Dear Trojan Families and Community Partners,

I hope this message finds you enjoying these last weeks of summer, filled with moments of rest, fun, and connection. As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2025–2026 school year, I am excited and honored to introduce myself as the new assistant principal of Southwestern High School.

I believe that acceptance is the ultimate human quality. When students feel valued for exactly who they are, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and engage deeply in their learning. I also believe that academic rigor thrives when there is joy — when classrooms are filled with curiosity, laughter, and connection, students are more likely to push themselves, persevere, and achieve at high levels. My goal is to help create a school environment where both acceptance and joy are not just ideals, but everyday practices.

This year, I am proud to join our dedicated staff in continuing Southwestern’s tradition of academic excellence through the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) process. Together, our teachers work to answer four critical questions:

1. What do we want all students to learn?
2. How will we know if they’ve learned it?
3. What will we do if they haven’t learned it yet?
4. How will we extend learning for those who have?

Our efforts are guided by the Southwestern Central School District’s Blueprint for Excellence, which sets a clear vision for student success. This framework focuses on rigorous academics, social-emotional development, equity, and leadership. It challenges us to set high expectations, maintain clear goals, and create a culture where all students feel a strong sense of belonging while developing the skills they need for life beyond high school.

These questions guide our commitment to ensuring that every student is both challenged and supported, with learning opportunities that build competence, confidence, and character.

This year also marks the start of our new bell-to-bell cell phone policy, part of a statewide initiative to help students focus, connect, and engage more fully during the school day. We believe that putting devices aside allows students to be more present — in their learning, in their relationships, and in the moment.

I look forward to meeting each of you — our students, families, and community members — and working alongside you to make this year one of connection, growth, and Trojan Pride. Whether it’s at an athletic event, a concert, a community event, or simply a hallway conversation, I can’t wait to learn your stories and be part of the incredible Southwestern tradition.

We are excited to welcome our Trojans back on Tuesday, September 2nd. Please keep an eye on our district website, email, and social media for updates on schedules, events, and opportunities to get involved.

Here’s to a year where we challenge ourselves, celebrate with each other, and find joy in the journey.

With Trojan Pride and Excitement,
Marielle Guido
Assistant Principal
Southwestern High School