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

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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

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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

Application deadline extended to June 6th

25-26 OMCHS Application – English

25-26 OMCHS Solicitud – Español

Q & A with Liliana Davis: Spotlight on Sweetwater District’s Newly Appointed Student Board Representative

In an era where student voices are more crucial than ever, the Sweetwater District proudly welcomes its newest Student Board Representative, Liliana Davis a Junior from Olympian High School. With a passion for advocacy and a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for her peers, Liliana is poised to make a meaningful impact. In this interview, we delve into her motivations, aspirations, and the innovative ideas she brings to the table. We thank Liliana for sharing her vision for the future and how she plans to engage and empower students within the Sweetwater community.

• Can you introduce yourself and share what motivated you to run for the Student Board Representative position?

Hello! My name is Liliana Davis and I am the 2024-2025 SUHSD Student Board Representative hailing from Olympian High School! I decided to run for this position because I wanted to make sure everybody in the district has a voice. One thing teachers’ greatly value- whether in high school or if you plan going to college, is advocacy. And whether you are advocating for yourself and telling the teacher you don’t understand a subject, or advocating for a group at your school and telling your ASB president that something needs to change, you will always be heard by members all throughout our district, who will listen to you and value your opinion. I am here to make sure you are and feel heard, and make sure every single student in this district has a voice.

• What do you see as the most pressing issues currently facing students in the Sweetwater District?

One of the biggest issues I believe our students constantly face would be the lack of knowledge of student resources. On each one of our beautiful campuses around the district, there are several resources put in place directly to help students- whether it be clubs, tutoring, counselors, child psychologists, peer counseling, link crew and so much more. I want our students all across the district to know that if they need help, they are not alone- everybody on their respective campus is there to help them, as well as students all around the district.

• How do you plan to gather feedback from students to represent their interests effectively?

Ways I plan to effectively gather feedback on our student populations throughout the district would be through their school’s ASB. I will be meeting every month with all ASB presidents and collecting information about problems and concerns affecting students. I will always try to help as many students as possible, and will bring problems to the Board of Trustees if necessary, or if widely affecting student populations throughout our district. Also, I will make sure that all students throughout the entire district know that they can either go to their school’s ASB, or straight to me with any questions, concerns, problems or ideas about their school and how we can better support them.

• What are some specific initiatives you hope to implement during your term?

Some special initiatives I plan to implement throughout my term would be putting systems in place to help student-athletes thrive at their respective schools. High school can be a busy and stressful time for students, and especially if you are greatly involved in your school, you will need support from your school, your teachers, and many others. I want to make sure that students know it is okay to ask for help, as well as being able to know where and who to ask for help if there comes a time. As a student athlete myself, missing classes for sports and struggling with specific materials because I didn’t have enough time to fully understand it, I know the importance of the support schools and teachers can provide to their students- sometimes all students need is just a little push in the right direction.

• How will you work with the school board to ensure that student concerns are prioritized?

As the SUHSD Student Board Representative, I will make sure that common or heavily impactful concerns towards students are addressed. I will do this by personally addressing common dilemmas and an analysis of the positives and negatives of school life all around the districts during Board meetings (on the second Monday of each month) which are open to the general public as well. Also, if any student in the district has any personal concerns about their school, they may contact their school’s ASB as well as me personally at lilianaoladavis@gmail.com.

• How can students get involved and support your initiatives during your term?

During my term, students may get involved by being a part of previous systems put in place in their school by previous SUHSD Student Board Representatives (such as the voter registration drive led by Mr. Izayah Ringfield), as well as being aware of new changes coming to their respective schools, and being eager to help or be a part of it. As mentioned before, in my term something I would love to accomplish would be bringing awareness and help to all student-athletes across the district, so any initiatives, new clubs or assemblies you may see popping up at schools around the district, feel free to involve yourself!

• What message do you want to leave with your fellow students as you begin your term?

As I begin my term, something I would like to leave the students from all around SUHSD with is to get involved. High school is what you make it! The more sports, clubs, fundraisers, games and more that you involve yourself in, will only make your high school experience that much more memorable! If you find a club that interests you, join it! If you don’t, start one! On every campus there are countless ways you can get involved, and even though sports or some classes may not be for you, every campus has something for everyone. Have a great year, and any comments or concerns please feel free to contact me.

• What other interests/hobbies do you have outside of serving on the BOT?

A little bit about myself- Outside of serving on the Board of Trustees, I am a quad-sport varsity athlete who plays golf, field hockey, soccer and lacrosse at Olympian High School. In my free time I heavily prioritize going to the gym and spending time with my family and my big brother who is going off to college next year (I still can’t believe it!!).

On campus, I am President and Co-Founder of Volunteens Club, Games Manager for Aux Club, and actively participate in my school’s BSU, Link Crew and Unified Sports Club. I also maintain a job and serve as Chair of Assisteens which is a philanthropic community service organization in San Diego for middle school and high school students to get involved in their community. I have a passion for community service and teaching elementary school students, as well as playing sports (of course!).