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SOUTHSIDE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION ON TRACK TO BREAK
$300K IN FUNDRAISING FOR THE STUDENTS OF SOUTHSIDE

For nearly six years, the SISD Education Foundation (SEF) has had one mission: to enrich Southside
ISD students’ educational experience. How would this sometimes-wavering group of volunteers ac-
complish this mission? Fundraising and grit. Since its inception, the nonprofit has been rebuilding
more than its monetary coffers. It has been rebuilding hope and dreams. At its relaunch in March
2015, the Foundation had approximately $32,000 inherited from the hard work of those who came
before. Today, the foundation is positioned to break more than a quarter of a million dollars thanks to
generous donors who have seen Southside’s need. They are working to build partnerships through the
nonprofit to help the school district’s students. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is a volunteer group of professionals and alumni
who see their work as a service. SEF’s goals for 2021 are to continue to grow and develop into a support system that can help bring
technology and access to all areas of public education.

SEF is always accepting the nomination for the Board of Directors. Please contact SEF’s Executive Director Sylvia Rincon at
sylvia.rincon@southsideisd.org .

SEF is set to give about $20,000 in teacher grants and $20,000 for student scholarships in 2021. SEF has been working with the
district and area donors to raise monies for increased access to technology for distance learning during the pandemic and future
endeavors. SEF is passionate about a special initiative to help the district get access to Wi-Fi for every student at SISD and has already
collaborated with the district and philanthropist Kym Rapier and Toyota San Antonio. So far, the foundation has accepted $250,000
to go towards this goal.

Go to sisdeducationfoundation.org to learn more and get all the updates. Join the effort by donating today at paypal.com/paypalme/
sisdfoundation. We have a goal to raise $35,000 before the end of the year. Thank you to the following donors who, despite a pan-
demic, went out of their way to keep giving:

• Kym Rapier Foundation - $150,000 - For internet access and technology use.
• Toyota San Antonio - $100,000 - For technology needs at SISD.
• Amerigroup - $16,000 - For the Wellness of SISD employees and reading programs at SISD.
• Dr. Subhashini Valavalkar - $10,000 - Given to the students of Southside ISD during the Pandemic in July 2020 as a birthday gift to herself.
• Firstmark Credit Union $5000 - For technology use during the Pandemic.
• FYI Operations San Antonio - $5000 to fund Literacy on the Lawn.
• University Health System
• United Way Campaign Employee Contribution - Ongoing.

Mark your calendars on March 5, 2021, join the Foundation at Canyon Springs for the annual golf tournament.
Email sylvia.rincon@southsideisd.org for more information.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS CARDINAL IN ACTION
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER JORGE OCHOA

The Cardinal In Action for the month of December is Jorge Ochoa. For nineteen years, Jorge Ochoa has
worked as an occupational therapist in the San Antonio area. He has served the students of Southside
ISD for almost nine years. His job involves evaluating students for fine motor, self-care, and sensory
processing skills as it relates to their educational and functional performance. Mr. Ochoa adapts their
materials and sometimes their environment to help our students succeed. Mr. Ochoa’s development of
LegiGuide Handwriting Paper, an adapted handwriting paper sold nationally, is a direct result of his
work as an occupational therapist.

Mr. Ochoa has played the drums since a student in high school. His profession and his love for percus-
sion led to the formation of his business, TamboRhythm. TamboRhythms is a group percus sion busi-
ness that helps individuals of all ages and abilities with overall health and wellness, mental wellness, and special needs. He has worked
with Eva Longoria Baston’s organization, Eva’s Heroes as well as the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas. As needed, Mr.
Ochoa incorporates drums/percussion into his therapy for sensory motor strategies and to build social-emotional skills. Mr. Ochoa
says percussionist Arthur Hull, greatly influenced how he facilitates group rhythm sessions. The Department of Special Programs is
proud of the work Jorge Ochoa continues to do for the Southside ISD community!
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