Mustang Corral
July 22, Ranch News Round-Up and Important Information
Message from the Principal
Good evening Mustangs,
It's Homecoming Week at The Ranch! This is one of the most exciting weeks of the school year, a time when our Mustang pride, school spirit, and sense of community are on full display! Throughout the week, our students and staff will have opportunities to come together, celebrate our school traditions, and demonstrate what makes Otay Ranch High School such a special place.
We have a fun-filled week planned, including our Homecoming Spirit Week, two exciting assemblies, and our Homecoming Football Game against Mater Dei on Friday night! I encourage all students and staff to participate in our spirit days, show their Mustang pride, and help make this a memorable week. Homecoming is about much more than a football game or a celebration. It's about coming together as one Mustang family, strengthening our connections, and celebrating the pride we share in being part of The Ranch!
This week also carries an especially important message as we recognize United Against Hate Week. This statewide initiative encourages schools and communities to stand together against hate, bullying, discrimination, and intolerance while promoting inclusion, respect, and understanding. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their background, identity, beliefs, or differences, deserves to feel safe, respected, valued, and welcomed.
At Otay Ranch High School, this message connects directly to our B.L.U.E. Core Values: Belonging, Learning, Unity, and Empathy. We believe that belonging is not simply about being present on our campus; it's about knowing that you matter, that your voice is valued, and that you are an important part of our Mustang family.
As we celebrate United Against Hate Week, I challenge every Mustang to take action. Stand up when you witness hate or discrimination. Speak out against hurtful words and behaviors. Reach out to someone who may feel excluded. Choose kindness, even when it's not the easiest choice. And when you see something that doesn't reflect who we are as a school community, don't remain silent. Seek support from a trusted adult and help us ensure that The Ranch remains a place where everyone belongs.
There is something especially meaningful about celebrating Homecoming and United Against Hate Week at the same time. Both remind us of the importance of community, connection, and unity. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and our ability to come together despite our differences is what makes us stronger.
As we head into this exciting week, let's fill our campus with school spirit, positive energy, kindness, and respect. Let's cheer loudly for our Mustangs, celebrate our traditions, and continue building a school culture where every student and staff member feels a genuine sense of belonging.
Let's make this Homecoming Week one to remember, not just because of how loudly we cheer, but because of how we treat one another.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make Otay Ranch High School a place where we live our B.L.U.E. values every day.
Go Mustangs!
Respectfully,
Julio Alcala
Principal, Otay Ranch High School
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram. There's always something happening at The Ranch!
Student/Parent/Guardian Handbook Updates
Please review the student handbook as it contains recently adopted SUHSD Board Policy regarding cell phone use on campus. Additionally, there is information throughout the handbook to assist with your child's success at Otay Ranch High School. (Student/Parent/Guardian Handbook)
Message to Students and Parents/Guardians: New District Cell Phone Policy
As we continue our academic journey together, we want to remind everyone of our cell phone use policy at Otay Ranch High School, which mirrors recently adopted Sweetwater Union High School District Policy, BP 5131.8(a). To maintain a focused learning environment, cell phones should be turned off and stored away during class time, unless specifically permitted by your classroom teacher. This policy helps minimize distractions and supports our commitment to LEARNING and academic excellence.
This policy is an essential part of upholding our core values of BLUE: Belonging, Learning, Unity, and Empathy. By following the cell phone policy, students demonstrate a commitment to their LEARNING and respect for the educational environment.
Students are allowed to use their phones during passing periods and lunch, but during instructional time, phones should not be visible or in use.
Remember, staying focused in class not only benefits your own learning but also supports the unity and belonging of our entire school community. Let's work together to create a space where everyone can thrive academically and feel valued.
Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to making Otay Ranch High School a place where learning comes first.
Why We Do What We Do
VISION
All students will graduate with the skills, knowledge and commitment to be college and career ready.MISSION
Our mission is to prepare students for post-secondary education and career options by fostering a culture of achievement, developing critical thinking skills across all subject areas, instilling a sense of commitment, and creating a community where everyone belongs.
SCHOOLWIDE LEARNER OUTCOMES
- Students will be able to apply math skills to real-world phenomena and problems.
- Students will be able to use academic language in all subjects to support analysis for specific purposes and audiences.
Website: orh.sweetwaterschools.org
Location: 1250 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 591-5000
Instagram: Follow Mr. Alcala on Instagram @orhs_principal_alcala
Nondiscrimination Statement: The Sweetwater Union High School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer, Dr. Vernon Moore at 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911, (619) 691-5564, vernon.moore@sweetwaterschools.org; Title IX Coordinator, Robert Hughes at 670 L Street, Suite G, Chula Vista, CA 91911, (619) 600-4900, compliance@sweetwaterschools.org; and Section 504 Coordinator Sonia Picos at 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911, (619) 691-5564, sonia.picos@sweetwaterschools.org.
Declaración de no discriminación: El distrito Sweetwater Union High School District prohíbe la discriminación, la intimidación, el acoso (que incluye el acoso sexual), o la intimidación escolar (bullying) en función percibida o real de edad, ascendencia, color, discapacidad, género, identidad de género, expresión de género, estado migratorio, nacionalidad, raza, u origen étnico, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, de la persona; o por asociación con una persona o un grupo con una o más de dichas características percibidas o reales. En caso de preguntas o quejas, favor de comunicarse con el Dr. Vernon Moore, Oficial de Cumplimiento de Equidad en el 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911, teléfono (619) 691-5564, vernon.moore@sweetwaterschools.org; o con Robert Hughes, Coordinador del Título IX en el 670 L Street, Suite G, Chula Vista, CA 91911, teléfono (619) 600-4900, compliance@sweetwaterschools.org; y con Sonia Picos, Coordinadora del Artículo 504 en el 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911, teléfono (619) 691-5564, sonia.picos@sweetwaterschools.org