Dear Buccanners, Greetings, Southwest Middle School students, parents, teachers, and staff. My name is Oscar Medina; it is with much excitement and sincere optimism that I assumed the principalship of Southwest Middle School on October 3, 2011.
As home to Sweetwater’s first Dual Language Immersion program, posting high gains in the state Academic Performance Index (API), and being the first and only school where every student is assigned a notebook computer, Southwest Middle is poised to become one of the academic powerhouses in the district, thanks in large part to the high quality instruction imparted in its classrooms.
Under the leadership of Mr. Steve Lizarraga, and most recently, Mr. Bill Walsh, Buccanner staff have been working very hard to improve the school’s academic achievement, posting a 61 point growth in the state’s API in just two short years. With continued focus and dedication, I am confident that Southwest Middle school’s teachers and staff will remain steadfast on their path to academic excellence.
This community has long enjoyed Sweetwater’s largest parent participation rate. It is my intent to continue that tradition and bring more attention to all the great things that are taking place at Southwest Middle. I’m certain that with everyone’s collaboration and commitment to improve the lives of our students, together we can achieve miracles.
Of course, effective communication is essential to collaboration and success. To that end, I prefer to keep an open door policy. Please stop by the main office and say “hi.” I am already familiar with most of the wonderful teachers and staff and I look forward to getting better acquainted with the students and parents. I also look forward to a great academic year full of academic successes.
Yours in education,
Oscar Medina
Principal, Southwest Middle School