Mustang Corral
July 22, Ranch News Round-Up and Important Information
Message from the Principal
Good evening Mustangs,
As we head into the final week of October, we have another exciting week ahead, filled with opportunities to celebrate our diverse cultures, recognize student achievements, support our student-athletes and performers, and strengthen our connections as a school community.
Tuesday – Día de los Muertos Celebration & CIF Playoffs
On Tuesday evening, we invite our Mustang community to join us in the Theatre for our annual Día de los Muertos Celebration hosted by our MECHA Club. This beautiful cultural tradition provides an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who have passed while celebrating the rich Mexican heritage that is such an important part of our school community. Events like these remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that our commitment to Belonging and Unity is reflected in the many cultures and traditions we celebrate at The Ranch.
Tuesday is also an exciting evening for Mustang Athletics as our Girls Flag Football and Girls Volleyball teams compete in the CIF Playoffs! We wish both teams the very best as they represent The Ranch in postseason competition.
I also want to extend a special congratulations to our Girls Volleyball team for capturing the MESA League Championship with a victory over Eastlake High School last week! What an outstanding accomplishment! We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their hard work, dedication, and determination throughout the season. Congratulations, Mustangs!
Wednesday – School Site Council & Band Tournament
On Wednesday after school, we will hold our School Site Council meeting, an important opportunity for parents, students, and staff to collaborate on decisions that support student achievement and continuous school improvement. We appreciate the commitment of our School Site Council members and their partnership in helping make Otay Ranch the best school it can be.
Later that evening, we look forward to our Band Tournament. This event is another opportunity to showcase the incredible talent, dedication, and hard work of our student musicians. We encourage our Mustang community to come out and support our band students as they share their passion for music and performance.
Friday – Coffee with the Principal, Progress Reports & Halloween Celebrations
Friday will be a busy and exciting day at The Ranch!
We will begin the morning with Coffee with the Principal at 9:00 a.m. in the Library. I invite our parents and guardians to join me for coffee, conversation, and an opportunity to discuss what is happening at Otay Ranch. Your partnership, feedback, and involvement are essential to our continued success.
Friday also marks an important academic milestone as we issue the last progress report of the semester before final grades are posted in December. With just several weeks remaining in the semester, this is an important time for students and families to review academic progress, celebrate successes, and identify areas that may need additional attention.
I encourage all students to take ownership of their learning, communicate with their teachers, complete missing assignments, and take advantage of the academic support opportunities available at The Ranch. Remember, there is still time to make meaningful improvements before the semester ends. Let's make these final weeks count!
We will also close out the week with some Halloween fun, including our Halloween Assembly and a special Halloween Concert during lunch. These activities provide opportunities for our students to celebrate, connect with one another, and enjoy the positive school culture we continue to build together.
Finishing the Semester Mustang Strong!
As we prepare to enter November, I want to remind our students that every day matters. Whether it's giving your best effort in the classroom, supporting a teammate, participating in a school activity, or simply showing kindness to someone who needs it, each of us plays an important role in making Otay Ranch a special place.
Our core values of Belonging, Learning, Unity, and Empathy (B.L.U.E.) are more than words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we treat one another. This week's celebrations, competitions, performances, and opportunities for family engagement are all examples of those values in action.
Thank you, Mustang families, for your continued support and partnership. Let's have another outstanding week at The Ranch, celebrate the accomplishments of our students, and continue working together to finish the semester strong!
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