News & Events
-
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
-
As students returned from Fall Break, Board of Trustee Marti Emerald and the Sweetwater District recently announced the next phase of the SUHSD HeartSafe Initiative. Emerald and Kristina Fox, Program Manager, Alternative Education/Adult Education, aim to enhance cardiac emergency preparedness across the district by updating over 60 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and training students in essential life-saving skills.
“Our goal is to ensure that every student in the Sweetwater Union High School District knows how to save a life. With proper training, our students will be equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies effectively.”
The initiative kicked off with the training of all 9th and 10th graders at Chula Vista High School in Hands-Only CPR and the proper use of AED Machines. Training of these vital skills will empower students to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies, both at school, and at home. Volunteers from Project Heart Beat, San Diego Fire Department, and Southwestern College EMT classes will assist in delivering this training during Physical Education classes with subsequent training for 7th and 8th graders scheduled for the third quarter after winter break.
The goal of the district is to achieve a district HeartSafe Banner by ensuring AEDs are accessible within a 3-minute distance, as per HeartSafe guidelines.
“As a district, we are committed to the safety and well-being of every student,” said Superintendent Dr. Moises G. Aguirre. “Our heart safe initiative is not just a program; it’s a promise to our community that we prioritize health and readiness. By equipping our schools with life-saving resources and training, we are fostering an environment where every child can thrive, knowing that their safety is our top concern.” -
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!”
-
The Sweetwater District has been featured in the City of Chula Vista Community Connection, Community Partner Spotlight.