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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[Chula Vista, CA] – In an era where educational innovation is key to student success, Options Middle College High School is making waves by offering a unique dual enrollment program that allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their diploma.
Located on the campus of Southwestern Community College, students within the Sweetwater District, Options Middle College High School caters to students in grades 11 and 12 who are eager to challenge themselves academically and gain a head start on their college education. This unique partnership is aimed to enable students to take college-level courses that align with their interests and career goals.
This pioneering initiative is set to open its doors on August 12, 2025, empowering students to pursue their academic aspirations while gaining invaluable college experience, setting the stage for future success.
“Options Middle College provides a supportive and engaging environment for students to thrive,” said Dr. Moises G. Aguirre, Sweetwater District Superintendent. “We focus on empowering students to take charge of their education and prepare for their future.”
The school’s curriculum includes a diverse array of subjects, from science and technology to humanities and the arts, allowing students to explore different fields and discover their passions. With smaller class sizes and dedicated educators, students receive personalized attention that fosters their academic growth.
One of the standout features of Options Middle College is its emphasis on college readiness. Students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop essential skills such as critical thinking, time management, and self-discipline. Additionally, the school provides resources like tutoring and counseling to support students throughout their educational journey.
“This collaboration is about impact that can’t be measured,” said Assembly member David Alvarez “It is a pathway to opportunity—a bridge that connects high school students directly with college-level learning and experiences that will shape their futures. And for many students in this community, it means being the first in their families to attend college. That’s a powerful thing.”
The benefits of attending Options Middle College are significant. Students gain firsthand experience of college life, easing the transition to higher education. By earning college credits while in high school, they can save time and money on their future degrees. Furthermore, partnerships with local businesses offer students valuable internship opportunities, enhancing their career readiness.
“I’m looking forward to participating in this program,” said Rida Faraj, a current student at Options Middle College. “Being able to take courses that genuinely interest me and get a taste of what college will be like is what excites me most.”
As the demand for alternative educational pathways continues to grow, Options Middle College High School stands as a beacon of opportunity for students seeking to shape their futures. With its innovative approach to education, the school is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of its students.
“Options Middle College High School exemplifies the college’s mission to deliver affordable, high-quality higher education early, ” explained Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/ President of Southwestern College. ”We know research has shown early exposure to a diverse college environment is critical to building student confidence, independence, and academic self-esteem.”
For more information about Options Middle College High School, including enrollment details and upcoming events, visit https://oss.sweetwaterschools.org/
