Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
November 11
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.
SWISD Celebrates Veterans Day
Southwest ISD campuses honored and celebrated the many veterans that work and live in our community. Across the District, campuses held Veterans Day celebrations, ceremonies, and performances to honor the men and women who serve this great country. Students at Southwest Legacy HS created a moving tribute video which can be viewed here.
We know that whether they served in battle or supported the troops back here at home or abroad, these dedicated Americans made sacrifices and their families made sacrifices to support their service. In our community, we are reminded of the privilege it is to have this dedication and loyalty to this country by the jets that fly over us daily. Every day we appreciate our veterans, and today we honor them. On behalf of the Southwest ISD family, thank you.
CAST STEM Theatre Takes Play On the Road
Leading from the Heart at Indian Creek Elementary
He’s known for his cheery demeanor and big heart. He has spent most of his educational career around Southwest ISD middle schools as a teacher and assistant principal, but this year Mr. Richard Riojas is taking the helm as Principal of Indian Creek Elementary.
“It’s so different. I’m used to middle school students running away from me. Here, the elementary students run towards me. They just want to give so much love and they want to be acknowledged,” said Riojas.
The former Army soldier made the transition to education nearly 16 years ago. He started at Scobee Middle School and eventually moved to Resnik and McAuliffe Middle Schools.
The most significant difference he has noticed is, “These younger kids learn differently than older students. I’m fascinated by the differences. The fundamentals are taught here, so this level is very important for the success of our students in the long run. It’s my goal to ensure we create a strong foundation to build upon,” said Riojas.
Although Principal Riojas is not homegrown; he says he bleeds green. Over the years, he has seen the District grow and he says he is proud of the opportunities the District provides for its students. “I want Indian Creek to shine. Our community deserves the best.” He hopes to continue providing innovative programming at Indian Creek.
Riojas is making connecting with families a top priority. He has an open door policy, but most days he can be seen greeting parents as they drop their children off for school. Riojas credits his team for creating engaging and interactive events for students and their families. “Our social workers do so much for our students. They are amazing,” Riojas states.
Riojas says he will always value his time spent at Southwest ISD middle school campuses, but now, his heart is at Indian Creek. Simply put, Riojas states, “I love what I do. I have a great appreciation for our students and I have fun.”
Southwest FFA Students Prepare to Showcase Animals
Southwest Legacy HS Best Buddies Host Exceptional People's Pageant
The Southwest Legacy Best Buddies student organization hosted the Exceptional People's Pageant. The pageant is open to students living with special needs. The Exceptional Pageant came about from the desire to offer opportunities for exceptional young students to improve their self-confidence and social/communication skills. The pageant aims to empower individuals with developmental disabilities by giving them the opportunity to shine in the community. Organizers of the pageant also advocate the importance of self-confidence while cultivating valuable communication skills, as well as promoting self-esteem & self-value.
Southwest Legacy HS Theatre Performs Beauty and the Beast
Resnik Students Recognized as Scholar Athletes
Several students at Resnik Middle School are being recognized for their outstanding efforts in the classroom and in sports. A successful scholar-athlete is committed to achievements in both their academic and sport endeavors. These Jets were first recognized by coaching staff and also earned letters of recommendation from teachers. The goal of our Resnik Athletic Coordinators is to successfully recalibrate the student-athletes’ self perceptions and awaken recognition of their own academic potential.
Resnik Scholar-Athletes
7th grader, Jordan W.
7th grader, Emmery S. (not pictured)
8th grader, Isabella A.
8th grader, David V.
The Fire & Armor Bowl V Game wrapped up a great final week of the 2022 football season. We are proud of our Titans and Dragons players' efforts on the field. Congratulations to the SW Dragons on their Victory! We'd also like to recognize the support of both schools' student bodies, parents and families, the bands, cheer and dance, teachers and staff, Alumni, Administration, the School Board Trustees, and SWISD PD for a great experience under the Friday Night Lights. Check out more pictures here.
SWISD Mobile App Keeps Community Connected to District
We are loving our new mobile app! Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, with just one click on your phone. Always be on the go, with Southwest ISD on the go!
You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3zBUR82
Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/3zAa5dN
SWISD Communications Department
Email: news@swisd.net
Website: www.swisd.net
Location: 11914 Dragon Ln, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-622-4408
Facebook: facebook.com/SWISDsatx
Twitter: @swisd