The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Janica Zamora

Janica Zamora, Staff Writer

Hi, I’m Janica! This is my first year as a member of the Southwest Shadow and I’m looking forward to writing news stories. In my free time, I enjoy reading and baking.

All content by Janica Zamora
Working in the Student Success Office, Attendance Secretary Lordis Depiazza inputs a student’s absence excuse note. Students are required to bring an excuse note to the attendance office within three days of any absence. “Reminding students that being in school is important because it reflects towards your grades and being able to do any activities with the school,” Depiazza said. “[It] seems to get the students' attention about wanting to be in school.”

Student Success Office Working To Decrease Chronic Absenteeism Rate

Janica Zamora, Staff Writer
October 17, 2025
Administration is pushing for less absences as part of the school’s improvement plan.
During PSC 101, senior Ava Nave focuses on completing her exam. The exam, previously given at the end of first semester, had now been scheduled for the first week of September. “All my worries were gone as soon as I opened the Google Form and looked at the first question,” Nave said. “The exam was extremely easy. I would even go as far as to say it was common sense.”

Civics Exam Administered to Seniors During New Testing Window

Janica Zamora, Staff Writer
September 23, 2025
On Sept. 4 and 5, seniors took the civics exam, which is modeled after the U.S. citizenship test, in their Political Science and American Government classes.