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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A legend from the track and field world and Sweetwater High alumni visited the school during an all campus assembly, hoping to inspire students to chase their dreams and continue an education beyond high school.Gail Devers, a five-time Olympian and three-time gold medalist in the 100 meters, was in the region as part of her worldwide tour, promoting her new book entitled: Gail Devers My Life In Story: Stronger. Devers headed home to National City’s Sweetwater High School, home of the Red Devils, where she began her legendary career.
Cheerleaders and various other athletes from Sweetwater High welcomed the athlete on the dedicated Gail Devers Football Field, listening to Devers tell her story about overcoming challenges and preparing for success, sign books for students and faculty, and visit with the local Barnes & Noble and Sweetwater High Alumni.
During her presentation, she emphasized education. She asked, by show of hands, how many of the students had goals written down, something they could see every day. Hundreds of hands shot up.
She also told the athletes to never allow anyone to say they are too small, weak or unable for this or not good enough to do that.
“There are people who are going to overlook you because of where you come from. As long as you have the confidence and have it up here and here, you’re fine,” she said, pointing to her head and heart.
During the assembly National City Mayor Ron Morrison presented Devers with a Mayoral Proclamation and Devers first coach, Coach Gene Alim gave remarks about working with Devers early on in her career.
Devers discussed despite being diagnosed with Graves disease in 1990, after months of treatment she returned to the sport and won gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic games.
“Right here is where I learned to dream beyond this field,” said Devers. “To dream beyond what I could see. No matter the obstacles you face, never allow them to define you.”
After her talk, Devers took photos and signed books with students and faculty.
“There’s something special about SUHI. It’s really important to remember where you came from and especially in this day, to have positive role models,” Devers said.
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What ten Sweetwater High students thought was “The SUHI Letterman’s Challenge” turned out to be much more than they anticipated in the end. Thanks to SUHI English teacher Kristina Josafat, ten SUHI athletes were recently surprised with a custom letterman jacket after applying for what they thought was the Project Letterman Challenge.The Project Letterman Challenge consisted of a five question application that asked the following questions: What sports have you participated in? What does a Letterman’s Jacket mean to you? What goal(s) are you willing to set (and commit to) as part of the Letterman’s Challenge? What teacher, staff, or coach have you discussed your Project Letterman goal(s) with, who is willing to help push, guide and motivate you?
“For some time now, I’ve noticed very few letterman jackets around campus,” said Josafat. “Knowing that so many students have earned these jackets and don’t have them because of finances, I knew I had to do something. That’s how I came up with the Project Letterman Challenge and asked for support from my friends and family to help fund jackets for a few students.”
Initially only five students were scheduled to be selected, however after noticing last year’s positive response from friends and family, this year Josafat decided to set-up a GoFundMe account, a fundraising site dedicated for personal causes and life-events. Josafat was able to fund ten students with a letterman jacket due to the outpour of donations.
“Letterman jackets are a huge part of the high school experience,” said Josafat. “After having nearly 30 students apply this year, I wanted to do as much as I could to help as many students as possible.”
The day of the surprise, students were filing into the classroom for the “final interview”, they appeared alert, bright-eyed and exceptionally poised. But when each jacket was put on, it triggered an irrepressible smile.
“Words really cannot express how appreciative I am of Mrs. Josafat and all the staff at Sweetwater,” said Senior Antonio Garcia. “I thought I was here for my final interview today. I still can’t believe this is happening and I get a jacket.”
Garcia’s fellow schoolmate Gladiss Barajas echoed the same sentiments when asked how she felt. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity,” said Barajas. “I’m excited and can’t wait to get my jacket!”
Josafat saw the jacket not only as a reward, but as an opportunity to represent the school. “Thanks to High Five Team Sales for playing a huge part in this program and giving our students a twenty-five percent discount on their jackets. This made a huge difference.”
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Rancho del Rey Middle School Wins 16th Annual Competition
The weeks of preparation and intense training were finally put to the test last month. Seventh and eighth grade students faced off in what has become one of the most challenging competitions of the year – the 16th Annual Math Field Day. The event inspires students to pursue math-related careers while also showing math can be fun.“Students engaged in math competition at the level I witnessed on Math Day, reminded me of the passion and dedication all athletes compete with to win, “ said Griselda Delgado, Principal at Hilltop Middle. “What an amazing experience to see the students get so excited about academics and feel like Mathematical Athletes and rejoice in the win with the most important muscle they have: their brain. This type of event acknowledges our future leaders who often go unnoticed in middle school. Congratulations to all of them!”
Students from each of the 11 middle schools in the Sweetwater District met up recently to show off their academic skills in this annual event. Math Field Day consists of 10 fast-paced, quick-reaction match games such as Win, Lose or Draw, Mad Hatter, Math Revenge, Battleship, Sudoku and many more. The games and contests reinforce math standards and provide supplemental skills. Students from each school’s team are divided up and compete in smaller teams for each of the games.
“Math Field Day is an invaluable experience for all middle school math wizards, “ said Manuel Narvaza, Assistant Principal at Hilltop Middle. “The competitive nature of the event, along with the support that each respective school had for every team that participated made Math Field Day that much more memorable. Thanks to all who gave their blood, sweat, tears, and time to make the event a success. SUHSD and Math Field Day – Math Excellence in the making!”
For results from the 16th Annual Math Field Day click here.
