Messages from Superintendent's Office & EMCSD

Subject: Community Safety & Immigrant Resources

Dear EMCSD Community,

We are aware that Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been conducting operations throughout Los Angeles County, including our community. These federal operations have understandably created fear and anxiety amongst our community. We pride ourselves on being a district that embraces and celebrates the diversity of our community and have always served to do what is best for our students. 

We want to remind everyone of their rights as they pertain to ICE:

We will continue to update our Immigration Resources webpage with the most up-to-date information.

El Monte City School District

Dear EMCSD families and staff,

We are aware of immigration enforcement activity that has taken place throughout the greater Los Angeles area over the past couple of days. The latest ICE raids have understandably caused concerns throughout many communities.

I empathize with the concerns and vulnerability that many are feeling during this time. As always, our goal is to ensure that our schools remain safe and inclusive spaces where learning, play, and celebration can take place. El Monte City School District remains committed to that goal and will always strive to provide a welcoming environment to those of diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

I would like to remind everyone that EMCSD does not collect or request immigration or citizenship status information from students or their families, in accordance with California Assembly Bill 699. Every student in California has the right to attend public school in the state free from discrimination, harassment, violence, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with California Education Code [EC] 220, 234, et seq.

Our protocols regarding student safety remain in place. All agencies including ICE are not permitted on school campuses without a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Any request for information or access will be directed to our District Administration and legal counsel as part of our district protocols. If you or someone you know needs immigration resources and support, please visit our website.

I look forward to seeing our staff and families at this week’s promotions as we come together to celebrate our students. One of our greatest strengths is the strong partnership we share with our school community—a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to doing what’s best for our children and families. That commitment continues to guide and unite us.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maribel Garcia

Superintendent

January 23, 2025

 

Dear EMCSD Community,

 

Our schools have received questions and concerns about the new immigration policies announced by the new federal administration. 

 

Like many of you, I am a proud resident of El Monte and a former student of our district. I am also the proud daughter of immigrant parents. As these new orders are announced, I empathize with the confusion and fears you may feel. I want to remind everyone that we are and always will be committed to the success and well-being of every EMCSD student.

 

EMCSD has always been a safe space for our students to learn, play, and succeed. The recent federal executive orders do not change our commitment to our students & community. Students have a constitutional right to a public education, regardless of their or their family's immigration status. Below are federal and state laws that protect students' right to education and privacy.

 

 

We will continue to provide groundbreaking educational opportunities, wide-ranging support, and welcoming environments to each and every student who walks through our halls. 

We are creating a webpage that will include resources for you to access. In the meantime, below are resources for you to look at. We understand that information is changing quickly, and we will keep you updated as often as we can.

Thank you for your trust and partnership as we work together to ensure our students continue to have the best educational experiences in a safe and loving environment.

Dr. Maribel Garcia

Superintendent

 

Dear EMCSD Community,

 

Yesterday, I sat down with my Student Advisory Council to gain their perspective on the new year. They also had the opportunity to meet different EMCSD departments to provide feedback on everything from nutrition and facility improvements to their thoughts on science and after-school programming. Within that discussion, students also voiced concerns about the latest immigration policies and how they could affect us. Hearing directly from our students is always a powerful reminder of the incredible leadership and heart our students bring to their school communities.

Immigration Talking Points for Parents & Caregivers

 

Children often worry when adults around them worry. News reports and adult discussions about immigration and deportation can cause children to worry because they do not understand the law, policy, and fear separation from their parents. These tips can help ease the anxieties your children may be feeling.

 

Remember, according to State & Federal law: All students have a constitutional right to a public education, regardless of their or their family's immigration status.

 

Kids of all ages are getting news from a variety of places. Open discussions at the child’s level of understanding is important. Ask your child what information they are hearing like:

 

 

Give them an opportunity to ask questions and express their feelings and explain what is going on in a way that they can understand.

 

Younger children, discuss their safety and your family’s safety. 

 

With older children, discuss their experiences or the experiences of family or friends who have been affected by immigration enforcement.

 

Having a safety plan can help alleviate some worries. Begin to collect and secure important documents and make copies of important documents. Click here to start an emergency preparedness plan using a template.