Southwest ISD Points of Pride
August 22nd, 2023
August 25, 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.
Scobee MS Teacher Video Picking Up Steam with Positive Affirmations for Class
Dr. Julius Lollis says he wants to be the teacher he needed growing up. The Scobee Middle School Social Studies teacher, needed a positive role model to teach him to appreciate the world around him and to be grateful. It's why he's starting the year teaching students about positive affirmations. A coworker recorded him giving this lesson to his class, and the video is getting quite a bit of attention on social media.
In a recent interview, Dr. Lollis shared his motivation for teaching, “My reason for teaching is the story of why I’m here today. I am the teacher I needed at my student’s age." Entering year 10 of teaching, Dr. Lollis has created a comfortable and nurturing learning environment for his students. He stresses the significance of vulnerability and perspective and encourages his pupils to practice empathy towards one another. Dr. Lollis' steadfast commitment to teaching is evident in his strong bond with his students, which is a testament to his passion for the profession.
Dragon Football Game Day: Peanut Butter Bowl
Dragon Football is back in business tonight! Come out to Dragon stadium for the Peanut Butter Bowl Game against Lockhart at 7 p.m.
Please remember to bring your peanut butter donations to the stadium! We thank you for your support as we battle hunger in our community together. "When WE Feed People In Need, We All WIN!"
Titan Football Gearing up for Peanut Butter Bowl
The Southwest Legacy Titans will take on the Burbank Bulldogs in the Peanut Butter Bowl Game on Saturday, August 26, at 10AM, at Alamo Stadium!
Please remember to bring your peanut butter donations this week to the game day stadium location. We thank you for your support as we battle hunger in our community together. "When We Feed People In Need, We All WIN!"
Hair Bows and Smiles Filled the Halls of SWISD Schools for First Day of School
SWISD had a wonderful first day of school! It was great to see the smiles on our teachers, hear the laughs of our students, and see the SWISD family all back together. We are excited to see what positive things this school year has in store. We wish everyone a happy and successful school year!
Texas Yes Delivers School Supplies to Elementary Students
SWISD is so thankful to partner with Texas Yes Project this year to bring more school supplies to some of our elementary campuses! We loved seeing the excitement in our students eyes as TEXAS YES brought along some special guests including volunteers from Generations Federal Credit Union, The Cat In The Hat, Michelangelo from the Ninja Turtles, Olaf from Frozen, and Spiderman! It was a fun-filled morning and we appreciate TEXAS YES and their incredible volunteers!
SWHS Seniors Create Memories During Senior Sunrise
As another school year begins this fall, so do Senior class traditions passed down from those before them. The Southwest HS Senior Class of 2024 was no different. The Senior Dragons celebrated the start of their Senior year by adding new memories as they hung out, ate breakfast, and posed for pictures at their Senior Sunrise event early Thursday morning. Good luck this year! GO DRAGONS!
Homegrown
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their great accomplishments. ‘Homegrown,' is our weekly segment where we highlight successful SW alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also look at how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week we interviewed Southwest Fine Arts clerk, Rhonda Black.
Mrs. Black shares her thoughts on her appreciation for the SWISD family and community. "It was my way to give back to the community that gave us so much."
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 Ruiz at sruiz9098@swisd.net.
SPREAD THE NEWS: SWISD is Offering a Retire/Rehire Incentive
Southwest ISD is offering a retire/rehire incentive for retired teachers seeking to come back to work in a high area of need. Beginning August 16, 2023, any retiree who is hired for a general education teaching position will receive a $2500 signing incentive. Any retiree who is hired for a special education teaching position will receive a $4000 signing incentive. Retirees are advised to consult the Teacher Retirement System to understand the potential impact of accepting such a position on their annuity. Click here for a list of job openings: https://bit.ly/SWISDJobs
Southwest Education Foundation Holds Fundraiser at Chipotle
Southwest Education Foundation Grant Teacher Application Window Opens
The mission of the Southwest Education Foundation is to provide financial resources and serve as ambassadors for the programs and initiatives that support the SWISD Strategic Plan. The 2023-2024 Southwest Education Foundation grant window is now open. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 1 at 5 p.m. To apply, click here.
SW CARES Ribbon Cutting
Earlier this month, SWISD celebrated the grand opening of our SW C.A.R.E.S Center. The center will serve as a Mental Health resource for our students and parents. Clinicians are located on site to serve as an advocacy, community, and emotional support system for clients. We are proud to welcome our new center and its staff! To learn more about the SW C.A.R.E.S Center click here.
Vibrant Summer at Southwest ISD as Diverse Camps Spark Enthusiasm
During the summer, Southwest ISD bustled with activity as students of various ages took part in a wide array of summer camps. These camps encompassed activities such as football, volleyball, music, arts, and band, drawing students to the campus.
Educators Kick-Off New School Year at Convocation 2023
Just before the new school year began, we had a blast celebrating with all of the Southwest ISD staff and bringing the fun from all around the world! This years theme for our 2023-2024 Convocation was Destination Southwest ISD: "Where Dreams Take Flight." Our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeanette Ball, and our Board of Trustees President, Sylvester Vasquez Jr. had the opportunity to recognize Dr. Keith & Cheri Byrom as Pillars of the Community, as well as some friends of the SWISD community, Robert and Cindy Hall and Carr Hornbuckle for their many contributions over the years.
In addition to these recognitions, Dr. Ball also awarded the SWISD Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary Castro for her commitment to education. We also had Dr. Tim Elmore, CEO and Founder of Growing Leaders, as a special guest speaker to recognize the importance role that each staff member plays in the success of Southwest ISD. Finally, we had a blast doing 'spirit checks' with our campuses to see who could be the loudest and creative! Kriewald Road School Of The Arts took home the inaugural Convocation Spirit Stick at the end of the show, followed by music, a balloon drop, and lots of excitement for a new school year!
Transportation Shines at Convocation 2023, Inspires New Creative Costume Award Category
At Convocation 2023, a single department managed to distinguish itself: transportation. Employees stole the spotlight by dressing up as pilots and flight attendants. Their energy and innovative spirit were truly infectious and captured the essence of the event in the best way possible. As a result, a new category will be introduced for the best creative costume award in the upcoming year.
Dr. Ball of Southwest ISD Engages in San Antonio Education State of Education Legislative Briefing
In late July, Dr. Ball, the superintendent of Southwest ISD, participated in the San Antonio Education State of Education Legislative Briefing. The panel for this event comprised local educators and legislators, including Sen. Menendez, Rep. Gervin-Hawkins, Rep. Allison, Superintendent Toscano, Superintendent Aquino, and Superintendent Ball. The briefing was organized by Raise Your Hand Texas and RootEd, with its focus on discussing state laws that have an impact on public education. The topics covered during the discussions encompassed critical areas such as school safety, funding allocation, and testing procedures.