Community E-Newsletter 2020 - 2021
SUPERINTENDENT'S WEEKLY REVIEW
Trustee Sylvester Vasquez Jr. gave a shout-out to Dragon Aviation and SWHS Aviation Teacher Mr. Rodolfo Urby who has been named the San Antonio Chapter of the Air Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year. This program has been a phenomenal addition to the district and we are so appreciative of Mr. Urby's dedication to our students. He also gave a shout-out to all of our students up for the car giveaway. They have to meet multiple criteria to be eligible for this exciting opportunity like good grades and attendance. A shout-out also went out to our top ten students from each high school for their successful journey up to this point. We know the long nights of studying and extra effort took commitment, and it paid off. Congratulations!
 
Trustee Ida Sucolcan gave a shout-out to our transportation department, all of our bus drivers and staff for going the extra mile this, and every year. Especially with the extra cleaning they’ve had to do due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
 
Trustee Florinda Bernal gave a shout-out to all of our district retirees and those who will be recognized for their milestones in the upcoming hybrid employee banquet celebration. Your years of service and dedication to our students will never be forgotten.
 
Trustee James Sullivan gave a shout-out to all the family and friends and our community, especially our employees for all they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
 
Trustee Yolanda Garza-Lopez gave a shout-out to Kriewald Elementary School Teacher Christine Bendele for receiving the Trinity Prize in Excellence in Teaching Award this past weekend. As alumni of Trinity University, congratulations on making a difference in the lives of our students and receiving this much-deserved award.
 
Trustee Peter Bernal gave a shout-out to all the athletes and fine arts students wrapping up the year in banquet celebrations. Balancing academics and extracurricular activities is not an easy task, so congratulations on all of your accomplishments!

Trustee Daniel Carrillo gave a shout-out to Ms. Cecilia Collins from Big Country Elementary who was selected as this month’s ASPIRE Classroom of the Month teacher. As BCE alumni, congratulations!
SWHS Aviation Teacher Mr. Rodolfo Urby has been named the San Antonio Chapter of the Air Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Cecilia Collins from Big Country Elementary was selected as this month’s ASPIRE classroom of the month teacher.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, JUNE 4 @ 2 P.M.
Alamodome
FRIDAY, JUNE 4 @ 7:30 P.M.
Alamodome
Monday, May 31
District Holiday

Tuesday, June 1
Board Work Session

Friday, June 4
One Hour Early Release
FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Click the letter below for consent form access.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Click on the flyer for more information.
TOP TEN BILLBOARDS ON DISPLAY
410 & RAY ELLISON
I-35 & FISCHER
NJROTC hosts U.S. Navy STEM Simulator

The Southwest High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) hosted a two-day outreach event by the U.S. Navy. The event is part of a larger Navy presence in San Antonio called “Navy Week”, with various other activities in the community to provide the public a chance to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to the security of the nation. Having the simulator at Southwest High School is an excellent opportunity for our staff, cadets, and student population to experience another aspect of the Navy at the campus by engaging with Navy personnel and participating in a hands-on virtual reality STEM simulator.

Participants in the simulator experience a state-of-the-art immersive capability with a lifelike Navy rescue mission on this Virtual Reality simulator. The simulator also provided examples of electronic data capture and digital technology at every touchpoint. By strapping on an Oculus Rift headset, the participant acted as the pilot on a high-speed assault craft under enemy fire during an exfiltration of a Special Operations unit. Each virtual reality mission is approximately 17 minutes long. Outside the simulator, students and staff were able to engage with a Physical Training (PT) activity, a photo booth, an information tent, and receive a swag bag with an assortment of Navy items.
NJROTC Cadet Maryjane Marroquin Earns NROTC Scholarship to Texas A&M University

Congratulation to Southwest High School Senior and Navy Junior ROTC Cadet Maryjane Marroquin on receiving a “Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship” to Texas A&M University. The United States Navy awarded the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship to this extraordinary young woman from among numerous applicants across the nation.  

Maryjane has been involved in NJROTC during her senior year at Southwest High School. She was active within the unit as a member of the Sea Dragon battalion Sea Angels drill team, is an extremely high achiever in the classroom, currently ranked No. 22 in her class of 500-person with a 3.93 GPA and an exceptionally well rounded young woman. She embodies the characteristics of what the Navy is looking for in its future Naval Officers. When asked regarding her selection for the scholarship, C/SN Marroquin said about the notification “I was so happy, I started crying, I jumped out of by bed and told my parents (grandparents). I was really relieved to not have to worry about the financial burden on my parents”.

Maryjane is involved in the aviation program at Southwest High School and received Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 35, Ray Aviation Scholarship for the student glider pilot’s license ($4,000) with Ms. Jane Kellogg making up up the difference in order for Marroquin to complete the program for glider flight training.

This NROTC scholarship valued at $180,000 offered by the United States Navy pays full tuition and fees, provides an allowance for books, and a monthly stipend of $250-$400 for 4 years of college. This is just one example of the educational opportunities available to eligible committed high school students, and assisting our cadets in the application process is one of our top priorities in the Navy Junior ROTC program.  
COMMUNITY ED BROCHURE
Click on the image for the complete brochure.
SOUTHWEST ISD | WWW.SWISD.NET