The Freedom Elementary school choir represented Southside ISD in style.  On Tuesday, March 9th, the students performed the National Anthem and "God Bless America" at the San Antonio Rampage hockey game.  Mrs. Rhonda Casillas, music teacher, organized the entire event and more than 200 Freedom community members were in attendance.  After the game, all Freedom students and families were treated to an hour of ice skating on the hockey rink.  It was a huge success and the choir did a superb job!

March is Youth Art Month and Southside Art students and teachers are having an elementary schools Art show on Tuesday, March 30 at Gallardo Elementary.  There will be a reception from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., an awards ceremony from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., and a gallery walk from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.  Please come out and support our artistic students. 

1st ANNUAL SOUTHSIDE ISD TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
"ADVANCING TO 21ST CENTURY LEARNING"

What: The goal of this conference is:
•to promote instructional & educational technology
•provide exposure to 21st century learning & learning environments while providing project based learning
•to provide guest speakers, breakout sessions, mini workshops, vendor demos, and more!
When: Saturday, May 15th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: High School Commons area

Who: all SISD teachers & staff are invited!

Sessions/Workshops included:
•Promethean Tips & Tricks
•Integrating Mimio into classroom lesson plans (content area specific sessions)
•digital storytelling
•blogging
•wikis
•Discovery Education streaming
•Digital classrooms
Teachers: You are invited to demonstrate your instructional technology knowledge & ideas! The conference needs presenters for workshops & sessions!! If you are using technology in unique & exciting ways to engage and motivate your students AND would like to share with other SISD teachers, then click on the presentation application link to be a presenter at this conference. Presentation applications are due Friday, April 16th.

Students: You are invited to submit original artwork in a logo design contest for the Southside ISD Technology Conference Logo. Click on the Logo Contest information link below for the submission form & guidelines. Submission entry forms and logo designs are to be submitted to the Campus Technology Facilitator. The winning contest winner will receive an 8GB iPod Touch. Logo designs are due no later than Thursday, April 1st.
Please visit Southside High School's website for contest forms and presentation application.

Ashleigh and Whitney Williams are more than just sisters; they're also teammates on the Lady Cardinal Varsity Track Team.  These sisters, who've been running on varsity together for the past three years, have competed well in the first two meets of the season, Southwest's Dragon Relays and the South San Relays.  Against some of the best competitions in the area (5A & 4A schools), these student athletes have tallied the following finishes: Dragon Relays-Ashleigh, 11th grader-3rd in High Jump with a jump of 5'0"  and Whitney, 12th grader-5th in the 200 Meter Dash with a time of 27.37 seconds.  Both ladies were also participants in the 4x200 and 4x100 relay teams which finished 5th and 6th respectively.  At recent South San Relays, Whitney placed 1st in the Long Jump with a jump of 17'1" and Ashleigh placed 4th in the High Jump with a jump of 5'2" (personal best).  The next meet for these student athletes is this Saturday, March 13 at Southside's Cardinal Relays. 

On picture L to R:  Ashleigh Williams, Junior and Whitney Williams, Senior.

Southside ISD recognized school counselors during a regular February Board meeting for their dedication in meeting the academic, emotional and social needs of our students.  Counselors go beyond the call of duty to assist students in becoming productive citizens of society and to ensure students are on the right path to success.

The entire School Health Advisory Council thanks all Southside ISD students, staff, parents and community for their support and for participating in this year's Wellness Extravaganza.  The event started with a family fun walk around the high school track.  Many folks enjoyed a nice morning walk.  Parent sessions were held after the walk in the high school commons area.  Student performances representing all district schools delighted those in attendance while parents, students, guests and community members visited with dozens of health and wellness exhibitors.  This was Southside's 8th successful Wellness Extravaganza, thanks to all students, staff, SHAC members and community volunteers.  See you next year!

Also a special thanks to SISD's biggest sponsor, Red McCombs for their generosity in sponsoring this event.  Check out the picture gallery from this year's Wellness Extravaganza, courtesy of "Speedy Gonzalez" and the Red McCombs PIE (Partners in Education). Click here to view event slide show:

President Ronald Reagan, in 1984, established the National Professional Social Worker's Month.  From the first celebration to the current year, March serves as a reminder to thank our Social Workers for the roles they play in our community.  The month long celebration is in honor of our Social Workers and it's a time to gain understanding of their vital engagement in our schools and community.

Please join us as we proudly present the Southside ISD Education Foundation 1st Annual Spring Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Republic Golf Club at 4226 Southeast Military Drive.  The Southside ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit charitable organization comprised of alumni, business, educational and community leaders who share the vision of enhancing the programs and initiatives of the Southside Independent School District.  The initial goals of the foundation are to 1) Encourage students to work at their highest potential by providing students with scholarship opportunities; 2)Support SISD staff by providing educators with additional funding for innovative projects; and 3)Build community awareness by recognizing significant contributors to the Southside ISD community.

 

For more information, please contact Cindy Martinez at 882-1600, ext. 5124

Univision and the San Antonio Express News honored Southside High School senior Stephanie Lujan as the student of the week.  Stephanie was selected because of her scholastic achievement, community involvement, participation in school activities and personal leadership.  The "El Estudiante de la Semana" (student of the week) program recognizes exceptional performance and serves as a motivational tool for students throughout public and private school districts.  At Univision's KWEX-TV, selected students are interviewed and recognized in the weekly community show, Desde San Antonio.  In addition, the San Antonio Express News publishes an article describing the student's achievements.  Stephanie was featured in the Express News, Sunday, March 7.

Dr. Juan Antonio Jasso, Superintendent of Schools and SISD's Board of Trustees recognized various district staff members for their leadership roles and for being the catalysts of many "Firsts" at Southside ISD.  Among many of the "firsts", Southside has the first lady to hold the title of President of the SISD School Board.  This is SISD's first time to establish and Education Foundation; First time having a Head Start Program; First time RAPTOR System is in place for school security in all campuses; First time SISD has a Ninth Grade Academy campus to respond to the needs of the 9th grade students.  These are just a few of the dozens of "Firsts" Dr. Jasso named.  In picture L to R:  Margie C. Lopez board Vice President, Irene Martinez Superintendent's Secretary, Lisa L. Salazar Board President and Dr. Juan Antonio Jasso Superintendent of Schools.

FFA Students celebrated during FFA week by helping those in need.  They collected can goods and raised money to assist local food pantries and to provide assistance to the San Antonio Red Cross for the Haiti relief.  During FFA week, students participated in various school events and at the same time collected money and food for those in need.  During FFA week, they also treated teachers and staff with a tasty breakfast and gifts. They celebrated on the last day with a big cowboy breakfast, music and dance.

 

Southside ISD Board Members recognized Career and Technology students for their excellent performances in the SkillsUSA regional contests held in San Antonio.  The Texas SkillsUSA is a non-profit youth organization which facilitates Trade and Industry Education, enhances curriculum and involves all students.  Students from Building Trades, Auto Mechanics, Computer Technology and other Technical careers participated in this event.  Southside ISD's Police Explorer Program students were also recognized during February's regular board meeting. 

Southside ISD's Special Olympic athletes recently competed in the area 20 basketball competition at Fort Sam Houston.  The event started with the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Special Olympics event.  Our athletes competed and earned numerous metals. Southside ISD is really proud of our athletes!

 

Somerset ISD Track and Field Day April 1, 2010 at Somerset Bulldog Stadium.

 

Area 20 Special Olympics track and field competition May 1, 2010 at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

 

For additional information, please contact SISD's Special Ed. Department at 210-882-1600, ext. 5108.

 

Southside ISD parents, teachers and administrators attended the Tappestry Conference 2010 which focused on "Guiding the Future".  Eighteen representatives from SISD attended the all-day conference on Saturday, February 20, which provided breakout sessions that brought together parents and professionals working with children with special needs for a day filled with shared wisdom, strategies, and resources to strengthen the school/parent partnerships needed for the success of our children.

 

The group pictured attended the recent Expanding Your Horizons Career Conference at UTSA.  The conference was for girls in grades 6th through 8th.  The conference featured presentations and hands-on workshops led by women who are employed in scientific and technical fields.  The underlying theme is to encourage girls to take as many mathematics and science courses as possible while in school in order to maximize their career options.  The students met Mathematicians, Engineers, and Scientists who live and work in their own community, who serve as role models at the conference, and who may serve as possible mentors in the future.  Two parents, Mrs. Suzanne Morales and Mrs. Margaret Perez also attended the event.  All students, staff and parents enjoyed the workshops and made new friends.

Southside Independent School District recognized their Board of Trustees during a regular board meeting Thursday, January 28.  January is Board Recognition Month, proclaimed by Governor Rick Perry.  Students, staff members and community came together to express their gratitude for their excellent leadership and for their arduous volunteer time.  Dr. Juan Antonio Jasso, SISD's Superintendent of Schools, read a list of "Firsts" during the meeting.  This was a list of breaking through events and accomplishments that happened for the first time at SISD, thanks to the support of all Board members.

Pearce Primary held its annual Career Day for students of all grades.  This is an opportunity where students learn about what they would like to be when they grow up.  Students are also exposed to hands-on experiences.  Some of the Career professionals that joined this year were:  The San Antonio Zoo professionals, Criminal Defense Attorney, Flight Attendant, Teacher, Southwest School of Arts and Crafts, SISD Police Department, South Bexar County Fire Department, and a Biology Professor from Our Lady of the Lake University.