Southwest Preparatory School kicked off the 2024-25 school year with an inspiring Convocation event that brought together staff and faculty for a morning filled with camaraderie, reflection, and motivation.
Superintendent Christinn Jean began by expressing her excitement to see familiar faces and meet new staff members, emphasizing her commitment to supporting every teacher and staff member. She even went as far as sharing her personal cell phone number, inviting everyone to reach out directly whenever needed.
After the opening prayer led by Mr. Parler, Superintendent Christinn Jean delivered an inspiring message for the upcoming school year. She reminded everyone of the importance of self-renewal and encouraged the staff to approach each day with a mindset geared toward growth and empowerment. Her words resonated deeply as she highlighted the significance of making a positive impact on students and the school community.
The event continued with introductions of the district leadership by Superintendent Jean and Deputy Superintendent Chris McCammon, followed by lively presentations from the campus Principals Ray Martinez, Dana Fornabaio, and Lindsey Heckman, who introduced their teams with enthusiasm and pride. A highlight was the humorous introduction by Mrs. Cheryl Wills-Pacheco, who had her staff dressed in Hawaiian attire, with one member carried in as the Luau pig.
Celebrating Years of Service
The "Years of Service" awards were presented by Jim Neal and Dr. Gary Short. This year, the following dedicated staff members were honored for their commitment to the school:
- Rosendo Loera – 10 years
- Rose Bononcini – 10 years
- Josie Hernandez – 10 years
- Alisha Ilufi – 10 years
- Marisa Morin – 10 years
- Laura Garza – 10 years
- Elizabeth Djenic – 20 years
- Melissa Arispe – 15 years
- Gary Short – 25 years
Their years of dedication and service have been instrumental in shaping the school’s community and success.
SALT Awards
Yolanda Ynclan, Ezekiel Eaglin, and Beverlee Degolldo received the SALT awards, presented by Jim Neal and Dr. Gary Short. They were honored for their exceptional dedication to the district and its students, consistently going above and beyond in their roles.
Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Acknowledgements
Deputy Superintendent Mr. Christopher McCammon took the stage to recognize the prestigious Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) awards. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of daily self-improvement and making a positive impact on others. The TIA Award acknowledges teachers who continuously enhance their effectiveness and contribute significantly to the lives of their students and colleagues.
Mr. McCammon outlined the rigorous criteria for the TIA designation, which included achieving high observation scores and ensuring that a significant percentage of students meet or exceed their projected growth. Southwest Preparatory School had 21 teachers who met these criteria, and on February 1st, 2024, all 21 teachers were officially designated and received their first financial incentives on August 1st, 2024. These educators were celebrated for their excellence in education:
- J'Nita Blye
- Cynthia Campos
- Erasmo Cisneros
- Lina Earles
- Jeanette Flores
- Patrick Floyd
- Heather Gomez
- Erica Gonzalez
- Maggie Hurd
- Danielle Korn
- Marilyn Morales
- Cristy Rember
- Esteban Rodriguez
- Teresa Rodriguez
- Gabriela Santiago
- Erin Sink
- Darryl Smithey
- Zachary Steadman
- Daniel Toole
- Jose Villarreal
- Avonlea Villarreal
These teachers represent the pinnacle of educational excellence at Southwest Preparatory School.
Closing and Group Photo
The convocation concluded with a heartfelt closing prayer from Mr. Parler. As a final tradition, the entire Southwest Preparatory School family gathered for a group photo, marking the beginning of what promises to be a successful and impactful school year.