Southwest ISD Points of Pride
January 26, 2024
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.
Opening Night for SWISD Penguin Project's The Little Mermaid Jr.
Preparations are underway for tonight's first performance of the SWISD Penguin Project's The Little Mermaid Jr. It is set to captivate audiences tonight and tomorrow with shows starting at 7pm at Southwest High School. Prepare to be transported under the sea as the talented young performers bring to life the enchanting tale of Ariel, the mermaid princess. This family-friendly production promises to be a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.
The Penguin Project is a groundbreaking district initiative that provides individuals with special needs, 4th-12th grade, the opportunity to participate in performing arts alongside their peer mentors. Through collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity, the Penguin Project aims to showcase the abilities of individuals, regardless of their challenges.
The video below is a sneak peak of all the hard work that went into this project. You can still purchase tickets here.
RESNIK MS Teacher Surprised with TAMUSA Classroom of the Month Recognition
We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Ledesma, a teacher from Resnik Middle School, has been recognized as the ASPIRE Classroom of the Month by Texas A&M University-San Antonio. This program has honored more than 25 classrooms and teachers, and we're proud that several have come from Southwest ISD.
The surprise announcement took place today, with Texas A&M San Antonio President Ochoa, his staff, and Dr. Ball surprising Mrs. Ledesma in front of her students, colleagues, and even her family. Mrs. Ledesma's husband, children, and sister were in attendance to share in the excitement. She was nominated by Ms. Nelia, who praised her for being an excellent teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students:
"Mrs. Ledesma is an amazing teacher who has earned the utmost respect and admiration from her students. They appreciate everything she has done to make their educational journey truly exceptional. In the classroom, she consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating a deep commitment to her students' success. Mrs. Ledesma is known for engaging her students in meaningful conversations about their aspirations and the importance of higher education. She encourages them to think about their future goals and infuses her lessons with real-life examples and stories that emphasize the benefits of pursuing higher education, making the concept more tangible for her students. Through her dedication to fostering a college-going culture in the classroom, Mrs. Ledesma inspires her students to set their sights on higher education and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination."
As a token of appreciation for her hard work and dedication to her students, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, in partnership with Community First Health Plans, is presenting Mrs. Ledesma with a check for $1,000. This recognition is well-deserved, and we celebrate Mrs. Ledesma's commitment to excellence in education.
Congratulations to Mrs. Ledesma and Resnik Middle School for this well-earned recognition as the ASPIRE Classroom of the Month!
SWISD Student Spotlight: Giselle Rodriguez, 7th Grade Resnik Middle School
If you've never heard it before, the sound of the guitarron is like a warm and deep heartbeat that resonates through your soul. This Mexican bass instrument creates a rich and full sound that forms the base of mariachi music. When someone plays the guitarron well, its strings create a strong and calming melody. The sound of the guitarron is a significant part of what makes mariachi music unique.
In the vibrant community of SWISD Mariachi Music, Resnik Middle School 7th Grader Giselle Rodriguez stands out as a rising star, capturing the hearts of audiences with her exceptional talent playing the guitarron. Recently, at the All-Region Mariachi auditions, in only her second year of playing, Giselle achieved a remarkable feat by securing the coveted 2nd chair in guitarron. She says she is very excited to play her guitarron at the Texas Music Educators Association’s All-Region Mariachi Clinic.
Giselle got her inspiration to join Resnik Mariachi from her father. She says, “My dad really likes Mariachi Music, and I wanted to play something for him.” Her favorite mariachi song is “Los Laureles” because it was the first song she learned to play. Although she had never played a musical instrument before, Giselle says she picked up playing the guitarron pretty quickly. One of her favorite parts about being in the Resnik Mariachi Group is going places and performing with her friends. Giselle feels like their music makes people happy.
Beyond the music, Giselle is known for her humble, friendly demeanor and for being a wonderful student. She hopes to one day be a music teacher. Giselle embodies the spirit and cultural pride we like to instill in our students. Giselle Rodriguez, with her 2nd chair placement, is not only making her mark in the world of mariachi but is a source of pride for Resnik Middle School and Southwest ISD. Way to go, Giselle—keep up the good work!
Rise and Shine: Transforming Mornings with Campus Breakfasts in Classrooms (BIC)
As the pandemic came to a close, the Child Nutrition Department found that some of the elementary campuses were continuing to have their students eat meals in the classrooms. This method was common during the pandemic in order to keep students clustered with their classmates and to prevent the spread of covid to other students. As we transitioned back to the “new normal” they also found that some of the methods being used by the campuses were not in compliance with our meal programs and they decided to try BIC as a win-win for our compliance requirements and the needs of the schools and their students.
Child Nutrition piloted the BIC program at Medio Creek beginning on November 29, 2022. They used this pilot site to work out some of the challenges, known and unknown, before they started offering the program to other elementary schools.
The key to success with this program is collaboration and communication with the campus administrators. They have met with the campus administrative teams to introduce BIC to them and discuss the campus’ responsibilities and the kitchen staff’s responsibilities regarding the program. Child Nutrition administrators attend staff meetings at the campuses to train the teachers on what to expect and to answer any questions they may have. This program has allowed them to feed more students and to provide easier access to breakfast for students that are running late or maybe don’t like going to the cafeteria in the morning.
The Child Nutrition Department has purchased bags and carts specifically for use in BIC. Each classroom has their own assigned bags and cart which the kitchen staff uses to provide enough meals for each student on that classroom’s roster. When the bags are brought back to the cafeteria after breakfast, the kitchen staff goes through each bag and sorts and records the leftovers.
The department received $6,800 from the 'DairyMAX Nutrition Now' grant in 2022 to assist with the purchasing of equipment (bags, carts, etc.) to implement BIC at Medio Creek, Kriewald, and Sun Valley. This year, we have been awarded $49,000 from the 'DairyMAX Nutrition Now' grant and $25,000 from the 'No Kid Hungry' grant to assist with the equipment needs to finish the BIC implementation at our remaining elementary schools.
The Voices of Tomorrow: McNair Middle School's Student Announcers Shine
Student's at McNair Middle School help to get the day started off well by delivering announcements in the morning. A selection of five students handle the announcements, which is bilingual to ensure the school is inclusive. Each month there are new announcers that are trained by the previous speakers and this activity has really helped to create great communicators, as well as young leaders at McNair Middle School.
Rylen Saldana, a seventh grader, said "the announcements have really helped me come out of my shell. I did the announcements in the sixth grade last year, and it helped me communicate a lot better with other people. I was scared coming from the fifth grade to the sixth grade because of the new school and new people, but the announcements have really helped me come out of my shell and make me feel a lot better about myself".
Kelvin Toal, a seventh grader, said that not only has he enjoyed being a part of the announcements team, but that it has also helped to encourage him to communicate more, which has limited a speech problem he had in elementary.
Feeding Success - Dr. Ball Treats The Southwest Legacy Girls Basketball Team
Drum Cafe USA Brings Rhythm And Beats To Kriewald School of the Arts
Kriewald School of the Arts got the rhythm going with a visit from Drum Cafe USA sponsored by community partner Trinity University. #DestinationSWISD @drumcafeusa
Homegrown: Cindy Silva
We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their accomplishments. ‘Homegrown' is our weekly segment highlighting 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 hear from McNair 6th grade Math Teacher, Cindy SIlva.
Silva was inspired by her high school teachers to pursue a career in education. “I was working alongside all four of my core teachers that I had when I went to McNair, that was really cool. I just felt really inspired by all the teachers that I had growing up here at Southwest." She wants to teach her students lessons beyond the classroom. Above all us, I try to teach my students how to be problem solvers."
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.
SWISD Teacher Feature: Melody Banda
"On this week's Teacher Feature, we visit McAuliffe Middle School 7th Grade Math Teacher Melody Banda who shares how she creates a positive environment by giving her students the best opportunity for success. "
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 High School Families Partner Up With Texas A&M-San Antonio's La Familia Program
The road to college just got a little easier for several SWISD students from CAST STEM, Southwest and Southwest Legacy High Schools and their parents. Texas A&M-San Antonio’s La Familia program provides an opportunity for parents of high school students to attend a six-week workshop with community partner Cafe con Leche that covers a span of topics on how to apply, and pay for college.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeanette Ball, along with SWISD High School principals, and staff were in attendance to celebrate along with all our SWISD HS families. Two of our CAST STEM parents shared their stories on how this program will help them guide their children on their pathway into college.
Parents were recognized with a certificate of completion and their students were given a $1,000 scholarship to attend Texas A&M-San Antonio. Learn more about the La Familia program and how you can get a jump start on your child's college experience here: https://bit.ly/3UbnWTG
Congratulations to all SWISD HS students and families. GO COBRAS, DRAGONS & TITANS!!
Beyond the Bases: A Look At Southwest Legacy Softball
On this episode of Beyond The Arches, we look at Legacy Softball and how the program has grown, as well as what the star players look forward to this season!
Breaking School Records
On this episode of Scoreboard we highlight swimming, diving, soccer, basketball, the upcoming track season, and more! We have a jam packed show full of history setters and record breakers!
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
Southwest Education Foundation Spurs Night
We are excited to announce that this year’s SWEF Spurs Night will take place on February 2nd. Go Public will donate $5/ticket sold to Education Foundations. Ticket purchasers will select their district at checkout.*
The first 250 tickets sold get the Exclusive VIP Early Access Pre-Game Warm Up. Early access to the arena and sit courtside to watch the players warm up!
Random drawings for the Post-Game Free Throw
All tickets purchased get a San Antonio Spurs Tote
Purchase your tickets here: https://bit.ly/SpursNight24