Cardinal Spotlight (1) (1)

Southside High School

Mrs. Loretta Flores is our new instructional coach at SHS. She comes to us with 31 years of education and teaching background experience. She has taught various elementary and middle school grades with a focus in science. Mrs. Flores received her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees from Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio. Her love for teaching and building relationships has led her to this point. She is excited to be here to share some of her knowledge with our teachers. “ I am excited to be here. I learn and meet someone new everyday. Everyone has been very welcoming!…..and now that I bleed RED….Go Cardinals!”
Landon Tatman is one of our current Sophomores here at Southside highschool. Landon is a returning student to SHS this year from Florida. Landon has enjoyed his year here while pursuing the culinary arts. Landon’s future plans include to continue studying the arts in Florida while pursuing a degree in business. In his spare time he enjoys volunteering and helping within the community. He often likes to cook at home for his grandfather. Landon’s favorite dish to cook is “Tomato Basil Pesto Chicken Alfredo.” We hope to see great, amazing and delicious things from Landon. Good luck and Bon Appetit!

Losoya Middle School

Arturo Zavala is a CTE teacher at Losoya Middle School. He teaches College and Career Readiness and Audio/Visual Tech. Mr. Zavala also heads our campus yearbook and does a fantastic job of showcasing students and campus events. In his free time Mr. Zavala enjoys attending sporting events, traveling, and taking pictures.
Alejandra Tapia was a 7th grader for the 2022-2023 school year. Her favorite subject is math. She is an athlete and competed in soccer and track this year. For the upcoming year, she looks forward to playing volleyball. She participated in the journalism class this year and she enjoyed working on projects and investigating different topics. In her free time she likes spending time outdoors with her menagerie of animals that include bunnies, chickens, and goats that have the following names: Betty, Blanca, Brownie and Rosa. When I asked about Rosa's name, Ale said, " she's a standout goat because she follows me around like a dog." In her free time she also enjoys going to the gym and family reunions where she along with family and friends just get to hang out and have a good time.

Julius L. Matthey Middle School

Ms. Donna Wong is the Matthey Staff Spotlight for the week. Ms. Wong has served the cardinal community for over 35 years. During her tenure as a leader at Southside ISD she served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal and principal. During the last five years she served as the assistant principal at Matthey Middle School providing leadership and guidance to over 3600 students during this time. Ms. Wong will be retiring at the end of this school year and we all wish her the best. Thank you for everything you have done for us.
Gerardo Guevara is an outstanding 8th grade student at Matthey. He is a Dual Language student who has a strong work ethic and always completes every task and assignment given to him. “Gerardo is always ready to expand his knowledge and is a great friend to his peers (Ms. Glueck).” Gerardo is a great example of what a Matthey Cardinal should be (Ms. De La Cruz.” We wish Gerardo the best as he moves on to Southside High School.

William Pearce Primary

Pearce LID paraprofessional, Christina Hernandez, loves working with students and building relationships throughout the year. She is always willing to lend a helping hand. Christina loves spending time with her nieces and nephews, talking with friends, supporting family, a being a part of her Southside community. Christina is a quite individual with a big sense of humor! Thank you, Christina, for all that you do. We appreciate you!
Pearce 4th grade student, Leo Staggs, is an awesome big brother and friend. He is a big history buff, loves all things military, and wants to be a mechanical engineer when he grows up. He loves music and his favorite books series I Survived. Leo loves riding his bike and driving his 4-wheeler every chance he gets! He loves the outdoors and playing basketball for the Southside Junior Cardinals. We love that Leo always speaks his mind, is willing to lend a helping hand, and keeps a positive attitude. Thanks Leo for being such an awesome kiddo!

Heritage Elementary

Our staff Cardinal Spotlight is our 5th grade Dual Language teacher, Luz Razo. Ms. Razo is an outstanding teacher. She creates a welcoming environment for her class because she is motivating, encouraging, and always smiling! She has a unique way of using technology, social media, and current events to help her students make connections to their learning. Her style of teaching makes learning fun and engaging for any student who is in her class. Most days, she has perfect attendance! Ms. Razo builds positive relationships with all of her students because she makes it a point to individualize her time with each and every one of them. Her students absolutely love her! Heritage Elementary has been fortunate to have this one of a kind rockstar on our campus. We appreciate your continuous dedication and efforts for our students. Congratulations, Ms. Razo!
Heritage Elementary is excited to announce Sofia Barrios as the Cardinal Spotlight this week. She is such a driven student who enjoys being challenged academically. Sofia is eager to learn new things that she can share with her family and friends. With her continuous determination, Sofia takes initiative to read books and complete inquisitive projects. She is such a joy to be around! Her friends would agree that Sophia is kind and thoughtful to anyone who is surrounded by her. As she continues on to Matthey, we will genuinely miss her bright smile in our elementary hallways. We are so proud of you, Sofia!

Freedom Elementary

Mrs. Josie Valenzuela is a veteran teacher here at Freedom Elementary. She has been teaching 1st grade for many years and does an amazing job getting her students reading and working to their full potential. She is patient and always looks calm and collected. She is a valued colleague to her teammates as she has a wealth of knowledge and experience behind her. Thank you for being a dedicated educator here at our school. We appreciate you!
5th Grader Alexandra Alvarez is a responsible and mature individual. She has an amazing talent for drawing and is compassionate and empathetic towards others. This student has the ability to see when others are feeling sad and she is able to make them feel better by sharing everything she has even if it means she will have nothing left. She is the perfect example of the word empathy and I am proud to call her my student here at Freedom Elementary.

Gallardo Elementary

As we close the 2022-2023 school year, we want to spotlight the exceptional efforts of our students, families, community, and staff. To our incredible staff members, you are the backbone of our school, tirelessly working behind the scenes to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Your passion, expertise, and unwavering support have propelled our students to reach new heights. To our incredible parents, you are our trusted partners in education, actively involved in your child's journey and providing them with love and support. To our remarkable students, you are the heart and soul of our school. Your active participation in campus and community initiatives showcases your commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Thank you all for being the bright, spirited Cardinals that make Gallardo what it is.

Menchaca Early Childhood Center

Giovanni is a member of our class that ALWAYS makes green choices, even those around him might not be doing the same. Sometimes we forget how young he is because of how responsible and respectful he is! We can always count on Giovanni to be a great cardinal!!

Mrs. Anjanette Hernandez always joins in the fun for dress-up, spirit, and theme days. She gets in on the fun and ensures her students are learning with the fun added in! You can always see her smiling and greeting others in the hallways or offering a helping hand. Mrs. Hernandez has built a safe and supportive environment for all learners and this is evident in the learning space and classroom culture.