SAISD SPOTLIGHT: Advanced Learning Academy senior Mizael Solis is 2025 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Mizael Solis, an Advanced Learning Academy student since the 4th grade, has earned the distinction of being the district's only 2025 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. The staff at ALA say Solis has demonstrated an outstanding ability to think critically and creatively. His teachers describe him as thoughtful, insightful and humble. They applaud him for always being willing to explore his passions deeply and think about the world through an empathetic lens.

Solis is among the academically talented high school seniors who have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will earn a National Merit Scholarship and the Merit Scholar title.

Calendar items? 

Oct 14 (Mon) – SAISD holiday
District offices and most campuses will be closed Oct. 14. Some specialty campuses, including Alamo Colleges schools, have different schedules. Visit: https://www.saisd.net/calendar

Oct 15 (Tues) –SAISD students set to travel to Texas capital for opportunity of a lifetime
10 a.m., Harris Middle School, 325 Pruitt Ave., 78204
The SAISD Foundation and the Battle of Flowers® Association will announce a new initiative for students — the Texas History Adventure, a partnership along with the San Antonio ISD Social Studies Department, to bring all SAISD seventh grade students to visit The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas to help highlight the connection between Texas history and civic engagement.
 
Oct 17 (Thurs) – Hawthorne Academy Culture Night
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Hawthorne Academy, 115 W. Josephine St., 78212
The community is invited to Culture Night at Hawthorne Academy. Acclaimed Children's Book Author Carmen Tafolla will be featured speaker. The evening will also feature poetry readings, mariachis and food.

Oct 17 (Thurs) – Woodlawn Academy Trunk or Treat
5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Woodlawn Academy, 1717 W. Magnolia Ave., 78201
Woodlawn Academy invites the public to their fun Trunk or Treat event. All proceeds will benefit the Woodlawn Athletic Programs. Families can safely trick or treat on campus. The event is hosted by Woodlawn Academy and the Woodlawn Academy Athletic Booster.

Oct 19 (Sat) – SAISD “Día de Teatro” Theater Arts seminar
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jefferson High School, 723 Donaldson Ave., 78201
SAISD high school and middle school students interested in Theater Arts are invited to this wonderful opportunity to explore many aspects of the field. This mini conference is designed by the SAISD Theatre Leadership Group, which is made up of high school students from each campus. The HS leaders will guide student participants in a variety of sessions, including gore makeup, swords and flower prop making, musical choreography, masks and puppets and much more.

Oct 19 (Sat) – Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) Youth Revival Paint Jam
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woodlawn Academy, 704 W. Houston St. (I-35 & Houston), 78201
The Young Women’s Leadership Academy is teaming up with the organization 'City Problem Solvers' on the Street Revival Paint Jam. YWLA will have 30 National Art Honor Society Students painting the pillars under the highway on W. Houston Street. YWLA is collaborating with San Antonio local artist Cristina Noreiga to complete their own pillar. Several other students will be working alongside the other seven San Antonio local artists to assist them with the painting of their pillars.