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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The Sweetwater High School Mock Trial Club has just received a generous $3,000 donation from the Helpful Honda Team, which will greatly enhance the students’ preparation for their upcoming competitions this February.
Corina Pendeli, the Mock Trial Advisor, expressed her gratitude, stating, “So happy on behalf of all students. It has been difficult getting suits for students that fit, and this support means the world to us. It’s crucial for our students to show up feeling confident and ready to present their cases in front of a judge.”
Nominated by her high school sweetheart, Jose, Corina’s journey to Berkeley serves as a true success story and an inspiration to our current students.
“This tradition means so much to our kids, showing them that their hard work is acknowledged and valued,” said Corina. “As we continue to support our Mock Trial Club, we are reminded of the importance of community involvement in fostering the next generation of leaders.”
Thank you to Helpful Honda for their commitment to empowering our students and to all who support our Mock Trial Club!
As Corina emphasized, “Being dressed appropriately allows them to represent SUHI and National City with pride!”
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The Sweetwater District has been featured in the City of Chula Vista Community Connection, Community Partner Spotlight.
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What inspired you to become the student board representative for the San Diego County Office of Education?
Upon finding out about the position of a student board representative for San Diego County I had been eager to find ways I could make a difference or use my voice to foster change in my small community. So, when the opportunity was presented I knew this would be a great way to become more involved and be a part of decisions that affect student life.
Can you share some of the key issues or challenges you see facing students in our district today?
I believe the challenges that affect students in our district today include not enough interactive and supportive learning environments. I think for many students they thrive with interactive teaching styles. Therefore, creating a learning environment open to discussion and conversation allows students to form ideas, listen to other classmates differing or even similar views, and even feel like they are contributing to an academic discussion.
How do you plan to represent the voices and concerns of students at the county level?
My plan to represent my fellow classmates and high schoolers at the county level is to advocate for the voices swept under, those who feel that they are not being heard or listened to. My goal is not to transform the system but to encourage others to do their part in our environment and community. I think cultivating change does not come from one person but from a collective so my hope is that others will gain motivation and encouragement to do the same.
What initiatives or programs are you most excited about that aim to improve student experiences in San Diego County?
I think the initiative and uptake in mental health awareness is something I am very passionate about. I am excited to see the district implement initiatives designed to support students aside from the educational needs.
How do you engage with your peers to gather feedback on important topics affecting students?
In terms of my high school, I enjoy speaking to an adverse group of students and simply learn things about others. I feel that when you create relationships within your community it allows one to feel more connected and understanding to the issues others may be facing, which in turn widens one’s perspective.
What role do you think student input should play in decision-making processes within the school district?
Students should play a vital role in the decision making process within school districts, although I do not believe students should be making the decisions I do believe however that their voices should be heard and considered when deciding on potential initiatives or rules that without a doubt will affect these students. In order to create a district that students are receptive to and engaging, their opinions and beliefs must be valued.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for your term as student board representative?
My goal for my term as a student representative is to learn more about the process that goes behind creating these rules and initiatives that affect students, and in doing this my hope is to take this information back to my high school and encourage students to be advocates. Additionally, I wish to provide a different perspective or view that may not be considered when board members are voting on future decisions.
Outside of serving on the Board, what other activities are you involved in, and what do you enjoy doing outside of school?
Outside of serving on the Board, I enjoy playing Volleyball with my teammates and amazing coaching staff at Olympian. I also truly enjoy my mental health advocacy work that I do through being the Vice-President of the OHS Wellness Club that aims to break the stigma of mental health as a whole. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outside with friends and family, like going to the beach, hiking, trying new restaurants, and taking pictures.