Dear Trojan Families and Community Partners,

I hope this message finds you enjoying these final weeks of summer, filled with opportunities to relax, connect, and create meaningful memories. As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026-2027 school year, I am excited to begin my second year as assistant principal at Southwestern High School and continue serving a community that has already taught me so much about pride, resilience, and the power of belonging.

One of the beliefs that guides my work is that acceptance is one of the most important human qualities we can practice. When students feel valued for exactly who they are, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, advocate for themselves, and fully engage in learning. I also believe that academic rigor thrives when there is joy. Classrooms filled with curiosity, connection, and authentic engagement create conditions where students can challenge themselves, persevere through difficulties, and achieve at high levels.

As we begin this new year, I am proud to continue working alongside our talented faculty through the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) process. Together, teachers collaborate around four critical questions:

• What do we want all students to learn?
• How will we know if they have learned it?
• What will we do if they have not learned it yet?
• How will we extend learning for those who have?

These questions keep our focus on student growth and ensure that every learner receives the support and opportunities needed to succeed. They also connect closely to our district's commitment to excellence and to New York State's Portrait of a Graduate, which emphasizes not only academic achievement but also the development of communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and responsible citizenship.

This year also brings the continued implementation of New York State's bell-to-bell cell phone expectations. While technology remains an important part of our lives, we recognize the value of creating space for students to be fully present in their learning and in their relationships. By limiting distractions during the school day, we can help students engage more deeply in classroom discussions, strengthen connections with their peers, and make the most of their educational experiences.

Just as important as what students learn is how they experience school each day. My hope is that every student who walks through our doors feels seen, heard, accepted, and encouraged. Whether students are excelling academically, performing on stage, competing in athletics, serving their community, or simply figuring out who they are and who they want to become, I want them to know that they matter and that they belong here.

The partnership between school and home plays a vital role in student success. I encourage families to stay engaged, celebrate accomplishments both large and small, and reach out whenever support is needed. Together, we can create an environment where students grow not only as learners, but also as compassionate and confident young adults.

I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year at athletic events, concerts, performances, student activities, and community celebrations. The relationships we build with one another strengthen our school and make Southwestern such a special place.

We are excited to welcome our Trojans back on Tuesday, September 8. Please continue to watch our district website, email communications, and social media platforms for important updates as we prepare for another outstanding year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Here's to a school year filled with growth, connection, achievement, and joy.

With Trojan Pride,

Marielle Y. Guido
Assistant Principal
Southwestern High School