Author: SUHSD

The Sweetwater Union High School District kicked-off the 2019/20 school year with a powerful vision and message of persistence from district Superintendent Dr. Karen Janney and Keynote Speaker Liz Murray. The American inspirational speaker who is notable for having been accepted by Harvard University despite being homeless in her high school years has gone on to become a motivational speaker and the founder and director of Manifest Living.

This year the Sweetwater Districts Welcome Back event focus remained on “SUHSD Elements of Effective First Instruction” that leads to student mastery and engagement through the ‘Lens of Equity’. Superintendent Janney spoke to the various ways the Sweetwater District is continuing its efforts toward equity in the district. The day was filled with workshops, professional development opportunities and back-to-school preparations.

Keynote speaker Liz Murray shared a heartfelt and powerful message with district staff that for several left a lasting impression. As the child of drug-addicted parents, Murray was homeless at age 15. She was determined to not be defined by her circumstances, which led her to earn her high school diploma in just two years and win a scholarship to Harvard University. Her story has made such a huge impact, that a Lifetime Television Movie “Homeless to Harvard” was made to share her story.

Her main message reminded district staff to be encouraging and engaging with students, so that they can reach their fullest potential and find success.

Meet Valerie Ruiz, passionate champion and educational advocate for Special Education students in the Sweetwater Union High School District. For more than 20-years, Ruiz has worn several hats in the Sweetwater District, most recently as a Resource Teacher at East Hills Academy and District Unified Champion Schools Coordinator.

Since her 9th grade year in high school when her father, a Navy veteran took her to volunteer at a special education event, Ruiz knew she wanted to embark on a career working with students with special needs. “I believe what drew me in to working with students with special needs is the advocacy piece,” said Ruiz. “My biggest motivation is doing my best to ensure my students have the same high school experience as the next student.”

Over the past 20 years, Ruiz has worked as a Fundamentals teacher at Montgomery High School, Olympian High School, a Teacher on Special Assignment and coached girls and boys volleyball. Most recently, she organized the Special Olympics Unified Sports National Conference here in the South Bay. More than 500 Special Olympics staff members with an additional 100 educators from Southern California attended the conference.

Unified Sports is an exclusive sports program that unites Special Olympics (students with intellectual disabilities) and athletes (students in the general education population) as teammates for training and competition events.

“When I was organizing the conference, my hope was that we were able to demonstrate the ability to be a Unified School District here in Sweetwater,” said Ruiz. “I hope attendees were inspired to start Unified Sports Leagues at their school sites and that they were able to see first-hand the positive impact inclusion has on students and school culture.” Currently the Sweetwater District has seven active Unified Sports teams that include, Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field, Crossfit, Cheerleading and Fitness Training.

According to Ruiz, Unified Sports is a way for her students to feel a sense of belonging, develop friendships with other students of all intellectual abilities and just about making connections. “Every student with a disability deserves to be involved in extra-curricular activities at school just as much as general population students,” said Ruiz. “I feel grateful every day for the opportunity to do what I do with these amazing students.”

For more information on Unified Sports or for volunteer information contact Valerie Ruiz at valerie.ruiz@sweetwaterschools.org.

Meet Jaylen Jones, 12th grade student at Olympian High School and NBC San Diego Inspirational Student of the Month!

Recently, Jaylen was honored by NBC News Reporter, Rory Devine in her classroom recently during an ambush-style recognition. Devine, her camera-man, district office staff, school officials and Jones’ parents all participated in the surprise recognition.

“Jaylen motivates and inspires me every single day,” said Jaylen’s father, Eric Jones. “I am constantly learning new things from her.”

As a leader on campus, Jaylen holds several roles in addition to being an outstanding student academically. She currently serves in her fourth year and as club president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club, secretary and social media manager for the OLH Saves the Turtle Club, varsity manager for the Track and Field program, as well as Cross Country. Her friends say she’s authentic, passionate, and bold. She reminds others that, “Your presence and words matter. Finding your worth in that is where you can drive and succeed.”

As a Peer Mediator, Jones has participated in several anti-bullying campaigns which have led the school to be recognized by the Anti-Defamation League. She has also assisted in facilitating social/emotional development workshops for her younger schoolmates struggling with depression, anxiety and home-life issues.

“I just want to encourage others to have compassion for people that are different then you,” said Jaylen. “The more we accept people in every aspect of their being, the better our communities will be.”

Jaylen will be attending the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in the fall! The Sweetwater District wishes her all the best and thanks for the lasting impact she’s made at Olympian High.