor.
As a Police Sergeant in SWISD, Baker draws inspiration from the remarkable dedication exhibited by all staff members in the district. Immersed in the vibrant community, he encounters warm and welcoming individuals from various departments who wholeheartedly embrace their roles in serving SWISD and its community. Baker has yet to meet an employee lacking passion for their work, and their unwavering drive and dedication motivate him to consistently strive for excellence in his position, contributing to the betterment of the community he proudly serves.
Beyond his law enforcement duties, Baker possesses a lesser-known playful side. He describes himself as a bit of a goofball and reveals his hidden talent of touching his nose with his tongue, showcasing a lighthearted aspect of his personality.
Celebrating recent achievements, Baker's most notable accomplishment this year is his well-deserved promotion to Sergeant within the police department. Recognizing his exceptional dedication, he has also been nominated for the esteemed State of Texas Achievement Award, scheduled for June 16, 2023, at the State Capitol. This prestigious accolade, described as "one of Texas' highest obtainable awards in law enforcement," highlights Baker's exemplary commitment to his profession and community.
When asked to share wisdom with students, Baker emphasizes managing anger. He advises against making impulsive decisions driven by anger, encouraging individuals to remove themselves from volatile situations, reflect calmly, and revisit the issue once composure is regained. Recognizing the potentially life-altering consequences of anger-driven choices, Baker underscores the significance of thoughtfulness and serenity in decision-making.
Throughout his journey, Baker has cherished advice that deeply resonated with him: to seize every opportunity that comes his way, even if he doesn't initially meet all qualifications or requirements. This valuable counsel has propelled him forward, enabling him to embrace new challenges with determination and resilience.
While Baker finds it challenging to single out one hero, he takes the opportunity to commend the men and women of the Southwest ISD Police Department. These dedicated individuals consistently go above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of the Southwest ISD community, inspiring Baker and reinforcing his commitment to serving with integrity and purpose.
This episode of Scoreboard with Brandon Medina & Peter Wagner is all about the future! The show opens with a quick convo about Legacy High School's Anthony Zapata at the State Track meet, and then we look at what to expect in the next generation of SWISD athletes! We included Coach Sandra Hernandez, who helps to coordinate athletic events for the district, and Rene Rodriguez, the Assistant Athletic Director of Aquatics for SWISD's new Aquatic Center. Coach Hernandez talks about the future of SWISD with the track & field day our students had in elementary and 6th grade across the district! Rene Rodriguez goes over the first year of the Aquatic Center, how important it is to the district's mission moving forward, and what to look forward to this summer!
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SWISD Communications Department
Email: news@swisd.net
Website: www.swisd.net
Location: 11914 Dragon Ln, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-622-4408
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