Category: Sweetwater Strong

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.

This September, five Sweetwater District teachers of the year will compete with nearly 37 other San Diego County teachers at the Annual Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers Gala. Out of the 42 total teachers, only five will move forward to be named San Diego County Teacher of the Year.

The Salute to Teachers Gala is an Academy Awards-style ceremony that will be held at Balboa Theatre downtown and is broadcast live on local cable TV.

The 2019 Sweetwater District Teachers of the Year are:

The finalists were selected by their schools to represent the Sweetwater Union High School District at the county level based on student achievement, professional development and community involvement, teaching philosophy, knowledge of current issues in education, promotion and development of the teaching profession, accountability, and ability to serve as ambassadors of education.

For outstanding educator Julio Avasan, every student in his classroom not only learns the principles of engineering, but he also strives to mold their character to value passion, compassion, appreciation, humility, and most of all, the need to see life with a positive attitude.

“From the very first day when each of my students’ enter my classroom, I open my heart to them” said Avasan. “They become part of my world, and I get to witness their journey to success.”

Cheryl Bayley says her personal goal is to provide a classroom experience in a public school that will rival or exceed other experiences outside of the public-school system. Her mission is to help students take more science due to the need for science majors in our economy.

In Bayley’s third year of teaching science courses, she increased numbers in Anatomy and offered AP Environmental Science for the first time last year. “I value students and the power of their voice,” said Bayley. “Through this power, I ignite their passion for science.”

“Having a good relationship with your students and being committed to learning in whatever form it may take is what makes a successful teacher,” said Brian Dougherty. “I have high expectations for my students, but they are not overwhelmed by them.

As a science teacher, Dougherty wants science to come alive for his students and inspire them to have an appreciation of the natural world.

For Don Dumas, to be a student in his class is to be comfortable knowing that you are in an environment where you can be your authentic self.

“Students in my class know that they can take academic and intellectual risks without fear of ridicule or the ‘wrong’ answer,” said Dumas.” In his classroom, he values the knowledge and experiences that students bring to the class, and the environment is one in which everyone in the room is respected and is free to contribute to the learning of everyone else.

Robert Manroe says his class is a community. He says his students talk to one another, learn from one another, and look out for one another. He believes the inclusive nature of this teaching style encourages students to join in the experience.

Manroe also says he does not rely on students’ skill-sets when they enter his room. “If they lack a skill, I will teach them,” said Manroe. “Whether that is a language, graphing, organization or technology, the solution is the same: Let me show you how to do this.”

The Annual “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers,” will be televised LIVE from the Balboa Theatre on September 7, 2019, in the evening! Tune in or purchase tickets to see if one of our outstanding Sweetwater District teachers will be named San Diego County Teacher of the Year!

The Sweetwater Union High School District hosted the 22nd Annual StringFest event, just one of the largest music events of the year in the districts Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA).

StringFest gathers more than 600 of the districts orchestra students at one site, for one day, to learn from experts in string pedagogy. This years’ event featured beautiful compositions from talented middle & high orchestra students throughout the district.

Over the years, VAPA has developed partnerships with area musicians including the Hausmann Quartet, SDSU, San Diego Symphony, San Diego Youth Symphony, and USD among others. According to Director of VAPA Jeff Kover, during StringFest, students are exposed to master teachers and learn new techniques, leadership, new repertoire, and are able to develop bonds with musicians from around the district.

“This year StringFest has kept with the new California Arts Standards which emphasizes process over product,” said Kover. “We are very proud of that and the positive affect it will have on our students.”

At the end of the day, the advanced high school orchestra musicians perform for community members music they’ve learned during the workshop.

“Over the years, I’ve noticed that this event in particular builds camaraderie amongst our students,” said Tamara Frazier, Teacher Castle Park Middle School. “It’s a great way to connect students on all levels.”

Recently, the Sweetwater District hosted the RISE Celebrating Black Excellence “African American Scholars Conference” with more than 150 parents and students in attendance.

The mission of the RISE Conference is to empower all African American students in the Sweetwater District to know their rich cultural history, create opportunities to pursue their dreams, and to produce leaders who inspire our community.

Assemblymember Shirley Weber was the events keynote and she shared an inspirational message with attendees. Other guest speakers included Dr. Joe Fulcher, Sweetwater District, Assistant Superintendent of Equity Culture and Support Services and several others. Lunch was also provided and attendees had the opportunity to engage with a room full of local black scholars, artists and business professionals.

“I have been a part of many student conferences, but I am particularly proud of this experience as were able to coalesce the talents of many educators and community members to create a special experience for our African American students,” said Rick Cooke, Eastlake Middle School Principal and event coordinator. “ It was an honor to hear the wisdom of Assemblywoman Dr. Shirley Weber and to see our students dream about their tremendous futures by seeing people in various professions that look like them. We are excited to already start work on next year’s conference!”

“We believe every African American student is talented, and is able to express himself/herself in a positive manner,” said Cooke. We believe every African American student is smart and capable of producing at high academic levels, thoughtful and supports the African American community, respectful and takes great pride in their culture. And we believe every African American student is a leader who builds up others and is resilient in overcoming any obstacle.”

More than 500 participants from 17 countries all across the globe, traveled to be at the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools 2019 National Conference held at Olympian High School in the Sweetwater Union High School District.

Educators spent a full day at Olympian High for the “school visit” portion of the conference that began with a panel discussion moderated by Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver. Other panelists included Sweetwater District Superintendent Dr. Karen Janney, Sweetwater District Assistant Superintendent for Equity, Culture & Support Dr. Joe Fulcher, Sweetwater District Coordinator of Athletics Joe Heinz, Sweetwater District Unified Champion Schools Coordinator Valerie Ruiz and a few others.

According to Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver, the Unified Champion Schools program is changing the lives of students throughout the Sweetwater Community and all of the United States by promoting inclusion and acceptance of students with and without intellectual disabilities. More than 400 middle and high school students throughout the Sweetwater District participate in the Unified Champion Schools program year around.

In 2018, the Sweetwater District was named the first Unified District in all of Southern California. “Being a Unified District is very important as it shows our commitment to creating an inclusive school culture, meeting our LCAP goals, and the inclusion of students with disabilities who, historically, is a population that is segregated on campuses.” said Valerie Separa Ruiz, Sweetwater District Unified Champion Schools Coordinator.

The Unified Sports program links developed student athletes alongside students with disabilities – as their peers. Students engage in self-advocacy, friendship, fitness and sports together, building relationships that help to change the atmosphere of competitive sports and toward inclusion.

Conference attendees, students and their families had the opportunity to attend an information fair organized by middle, high school and Southwestern College students. They also had the opportunity to watch several Unified Sports students in action during soccer games, Cross Fit activities and a culminating basketball game that was featured on the ESPN network. “Everyone who attended were able to witness social inclusion and a Unified way of life in Sweetwater,” said Ruiz. More than 280 Sweetwater District students from 10 Unified Schools participated in the games.

“It is my hope that Sweetwater was able to demonstrate that it is possible to be a Unified School District,” said Ruiz. “If not that, I hope attendees were inspired to start unified sports at their school. That they were able to see first-hand the positive impact inclusion has on students and school culture.”

Our Sweetwater STEM Research Science Fair (formerly known as our Science Fair) was hosted at Otay Ranch High School last week. There were 210 students who participated (165 middle school/55 high school); 167 projects were submitted, 124 Junior Division/43 Senior Division.

This couldn’t happen without our middle and high school teachers at BVM, CPM, CVM, ELM, MoM, NCM, RDR, SoM, BVH, ELH, OLH, SUHI.

Sweepstakes Winners Junior Division:

Life Sciences: Samantha Noriega, CVM – Teacher Tina Tom.
Physical Sciences: Eric Guizar, CVM – Teacher Gina Saclauso-Caro.

Sweepstakes Winners Senior Division:

Life Sciences: Mary Jasmine Lara, OLH – Teacher Michael Tony Claudio.
Physical Sciences: Issac Broudy, BVH – Teacher Michelle Mardahl-Dumesnil.

The top three places in all categories move on to the 2019 Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair for sure; all other projects are encouraged to enter as well. Thanks to all students and staff on a job well done!

Unimaginable Act of Forgiveness Turns into Thriving Foundation Impacting Students in Sweetwater District

If you asked Azim Khamisa before his son was murdered that he’d be running a successful foundation based on the act of forgiveness, with the grandfather of the man who killed his son, he would likely have answered; no.

Recently, students at Hilltop Middle School had the opportunity to participate in a “Peacemakers Assembly” organized by the Tariq Khamisa Foundation.

On the night of January 21, 1995, Khamisa’s son was murdered by the grandson of Ples Felix in Balboa Park. Felix’s grandson was the first minor to be tried as adult in California. Months after the crime, the two men met and Felix pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of his grandson. To his surprise, Tariq’s father granted his request — and made his own plea. “I want to see if you can help me,” Khamisa said.

Since that day, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation has worked to eliminate youth violence, delivering a message of peace and respect to millions of students across the globe. According to Khamisa, forgiveness to him meant transforming his anger and hurt into healing and peace.

“Violence scars the soul,” Khamisa said. “The loss of my son put me on the path to help other young people make good and non-violent choices in life. That’s what the foundation is all about.”

As Khamisa and Felix shared their story, students at Hilltop Middle attentively listened to the two men explain the path they both journeyed together. “It’s such an honor and privilege to have the Khamisa Foundation here with us,” said Louie Zumstein, Hilltop Middle Principal. “Teaching students about conflict resolution and the idea of Restorative Practices is so important especially at this stage of life.”

Zumstein and other Sweetwater District administrators believe in the work of the foundation so much that 7th graders at Hilltop Middle have already began a 10-session educational series called Restorative Workshops. The series teaches students important skills such as; how to manage their emotions, accountability for one’s actions, comprehension of making amends, practicing compassion and forgiveness. Students will also participate in active student lead discussions as well as share personal views, opinions and experiences on various topics.

“Khamisa and Felix’s story is so inspiring and heartwarming,” said Natalie Cruz, Hilltop Middle Restorative Coordinator. “My hope is that our students take away positive key tools to navigate their way through dealing with real life situations.”

When asked what Tariq would think about the work he’s doing in his honor, Khamisa replied, “Proud. Tariq practiced forgiveness and compassion every day. I believe he would be proud that I decided to turn a devastating situation into a positive one changing the lives of young people.”

Recently Olympian High School had the opportunity to participate in the “Hour of Code” Computer Science event. Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities.
This year, the “Hour of Code” event reached a whole new level by incorporating a “Dance Party” element. The featured activity included a tutorial for students to code, get creative, and dance, all at the same time.

“ This is a great opportunity to engage students who wouldn’t typically be interested in coding to at least give it a try,” said Tony Claudio Olympian High Computer Science Teacher.

Code.org focuses on diversity in computer science. Their vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science, just like biology, chemistry or algebra. Code.org provides the leading curriculum for K-12 computer science in the largest school districts in the United States and Code.org also organizes the annual Hour of Code campaign which has engaged 10% of all students in the world. Code.org is supported by generous donors including Amazon, Facebook, Google, the Infosys Foundation, Microsoft, and many more.

On Saturday, November 3, 2018, Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) students participated in the 3rd Annual South Bay Pumpkin Smash “Game of Throws” at Eastlake Middle School – Thank you Dr. Cooke for hosting.

This event is the result of the collaboration and partnership between SUHSD, LabRats, the Rotary Club Chula Vista-Eastlake, and the leadership of Michael Monaco, OurHomeTown magazine publisher. This year’s event had several supporters including Greg Cox, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Chula Vista Fire Department, Eastlake Educational Foundation, among others.

Participating SUHSD Schools:

• Palomar High School
• East Hills Academy
• Castle Park Middle School
• and Eastlake Middle School

Results

Division 1 (High Schools):

1st Place Palomar High School (3 years in a row) CONGRATULATIONS!
Teacher leaders: Felipe Rosales & Ileana Grijalva
Principal: Karen Hernandez

Accuracy = 1 meter from designated target

*Palomar HS claimed once again first place in accuracy for Division 1. In addition they accomplished a distance of 44.5 meters in their power throw (not required, just for fun).

Division 2 (Middle Schools):

1st Place Castle Park Middle School (Team Teletubbies) CONGRATULATIONS!
Teacher leader: Christianne Dayawon
Principal: Bill Walsh

Accuracy = 0.7 meters from designated target

Power throw (not required) = 50.7 meters