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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Sweetwater Union High School District Graduates Thousands
“I am so proud of each graduate and student who graduated or promoted. We celebrate the achievements you’ve attained and the challenges you’ve overcome. Being an educator is the most rewarding career of all.” This is how Dr. Karen Janney, Superintendent of the Sweetwater Union High School District, described her feelings about the classes of 2017 and the role of district faculty and staff.
This year, more than 6,500 high school seniors and middle school 8th graders graduated and promoted from across South County. A total of 27 graduation and promotion ceremonies took place over the course of four days.
Commencement ceremonies played to standing-room-only crowds of families and other supporters who turned out to see the graduates walk the stage to receive their diplomas and certificates from the Sweetwater District Board of Trustees members.
The Adult Schools commencement on May 26 was the first in the series. Held at Castle Park High School Stadium, Board of Trustees President Arturo Solis and member Frank Tarantino accepted the class of 2017. The following week began a series of middle and high school graduations and promotions, several held at De Vore Stadium at Southwestern College.
In the Fall, Sweetwater District high school graduates will attend several of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. including Harvard, Brown, Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego and San Diego State University.
District Board of Trustees member Frank Tarantino inspired the graduates at several of the ceremonies by his reference to graduates who had walked the stage before them and interesting facts of things that occurred the year students were born.
Superintendent Janney heard some exceptional student speeches at our ceremonies that shared wisdom beyond their years and inspiration galore. Here are some samples of statements created by Sweetwater District students:
- We are in motion on our way to success!
- We can build our future!
- We all have to have hope!
- We are all champions!
- Surround yourselves with people who inspire you!
- All our dreams are valued!
- Our lives are intertwined for life as Red Devils!
- Find your own passion!
- Time to open a new chapter in our lives!
- What are the moments that led you to today?
- YOLO – you only live once!
- Raise your voice!
- Our purpose will move us forward!
- Become our best selves!
- There is no fear that can’t be conquered!
- May you have the vision to follow your dreams!
- The world is calling for our humanity!
- On to pursue your dreams!
The Sweetwater District extends it best wishes to the Class of 2017 as our students spread out across the nation and world as they pursue higher education, trade schools, the military and the workforce.
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Sweetwater Union High School District and Sweetwater Counseling and Guidance Association are pleased to jointly announce that we have reached a tentative agreement for a three-year successor agreement. In the coming weeks both SCGA membership and the Board of Trustees will be voting on the Successor
Agreement. Highlights of the Agreement include:
- Article 4, Wages: 3.75 % salary increase retroactive to January 1, 2017.
- Article 13, Caseload: Codifies the lowering of counselor caseload from 400 to 1 to 360:1.
- Articles 5 & 22, Work day/Work year & Counselor In service: Adds three additional days to counselor schedules for professional learning and collaboration, which will help cut down on counselors being pulled away from their sites when students are present.
- Article 5, Work day/Work year: Establishes a Head Counselor position & stipend at Learning Centers.
- Article 7, Transfer Article: Changes the transfer process to no longer include the lateral list, ensuring unit positions can be filled more quickly & allows for greater access to positions by unit members.
- Article 11, Leaves: Expands parental leave.
- Article 10, Evaluations: Clarifies that Written Assistance Plans related to employee evaluations must be in writing; and illustrates when continuances of evaluations can be given by principals.
- Reopener in second year to continue working on issues related to counselors working outside their duty day during the second year of the agreement.
- Reopeners in the second and third year of the contract for wages and benefits, once the 2017-18 school and state budget are finalized.
SCGA unit members will conduct hearings and vote on the agreement in the near future. The Board of Trustees will take action on June 12, 2017. We appreciate the work of both bargaining teams over the past year to reach this agreement. We are proud of the collaborative spirit at the bargaining table and how the process demonstrates that working together is the best way we ensure each student has the supports they need to succeed. We look forward to working together to implement the agreement and ensure that District administrators and counselors understand the changes in the contract.
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Sweetwater Union High School District is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement over a 3 year successor agreement between the parties. In the coming weeks both SEA membership and the Board of Trustees will be voting on the Successor Agreement.
Highlights of the Agreement include:
1. 3.75 % salary increase retroactive to January 1, 2017
2. Reopeners in the second and third year of the contract for wages and benefits, once the 2017-18 school and state budget are finalized.
3. Three additional days added to all 7-12 teachers for professional learning and collaboration, which will help cut down on all teachers’ needing to obtain substitutes where they will not be pulled away from teaching students.
4. Immediate additional support for special educators by placement of class caps and additional IEP days. Agreement to establish a special education committee to ensure a full review of the program and services in advance of further actions to the program.
5. Modified complaint procedure to ensure complaints are resolved at the lowest possible level with the site administrator and teacher.
6. Agree to teacher average of 51 students (with no more than 55 students) in High School Physical Education.
7. Joint Governance Panel developed changes to align our program with the new state requirements. Agreed to collaboratively develop Peer Assistance and Review Support (PARS) pilot next school year.
8. Parties committed to meet within 30 days of ratification to revamp extra duty stipends, creation, amounts, expectations, and processes for consideration by the Bargaining teams.
9. Increased amount for repair or replacement of employee’s personal equipment if it is damaged due to no fault of the employee.
10. Clarify that Written Assistance Plans related to employee evaluations must be in writing; and clarify when continuances of evaluations can be given by principals.
11. Incentivize teachers to get Biology and Bilingual Authorization credentials by agreeing to help fund tuition reimbursement.
12. Acknowledge that the District must consult with teachers before making changes to districtwide technology programs or implementation of professional learning communities.
SEA unit members will conduct hearings around the agreement later this week and will vote soon after. The Board of Trustees will take action on June 12, 2017.
We appreciate the work of both of the bargaining teams over the past year. We are proud of the significant language changes that we have agreed to, but we are most excited about the tone and tenor of the bargaining table this year. Both sides worked collaboratively to understand each other’s position and together we found solutions. While we still have a significant number of areas we want to work on together, these teams worked together to move us forward as a district. This bargaining was an example of our collective belief that truly We Are Stronger Together. We look forward to continued work with SEA leadership to implement the new agreements.