SW Spring Wire 2011.pdf - Southwest ISD

Lighthouse
Picnic
page 2
SAAABE
Awarded
page 6
Graduation
Information
page 8
Southwest Independent School District Volume 20 Number 3 Spring, 2011
Southwest Academy
A new opportunity for students to continue their education and graduate from high school is
coming to Southwest ISD. “Our goal is to keep students in school, learning and discovering their great
potential as positive and productive citizens.” said Superintendent Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft. The Southwest
Academy will provide students an opportunity to complete high school, earn their high school
diploma and be prepared to take their next step in pursuit of career/college education while also
taking care of life responsibilities.
The small campus is specifically designed for 10th -12th grade students who may have experienced
challenges on a larger campus. This unique and personalized opportunity will be the answer for
teens in search of something different, non-traditional, or who have life responsibilities they must
also take care of while completing high school. With a minimum or recommended diploma from
Southwest Academy, the student will be able to pursue career and/or higher education.
This campus will offer: *small class sizes * half day schedules (“flex day”) * student meals * support
services and a * caring creative learning environment. Each student will know that this is their school
family and their success will be a united effort with their team of educators. Enrollment is limited to
100 students who are residents of Southwest ISD. The Southwest Academy Calendar will be the same
as the Southwest ISD Calendar 2011-2012.
If you are interested or want more information, please visit our web site at www.swisd.net. You may
also want to speak to someone about this exciting opportunity. If so, please call Rosie Hidalgo at 210-
622-4335 or email at rhidalgo@swisd.net.
Board of Trustees
Mike Frazier, President
Sylvester Vasquez, Jr., Vice President
Ida Sudolcan, Secretary
James Sullivan, Jr., Asst. Sec.
Florinda Bernal
Keith Byrom, Ph.D.
Yolanda Garza-Lopez
Superintendent
Lloyd Verstuyft, Ed. D.
Contributing Writers
Writer/Photography- Roger Campos, Layout Design-Anne Marie Espinoza
Sharon Woldhagen, Exec. Director, PR,.
Linda Adami, Fine Arts, Jeanette Ball, Ph.D, Asst. Superintendent of Admin & HR., David
Boggio, SWHS, Veronica Cuenca-Wilson, Sun Valley, Marissa Dehoyos, SWHS, Joseph Guidry,
Kriewald Rd, Deborah Jarvis, SWHS, Callie Kyle, Hidden Cove, Cody Miller, Indian Creek, Brenda
Patrick,Ed.D, Community Ed., Jada Pitman,Ed.D, Student & Outreach Services, Angelika Ramirez,
Kriewald Rd, Daisy Tovar, 9th Grade Campus, Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools,
Sharon Woldhagen, Public Relations, Cerina Zamora, Big Country
Southwest Independent School District
11914 Dragon Lane
San Antonio, TX 78252-2647
www.swisd.net
CR-TR WS
Residential Customer
Permit #3
Von Ormy, Texas
Carrier Route
Pre-sort
Non-Profit Org.

SWISD Lighthouse Picnic
The Lighthouse mentor program held its first annual picnic on Friday, April 8, 2011 and was a representation of building positive
relationships between students and adults. The Lighthouse Program was initiated during the 2010-2011 school year and currently
has 60 mentors that meet on a weekly basis with 9th grade students.
The picnic was held at the river bottom located by Southwest Stadium. The natural scenic background, the picnic lunch,
the games, and the weather all created a perfect setting for the mentor picnic. The mentees and mentors enjoyed mariachis,
food, games, laughter and bonding as a team. The most memorable and the toughest activity was the parachute flip which
incorporated stratigizing as a team. As a token of gratitude & appreciation, all the mentors were given a bright green T-shirt
with a rising star logo symbolizing the mentee that is touching their heart.
The laughter and energy filled activities allowed everyone to continue to form healthy and strong relationships. Mentees
commented on how much they enjoyed the picnic and interacting with their mentor in a different setting. Mentors commented
that they enjoyed the opportunity to get to be with their mentee in a
relaxed setting. There were many mentors that pitched in and helped
with the event. The united effort to make the picnic a success is exactly
the positive energy that surrounded the day. SWISD thanks each of the
mentors for being with their mentee, these interactions make a difference
to our students. We would love to have you as one of our mentors. If you
are interested in mentoring please call 622-4351 for details on future
training opportunities or visit www.swisd.net. There is a student waiting
for YOU!
SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL’S T.A.F.E.
HOSTS EASTER EGG HUNT
On Thursday, April 21st, the Southwest High School’s Texas
Association of Future Educators , or T.A.F.E. members hosted an
Easter Egg Hunt for the students and staff of Bob Hope Elementary.
Throughout the day, T.A.F.E. members hid over 3,000 eggs for an egg
hunt. Students in Pre-Kinder thru 5th grade received candy and/ Five Big Country
or trinkets for each egg found. T.A.F.E. members held a special hunt Elementary students
for the Special Education and Life Skills students. This marks the 6th
annual Easter Egg hunt presented by T.A.F.E.
had a “pawsitively”
Members who took part in the event included (in the picture): Back -
Valeria Ordorica, Judith Sandoval, Rachel Gutierrez, Brittany Rangel.
Middle Row – Tanya Martinez, Samantha Hernandez, Yesenia
Cardenas, Katherine Moreno, Martha Alvarez, Tiffany Lolfin, Erin Ruiz,
Maria Flores, Janice Ibarra. At Table – Kaesha Newton, Cindy Silva,
Daisy Hernandez, Bonnie Cantu, Kristen Bahn.
Also participating, but not in the picture were: Ashley Flores, Alexis
Garza, Cheyanne Gonzalez, Cindy Gutierrez, , Briana Herrera, Ceprisa
Ingram, Destiny Martinez, Marivel Morales, , Carmen Paredes,
Jonathan Rowley, , Maleny Sauceda, , Cynthia Trejo, Monica Valencia,
Victoria Vara, Mierya Ramirez, Victoria Sanchez, and advisor, Mrs.
Deborah Jarvis.
Big Country Story Tails
great year with a
little help from the
Therapy Animals of
San Antonio. They
participated in Storytails, a weekly reading program that
encourages fluency and comprehension with the help from a
pet partner. This year there were 2 volunteers who met with
the students and brought along their canine helpers. Sissy,
an adorable Shih-tzu, and owner Mary Mutz met with second
graders. Cerina Zamora, Big Country’s fourth-fifth grade
Bilingual teacher, and Bailey, a rough Collie who resembles
“Lassie”, read with third & fifth graders. Southwest ISD is one
of three school districts to integrate the program with Big
Country being the first. They look forward to next year and
hope to add more students to this inspiring program.

Read Across America Comes to SWISD
Since 1997 the National Education Association has sponsored an event called Read Across America. The program focuses on
how important it is to motivate children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills. The nationwide celebration
takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of
schools, libraries, community centers and more participate by bringing together children, books, and community members.
On March 4, 2011, Sun Valley Elementary celebrated “Read Across America.” Readers who participated in the event
included Miss Fiesta, WOAI Meteorologist John Gerard, WOAI Reporters Kristina DeLeon, Laura Lea, and many district
representatives.
Unique presentations were given by Clifford, The Big Red Dog. New technologies such as the iPad gave new life to classic
Dr. Seuss stories that engaged young listeners . A special thank you to all who made this event a success.
HIDDEN COVE ELEMENTARY
COLLEGE TOURS
5th graders from Hidden Cove had the privilege of visiting
two different college campuses. They had the opportunity to
experience the “feel” of being on a college campus, tour different
buildings, mingle among college students and get a chance to
foresee college life.
Thursday, March 24th, Hidden Cove fifth graders first toured the
campus of Palo Alto College. They were greeted by freshmen tour
guides who acclimated them to the campus, gave them a tour of all
the sites and sounds, and let them know that college is within their
reach.
On April 12th and 13th, the fifth graders visited the campus of The
University of Texas at San Antonio, UTSA.
They took part in the Legacy Tour, which includes an intro
to Archaeology, and a tour of a University lab. Each student
participated in a mock dig and were taught how to throw the Atl –
the precursor to the bow.
The campus tours provided students with a fun, educational
experience in Careers and College life.
Shoes That Fit Program
Daisy Tovar, the 9th Grade Campus Social Worker has worked
to partner Southwest ISD with Rack Room Shoes for the “Shoes
That Fit Program.” The program works as follows: a Rack Room
Store employee will ask customers who visit the Westover Hills
(located at Highway 151 & 410) store during their “Back to
School” event (July through September) for donations to go
towards SWISD. Those donations raised by the Westover Hills
store will allow the district to recognize children in need and
work with the store using these donated funds to meet those
needs. The community is encouraged to visit this store location
during the time frame mentioned above and help out others at
the same time.
Left: Palo Alto College
Below: UTSA

SWISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION
SUPPORTING OUR DISTRICT
The Southwest ISD Education Foundation has provided financial
resources to enhance the quality of education for all SWISD students.
The Southwest ISD Education Foundation Board Members believe
that the programs they support broaden the student’s perspectives
Toyota to Mentor SWHS
Students
Toyota and SWHS are
teaming up for great
student opportunities.
Students at Southwest
High School will benefit
from sessions with Toyota
Motor Manufacturing
Texas. Toyota employees
will conduct leadership/
teamwork workshops for
SWHS students. Students
will be advised in the
various aspects of teaming
and leading teams before
dividing into smaller groups
for hands-on practice. The
sessions are being held in
the Automotive Pavilion of
the Career/Tech Building
located behind Southwest
High School. Leading the
session are team members
from Toyota with Mario
Lozoya as our contact
person, and staff from
Bexar County and West Side
Chamber of Commerce.
and expand their experiences. The Foundation is committed to
helping Southwest ISD realize its mission, in which Southwest ISD
will identify and develop the potential of all individuals. The Foundation was founded to
create financial support for Southwest ISD and to support its mission of quality education. The
Foundation provides opportunities for teachers to submit grants to fund innovative experiences
for our students. During the 2010-2011 school year the Foundation supported Southwest ISD
with a total of $258,000. At the May 16, 2011 Southwest ISD Board of Trustees meeting the
Foundation presented Southwest ISD a check in the amount of $120,000. This donation is to
support the new SWISD initiative to provide the students of the district with an alternative
education opportunity by opening the Southwest Academy. The Southwest Academy will
provide our students
with the opportunity
to stay in school and
graduate. The main
goal of the Southwest
Academy is to increase
graduation rates and
decrease dropout rates.
The Foundation provides
Left to Right: Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft, SWISD Superintendent, Dr. James Gates,
donors with a vehicle President of the SWISD Education Foundation, Vice-President, Eulla Krueger,
Vice-President, Stella Molleda, Secretary, Rudy Molleda, Vice-President, Dr.
for making approved, Jeanette Ball, Assistant Superintendent
tax deductible gifts to
SWISD. Please visit the Foundation website at http://www.swisd.net/swisdfoundation for
more information.
SENIOR WALK UNDER THE ARCHES
NJROTC RECEIVES STATE AWARD
The Southwest NJROTC was recognized as the most
improved unit in the state of Texas. Representatives from
the unit were recognized at the May’s Board Meeting.
In the photo from left to right; Dr. Lloyd Verstuft,
Superintendent, CWO2 Calvin J Henry, Senior Naval
Science Instructor, Cadet Jessie Lopez, Cadet Brian Foley,
Cadet Robert Lanagan.
The 1st Annual Senior Walk Under the
Arches will be held on May 31, 2011.
This community event will follow
the Green & White Football Game at
5:30 p.m. Among the activities that
are being planned are the Perfect
Attendance Car Giveaway which will
award the Scion XB that was donated
by North Park Toyota at the beginning
of the year to a Senior with perfect
attendance. PTA Food Booths and a DJ
will be available to provide entertainment
and fun for the community.
The main event will be a mini
“Fiesta Flambeau” style parade
featuring our SW Seniors.
The parade will also include
Kindergarten students from all
the elementaries who will one
day enjoy the Senior Walk as
Seniors.

BOB HOPE ELEMENTARY
SHOWCASE...
Bob Hope Elementary is nearing completion. On
Tuesday, May 10th, the doors were opened to many
excited parents, teachers, students and visitors. Current
Principal, Angelica Romero, new principal Odilia Martinez,
members of Senior Staff and the Board of Trustees
welcomed the visitors and provided a snapshot of the
exciting events to come during the 2011-2012 school
year. Keepsake photos were taken as families arrived and
were distributed free of charge to them.
ARTS AND ACADEMIC COMPETITION
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
The annual AAA event was held at Scobee Middle School on
Saturday, May 14th. All elementary campuses competed in
many different events held at the competition. There were many
students that participated with excitement and eagerness. In
the end the following schools placed in the event: Southwest
Elementary came in 1st place, Indian Creek Elementary came in
2nd place and Bob Hope Elementary came in 3rd place.
SOUTHWEST ISD GIVES TO
RELAY FOR LIFE...
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was held on May 13th at the
Southwest Spring Athletic Complex. This year the event was hosted for Southwest
ISD and Harlandale ISD communities. There were many Southwest ISD groups
that participated along with the Southwest ISD Education Foundation. SWISD
Superintedent Lloyd Verstuyft, Ed.D welcomed the crowd along with the Harlandale
Superintendent. Many Southwest ISD employees participated by walking the relay,
selling concessions and running the event. Felicia Gates, an 8th grade teacher from
McAuliffe organized the sucessful event for the community. The SWISD Special
Education Department won the award for the best decorated tent.
Distinguished
School Awards
Congratulations to Indian
Creek Elementary and Bob
Hope Elementary for being
recognized by the Division of
NCLB Program Coordination
at the Texas Education
Agency for outstanding
academic performance.
Indian Creek Elementary
received the National Title
I Distinguished School
for Performance award.
To receive this award,
the school has to service
40% or more low-income
families in 2010-2011. The
school must also meet the
Adequate Yearly Progress
(AYP) for 2009 and 2010. And
have the following ratings,
Spring 2008 - Exemplary or
Recognized, Spring 2009 -
Exemplary or Recognized,
and Spring 2010 Exemplary.
Only 1046 schools meet
these requirements in the
entire state of Texas!
Bob Hope Elementary
received the National Title
I Distinguished School for
Progress Award. To receive
this award, the school has
to service 40% or more lowincome
families in 2010-
2011. The school must also
meet the Adequate Yearly
Progress (AYP) for 2009 and
2010. And have the following
ratings, Spring 2008 -
Academically Unacceptable
or Academically Acceptable,
Spring 2009 - Exemplary
or Recognized, and Spring
2010 Exemplary. Bob Hope
Elementary becomes one of
148 schools to received this
award in Texas!
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION RESULTS
Congratulations to the
two incumbents; Mike
Frazier and Yolanda Garza-
Lopez on their re-election
to the SWISD Board of
Trustees. Mr. Frazier has
served as a member of the
Board since 1980 and Ms.
Garza-Lopez has served
since 2008. Southwest
ISD would like to thank
all of the candidates for
Mike Frazier
SWISD Board President
their involvement and
contribution to SWISD. We
look forward to continuing
the work to make SWISD a
premier school district.
Yolanda Garza-Lopez
Board Member

SW Career & College
Festival
The 1st Annual SWISD
Career and College
Awareness Festival
occurred on March
26th at Southwest High
School. The fair brought
together 40 companies,
colleges and communityservice
organizations
to provide information
about opportunities and
services that are available.
Approximately 500
students and their families
attended the event.
Further brightening
the day was food and
beverages provided by
several SWISD student
organizations. The
McAuliffe Mariachis,
the McAuliffe Choir, the
SWHS Mariachis and DJ
Rush all provided musical
entertainment.
The District Planning
Committee did a
tremendous job getting
this event off the ground
and is looking forward
to a bigger and better
celebration next year.
Mark your calendars for
the 2nd Annual Festival
which will take place on
March 3, 2012 from 9 a.m.
to 12 p.m.
Fashion Success!
The SWHS Advance
Fashion student, Nicolette
Habib placed 1st at
Regionals and 6th at
State in the Family Career
Community Leaders of
America Competition
in Dallas. Her dress was
designed and made from
recycled newspaper!
Donor’s Choose
Ms. Light and her class from Indian
Creek Elementary were featured in
a recent KSAT News story. Due to
upcoming budget constraints, many
teachers are starting to utilize other
means in order to obtain the materials
that they need for their classrooms.
The Donor’s Choose website was
created as a way for teachers to ask
for help, as well as for those who are
looking to assist classrooms. If you are
interested in helping out a teacher
the Donor’s Choose website is:
http://www.donorschoose.org/
Calling all Alumni & Former Employees
We need your help!! Our 60th anniversary is approching and we want to highlight some of the
accomplishments of the past six decades. We’d love to have pictures of facilities, classrooms,
activities, school clubs and program events, etc., in a jpg format if possible. Please email any
photos you may have to alumni@swisd.net. Or they can be dropped off for scanning if email is
not available to you. If you choose postal mail, please send it to PR Department, 11914 Dragon
Lane, San Antonio, TX 78252.
We would also like to invite you to take a survey about our 60th Anniversary.
Please visit www.swisd.net/60thanniversary
Elementary Teacher of the Year Receives SAAABE Award
Patricia Chavez, Sky
Harbor bilingual teacher
who is currently the
District Elementary
Teacher of the Year and
Trinity Excellence in
Teaching representative
for Southwest has added
another jewel to her
crown! She was named
the San Antonio Area
Bilingual Teacher of the
Year for 2011 and was
honored at the Banquet
this Spring. This is the 3rd
year in a row that SWISD
has been represented
at San Antonio Area
Association for Bilingual
Education or SAAABE.
Middle Schools Welcome the Mayor
Mayor Julian Castro visited McAuliffe and McNair
Middle Schools to encourage the 8th graders to
hold on to their dreams and they will achieve
them. Superintendent Verstuyft accompanied the
Mayor to both campuses on March 11.
She has joined the following
teachers who have also
represented Southwest in
the elite group of chosen
teachers: 2009-2010 Bilingual
Teacher of the Year: Sonia
Rodriguez (Bob Hope
Elementary); 2008-2009
Bilingual Teacher of the Year:
Julie Gonzales (Southwest
Elementary); 2008-2009
Administrator of the Year
Finalist: Odilia Martinez
(Hidden Cove Elementary).

Dragon Drama Completes Another Successful Season.
The company presented Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM for UIL District Contest on April
2nd at Southwest Auditorium against the five other high schools in our UIL District. The judge selected
Southwest as District Champions. Selected for individual awards at the District Contest were:
Chris Salazar – All Star Technician,
Brian Ramirez and Jonathan Estrada – Honorable Mention All Star Cast,
Jose Valdovinos and Noemi Rangel – All Star Cast.
Dragon Drama then moved on to the Area Contest at Jefferson High School on April 9th. The Area judge
selected Southwest as Alternate to Regionals. He also selected the following students for individual
awards:
Joseph Lares - All Star Technician
Noemi Rangel and Brian Ramirez - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast
Jason De La Rosa, Jose Valdovinos, and Morgan Verstuyft - All-Star Cast
The twenty-four students gave their last performance on Thursday, May 5th at the Southwest Auditorium.
Circle of Purpose Sessions
The first of five Circles of Purpose sessions convened at Big Country Elementary on March 22,
2011. Participants included 17 parents in the sessions while childcare was provided. The group
represented families from Big Country Elementary, Kriewald Road Elementary and Scobee Middle
School.
Created by Dr. Gloria Canada, this family-friendly training program invites parents to voice
their ideas, experiences, questions, and suggestions during the topic discussions. Dr. Canada
says, “The first class session is always directed toward the celebration of all kinds of families. The
concept of the parent as the child’s first teacher is stressed to the families. Examples of positive
and negative modeling are discussed along with the importance of eating together once a week
as a family and opening up the conversation at the dinner table. This is what parents are asked to
commit to each week.” Each session ends with a family supper in the cafeteria. Families practiced
discussing various topics during the meal, drawing their children into the conversation.
The following sessions stressed organization within the family, such as family meetings,
calendars, and regular schedules. Sessions also dealt with the importance of communication and
body language. The last session was devoted to health issues in the family, including obesity,
nutrition, and school attendance.
The finale was held on Wednesday, April 20th when parents were presented with certificates at a
graduation ceremony in the library of Big Country Elementary School.
Kriewald Rd Career Day
Look it’s a plane! No,
it’s SAPD’s Blue Eagle
landing at Kriewald Road
Elementary’s 4th Annual
Career Week in honor of
National Library week.
Ms. Ramirez, Kriewald
Road Elementary’s Library
Aide, scheduled a variety
of speakers such as: The
SAPD’s Blue Eagle, Bexar
County Sheriffs, an Air Life
Medic, Federal I.C.E. Agent,
an attorney, a newspaper
reporter, VIA, a hairstylist, a
DJ from 107.5 F.M., as well
as a few district personnel.
Presenters spoke in the
library to a variety of grade
levels for thirty minutes
on scheduled days and
times. The guest speakers
presented to students
information about the
type of education required
for their career. College
and Career Awareness is
definitely in the climate at
Kriewald Road Elementary.
Southwest HS Top 15
Aurora M. Castaneda
Valedictorian
Marissa A. Rodriguez
Salutatorian
McAuliffe Principal Receives Hidden Heroes Award
On March 3, 2011, Orlando
Vera, principal of McAuliffe
Middle School, was
honored at the Ripples
of Hope Gala as a Hidden
Hero in the San Antonio
Community. This annual
event is hosted downtown
at the Villita Assembly
Building and all recipients
are honored on stage,
presented with a framed
certificate embellished
with a golden medallion.
The Hidden Heroes Award
is granted to individuals
who make significant
contributions to the field
of education, exemplify
student advocacy, and
introduce educational reform
to improve the future of
children within the San
Antonio Community.
Mr. Vera was personally
acknowledged for his
contributions to the
Southwest ISD Community,
leadership at McAuliffe
Middle School, and his
stewardship of the national
“Diplomas Now” program.
Alex E. Renteria
Noemi Y. Rangel
Mackenzie R. Mann
Joshua De La Cruz
Alexandria K. Buckner
Elysia M. Avila
Melinda T. Wright
Ryane N. Silva
Armando L. Manrrique
Marisol Ruvalcaba
Andrew Casares
Robyn Carole P. Morris
Johnathan J. Bueno

Southwest High School Class of 2011 Graduation Announcement
The 2011 Southwest High School Commencement Exercises
will take place on June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Alamodome.
Please arrive early in order to secure your seat. To ensure the
enjoyment for all guests, Alamodome officials would like to
state the following rules for graduation: 1. Saving seats is
not allowed. Ushers will enforce the policy if space is needed.
2. No Helium balloons are allowed inside the Alamodome.
3. Concessions will be available, no outside food or drink
is allowed. 4. No air horns are allowed. 5. No glass containers are allowed (i.e. vases.) 6.
Photography is allowed in designated areas or from seats. Patrons are NOT allowed to stand
in the aisles, this also includes setting up tripods in the aisles. Congratulations to all of this
year’s graduates!
Football Stadium Entrance Baseball Stadium Entrance Sports Complex Entrance
SWHS
Entrance 1
SWHS
Entrance 2
Southwest ISD can be found on the web! Visit our website at www.swisd.net, follow us on Twitter at @
swisd, or “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SWISDsatx