Jessica Martinez is a seasoned Southside Science Teacher who leads her students to success both inside and outside of the classroom. She teaches a wide range of Science courses. Mrs. Martinez continuously helps her students and colleagues move forward in their academic and professional lives, giving selflessly of her time.

Alexandria Ojeda is new to Southside this year and plans to meet graduation requirements as an early grad. She is taking Advanced Academic courses and maintains all A’s. Alexandria is an incredible student and impressive young woman. She plans to attend Palo Alto to take advantage of the Alamo Promise and then transfer to Texas Tech to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Southside is lucky to have Alexandria Ojeda as a 2022 Senior.

The Cardinal spotlight for the week is Mrs. Alma Dominguez. Mrs. Dominguez is the cafeteria manager for Matthey Middle School. She works diligently to ensure that all our students receive nutritious meals and they all take advantage of these meals. The participation rate for our meal program is always being recognized by our Child Nutrition Program. Mrs. Dominguez is also a proud community member and a parent of several Southside ISD students.

The Cardinal Spotlight for the week is Jesus Morales. Jesus is an eighth grader at Matthey Middle School. He is enrolled in PreAP classes and several high school credit courses. He is a captain of the football team and a member of the Matthey Cardinal Announcement team. He definitely has Cardinal PRIDE and we are looking forward to seeing him excel in high school.

Mrs. Emeric is a dedicated and hard working 6th grade ELAR and Reading Strategies teacher. She assisted with curriculum writing this summer, and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever and with whoever needs it. She has been the driving force of the 3000 building hallway decorating contest for the last 2 years, and her creativity and passion shines through. Mrs. Emeric is the leading light in Losoya’s Literacy nights, and is a dedicated sponsor of the Student Council. Her love for reading and drive to ensure student success is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do for our students!

Michael Cancel is a 6th grade student at Losoya MS. He is respectful, self-motivated and internally driven to do well and have success in his academic career. He takes the initiative to stay on task, is organized, actively participates in class discussions and is excited to share his love for learning. Michael is an extremely hard worker, thoughtful and helpful with his peers and one day aspires to be a firefighter.

Mrs. Jessica Vidaurri is new to Pearce this year but definitely not new to teaching. She is very positive with her students and peers. Every day she has a smile and an encouraging word. Since she has started teaching at Pearce Mrs. Vidaurri has taken great initiative to begin projects that are beneficial to our students. Her most recent project was the facilitation of a virtual author visit to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month. Our Pearce students were able to listen to author Xavier Garza read his book The Man in the Silver Mask. It was a real treat to hear him read and our students were excited to ask Mr. Garza questions about his book. Thank you Mrs. Vidaurri!

Olivia Cardenas comes to school ready to learn every day. She takes the initiative to help classmates when she sees them struggling. Her happiness and kindness is contagious to those around her. Thank you Olivia for making our classroom a better place. You are showing us all the Cardinal Way!

The Heritage Staff Spotlight this week is one of our paraprofessionals, Mae Guerra. Ms. Guerra is one of those people that’s always smiling and you can see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. She works hard to develop relationships with her students and fellow staff members. She is a proud member of our community and has a student here at Heritage and one at Matthey MS. Prior to being a paraprofessional, she was a much used substitute teacher at Heritage. Thanks for all you do and being a vital part of our team!

This week’s Student Spotlight is Ayden Espo. Ayden is an amazing 5th grade student! He has transformed into such a great leader, friend, and motivator for all kids. If there is something he does not understand, he doesn't shy away from problem solving and using innovative skills to figure it out. With this being his last year at Heritage, we are so proud of this young man and his successes.

Mrs. Bratton is an excellent 3rd grade teacher. She is warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. She is the teacher to whom students know they can go with any problems or concerns or even to share a funny story. Great teachers possess good listening skills and take time out of their way-too-busy schedules for anyone who needs them.Mrs. Bratton is all of these things and more. We are proud to have her as a Freedom Cardinal.

Aleczandria is such a hard working student and is a friend to everyone she meets. Her compassion for others and her willingness to give a helping hand exceeds all expectations. Alec loves working in groups, contributing to class discussions, and is always ready to do her part in any collaborative learning we do in class. You can tell she loves school! I am very proud to be her 4th grade teacher- Ms. Arellano

Amy Fulk is one of our fantastic LID teachers at Gallardo. She creates an inviting, caring, and learner-centered environment for her students. Parents have mentioned how much they appreciate her communication, how she goes above and beyond to support her students, and the care she takes in meeting the individual needs of her students while also helping a positive classroom environment. If you join us after school, you will see Ms. Amy directing our traffic and supporting a safe parent pickup process. She is a servant-leader, and we are beyond grateful to have Ms. Fulk at Gallardo.

Natalie Trevino is such a joy to have in class. She brings such joy and happiness to our classroom and school. Natalie is always willing to help at a moment's notice, whether it is another student, her teachers, or campus staff. She always participates and gives her best in everything she does. She is truly a bright light at Gallardo leading the way in being responsible and respectful. We are excited to have Natalie as Gallardo Scholar.

Ms. Berlanga is one of many amazing paraprofessionals here at Menchaca ECC. Ms. Berlanga has been here for 4 years. She loves to support our students and the front office. She has great communication skills that builds positive relationships with parents and staff members. Thank you Ms. Berlanga for your dedication and the love you give daily.

In all instructional settings, Ezekiel has been very responsible while working and respectful to both peers and the teacher. He is always on time and always ready to work with the materials needed. He does not require reminders to stay focused or to stay on task. Overall, Ezekiel is a great student!