News & Events
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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
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Two Sweetwater High School graduates were recently invited to the White House for the Computer Science for All Summit. Karla Gonzalez and Adrian Avalos both class of 2016 and students of Computer Science teacher Art Lopez were requested by Ruthe Farmer of the White House Office and Science Technology Policy to present and participate in four distinct events during the White House on Computer Science For All.
Many high level government officials from the White House, Department of Education, the NSF, including Megan Smith, Chief Technology Officer of the White House, Dr. Edward Felten, Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the White House, Ruthe Farmer, Inclusion Officer of the White House, Jan Cuny, Director of Computer Science Education, NSF, Melissa Moritz of the U.S. Department of Education, Lien Diaz, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, College Board, industry tech leaders such as Google, Microsoft, Code.org, and many members of higher education institutions were in attendance.
“Computer Science and Computational Thinking have empowered Karla and Adrian to change the world,” said Lopez. “We are leaders on the national landscape in regards to the Computer Science Education community. With the continuing support of the entire Sweetwater District students will continue to be on the national forefront.”
Adrian Avalos spoke on a four person panel in regards to Computer Science Education and its impact on high school students, and Karla Gonzalez, Adrian, and Lopez represented the model school for the new AP Computer Science Principles course for the College Board.
According to Lopez, Karla and Adrian were phenomenal and impressive, and truly are representative of the very best qualities that the Sweetwater District aspires children to have. As Dr. Janney (superintendent of the SUHSD) has stated, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together!”, and this has proven true with the quality of education that we have provided for both Karla and Adrian!
The Sweetwater District was the only district in the nation to be selected to attend and present at the summit. Adrian spoke on behalf of for the high school student on the impact of Computer Science education on high school students.. Adrian and the rest of the panel were on stage in the White House Press Room auditorium, live streaming to a global and national audience. Lopez said Adrian was eloquent and impressive in his answers and commentary to questions posed by the moderator.
Due to the work of Lopez and his students, the Sweetwater District was selected by the College Board (over 21,000 schools opened with an AP CSP course this year, the largest ever for a first-time AP course) as the representative of the exemplary role model AP CSP school.
In addition to speaking on the panel, Lopez and the students were invited to a special evening tour of the White House West Wing conducted personally by Dr. Edward Felten, Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the White House.
“This was a once in a life time experience, as we toured the Situation Room, the Oval Office, the Rose Garden, and the White House Press Room. It was truly amazing!” said Lopez.
Read more about Sweetwater High School’s Computer Science from KQED News and US News & World Report
How to Start and Build an Inclusive Computer Science Program.(September 28, 2016) KQED News: Mind/Shift: Deborah Kris. Online article on the Computer Science Program at Sweetwater High School and the Sweetwater Union High School District.
AP Computer Science Principles Course Aims to Attract More Students to the Field. (August 31, 2016) US News & World Report. Online article on the College Board’s new offering focuses on expanding access as more jobs require computing knowledge which includes Sweetwater High School and the Sweetwater Union High School District.
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Cox Communication and the San Diego County Office of Education have selected Stuart Douglas as the 2017 San Diego County Teacher of the Year. Douglas, a Biology teacher at Granger Junior High was among four other local educators who were named San Diego County Teachers of the Year on Saturday during the 26th annual “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers”. The annual black-tie gala was televised live on Channel 4 San Diego from the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego.
“What a terrific honor,” said Douglas. “I always say this about my kids. We’re making the best of stars. I see a shine in you, it’s a new shine!”
Forty-three teachers were nominated for the Teacher of the Year honor from among the 26,000 public school teachers in the region. Douglas was one of five teachers representing the Sweetwater District. The other Teachers of the Year include:
- Sylvia McBride – Castle Park High
- Mariana Hughes – Eastlake High
- Stuart Douglas– Granger Junior High
- Tracey Kiser – Hilltop High
- Kimberly Lepre – Hilltop Middle
Finalists were selected based on student achievement, professional development and community involvement, teaching philosophy, knowledge of current issues in education, promotion and development of the teaching profession, accountability, and ability to serve as ambassadors of education.
Douglas says his love for science and the outdoors was nurtured by his parents, and he is dedicated to connecting his students with nature through field trips, guest speakers, volunteering, and other opportunities. “I provide them with experiences that open the doors of possibility,” he says. Douglas’ former principal, Richard Carreon, calls him the “face of field trips” at the school. “His selfless acts continue to put students in situations where they learn beyond school walls.”
School safety is also a priority for Douglas, who was a new teacher at Santana High when the fatal 2001 shooting occurred. Colleagues hailed Douglas as a hero for getting students to safety that day.
The five teachers of the year will represent San Diego County in the California Teacher of the Year program. The state winners will be announced later this year.
Congratulations Mr. Douglas!
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For the 17th consecutive year, the Spanos family and the San Diego Chargers have continued their support for youth health and fitness by awarding more than $250,000 in Chargers Champions grants to San Diego County schools.
Southwest High and San Ysidro High were among ten schools to receive health and fitness grants at press conference held in the Southwest High weight room. Southwest High received $75,000 to be used for a new weight room that Principal Lee Romero says is going change the lives of students. “Our Southwest High School community is honored that our San Diego Chargers have selected our school to be a recipient of this generous grant,” said Romero.
“The money that our school will be receiving will provide our students with a state-of-the-art exercise facility that any school can be proud of.”
San Ysidro High School received $47,000 to be used for a refurbished weight room by athletics and physical education courses. “San Ysidro High thanks the San Diego Chargers for recognizing the needs of our youth,” said Hector Espinoza, San Ysidro High Principal. “This is an exciting time for our school and all the other recipients.”Dean Spanos, Chargers Team President and CEO and Chargers Team Captain and Linebacker Manti Te’o were among the dignitaries who spoke at the press conference. “I grew up in humble beginnings such as this weight room,” said Manti Te’o. “But people like the Spanos family and the Chargers helped me to get to where I am today. This is truly a gift. But it’s nothing until you make it yours.”
The ten schools will be honored on the field during the Chargers season home opener against the Jaguars.Chargers Champions is committed to improving physical fitness in San Diego County schools by providing grants for new facilities and equipment.
