Sweetwater Currents

Month: June 2018

  • Sweetwater District Officials and State Leaders Announce Mar Vista High School Swimming Pool Upgrade

    Sweetwater District Officials and State Leaders Announce Mar Vista High School Swimming Pool Upgrade

    Sweetwater District Officials and State Leaders Announce Mar Vista High School Swimming Pool UpgradeThanks to the help of Sweetwater District’s local and state leaders, a major upgrade is on its way for a competitive swimming pool at Mar Vista High School.

    Sen. Ben Hueso, Assemblyman Todd Gloria, Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina and other leaders recently announced $2 million from the state budget will be allocated to the Sweetwater Union High School District to fund improvements to the pool in the beach town community.

    At this time, the swimming pool faces closure due to corrosion, pipe breaks and other building code problems.

    “The Sweetwater District and Mar Vista High community are extremely thankful for our elected representatives advocacy for our students and community,” said Sweetwater District Board of Trustees President Paula Hall.

    “For years the swimming pool at Mar Vista High has faced closure due to its disrepair. Thanks to the State’s investment of $2 million dollars and the fundraising of the City of Imperial Beach and the Sweetwater District, the pool will now be redeveloped and preserved for generations to come!” said Assemblymember Todd Gloria.

    The issues could affect students who live in the area and have no other options for swimming. The problems could also impact schools that use the pool for water polo or other sports.

    As part of the State Legislature’s 2018-2019 State Budget, Senator Ben Hueso helped secure millions of dollars in State funding for much-needed improvements in the 40th Senate District, including water quality projects, construction of public facilities and workforce development programs. Part of those dollars of in gap funding from the state will secure and build a new joint-use pool.

    “If you want to go fast, go alone,” said Sweetwater District Superintendent Dr. Karen Janney. “ If you want to go far, go together. With this new development and with huge thanks to our California representatives we are continuing the work in “Putting Students First” here in Sweetwater.”

  • Alex Picazo

    Kudos to Mr. Alex Picazo, Teacher Librarian at Rancho del Rey Middle, for recently being awarded $4,000 from Lowe’s Toolbox for Education. This grant will serve three purposes. First, it will promote the library as a center of learning and interaction. In Mr. Picazo’s own words, “I want the library to be the center and hub of campus.” Second, it will allow the library to upgrade their audio visual equipment. The library has plans of purchasing an interactive display panel. Lastly, the grant will help the library make strides towards promoting access to STEM resources and materials for all students.

  • School Boards, Administrators Association Student Scholarship Winners Announced

    The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and the San Diego County School Boards Association (SDCSBA) have announced the winners of five $1,000 scholarships. Congratulations to the following Sweetwater District recipients!

    Alexa Aitchison (Eastlake High, Sweetwater Union High School District) is heading to Southwestern College, then San Diego State University to earn her degree in graphic design/fine arts and become a teacher.

    Haley Felberg (Eastlake High, Sweetwater Union High School District) is heading to Biola University to become a math teacher at the middle school level.

    Izabel Nieves (Eastlake High, Sweetwater Union High School District) is heading to San Diego State University to become an elementary school teacher.

    ACSA and SDCSBA scholarships provide an award for high school seniors who meet several criteria: show proven academic success with at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average; are involved in community service; who may not necessarily qualify for other financial aid; and are pursuing a career in education as a teacher or other certificated employee.

    The scholarship funds, which are donated by attendees at the annual Honoring Our Own Awards dinner, are sent directly to the college or university upon the student’s enrollment for the summer or fall 2018 school year.

  • Congratulations to the Valedictorians, Salutatorians and outstanding Graduates of the Class of 2018.

    Congratulations to the Valedictorians, Salutatorians and outstanding Graduates of the Class of 2018.

    Graduates, you’ve completed your high school journey and are moving on to a future of success. We know that the foundation you have built here in the Sweetwater Union High School District has prepared you for any and all dreams imaginable. You have before you a cherished opportunity to make a difference for yourself, your loved ones and your communities. Putting Students First!

    Today we honor your accomplishments and wish you the best in the years ahead. The Board of Trustees congratulates the valedictorians, salutatorians and outstanding graduates of the Class of 2018.

  • Fernanda Gutierrez

    Fernanda Gutierrez

    Kudos to Fernanda Gutierrez, a 9th grader at Olympian High. Gutierrez was invited to represent the USA as a member of Team Grace through the International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics. Fernanda’s background in rhythmic gymnastics level 8 is why she was requested to be on the USA team aesthetic group. Congratulations Fernanda! Fernanda Gutierrez, a 9th grader at Olympian High - invited to represent the USA as a member of Team Grace through the International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics

  • Aldrik Ramos

    Aldrik Ramos

    Olympian High Senior Aldrik Ramos is a UCSD bound student who scored perfect on the ACT exam!
    Kudos to Olympian High Senior Aldrik Ramos. This UCSD bound student scored perfect on the ACT exam! After nearly studying for 20 hours a week, Aldrik’s hard work paid off! Aldrik encourages all students to “believe in yourself.” Congratulations Aldrik!

  • Roslynn Sapienza

    Roslynn Sapienza

    Olympian High School 9th grader Roslynn Sapienza was recently featured in a commercial on Nickolodeon!
    Kudos to Olympian High School 9th grader Roslynn Sapienza for recently being featured in a commercial on Nickolodeon! Sapienza and a few other members of the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center were in the commercial celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

    The spot is part of the “That’s Me” Campaign and aired during the month of May! Sapienza said the experience was a fun one and that it was eye opening for her to be able to share about her culture through dance.

    Sapienza has danced since age 3 and also dances with the Chula Vista Ballet Company. In addition to dance, she plays soccer. She says the Nickolodeon experience was a once in a life time opportunity and a great opportunity to honor her heritage. Congratulations Roslynn!

  • Meet SUSHD Teacher of the Year From SUH Sesha Haynes

    Meet SUSHD Teacher of the Year From SUH Sesha Haynes

    SUSHD Teacher of the Year From SUH Sesha Haynes

    Who: Sesha Haynes

    What: Sesha says her daily goal is that her students walk in class knowing their teacher believes in them and will assist in any way to make them succeed. Math can be one of those subjects where many students seem to hit a wall. She believes it is her job as an educator to tear down that wall, or at least make it easier to climb over. She has been recognized by the district as one of the top leaders in test scores for mathematics.

    Where: Haynes began her career in Foster Youth Services at the San Diego County Office of Education in 2003, all while working as an instructional assistant at Castle Park Middle School. She is now teaching math and transitions and health in fundamentals, at Sweetwater High. She is also the cheer coach, track and field coach, advisor for the Black Student Union, advisor for the Unified Devil Buddies and advisor for the Class of 2018!

    Why: She says she was born to be a teacher, and that teaching is in her blood. Teaching is not a profession for her; it is her passion. Everyday she strives to make every student feel successful and accepted.

  • Meet SUHSD Teacher of the Year From CVH Maria Elena Galleher

    Meet SUHSD Teacher of the Year From CVH Maria Elena Galleher

    Meet SUHSD Teacher of the Year From CVH Maria Elena GalleherWho: Maria Elena Galleher

    What: Mrs. Galleher strongly believes in enhancing her student’s psychological and physical health by advocating for the “whole child”. As a Peer Mediation instructor, she believes when teachers address the emotional well-being of a child through restorative practices, prevention of acts of aggression can occur. A daily goal of hers is to motivate and inspire students to love the act of learning, so they can use it for any subject, no matter their level or background. Galleher was the catalyst in turning two weed-infested lots on her campus to a fully functioning zero-waste garden and classroom. While Maria is extremely proud of her accomplishments in the field of teaching, she is more proud of the steps her students have taken to enrich their lives with exercises for their bodies and minds.

    Where: This amazing teacher began her career in 1988 at National City Junior High School, now National City Middle. Currently, she teaches AP Government, Peer Mediation, Food and Nutrition through Gardening, Spanish and Mexican-American studies at Chula Vista High.

    Why: She believes that one teacher cannot nourish “the whole child” alone, but that all teachers can make transformational change together.