Points of Pride
Southwest ISD Newsletter
December 16, 2022
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 Penguin Project Peer Mentors Creating Close Bonds
Two students who are volunteering as peer mentors for the first SWISD Penguin Project production of Annie Jr. are creating lasting memories and building new friendships.
For McNair Middle School, 6th Grader, Addison Leddy, the Penguin Project blends her budding interest in theater and her passion for helping others who have special needs, “I have a few family members with Down's Syndrome, so it's relatable to work with my partner.” Addison has some experience under her belt from acting in previous SWISD shows and says the SWISD Penguin Project is, “A super fun experience.” CAST STEM Sophomore and SWISD seasoned actress, Eve Baker, cites her mother, a Special Education Teacher, as the source for her inspiration to work with the SWISD Penguin Project. Eve says she has been helping her mother with summer camps and has really enjoyed that experience. Eve adds, “I thought, this is going to be fun.”
The Penguin Project is a unique theater experience where all the acting roles are filled by young artists with special needs. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors,” other students the same age who have volunteered to work side-by-side with the actors through rehearsals and the final performance of the hit Musical Annie Jr.
The program provides a supportive environment for children with special needs to explore their creative talents. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. The impact of the program has reached beyond the stage to create a social network for children who previously had very few friends and limited social opportunities.
As peer mentors, both Addison and Eve do things like help their Penguin Project buddies stay focused, learn dance steps, and run through lines. “It's going pretty well,” says Eve, “it's a little easier for me because we both like to mess around a lot. Especially during the breaks when we can all joke around about the play. I think it's pretty fun.” Between scenes, Addison enjoys hanging out and talking with her buddy Sammy, “You just talk to him. And it's interesting.” According to Addison, one of her best experiences was being proud of her buddy, who is a really good actor, but sometimes has trouble remembering his lines, memorized his scene, and went through a full run-through at rehearsals without missing a line.
All of our students involved in the Penguin Project are making lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. The SWISD production of Annie Jr premieres January 27th at 7 pm at the Southwest High School auditorium with a second performance on January 28th. Come join the fun and support the SWISD Penguin Project. Check the SWISD website for ticketing information or to learn more about SWISD’s Penguin Project.
Bob Hope ES Celebrates 50th Anniversary
SWISD Teacher of the Year Winners
SWHS Power Lifting Kicks Off the 2022-2023 Season
Medio Creek ES Student Finds Strength in Specialized Therapy
Medio Creek third-grader Julian Herrera has accomplished more than most people three times his age despite living with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a group of rare congenital disorders characterized by multiple joint contractures. He's gone skiing, rock climbing, horseback riding, zip-lining and even participated in a rope adventure course.
Kelly Herrera, Julian's mother, said he was first diagnosed when she was still pregnant with him. He was born premature and also diagnosed with Gastroschisis, which involves the baby's intestines being outside of the body. Julian was a fighter from the beginning and endured seven surgeries. The majority of his life has been spent with doctors and undergoing therapy to help with his mobility. In 2021, he began therapy sessions through the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), a non-profit organization offering comprehensive rehabilitation services for children with neurological, muscular, and skeletal disabilities.
Julian's mother says the CRIT therapy sessions were a game changer. After a few weeks of swim therapy, his confidence in the pool grew tremendously. Now he's one of the better swimmers his age with and without a disability.
"We're very thankful to be a part of CRIT. Not only for the recreational therapy and physical therapy services Julian receives but for the extra mile they go by providing family services, counseling, social event gatherings, nutrition and much more. They really look at the whole picture," said Julian's mother, Kelly.
Now Julian is hoping to raise awareness of his condition and benefits of CRIT therapy sessions. This Saturday, he hopes his friends and the rest of the SWISD community will tune into the 2022 TeletonUSA airing on Univision starting at 10 AM. The outgoing youngster hopes to be featured in year's event to tell his story and accomplishments.
SWHS Cosmetology Students Hold "Uniting Teens Through Jeans" Donation Drive
Cosmetology students at Southwest High School are learning about more than just beauty secrets for great skin, hair and nails. They are also getting educated on the importance of giving back to the community. Twice a year, Cosmetology instructor Deborah Doege asks her students to pick a cause and dedicate their time helping the community. One of her students, who already volunteers at the Student Outreach Service Center, noticed the need for jeans. The student came back to class with the idea of starting a jean donation drive and came up with the title "United Teens Through Jeans." Students in every cosmetology class jumped on board and got to work. The students collected more than 100 jeans and stocked My Neighbors Keeper at the Student Outreach Service Center. The drive was so successful, it will become an annual drive.
"I was a salon owner before I became a teacher and I know how important it is for my Cosmetology students, who one day may be business owners salons, to connect and become involved with the community. Investing in a good cause with a meaningful purpose like Uniting Teens Through Jeans allows them to create a presence and build relationships within their community." said Doege.
This isn't the first community service projected the students have participated in. The students have also volunteered their time at the San Antonio Food Bank and collected mascara for the Wands for Wildlife, an organization that collects mascara wands to help clean small wildlife.
"I hope the students learn the importance of building relationships within their community because developing that connection is essential in such a community-oriented career field. . It’s important to have a presence and not just give back to their community, but pay it forward for a meaningful purpose," added Doege.
SWISD Kicks Off Holiday Season With Annual Blue Santa Parade & Festival
Every SWISD campus participated in the parade with students and staff donned in holiday-themed clothes. Blue Santa arrived via SAPD Blue Eagle helicopter at Miller’s Pond Community Center before leading the parade procession through a Southwest ISD neighborhood. The free family event include food, music, games for children, and student performances. Thank to all who participated and supported this great community event.
Elm Creek Elementary’s Teacher of the Year Looks Back at School’s Opening
As Elm Creek Elementary celebrates its 25th Anniversary, we take some time to chat with Elm Creek’s Teacher of the Year Mrs. Mary Nino who started her career as an educator the same year Elm Creek opened in 1997.
What was Elm Creek Elementary like when it first opened?
Mrs. Nino: Everyone was excited to attend Elm Creek. Parents, district offices, teachers, and students were ready to start the new year in a whole new way. New school, new students, and new staff. Everyone wanted to be at Elm Creek. For me, it was a new adventure. I had a great experience coming in as a new teacher. My team took me in and welcomed me on day one. It was a very positive environment. Everyone was wanting the same thing and that was to do great things at Elm Creek.
What made Elm Creek Elementary unique?
Mrs. Nino: Elm Creek was unique because we were part of a partnership that was very new and believed in serving the whole child. We were trained by outside professionals starting with core values to academics. The whole school was unified and every teacher wanted this partnership to be successful. It was a lot of work but we were willing to do it for the kids. The school had a very close connection with the families in the community. There were very few changes in the curriculum because the thought was we needed to perfect it before we changed it. Parents were on board with everything we did because they believed in what we were doing for their children.
Over the past 25 years, Elm Creek Elementary has produced a high number of Top 10 SWISD Graduates. What has been the key to having so many successful students?
Mrs. Nino: The key to our success is our dedication and the passion that we have as a school and as a community. What has remained the most constant at Elm Creek, the most important thing that stays the same is the dedication the teachers put forth to make the students feel successful. The teachers at Elm Creek always want the students to be lifelong learners.
What has changed the most about Elm Creek?
Mrs. Nino: The teachers. I think of all of the teachers that have retired or that have left the profession. A lot of Elm Creek Teachers have moved on to other positions. I personally am on the other end as new teachers come into the profession and well I’m still considered old school. That’s ok because I feel that I can give my wisdom to the new teachers.
What does being Named Teacher of The Year mean for you?
Mrs. Nino: Being named Teacher of the year is very humbling and I’m grateful for being chosen. Honestly, my students always make me feel like Teacher of the Year and have made me the teacher that I am today. Every year I learn and perfect my craft in the classroom. I don’t see myself as perfect, but as a work in progress even after 25 years.
Is being Named Teacher of the Year one of your biggest accomplishments?
Mrs. Nino: Teacher of the year is not my biggest accomplishment, but it is my students’ accomplishments that make me proud. I love to see them grow. It is wonderful to teach one generation and see them bring the next generation to Elm Creek.
In fact, one of Mrs. Nino’s first kindergarten students Abigail Hernandez (pictured below in green blouse in the front row), has returned to Elm Creek Elementary as Ms. Abigail Hernandez, 5th Grade Teacher.
We wish Mrs. Nino and Elm Creek Elementary the best of luck and we want to remind you that you have come a long way, and your commitments to Growth, Service and Leadership that you have contributed to the community and district continue to inspire us. Here’s to another 25 years of success.
Southwest Shoutout - Ms. Irma Alquinez
Sometimes it's the smallest gestures that can leave a big impression on others. Such was the case earlier this month when a beloved custodian showed a little love for a busy administrator's children. McAuliffe MS Assistant Principal Michael Maldonado was working late one night as his children waited patiently for him to finish his work. The campus was hosting a movie night and Mr. Maldonado was going between outside duty and checking on students who were inside. Beloved custodian Ms. Irma Alaquinez say Mr. Maldonado's kids and joined them in a game of soccer in the hallways.
"It was a small gesture, but something that shows the kind of great people we have working at Southwest ISD," said Mr. Maldonado.
This isn't the first time Ms. Alaquinez has gone above and beyond to help a fellow SWISD employee. Mr. Maldonado said any time his children are putting in the long hours beside him, Ms. Alaquinez makes sure his children have snacks and are taken care of. Mr. Maldonado says she is one of the unsung heroes he is proud to work with here in SWISD.
Hidden Cove STEAM Academy Students Compete in Science Competition
Sky Harbour ES Students Work on Project to Help Students in the Philippines
Third-grade students at Sky Harbour Elementary are taking project-based learning to new heights and trying to solve a real-world a problem. It's a multi-class project with a goal to help students in another country. The project consisted of students coming up with a solution for students in the Philippines who have to wade or swim in water in order to get to school.
First, the students learned about the culture, community, and the history of the Philippines ins Social Studies class. They even heard a first-hand account of life growing up in the Philippines from Filipino native and Sky Harbour teacher Mrs. Patterson. Then, in Science class, third-grade students learned about density, force and motion and used the knowledge to design and build a boat that could float in water and/or race. Students are also creating a plan to hold a Third-Grade Market Day, where they can sell student-made items. The funds would be donated to the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, an organization that helps to provide a one paddle boat to students in the Philippines.
Homegrown: April Pena
If you would like to recommend an alumni to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam Ruiz at sruiz@swisd.net
2022-23 District Science Fair Winners Announced
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