Written notice is hereby given that the district will conduct a public hearing and adopt
Resolution No.4981. Click here for more information.

Dear Sweetwater Community,

We stand in solidarity with our neighbors, public agencies, elected officials, and community organizations in response to the unacceptable treatment of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla by federal agents in Los Angeles. This incident does not reflect the values we hold as Americans, and we unequivocally denounce it.

We recognize the growing concern about immigration enforcement in our South Bay community. The Sweetwater Union High School District remains committed to supporting and respecting our Latino and immigrant communities. With a student population that is 70% Latino and 10% Filipino, we take pride in our binational identity and the richness it brings to our schools.

Sweetwater does not collect or maintain immigration status information. Our board policies and administrative regulations ensure staff are equipped to handle these matters with care. Our top priority is to maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student.

Living along the border gives us a unique understanding: we can uphold law and order while also demanding empathy in enforcement. Every person deserves dignity, and we call on all who enforce the law to do so with compassion.

To those who choose to protest, we urge peaceful assembly, inspired by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez, who showed that nonviolence leads to lasting change.

Let us continue to build a community rooted in unity, diversity, and our shared commitment to justice. Together, we can rise to the challenge and uphold the democratic values that define us.

In solidarity,

Moises G. Aguirre, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Sweetwater Union High School District

---

Estimada Comunidad de Sweetwater,

Nos solidarizamos con nuestros vecinos, agencias públicas, funcionarios electos y organizaciones comunitarias en respuesta al trato inaceptable recibido por el Senador de los Estados Unidos, Alex Padilla, por parte de agentes federales en Los Ángeles. Este incidente no refleja los valores que sostenemos como estadounidenses, y lo condenamos de manera inequívoca.

Reconocemos la creciente preocupación sobre la aplicación de leyes migratorias en nuestra comunidad del South Bay. El Distrito Escolar Sweetwater Union High reafirma su compromiso de apoyar y respetar a nuestras comunidades latinas e inmigrantes. Con una población estudiantil compuesta en un 70% por estudiantes latinos y un 10% por estudiantes filipinos, nos enorgullece nuestra identidad binacional y la riqueza que aporta a nuestras escuelas.

Sweetwater no recopila ni mantiene información sobre el estatus migratorio. Nuestras políticas de la mesa directiva y reglamentos administrativos aseguran que el personal esté preparado para manejar estos asuntos con sensibilidad. Nuestra máxima prioridad es mantener un entorno seguro, acogedor e inclusivo para cada estudiante.

Vivir en la frontera nos brinda una comprensión única: podemos mantener el orden y la ley mientras exigimos empatía en su aplicación. Toda persona merece dignidad, y hacemos un llamado a todos quienes hacen cumplir la ley a que lo hagan con compasión.

A quienes eligen manifestarse, les pedimos que lo hagan de manera pacífica, inspirados en líderes como Martin Luther King Jr. y César Chávez, quienes demostraron que la no violencia conduce a un cambio duradero.

Sigamos construyendo una comunidad basada en la unidad, la diversidad y nuestro compromiso compartido con la justicia. Juntos, podemos enfrentar este desafío y defender los valores democráticos que nos definen.

Con solidaridad,

Moises G. Aguirre, Ed.D.
Superintendente
Distrito Escolar Sweetwater Union High

Dear Sweetwater Community,

As a district that proudly serves a diverse student population, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for every student—regardless of immigration status.

In light of recent national developments, we want to reassure our community that our district policies strictly prohibit immigration enforcement on school campuses without a valid judicial warrant. We are also committed to protecting the confidentiality of student and family information in accordance with the law.

All school staff have been reminded of the proper procedures to follow should immigration or law enforcement officials come to a school site. Additionally, schools have access to resources such as “Know Your Rights” materials and legal support contacts to help guide and protect families. Each school will also receive “Red Cards” in English and Spanish, provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which outline Constitutional rights in an easy-to-understand format. These cards are also available in multiple languages online. For immigration resources click here.

Thank you for your trust and partnership as we continue to uphold our values of equity, safety, and respect for all. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school principal or district office.

Best regards,

The Sweetwater Union High School District

---

Estimada Comunidad de Sweetwater:

En nuestro distrito, estamos orgullosos de servir a una población estudiantil muy diversa. Por eso, seguimos comprometidos en crear ambientes seguros, acogedores e inclusivos para todos nuestros estudiantes, sin importar su estatus migratorio.

Ante los eventos recientes a nivel nacional, queremos asegurarles que nuestras reglas no permiten que oficiales de inmigración entren a las escuelas sin una orden judicial válida. También cuidamos mucho la privacidad de la información de nuestros estudiantes y sus familias, como lo exige la ley.

El personal escolar ya recibió recordatorios sobre los pasos correctos a seguir si un oficial de inmigración o la policía llega a una escuela. Además, las escuelas tienen acceso a recursos como materiales de “Conozca sus Derechos” y contactos legales para ayudar a las familias. También entregaremos a cada escuela “Tarjetas Rojas” en inglés y español, proporcionadas por el Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Estas tarjetas explican los derechos constitucionales de forma sencilla, y también están disponibles en línea en varios idiomas. Para ver estos recursos, haga clic aquí: click here.

Gracias por su confianza y apoyo continuo. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes, por favor comuníquese con la directora o el director de su escuela, o con la oficina del distrito.

Atentamente,

El Distrito Escolar Sweetwater Union High School

This year marks a significant milestone for one of our esteemed educators in the Sweetwater District, who is celebrating 33 years of service and has been honored as the 2025 Counselor of the Year. Araceli Loya, beginning her career at Southwest High School in 1992, she has dedicated a decade to supporting students there before transitioning to the Castle Park High Learning Center for a year. In 2003, she had the honor of being part of the founding counseling team at Otay Ranch High School, where her commitment to student success flourished.

In 2007, she joined the Olympian High School team during its second year of operation and has continued to make a profound impact on the lives of students ever since. Her passion for her work has not gone unnoticed; in 2016, she was awarded the prestigious SDSU Frank Jonasson Endowment Counselor of the Year award in recognition of her exceptional service to students navigating the college admissions process.

Principal Mitrovich praises her as a “gem” to both Olympian High students and staff, highlighting the invaluable role she plays in the school community. She firmly believes in the power of making a difference in someone’s life and remains dedicated to her mission of supporting students every day.

Congratulations Ms. Loya!

This week, the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is proud to celebrate National School Counseling Week, highlighting the essential work of our school counselors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated professionals for their leadership, commitment, and unwavering support for our students.

National School Counseling Week focuses public attention on the unique contributions of school counselors within our education system. It’s a special opportunity to recognize the tremendous role they play in helping students achieve academic success.

The mission of SUHSD School Counselors, serving grades 7-12, is to deliver a comprehensive program that addresses the academic, social/emotional, and college and career development needs of all students.

Counselors partner with educators, parents/guardians, and community resources to ensure that every student develops the knowledge and skills needed to reach their full potential.

Join us in celebrating our incredible school counselors this week and every week! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students.