Bright Ideas Grant Deliveries Begin

What an exciting time of year to award grants to teachers for their bright ideas! Thanks to our donors and event sponsors, we are awarding $100,000 in grants to teachers in April and May.

The season for our largest grants (up to $5,000) launched on April 5 with funding of a new Ballet Folklórico program for the Kelly at Lowell campus slated to welcome students in the upcoming school year. The grant was awarded to Blanca Quezada and Chris Malacara who will lead the afterschool program for 3rd-8th graders. Cheerleaders from Lowell and all of the Kelly students were in attendance for the surprise announcement. This grant is especially exciting to award as we continue to work toward enhancing and expanding cultural arts on our SAISD campuses.

Also awarded this season were grants to Jose Villanueva at Edison, and David Zamarripa, Alicia Covarrubias, Stephen Cox and Robert Packer at ALA/Fox Tech/CAST Tech to enhance their music programs.

Jose Villanueva will use the grant to expand the conjunto program. Currently, students bring their instruments from home to practice. Now, Mr. Villanueva can teach more of his students the music straight from his classroom. Mr. Villanueva shares, “Growing up, I wanted to be a conjunto teacher, but I quickly realized that was not possible…To be able to do this is a dream come true, not just for me but for all these kids.”

Over at the ALA/Fox Tech/ CAST Tech campuses, mariachi teachers David Zamarripa and Alicia Covarrubias will use their grant to purchase equipment that matches the quality of the music produced by their students. Mr. Zamarripa shares, “We are here to help (our students) and with better quality instruments.” The award-winning mariachi will get upgraded instruments to enhance their skills further.

Stephen Cox and Robert Packer, also at ALA/Fox Tech/Cast Tech, teach modern band, a popular class on campus. Students currently learn how to establish bands and combine their skills to develop songs. Without recording equipment, students can’t refine their creations. “We built this environment up for performing but don’t have the right equipment for recording or to teach (students) about recording.” With this new enhancement of the program, students can continue developing as musicians. 

We look forward to surprising more SAISD teachers with grant awards during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-9) and throughout May. Volunteers are invited to join us in the celebrations. For more information reach out to SAISDFoundation@saisd.net

 11th Graders Blazing a Trail for Credentials of Value

The Highlands Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Class of 2025 welding cohort is excited to join the spring graduation ceremony at St. Phillip's College. Thirteen students will receive their Level 1 Certificate of Completion – Entry Level Welder on Thursday, May 23rd at the Alamodome. Michelle Garcia, Highlands P-TECH Coordinator shared, “We are so grateful to our partners and donors for the support as we developed a new model in partnership with higher education and industry!"

Thank you to the HB Family Foundation for supporting the welding program through the SAISD Foundation over the past three years which helped purchase equipment and student uniforms.
 
Next year, these students will be the first class of seniors in the Highlands program who will graduate ready to work! In the future, students will have four years to earn at least a Level 1 Certificate Completion; but this first group has blazed a trail to attain a credential of value in the 11th grade! Join us in supporting more students, by donating 
 saisdfoundation.com/donate or at the link below.

 Thank You Scholarship Reviewers!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to review over 800 scholarship applications. Your commitment to this process has been invaluable, ensuring that each applicant receives thoughtful consideration for their accomplishments. Thanks to your hard work, we're confident in the fairness and thoroughness of our selection process, which will help students pursue their educational goals. As we wrap up the review process, we're excited about the next step: awarding scholarships in May at senior celebrations. 

Lizardo Moreno commented, “Thank you for allowing me to contribute to this year's scholars. Many of them are exceptional writers, and I am impressed with their work. I almost wish I could have a face-to-face conversation with them to discuss the experiences that led them to choose their careers.” Their stories of perseverance and resilience are truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see the positive impact they'll undoubtedly have in our communities and beyond. Together, we're committed to promoting education and opportunity, empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

 College Enrollment Trips in Full Swing

We know a sense of belonging on campus is critical to student success in college. After a positive pilot program for our college enrollment tours, we expanded the opportunity to the Class of 2024 and their family members so they can visit their chosen campus and ensure it is the best match. Working alongside SAISD College-Bound Advisors, students identify the best school for them, including a great financial match where 90% of their costs are covered. 

After learning about their acceptances to Vanderbilt, Fox Tech seniors Adrian and Jacob, were eager to see what campus living was like during admitted students (MOSAIC) weekend earlier this month.  Adrian shares, “The enrollment weekend meant so much. Knowing my family didn’t have a college background, I could still get insight into college life. Vanderbilt MOSAIC weekend was the chance to broaden my perspective on my future college and become accustomed to being out of state.” 

Travis Early College High School senior, Van, participated in an enrollment trip with family to Rice University which also confirmed their campus is the right fit. Having the approval from Van’s parents was important in the selection process. “My family saw where I have decided to attend school. I learned more about Rice’s diverse community and its acceptance of the transgender community. This experience made me feel seen and important at Rice University making me excited for my enrollment in fall of 2024.” 


We invite you to help us support college enrollment trips for students by donating today at the link below or contacting Judy Geelhoed at jgeelhoed@saisd.net to donate your airline miles. With college enrollment for SAISD graduates at an all-time high, there has never been a more important time to ensure students’ sense of belonging on campus. 

 San Antonio ISD Celebrating 125 Years

We want to congratulate San Antonio ISD for celebrating 125 years since the district was officially recognized as an independent school district. As San Antonio’s founding school district, there's no question the students who eventually become alumni have helped shape the San Antonio landscape. Are you an alum looking to reconnect with SAISD? Get started by contacting Alumni and Community Engagement Manager Carrie Smith at csmith@saisd.net. 

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