District News

Nurse Siebert’s Mission to Keep Menchaca Students Warm

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At Southside ISD, we’re fortunate to have dedicated teachers and staff across the district, but sometimes a truly special Cardinal rises above. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Nurse Heather Siebert at Menchaca Early Childhood Center.

Nurse Siebert has made the health and well-being of our students her top priority, and that includes keeping our littlest cardinals warm during these chilly months. Back in 2021, she recognized a need for the availability of coats for students. With Texas’ unpredictable weather, stores often don’t offer winter gear until it’s almost too late, and even then, options can be limited or expensive. Like Texas’ unpredictable weather, stores can also be unpredictable when it comes to supplying winter gear. Not to mention the costs can be a big investment for parents.

To meet this need, Nurse Siebert reached out to her cycling group, SATX Social Rides, and they responded by generously donating over 100 coats. This year, she also received a donation from Hope for the Herding, but many of these items, including coats, shoes, socks, and even kinder graduation dresses, have been personally purchased by Nurse Siebert herself.

Her unwavering dedication and the support from generous donors have made a world of difference for our students – she has helped provide over 700 coats to students at Menchaca. We are incredibly grateful for Nurse Siebert’s tireless efforts to ensure that all our Cardinals have what they need to succeed—inside and outside the classroom.

If you’d like to help support this cause, please consider donating coats, socks, shoes, or other essentials. Contact Nurse Heather Siebert at heather.siebert@nullsouthsideisd.org.

Cardinal Spotlight Recognizes Noah Martinez Cantu & Mrs. Tanya Mares

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MNoah Martinez Cantu has consistently demonstrated exceptional character. He has shown great empathy and care by helping a classmate who occasionally comes to school upset, offering comforting hugs and assisting in calming her down. He is continuously learning new routines and diligently follows directions. His progress and dedication make us all incredibly proud! In addition, Noah has shown remarkable responsibility. He takes care of his tasks and returns to class promptly without needing reminders. He is reliable when going to different areas of the building, always completing what he needs to. His growth in personal responsibility is truly impressive!

Mrs. Mares is all smiles when she speaks about her campus. She has an excellent rapport with her team. She is supportive and understanding. When it comes to her students and staff, she will go the extra mile to help them. With the huge responsibility of serving over 800 students, Mrs. Mares never complains and never asks for anything. She is the ultimate team player who cares about her little ones at Menchaca and wants them to go extremely prepared to 1st Grade!

Officer Contreras Recognized for Outstanding Individual Service by TX School Safety Center

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The Texas School Safety Center’s School Safety Spotlight Program is designed to recognize and promote schools, districts, junior colleges, and individuals that foster education and learning through safe and secure campuses. We are so excited to share that Menchaca’s very own Officer Michelle Contreras was selected for Outstanding Individual Service!!

Officer Michelle Contreras, Southside ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
As the school resource officer, Michelle Contreras is deeply committed to engaging and involving students, staff, and community partners in creating a safer environment at Menchaca Early Childhood Center. Officer Contreras fosters a culture of creativity and empowerment, encouraging students to contribute their ideas and perspectives to campus safety initiatives. Through art projects, storytelling sessions, and classroom discussions, she invites children to explore concepts of safety in ways that resonate with their developmental stage.
Officer Contreras fosters open communication channels within the school community. She encourages students, staff, and parents to voice their concerns and share any potential safety-related issues they may encounter. She provides comprehensive training sessions to educate staff members on emergency procedures, risk assessment techniques, and best practices for maintaining a secure learning environment. She actively engages in preventative measures and collaborates closely with school administrators to develop emergency response protocols, ensuring swift and coordinated action in any unforeseen event. She conducts thorough assessments of the school’s physical infrastructure, identifying potential vulnerabilities and recommending targeted improvements to mitigate risks.
Her role extends far beyond that of a traditional law enforcement officer; she is a catalyst for change, continuously seeking ways to enhance safety protocols and cultivate a culture of preparedness.
“What I love most about being a School Resource Officer in Southside ISD is the opportunity to make a real difference in children’s lives. Knowing that I play a role in keeping them safe and helping create a positive and nurturing environment for their growth and development is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about enforcing rules; it’s about building trust, fostering relationships, and being there for them when they need guidance or support. Seeing them thrive and knowing that I’ve contributed to their well-being is truly fulfilling.” – Officer Michelle Contreras