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Castle Park High School

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Coordinates: 32°36′25.5″N 117°3′7.29″W / 32.607083°N 117.0520250°W / 32.607083; -117.0520250
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Castle Park High School
Address
Map
1395 Hilltop Drive

Chula Vista, California 91911
Information
TypePublic
MottoOnce a Trojan, Always a Trojan
EstablishedSeptember 1963
School districtSweetwater Union High School District
SuperintendentMoisés G. Aguirre
PrincipalJuan I Gonzalez,
Faculty105.32 (FTE)[1]
Enrollment2,053 (2022-23)[1]
Student to teacher ratio19.49[1]
CampusSuburban
Color(s)   
Athletics conferenceMetro 2
MascotHelen of Troy & Tommy Trojan
NicknameTrojans
Websitehttps://cph.sweetwaterschools.org/

Castle Park High School (CPH) is a four-year public high school serving grades 9–12 in Chula Vista, California, United States. Established in 1963, serves approximately 1,500 students. Those of which are primarily from low to middle-income families. The campus covers 46 acres and is just six miles north of the Mexico–United States border.[2]

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This map shows the incorporated and unincorporated areas in San Diego County, California, highlighting Chula Vista in red.

History

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Ollier v. Sweetwater Union High School District

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Ollier v. Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is a legal case involving allegations of Title IX violations at Castle Park High School (CPHS) in California, concerning gender equality in school athletics.[3][4]

The case was brought by female students on the softball team at CPHS who filed a class-action lawsuit against the (SUHSD), claiming the school failed to provide equal athletic opportunities for female athletes.[5] The argument was in regards to that the school's softball team received less support and poorer facilities compared to the boys' baseball team.[6]

Court ruling

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The court under the United States District Court for the Southern District of California agreed with the plaintiff, ruling that:[7]

  1. The school took negative actions against the plaintiffs because they raised these concerns.
  2. The reasons the school gave for firing Coach Martinez were untrue and intended as a way of retaliation.
Key dates
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  • 2007: Girls softball players from Castle Park High School file a lawsuit against the Sweetwater Union High School District.[8]
  • 2009: U.S. District Judge M. James Lorenz rules against the district, which pays nearly $500,000 in legal fees.
  • 2012: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2012 ruling that the Sweetwater Union High School violated Title IX.[9]
  • 2012: Following a 10-day trial, Judge Lorenz finds the district in violation.
  • April 2023: The district dedicates $1.6 million in improvements to the softball field.[10]

The ruling required the school district to take steps to address the imbalance in athletic opportunities. The district's appeal of the decision was unsuccessful. The references used concerning this case are: Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, 544 U.S. 167 (2005). Emeldi v. University of Oregon, 698 F.3d 715 (9th Cir. 2012). Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.[11]

Many of Castle Park's classrooms were renovated in 2006 by Turner Construction Company, and as a result classrooms now are air-conditioned with energy-efficient lighting and windows. Classrooms are also now internet-ready and have new whiteboards, cabinets, flooring, and paint. The school's landscape was recently cleaned up in 2009 - 2010, and the entire school was repainted on the exterior with a more rich, earth-toned tan color in 2011. These much-needed improvements will be followed up by another phase of construction which is slated to begin within the next few years with Proposition O.

September 2009, Congressman Bob Filner presented the school with an American flag, as part of a way to recognize the school’s efforts toward academic improvement.[12]

October 3, 2011, Castle Park High's former principal, Diego Ochoa, and assistant principal, Abram Jimenez, stepped down after $21,583 was taken from nine student clubs without advisers' knowledge. The funds were deposited into an account for other school expenses, including employee gifts, luncheons, parking costs, a $600 chainsaw, and a $130 football helmet for a local doctor. Additionally, there were unpaid bills totaling $72,712 for items like yearbooks and uniforms.[13]

In a related matter, Ochoa facilitated over 115 unauthorized grade changes after a credit recovery session, which involved eliminating D's and F's from student transcripts, in violation of district policy. Ochoa was initially in consideration for a promotion to executive director of middle schools; however, he was reassigned to the principal role at Bonita Vista Middle before his resignation.[13]

In November 2011, a teacher at the school was investigated by the Sweetwater Union High School District for allegedly showing an inappropriate film to students. The preliminary investigation found "no merit" to the claims, and the teacher remained employed. Around the same time, a separate incident for a potential sex crime in the cafeteria was dismissed as "horseplay that went too far."[14][15]

November 30, 2011, the school was under investigation for three incidents involving teachers and students. A history teacher was put on paid administrative leave due to an altercation with a student, and a biology teacher was put on unpaid leave after being arrested for possession of methamphetamine. (Nov. 7)[16] In addition, four football players were charged with sexual assault in a hazing incident.(Oct. 17)[17] The principal at the time, Virginia Sandoval Johnson, stated that the school is increasing supervision to ensure student safety.

As of December 19, 2014, the school faced student transfers, with over 25% of its students leaving due to concerns about violence and declining academics.[18]

In July 2017, rumours arose regarding the possible retirement of its long-standing mascot, Tommy Trojan. The speculation began when a large mural of Tommy was taken down during an $800,000 renovation project to upgrade the gym. However, the District confirmed that the mascot would remain and was not being replaced.[19]

2018, School staff, including both teachers and non-teaching employees, were accused of inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment and physical assault. Rather than facing termination, these employees were transferred to other schools or positions. This practice, known as "passing the trash," where employees investigated for misconduct, including sexual harassment and physical assault, were moved to other schools. A football coach and custodian at Castle Park High School was accused of using a racial slur and assaulting students.[20]

In August 2019, a 20-year-old former student from Chula Vista High School was sentenced to federal prison for recruiting classmates to smuggle drugs across the Mexico–United States border. At the time, he was a U.S. citizen living in Tijuana and organized a scheme in which Castle Park High School students smuggled methamphetamine and fentanyl into the U.S. by strapping these narcotics to their bodies.[21]

In March 2020, students in the Sweetwater Union High School District held walkouts in response to budget cuts. The cuts included 237 positions, such as teachers and counselors, and the closure of 12 learning centers.[22]

In August 2021, Castle Park High School ASB Dean/ Title IX Compliance Officer, Bobbi Acosta, performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student, who was choking after accidentally swallowing plastic.[23]

In September 2022, a parent of a Castle Park High School student announced that she planned to sue the Sweetwater Union High School District after her son broke his ankle during a physical education class. The injury occurred on August 9 when he stepped into a pothole on the basketball court. The incident followed a student-led social media campaign that highlighted poor conditions at the school, including damaged facilities. Although the district board did approve a plan for improvements in July, the parent and her attorney claimed that no significant repairs had been made.[24] Another family from Southwest High School was taking legal action after their son also sustained injuries on the school's soccer field.[25]

In May 2023, A baseball player from Castle Park High School experienced a serious injury during a game. He sustained spinal and skull fractures.[26]

Castle Park High School and the Sweetwater Union High School District as a whole, are currently renovating their facilities (as of 2024) including building a new football stadium. The district is investing $42 million to update infrastructure and athletic facilities. The main goal of these improvements is to enhance safety and the quality of education.[27][28][29]

Programs

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Available programs that the school offers under AP are the following: Calculus, English Language and Composition, Psychology, Pre-Calculus, Spanish Language/Spanish Literature, Statistics, Studio Art, US Government and Politics, US History, and lastly World History.[30]

Other programs that the school offers include the Science Innovation Academy, which provides advanced A-G academics alongside hands-on experiences in the STEM fields.[31] This program helps students prepare for careers in science and technology. It includes advanced courses, internships, and mentorship opportunities.[32] "STEM Goes Red" is an initiative by the American Heart Association aimed at encouraging female students, particularly Latinas, to (STEM).[33]

The school in addition also offers Sports Medicine which covers basic anatomy and emergency care. Sales and Marketing, ACE Mentor Program, sponsored by Turner Construction since 2006, AVID, English Language Learners (ELL), and Band. Along with Bonita Vista High School, Castle Park High School is one of only two schools in the Sweetwater Union School District that offers International Baccalaureate classes.

Athletics

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Castle Park High School has developed a strong athletic tradition since its adoption by the USC Trojans in 1963.[34]

Clubs

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Clubs include: Thespian/Drama Club, AASU, Grupo Folklorico, Puente, Academic League, Year Book, Robotics, SBL, AVID, S.I.A.(Science Innovation Academy), Spanish Club, MECHA, CSF, Dance Company, Trojan Brigade, Ecology Club, Cheer Leaders, APSA, Rap Club and Social Justice Club

Notable alumni

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Castle Park High". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  2. ^ "About Us – Castle Park High School". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  3. ^ Rosenfelt, Philip. ""Ollier v. Sweetwater Union High School District"" (PDF). United States Department of Justice.
  4. ^ "Title IX – Castle Park High School". Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  5. ^ admin (2015-06-08). "Female Athletes and School District Settle Title IX Case After Ninth Circuit Ruling". Legal Aid at Work. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  6. ^ "CWLC and Partners Inspect Castle Park High School for Title IX Compliance | California Women's Law Center". Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  7. ^ "Judge: Sweetwater district unfairly favored boys' sports over girls' sports at Castle Park High". cbs8.com. 2012-02-10. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  8. ^ "Federal Appeals Court Upholds Calif. School Gender-Equity Ruling - CBS Los Angeles". www.cbsnews.com. 2014-09-19. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  9. ^ "From U-T San Diego: Appeals Court Upholds Title IX Ruling Against Sweetwater | California Women's Law Center". Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  10. ^ "Ollier v. Sweetwater Union High School District". LII / Legal Information Institute. Cornell Law School. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  11. ^ ""Ollier v. Sweetwater Union High School District"" (PDF). United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. September 19, 2014.
  12. ^ "Castle Park High Strives to Achieve Excellence". La Prensa. 2009-09-18. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  13. ^ a b McGlone, Ashly (2011-10-03). "Money taken from student clubs". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  14. ^ "SoCal Teacher Allegedly Showed Students Porn Film". LAist. 2011-11-29. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  15. ^ "Castle Park assault called horseplay". San Diego Union-Tribune. 2011-10-25. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  16. ^ McGlone, Ashly (2011-11-29). "Teacher arrested on meth charges". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  17. ^ "Hazing incident leads to sexual assault charges in San Diego". Yahoo Sports. 2011-12-02. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  18. ^ Hall, Seth (2014-12-19). "Morning Report: The Crisis at Castle Park". Voice of San Diego. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  19. ^ Rivera, Salvador (Jul 25, 2017) [July 24, 2017]. "Is Castle Park High dumping Tommy Trojan mascot?". Fox 5 San Diego.
  20. ^ McGlone, Ashly (2018-09-17). "Districts Shuffle Problem Employees to New Jobs or Schools". Voice of San Diego. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  21. ^ Riggins, Alex (August 20, 2019). "Former student who recruited classmates as cross-border drug mules sent to prison". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  22. ^ "Students in Sweetwater Union High School District continue walkouts over budget cuts". cbs8.com. 2020-03-03. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  23. ^ "Chula Vista teacher saves choking student by performing Heimlich maneuver". cbs8.com. 2021-08-25. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  24. ^ "Castle Park parent plans to sue Sweetwater District after son breaks ankle at school". cbs8.com. 2022-09-14. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  25. ^ Frias • •, Amber (2022-09-24). "Second Sweetwater Union High School District Family Seeks Legal Action Against District". NBC 7 San Diego. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  26. ^ "Chula Vista high school baseball player suffers freak injury". ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV. 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  27. ^ "Multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art football stadium complex underway at Castle Park High". cbs8.com. 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  28. ^ Handy, Shannon (2023-12-15). "Castle Park High School to get $42 million football stadium after students demand change". cbs8.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  29. ^ KUSI News (2023-12-18). Castle Park High School To Get New Football Facility. Retrieved 2024-09-25 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ "Advanced Placement – Castle Park High School". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  31. ^ "'STEM Goes Red' first-time event inspires young female students to get STEM careers". cbs8.com. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  32. ^ "Science Innovation Academy – Castle Park High School". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  33. ^ "STEM Goes Red gives Latina students access to science, tech, engineering, math". cbs8.com. 2024-03-13. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  34. ^ "Athletics – Castle Park High School". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  35. ^ Brents, Phillip (February 3, 2006). "Super Bowl match-up brings out party-time attitude". The Star-News. p. 23. Retrieved October 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Castle Park grad Moreno inks deal with NFL Chargers". The Star-News. August 3, 2001. p. 21. Retrieved October 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Brents, Phillip (January 3, 1998). "Hometown heroes lift Rams to 35-24 Holiday Bowl win". The Star-News. p. 12. Retrieved October 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ Wyllie, John Philip (August 18, 2000). "Castle Park grad Haywood stacking up as team leader for SDSU Aztecs". The Star-News. p. 21. Retrieved October 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Benji Gil". Kansas City Royals. Major League Baseball. Retrieved 8 August 2009.[dead link]
  40. ^ "Padres interview Castle Park High grad Benji Gil, could wrap up manager search next week". San Diego Union-Tribune. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  41. ^ Byers, Jim (October 15, 1981). "Riley's homecoming is brightened by Viking win". The Star-News. p. 25. Retrieved October 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ Sanders, Jeff (March 30, 2017). "Alex Sanabia at home in Toros' opener". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  43. ^ "CP grad Sampson, projected to start in 2006, sidelined by injury". The Star-News. August 18, 2006. p. 20. Retrieved October 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ Brents, Phillip (August 14, 2019). "CPHS grad Barcoo looking to thrive in senior year with Aztecs". The Star-News. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  45. ^ Lacson, Albert. ""Born of Horses:" Missionaries, Indigenous Vaqueros, and Ecological Expansion during the Spanish Colonization of California" (PDF).
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32°36′25.5″N 117°3′7.29″W / 32.607083°N 117.0520250°W / 32.607083; -117.0520250

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