Superintendent's Monday Message
May 28, 2024
Dear SWISD Employees,
I hope everyone had a restful and wonderful weekend. It’s hard to believe that this is the last week of the 2023-2024 school year. It sure went by fast! As we reach the end of the school year, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. In my first full year as Superintendent at SWISD, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable accomplishments of our students, the passion and dedication of our staff, and the support from our community. We will celebrate more than 800 students at commencement ceremonies this week, which I personally love because I see it not as an end but as the beginning of their bright futures. There are many exciting things in store for SWISD, this year has been full of student achievements and noteworthy moments, and great things are still happening for our students as you read about further into this message. Thanks to the community's support for our bond propositions, we have many renovations planned for the 2024-2025 school year, including a new elementary school, a new Staff Development Center/Central Office, and the much-anticipated SWHS press box. This memorable school year wouldn't have been possible without the steadfast support of SWISD staff, parents, community members and partners.
Southwest ISD and Elm Creek Elementary would like to thank the Atascosa Water Board for their generosity and support of our students. At Elm Creek Elementary, students can enjoy beautiful tables donated by the board, using them for activities, meals, and rest. The Atascosa Water Board is a generous donor and valued partner of Southwest ISD. Additionally, we would like to thank them for their generosity at the Southwest AG Booster Club's Annual Dinner/Dance fundraiser Buyers Club, where they purchased a BBQ pit for $6,000! Southwest ISD considers the Atascosa Water Board a true friend and partner, and we can't thank them enough for their generous contributions.
Last week, Jenny Collier and I joined area superintendents and their leadership teams to donate blood, showing our continued support for Uvalde. The blood donations serve as a reminder to the community that the blood on the shelves at the time of the Uvalde shooting was used for patients, highlighting the importance of regular blood donations. At this time of year, the San Antonio Blood and Tissue Center’s blood supply is low, and we will continue to support them by holding another blood drive tomorrow afternoon. I encourage everyone who can donate blood to make an appointment for tomorrow’s drive at Southwest Elementary School. Those who donate will receive a FREE Santikos movie ticket and a 30-minute game card, plus $5 off a large popcorn and drink and $15 off bowling. Book your appointment by pressing the button below.
I am delighted to announce that Mrs. Melody Banda, a 7th-grade Math Teacher from McAuliffe Middle School, has been honored by Texas A&M University-San Antonio as the ASPIRE Classroom of the Month.
The surprise recognition took place last week, with Dr. Vanessa Quiroga, Executive Director for Community Partnerships at Texas A&M San Antonio, her staff, and Brennan Loy from Community First Health, surprising Mrs. Banda in the presence of her family, students, and colleagues. Mrs. Banda was nominated by Sam Hernandez, who commended her as an exceptional teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students. Alexandra Morales, Academic Coordinator at McAuliffe Middle School, had the following to say about Mrs. Banda:
"I've had the pleasure of working with Ms. Banda for the past three years. In those three years, I am proud to say that I've watched Ms. Banda grow and challenge herself daily. She is an inspiring teacher who develops meaningful connections and builds relationships with her students. You can truly feel how much she cares about you and how genuine she is in her love and passion for education. She is not afraid to try something new and always exhibits a growth mindset in everything she does. She is a leader and works with her team to collaborate and strengthen her craft in teaching, and I appreciate her eagerness to learn and willingness to embrace change.
One thing that stands out to me about Ms. Banda is her drive and positive attitude. You always see a smile on her face, and her productive energy fills a room. We are so proud that Ms Banda is a McAuliffe Rocket and so proud of her accomplishments this year. From teacher of the year to May classroom of the Month, you truly are an inspiration to our students. Congratulations, Ms. Banda. You are very deserving of this award and we all wish you the very best in your future endeavors."
Congratulations Mrs. Banda and McAuliffe Middle School for this well-earned recognition as the ASPIRE Classroom of the Month!
A congratulatory and End of Year luncheon was held on Friday, May 24, 2024 to recognize the graduating seniors in the Student Age Parenting Program and celebrate the academic accomplishments of all students in the program. The program also has one adorable 3-year old student graduating from PCI and moving on to Pre-K3 at Kriewald Road School of the Arts.
SAPP Teacher Ms. Julie Slothower was recognized for her nine years of service to the program and 40 years of service in education as she retires at the end of the school year.
I am thrilled to announce that the Digital Innovations Librarians' summer book study on "The AI Infused Classroom" by Holly Clark is off to an amazing start! This week, they delivered books to 35 enthusiastic participants. I heard our educators were excited and eager to receive their copies. The smiles and enthusiasm showed how much collaborative learning and new ideas matter. I'm looking forward to hearing about the new ways to use AI technology in our classrooms to improve teaching.
I have to highlight this excellent marketing initiative by Spicewood Park Elementary Principal Tanya Velasquez and her students. She wanted to give the community a glimpse into the wonderful things happening at the school, and what better way than creating videos and hearing from the students themselves? Ms. Velasquez will be sharing this video on social media throughout the summer. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen the school’s brand and introduce new families to Spicewood Park Elementary.
This past Thursday, Southwest ISD held Southwest Legacy High School's Senior Walk and Festival, where we celebrated our graduating students. Senior Ariel Pena chose the winning key and walked away with a brand-new Toyota Corolla. Tomorrow, 12 students from Southwest High School and CAST STEM will have the opportunity to try their luck at winning a brand-new car. I hope you will join us to celebrate all of our seniors from SWHS and CAST STEM and witness the exciting moment when one of our students wins a new car!
Last week, Palo Alto College held its graduation ceremony, and I'm proud to announce that 25 students from Southwest High School and CAST STEM High School's Early College programs graduated with up to 60 hours toward an associate or bachelor's degree. Additionally, 17 students from CAST STEM High School earned Level 1 Certifications. SWISD Trustee Jose Diaz and I were honored to join the graduation ceremony and festivities.
This week, we are celebrating our seniors with graduation ceremonies. This is my favorite time of year because we see all the hard work and dedication of students and teachers pay off. I am so proud of each and every one of you who played a role in helping our students reach this milestone. This is why we do what we do—to give our students the tools to succeed in the world. I look forward to celebrating with you over the next few days as we honor the success of our students!
I hope you take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality moments with family and friends over the next few months. This will be my last Monday Message until the start of the next school year. Stay tuned to our social media for updates and information this summer as we prepare for another great school year.
Sincerely,