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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Olympian High School recently marked the commencement of a transformative project with a groundbreaking ceremony. District officials, school site staff, the Olympian High Band, students, construction personnel, and more gathered to commemorate this special occasion. The project aimed at enhancing its campus and enriching the learning environment for students consists of seven main components, to provide students with more opportunities to learn and grow.
Olympian High is set to begin construction on a new 2-story, 12-classroom building removing the current six relocatable classrooms located across the gymnasium. Other components of the project include the construction of new shade structures along Eagle Way, the replacement of the existing campus marquee, and accessibility improvements to student restrooms in the cafeteria. Additionally, landscape improvements and the installation of artificial turf at the site of the six relocatable classroom buildings will be carried out.
District officials including Superintendent Moises Aguirre, Board of Trustee Vice President Ms. Elva Lopez-Zepeda and Trustee Nick Segura, were among those in attendance.
“This project is a testament to the Sweetwater District’s commitment to providing students with the best possible learning environment,” said Superintendent Aguirre. “The success of the project would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many individuals, including school administrators, teachers, staff, and the construction team.”
Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations Janea Quirk, and her team, Planning and Construction Director Jason Brust, and Project Manager Janice Alcaraz were acknowledged for their leadership and collaboration with design professionals Lionakis Architects, and Construction Manager Balfour Beatty. The district wishes Conan Construction, the project General Contractor, success in delivering this project to SUHSD.
“We are truly excited to commemorate this milestone and anticipate the progress that will be made in the coming months and the benefits it will bring to the OLH community,” said Olympian High Principal Viky Mitrovich.
The Sweetwater District extends its gratitude to the community for its support and investment in the schools, which has been instrumental in making this project and future facility upgrades across the district a reality.
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The Chef Ann Foundation Celebrates Black History Month: Highlighting Black school food professionals making strides in the school food world and beyond. Congratulations to SUHSD Nutrition Services Director Eric Span for being among those highlighted.
The Chef Ann Foundation is dedicated to promoting whole-ingredient, scratch-cooking in schools. This approach enables schools to serve the healthiest, tastiest meals so that kids are well-fed and ready to learn.
Eric Span
Director of Nutrition Services of Sweetwater Union High School District (CA) and Chef Ann Foundation Board MemberEric Span is the Director of Nutrition Services for Sweetwater Union High School District and has served in this role for 11 years.
Eric has 18 years of experience in K-12 school nutrition and is also a trained chef. Having graduated culinary school 33 years ago, Eric has vast knowledge in recipe building, procurement, and leading large teams. His passion and love for serving great food guides him as he provides the highest quality of nutritious meals for Sweetwater students. Eric is a proponent of the farm-to-school movement and is currently working to build a bridge between school food service and classroom education.
In what ways do the meals offered in your district reflect the diverse backgrounds and traditions of the student population, including those from Black communities?
Eric: Sweetwater Union High School District is proud of our commitment to serving dishes that reflect our diverse student population. We feature menu items such as Yassa Chicken, BBQ chicken and items that represent our Latino and Asian population such as Ceviche and Ramen Bowls to name a few.
In promoting farm-to-school practices, how do you involve students in learning about the agricultural history and contributions of Black communities to the local food system?
Eric: This is a great question. As we are building our program many of our discussions have centered around food sovereignty and reclaiming the land. The idea of letting our students know the history and importance of reconnecting to the foundations of a healthy community that owns its own food supply lifts up our work.
Can you share any success stories or feedback from students and parents regarding the positive impact of culturally inclusive meals on the school community?
Eric: When we served Ceviche, BBQ chicken, and shrimp spring rolls we received calls from staff and parents interested in trying these meals for themselves. These items sell out immediately when on the menu. We take this as a sign that the students love them.
During your childhood, which traditional dish from your background would you have liked to find featured on the school menu?
Eric: We haven’t served it yet, but I would love to feature collard greens with smoked turkey. My grandmother made a dish using tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions with a white vinaigrette that was awesome. We also served a cookie from my school days in Chicago. It’s simply known as the “lunchroom cookie” all around Chicago. The students and staff all enjoyed it. I want to get back to pushing the envelope with foods from all cultures, but I love sharing a little bit of mine.
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Today marked the incredible 12th Annual “Breaking Down the Barriers” at Olympian High School! The discussions and interactive activities were designed to equip students with the emotional literacy skills necessary for fostering a positive school culture. Thanks to Olympian High’s Peer Mediation program staff and students who made this day a success!