Recognizing the accomplishments and legacy of Southside’s Class of 2025.
Southside becomes one of two schools in the nation to offer Spanish minor.
Salute to Seniors Spanish Minor rooted in stem page 3 page 11 page 12
From soil to STEM, Heritage students learn by growing together.
Dear Parents and Community Members,
As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to share some incredible news and extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support.
Southside ISD has received national recognition for overcoming pandemic-related academic losses, a testament to the resilience and hard work of our students, educators, and families. We are proud to celebrate the significant academic gains made across the district, with Freedom Elementary earning an “A” rating a shining example of the excellence we are building districtwide
Looking ahead to the summer, I anticipate that more of our campuses will receive A ratings and continue to show outstanding improvement. Whether in academics or UIL competitions, our Cardinal scholars are soaring, and we are confident that the 2025–2026 school year will bring even more success and achievements
Beyond academics, we have seen incredible community engagement and district-wide improvements. From volunteers leading campus beautification projects to the Board-approved installation of a brand-new track at our stadium, Southside ISD is making consistent strides to ensure our students have safe, modern, and inspiring places to learn and grow
This year, we also connected with our community more than ever before through events like the Feast of Giving, multiple town halls, and other family-centered activities. We are deeply committed to listening to your voices and building a district that reflects the needs and hopes of our community.
As we prepare for the upcoming Back to School Bash, we look forward to welcoming you back with energy and excitement. Our focus remains strong: achieving academic excellence. On the most recent STAAR exams, we reached our highest number of “Masters” level scores ever, and that success would not be possible without your partnership.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We wish you a safe and joyful summer, and we look forward to seeing you for another fantastic school year!
CORTES
DAVID
To the remarkable Class of 2025—congratulations!
This year, more than 400 graduates are crossing the stage, each one representing the strength, resilience, and Cardinal pride that defines Southside High School. Amongst you are 59 Early College High School students who have earned associate degrees, 11 graduates who have committed to serving in the United States military, and a class that has been awarded over $12 million in scholarships.
You have made history, raised the bar, and shown what it means to lead with heart and purpose. As you leave our halls and begin your next journey, know that your Southside family is cheering you on every step of the way.
Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. Soar high, Class of 2025. With pride, Southside ISD
In 2023, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) introduced a more rigorous accountability system, prompting over 200 school districts across the state to file a lawsuit challenging the new measures Many districts viewed the updated A–F system as extremely demanding, causing a delay in the release of official ratings Despite these challenges, Southside ISD has remained committed to academic excellence and has made the necessary adjustments to meet the heightened expectations. The district is currently projected to earn an 81 rating in 2024 and is already building on this momentum for even greater success in 2025.
The TEA officially released the 2023 district accountability ratings this April, and Southside ISD is proud to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our students, staff, and families. We are especially thrilled to announce that Freedom Elementary has earned an A rating a major milestone and the first of its kind for the school under this accountability system
This incredible leap from a B to an A rating in just one year was achieved under the leadership of new Principal Selina Puente. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Puente shared, “I’m very proud of my staff and students for doing all the amazing things that helped us achieve this great accolade. We went from a B to an A in one year, with a new principal and new leadership. I never thought we could accomplish it this quickly. It’s just amazing.”
Puente attributes this success to a strong, united school culture “It may be my name on the report, but this is a true team effort Our staff gives their all every day for our kids, and that dedication is what makes us special ”
Superintendent Rolando Ramirez praised the achievement, stating, “Freedom students and staff have worked extremely hard to meet the challenge. We are extremely proud of what
they’ve accomplished and look forward to many more great things from our A-Rated Freedom Cardinals.”
This recognition is not just a rating it reflects the heart, resilience, and teamwork that define the Freedom community Congratulations to Freedom Elementary and all of Southside ISD for continuing to raise the bar and lead the region in educational excellence
Southside ISD exclusively offers a Spanish Minor degree with a concentration in Healthcare Translation to high school students who can achieve a 3 or higher on their Spanish AP test. This is the first to be offered in San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing cities for Spanish-speaking people.
“Bilingual students can use the gift their parents gave them,” Dr. Glenn Martinez, Dean of the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Liberal and Fine Arts. Together, Dr. Martinez and Miguel Castillo, the Assistant Superintendent at Southside, introduced this program to the district, making us the second district in the country to host it.
In 2010, Valley View ISD was the groundbreaker in developing a similar program in their high school. Through the University of Texas—Rio Grande Valley, students earned a Medical Spanish Minor. However, the district has since transitioned to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where the degree broadened its focus, and is now a Spanish Minor with a concentration in Healthcare Translation. Students will be trained to speak Spanish with a focus on medical terminology, allowing for Spanish speakers to have a better chance of understanding what is happening to them when working with medical teams and doctors.
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When 10 grader Salvador Ortiz was asked what inspired him to join this program, he spoke of having seen firsthand the importance of having translators in healthcare. Coming from a Spanish-speaking family that seeks medical care, often due to his dad’s diabetes, they often turn to Salvador for translation. He states how challenging it is to translate medical terminology and how he can translate “bits and pieces” of what the medical professionals are telling him.
“I feel special being able to be a part of this program,” he shared. By completing this program, he hopes to be that voice for his Spanish-speaking community and his family. Once he graduates from Southside HS, he plans on continuing his education at UTSA to become a doctor.
Salvador’s Spanish teacher, Mrs. Marta Glueck, a UTSA vetted instructor, shares the same sentiment with Salvador stating: “I believe there is a disconnect with the doctors and their patients as translating medical terminology isn’t specialized.” It’s one of many reasons she is excited to be a part of this program and teach the students advanced Spanish.
The curriculum divides each topic by semester, with each semester covering a specific subject. This spring semester, they will focus on Spanish literature, such as excerpts from A La Deriva by Horacio Quiroga. This introduces a wider vocabulary to the students, fine-tuning their comprehension, reading, and speaking skills. After literature, students will also take coursework on Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Interpreting & Translating in Medical Settings.
“This program is very important because it validates the Spanish culture and who you are as a Hispanic person,” says Mrs. Glueck. Because of this program, the 11th grade students will be able to get a glimpse of the college experience themselves in the summer. The 10th graders will be able to able to join their junior year.
The students can live on the UTSA campus for a week-long summer camp. There, cultural events and meeting professors will be a convenient bonus, and students can continue their education by taking different Spanish courses like Spanish Anatomy and Medical Interpreting. “The program gets students to believe in themselves,” says Dr. Martinez, and, by the end of the program, they can take a Spanish Medical Translation exam to become a certified Medical Interpreter.
When asked why students are given the option to be on campus for the week, Dr. Martinez noted how the opportunity “gives them the confidence to be more successful in other academic aspects as they see themselves for the first time as college students.” By encouraging the students to strengthen their Spanish, he wants to ensure they are career-ready, not just if they choose to work in healthcare but also in other professional endeavors.
In their last year, students will have the opportunity for a Spanish internship where they will apply the skills they learned.
The first Southside HS cohort class has nine students, five of whom are 10th-graders. The other four are set to graduate in Spring 2026 with a Spanish Minor degree and a certification as a Medical Interpreter.
At Menchaca Early Childhood Center, we love to recognize and celebrate a variety of fun days throughout the year, many of which include a creative clothing component! Whether it’s National Scrabble Day, where students proudly wear shirts featuring their special Scrabble letters, or National Unicorn Day, where both boys and girls embrace the magic with colorful, unicornthemed outfits, our students bring excitement and spirit to every celebration. These themed days are a joyful part of our school culture, giving students a chance to express themselves, build community, and create lasting memories
One student who has truly stood out in embracing these special days is Mateo Rey Gonzalez. Mateo has gone above and beyond all year, participating enthusiastically in every event, always arriving with a bright smile and dressed perfectly for each occasion. His dedication, cheerful attitude, and excellent attendance have left a lasting impression on all of us As Mateo transitions to first grade at an elementary school, we will miss his shining presence but will always remember the joy he brought to Menchaca. A special thanks to his parents, too, for their wonderful support and encouragement it has truly made a difference!
Last school year, Heritage was awarded two garden grants Jasper Gonzales, our Science Lab aide, was awarded a grant from Firstmark Credit Union The grant was for wicking beds Wicking beds are self-watering garden beds With the help of our 5th grade students, the plants that were planted a year ago are continuing to flourish with very little maintenance. Every other day at recess, students clean up the garden beds to ensure that the beds have enough water. They are growing mint, celery, and melons, to name a few. They enjoy seeing science in real time as cardinals, hummingbirds, and butterflies are frequent visitors. The wicking beds have provided hands-on learning opportunities for our students to explore the benefits of growing plants in this system, such as reduced watering, simplified maintenance, fewer fungal diseases, and better weed control
The Southside ISD Education Foundation awarded the second grant and funded a hydroponics garden for our STEAM classroom. Ms. Calderon, our STEAM teacher, introduced our students to the world of hydroponic farming. Through this hands-on experience, they've gained valuable insights into water conservation and developed a deeper appreciation for environmental sustainability. They have witnessed the growth and progress of plants firsthand. Most importantly, they've discovered the transformative potential of innovative, forward-thinking solutions.
The "Chalk the Walk" event at Gallardo Elementary was a tremendous success, showcasing the power of community spirit! Parents and community members united to create a vibrant tapestry of encouraging messages for our STAAR testing students. Armed with their chalk and creativity, they transformed the sidewalks into a colorful display of support, inspiring our students to excel on their upcoming assessments
The 4th graders at Pearce Elementary showed up and showed out earning the highest attendance of any grade level on campus during the month of March! Their dedication to being present proved that attendance really does pay off.
As students strolled through the school grounds, they had the wonderful opportunity to admire the chalk art, filled with uplifting wishes and motivational phrases This initiative not only fostered a sense of community but also reinforced the importance of encouragement during this critical testing season.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed their time and talent Your support means the world to our students as they prepare for this n
To celebrate their victory, students were treated to the ultimate reward: a FOAM PARTY! With music pumping and bubbles flying, it was a day full of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable fun truly a Pearce-style celebration!
These exciting incentives have made a real impact, boosting student attendance and bringing positive energy to the campus
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing parents for encouraging daily attendance and being such strong partners in their children’s success!
Freedom Elementary’s lunchroom just got a lot louder and a whole lot more fun.
In a surprising twist to the typical midday routine, the school cafeteria was transformed into a mini concert hall with Cafeteria Karaoke, now happening during all lunch periods every Thursday and Friday. Whether you're munching on pizza or sipping on chocolate milk, you might find yourself serenaded by a student belting out Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, or even a classic throwback hit.
Organized by Freedom’s Assistant Principal, Jessica Vidaurri, Cafeteria Karaoke is part of our initiative to boost student morale, foster a sense of community, and encourage student attendance.
“It’s about giving everyone a chance to shine,” said Mrs Vidaurri “We’ve got students who wouldn’t normally perform in front of a crowd just going for it. It’s honestly amazing to watch.”
Students can sign up ahead of time or on the spot, and a rotating list of song choices is available for everyone to browse The only rule? Keep it school-appropriate and have fun!
On April 30, Losoya Middle School transformed the SHS auditorium into a world of magic, mischief, and musical brilliance as students brought Matilda the Musical to life. The beloved story, based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, enchanted the audience with its powerful performances, imaginative staging, and a whole lot of heart.
Under the direction of drama teacher Mr. Anthony Tejeda, the production featured a cast of 6th through 8th graders who proved that age is no barrier to big talent Seventh-grader Adelina Kelly stunned as the fiercely intelligent and courageous Matilda Wormwood, delivering each song with maturity and charm far beyond her years
The cast brought humor and energy to every scene, from the wild antics of the Wormwood family to the chilling presence of Miss Trunchbull, hilariously portrayed by 8th grader Marian Dominguez. The crowd roared with laughter and cheered during “Revolting Children,” a rousing number that had the audience clapping along
Behind the scenes, students also took the lead in lighting, sound, musical performances, and set design The Fine Arts Department at LMS came together as a unit to bring the production to life. The LMS Jazz band, under the direction of Mr. Solomon Ruppa and Mr Eric Wells, performed musical numbers while Ms Rebecca Lowry helped prepare the students for their singing roles Backgrounds and props were created by LMS art students under the tutelage of Priscilla Garcia.
Parents and community members called it one of the school’s best productions, inspired by both the talent on stage and the show’s message that even the smallest voices can make a big difference
More than just a play, Matilda the Musical was a celebration of creativity, courage, and community. These young performers proved that sometimes, a little bit of boldness can change everything
At Matthey Middle School, student leadership means leading with heart. The 2024–2025 Student Council includes 53 students from all grade levels and is guided by sponsors Ms Lauri Marek and Mrs Davela Wilson Together, they focus on service, school spirit, and community connection
This spring, members supported Animal Care Services of San Antonio by donating $350 in supplies and hand-making dog toys from recycled T-shirts They also contributed to food drives, led Red Ribbon Week dress-up days, honored veterans with a Wall of Honor, and recognized campus staff with end-of-year appreciation efforts.
In a first for the school, the Council completed its Texas Association of Student Councils verification report and began planning future collaborations, including a potential project with La Vernia Junior High. With elections and new member recruitment just around the corner, Matthey’s student leaders are already looking ahead ready to grow, serve, and inspire.
On Friday, March 29, an Saturday, March 30, Southside High School U Academics competed at MacArthur High School the district competition our Cardinals delivered outstanding performan
With 7 First Place Team and 8 Individual First Pl finishes, our students showcased their dedica hard work, and talent. A huge shoutout to our incredible competitors coaches for their commitment and preparation. Way to represent, Southside!
For the second year in a row, Southside High School Culinary Arts students claimed 1st place at the annual Paella Competition with their bold and innovative Birria Paella a unique creation made with rabbit and a rich mole base. This intense and highly competitive event attracts some of the most talented young culinarians eager to showcase their skills. Along with earning top honors, Southside also won an exciting trip to New York City to visit the world’s premier culinary institute!
Congratulations to Caleb Smith of Southside High School, who earned 1st place in Editorial Writing at the UIL Regional Meet at UTSA becoming Southside’s first UIL All-State qualifier in nearly a decade!
Caleb also earned alternate placement in Headline Writing, all under the expert guidance of his coach, Donna Martinez.
The Southside ISD Education is excited to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 Innovation Grant. The nonprofit raised money this year to help fund these projects and is proud to be awarding more than $15,000 in grants to teachers. More than $64,500 was raised to fund $25,000 in scholarships, a Top Ten Percent Banquet for 200 people, and these outstanding teachers. This fall, more money will go to fund incentives and new teacher grants. Thank you to all who have supported us and this great effort. Congratulations to our grant winners this year.
GRANT WINNERS INCLUDE:
Outdoor Sensory Playground - Amy Fulk - Gallardo Elementary - AWARD $4,000
Art Through the Ages Clay - Jennifer Barrow - Gallardo Elementary - AWARD $2,500
Anchored in Attendance: Building Strong Foundations for Learning - Elise Puente and Edward Gomez - Heritage Elementary - AWARD
$3,109.33
Transforming Play: Early Childhood STEM and Dramatic Play DoSeum - Dr. Melanie Morgan - Menchaca Early Childhood Center - AWARD
$2,287.81
ReDo REcess Outdoor Learning Project - Monica Arellano - Freedom Elementary - AWARD $1800
Growing Knowledge: Expanding Wicking Beds (Gardens) for Hands-On Learning - Leiah Ieremia - Heritage Elementary - AWARD $1,460.84
The Southside ISD Education Foundation is proud to say it raised enough money to award 24 scholarships, totaling $25,000, this year. This was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, the Southside ISD Employee Contribution Campaign, and fundraisers like the annual Golf Tournament and Bingo Night.
The Southside ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors would like to congratulate this year's scholarship winners and wish them all the best in their endeavors
Tonantzin Ruiz - $3,000
Gabryela Galvan - $2,000
Sima Daniel - $2,000
Fidel Macias - $1,500
Caleb Smith - $1,500
Alexa Falcon - $1,000
Melany Avila - $1,000
Alexia Torres - $1,000
Samantha Arroyo - $1,000
Briana Cantu - $1,000
Melodie Peralta - $1,000
Emalee Salazar - $1,000
Aiden Ramirez - $1,000
Lauren Arriola - $500
Madison Torres - $500
Amariee Arellano - $500
Izabella Kibiger - $500
Juan Romero Renteria - $500
Ayari Urbina Garcia - $500
Erick Guzman - $500
Irene Rodriguez Rosales - $500
Out of the 304 schools in the San Antonio area, Freedom Elementary made it to the Final Four round of the “Read to the Final Four” competition and secured an impressive 3rd place finish As a result, Freedom was awarded a generous $1,500 for their library What an exciting accomplishment for our students and school! We are incredibly proud of Freedom Elementary’s 3rd grade class READERS ARE LEADERS!
On May 8, 2025, Matthey Middle School hosted the annual Student Programs Fair, bringing together students, families, and community members from across Southside ISD The event showcased student work from a variety of programs, including Gifted and Talented, Bilingual Education, STEAM, and Special Programs
Guests explored interactive displays, hands-on projects, and creative presentations that highlighted the skills, knowledge, and growth students have gained throughout the year. The fair not only celebrated student achievement but also gave families a firsthand look at the diverse and enriching learning opportunities available throughout the district.
Thank you to all the students, staff, and families who participated and made this event a success!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MATTHEY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR BAND
The talented musicians at Matthey Middle School competed at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest and earned the highest possible ratings—1st Division from every single judge! This outstanding achievement has awarded them the coveted “Sweepstakes” trophy!
LOSOYA MIDDLE SCHOOL VARSITY BAND EARNS DIVISION ONE
Congratulations to the Losoya Varsity Band for earning a Division 1 Award with overall Division 1 ratings in both the State and Sight Reading portions while attending the UIL Band Concert and Sight Reading Contest in Somerset, TX on Thursday, March 6!
On February 27th, Southside High School proudly hosted the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest, welcoming talented performers from our own band and guitar classes, along with guest musicians from Wagner High School. It was an impressive day of music and achievement!
Southside band students earned a remarkable 55 First Division “Superior” medals, showcasing their dedication and musical excellence. Even more exciting, 23 student performances qualified for the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest
The Mighty Cardinal Band proudly represented Southside High School at this year’s Battle of Flowers Band Festival, making Fiesta 2025 one to remember! Their outstanding performance earned them Honorable Mention in the Sub-6A Band Awards, as recognized by the Battle of Flowers Parade Committee
| SPRNG/SUMMER 2025 | THE CARDINAL
Congratulations to the 7th grade boys’ soccer team at Losoya Middle School for an outstanding season, culminating in a firstplace finish in their Zone! Their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship were on full display all season long.
At the Texas Nationals Crowd Pleasers Dance Competition in Galveston, TX, the Red Jacket Dance Team (RJDT) made an impressive mark, securing 1st place in the Small Classic High School Division with their contemporary dance routine, earning a Platinum adjudication ranking. This is especially remarkable as it was the first time the team had ever performed a contemporary routine
In addition, the RJDT successfully defended their title in the High Kick category, clinching 1st place once again and earning another Platinum adjudication for their outstanding performance.
The Southside High School Golf Team had an impressive year, marked by dedication, improvement, and achievement Throughout the season, the team made great strides not only in overall scores and individual rankings, but also in their strategic approach to the game
By focusing on performance analysis, sharpening their short game, and building strong team dynamics, the Cardinals posted lower scores across the board and earned top finishes in competitive tournaments. The team’s hard work paid off with several standout moments.
Freshman Michael Bazan had a remarkable season, consistently placing in tournaments and earning a spot on the 2nd Team AllDistrict an impressive achievement for a first-year player. Senior Fidel Macias also delivered an outstanding performance throughout the season. His dedication and success on the course earned him the opportunity to continue playing golf at the collegiate level at Howard Payne University.
