
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
In a heartfelt celebration of the marching arts, the 57th Annual Sweetwater District Band Pageant took place at Southwestern College, honoring the students, directors, coaches, and parents who have dedicated their time, talent, and determination to keep this vital part of the community alive.
Jeff Kover, a key figure in this tradition, recounted the origins of the event, noting that it all began in 1968 when band directors from the six Sweetwater High Schools came together to plan this remarkable showcase. The inaugural event was held at Aztec Bowl at San Diego State College, featuring all high school and junior high marching bands in exhibition. This year, the tradition continued with pride.
The event was made possible through the continued support and partnership with Southwestern College, which graciously hosted the Band Pageant in its beautiful stadium. Kover expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent and President of Southwestern College; Dr. Cynthia McGregor, Dean of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences; and Deborah Nevin, Southwestern College Band Director, for their invaluable support in bringing the showcase to life.
Kover also recognized the ongoing support of the Sweetwater District Board of Trustees and the Superintendent Aguirre for their commitment to the arts. The evening featured performances by ten high school marching bands and color guards, culminating in a spectacular finale with a massed band performance that included over 400 musicians from the junior high and middle school bands.
Rehearsals had been underway for weeks, with 300 members coming together to create a unified performance that showcased their hard work and dedication. Sweetwater High School, the oldest in the district, played a significant role in this celebration, embodying the spirit of the National City community.
Adding to the excitement, the Red Devil Corps announced their qualification for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Field Band Championships, marking the first time Sweetwater had reached this milestone since 2009. Kover encouraged everyone to wish Bonita Vista High, Eastlake High, and Sweetwater High School bands good luck in their championship performances that weekend.
The showcase was not just a celebration of music and performance but a testament to the strength and support of the Sweetwater community, ensuring that the legacy of marching arts continues to thrive.
Dear Students and Staff of the Sweetwater Union High School District,
As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. This time of year reminds us of the importance of reflection and appreciation for the community we have built together.
To our dedicated staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and for the hard work you put in every day. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and they play a vital role in shaping the future of our students and our district.
To our students, I commend you for your perseverance and dedication to your education. Your growth and achievements are what inspire us all, and I encourage you to take pride in your hard work.
As we gather with our loved ones this Thanksgiving break, may you find joy in the company of family and friends. Take this time to recharge and appreciate the moments that matter most.
Wishing you a peaceful and fulfilling Thanksgiving.
Warm regards,
Moisés G. Aguirre, Ed.D.
Superintendent
The Sweetwater District is thrilled to share a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to gender equity in athletics at Castle Park High. Over the past decade, the district has recognized the need for improvement in compliance with Title IX in ensuring equal opportunities for all female athletes. We proudly announce the successful completion of our Title IX commitments, marking the final year of this important initiative.
This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of countless individuals—students, coaches, staff, and community members—who have tirelessly advocated for and supported our female athletes. Through collaborative efforts, we have witnessed remarkable growth in girls’ participation in sports, shifting from a focus on compliance to a true commitment to empowering young women in athletics.
We are proud to champion these values and will continue to promote gender equity in all areas of our district.