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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Ekstein One of Five Educators Surprised at her School with the News
Each day starts with a social and emotional learning activity where students might learn more about breathing techniques, meditation, or other mental health resources. She uses a variety of teaching styles to reach a diverse group of learners. This can include singing, dancing, or wearing costumes.
She helps students participate in authentic science experiences outside of the classroom through involvement in local science fairs and projects to create green spaces on campus.
She was one of the founders and facilitators of her school’s Culture and Climate Committee, which included students, parents, and employees. The group addresses issues such as racism and bigotry and encourages students to be kind advocates for each other.
“I recognize that I may not have all the answers or the ability to solve all the problems, but I affirm that I will continue to teach kindness, positivity, and agency,” she said. “My students reciprocate by bringing out the best in me as an educator. For me, there is no greater reward.”
“Today, we celebrate not just a Teacher of the Year, but a mentor, a role model, and a beacon of light in our school community,” said Sweetwater District Superintendent, Dr. Moises G. Aguirre. “Ms. Ekstein’s dedication to her craft, their innovative teaching methods, and their unwavering support for her students and colleagues makes her a shining example of excellence in education.”
SDCOE and Cox Communications celebrated all of San Diego County’s 51 school district teachers of the year in April at a special event held before judges selected the five winners.
Footage from the surprise announcements and the event will be compiled as a 30-minute Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers television special, which will debut on Cox’s YurView network (Channel 4 on Cox and Spectrum) in September.
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CalKIDS is a children’s savings account program administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an agency of the State of California. CalKIDS will provide each child born in California and eligible low-income public school students with up to $1,500 for college and career training.
Up to $1,500 for 3.6 Million Eligible California Students:*
- $500 Automatic Deposit: Eligible low-income public school students.
- $500 Additional Deposit: Eligible low-income public school students identified as foster youth.
- $500 Additional Deposit: Eligible low-income public school students identified as homeless.
Visit www.calkids.org to see if your child is eligible and claim your account. Students will need their nine-digit California State Student ID number ( student.stateID), found on the second page of their transcript.
* Student eligibility is defined by the Local Control Funding Formula.
CalKIDS es un programa de cuenta de ahorro para niños administrado por la Junta de Inversiones de ScholarShare, una agencia del Estado de California. CalKIDS proporcionará a cada niño nacido en California y a estudiantes de escuelas públicas de bajos ingresos hasta $1,500 para educación universitaria y profesional.
Hasta $1,500 para 3.6 millones de estudiantes elegibles de California:*
- Depósito automático de $500: Estudiantes elegibles de escuelas públicas de bajos ingresos.
- Depósito adicional de $500: Estudiantes elegibles de escuelas públicas de bajos ingresos identificados como jóvenes de crianza (foster youth).
- Depósito adicional de $500: Estudiantes elegibles de escuelas públicas de bajos ingresos identificados como sin hogar.
Visite www.calkids.org para ver si su hijo es elegible y pedir su cuenta.
Los estudiantes necesitarán su número denueve dígitosde identificación de estudiante del estado de California ( student.stateID).
* La elegibilidad del estudiante se define a través de la fórmula de fondos de control local.
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Tour of Chula Vista Middle School Kitchen and Garden Showcased How District Serves Nearly 4 Million Free School Meals Annually Using Fresh, Local Ingredients
California State Senator Steve Padilla visited Chula Vista Middle School recently to recognize the Sweetwater District and Director of Nutrition Services Director with a resolution in honor of his visionary leadership in school nutrition policy and farm to school programs that contribute to students’ health and wellbeing. Under Span’s leadership, the Sweetwater District has developed school gardens where students grow and harvest fruits, vegetables, and fresh eggs for school meals.
Demand for free, nutritious meals in California TK–12 schools has increased under the School Meals for All program that began in the 2022–23 school year. Thanks to critical state investments, California is leading the nation in transforming school meals to feature fresh, local ingredients that students love. Sweetwater’s nutrition program showcases how state funding supports schools in meeting the increased demand with more freshly-prepared food.
Senator Padilla, Sweetwater District Superintendent Dr. Moises Aguirre, representatives from the Center for Ecoliteracy, California Food for California Kids, and district leaders visited the Chula Vista Middle School kitchen, cafeteria, and school garden. They also engaged with students participating in the garden program, and together, they enjoyed a meal provided by the Nutrition Services Department. The ingredients for the meal were sourced directly from the school’s garden, highlighting a commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and sustainability within the school community.
“We take pride in the strides we have made in enhancing our school nutrition programs and are grateful for the recognition and support extended by Senator Padilla and the state of California,” said Superintendent Aguirre. “Let us continue our collective efforts to prioritize the health and wellness of our students by fostering a positive and sustainable food environment in our schools.”