Message from Superintendent's Office: January 31, 2025

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.

Superintendent Student Council meeting with EMCSD team members

El Monte City School District is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. I know some of your children may have questions about the news they are seeing, so our Child Wellness team created the informational graphic in this newsletter that you can use to navigate these conversations with your children. Scroll down to access the graphic; we have also written out the guide for your reference.

Last night, El Monte Union High School District hosted a “Know Your Rights: Immigrant Rights” informational. You can watch that video here on YouTube.

To continue supporting our families and community, we plan to host workshops to stay informed about your rights, share the latest information, and provide resources. More information on these workshops will be shared soon.

Yesterday, our students were a reminder that compassion and empathy are our strengths, and we can ensure everyone has a fun, positive, and empowering learning experience throughout our schools.

Thank you for your trust and partnership,

Dr. Maribel Garcia

Superintendent Student Advisory Council meets with new

Talking Points for Parents Due to Non-citizen status

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.

1. Conversation with your child

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:

“What do you talk about with your friends at school?”

“Have you talked about anything to do with people moving to a new country?”

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.

2. Develop a safety plan for your child

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.

Have a plan for childcare in case a loved one, parent, or legal guardian is taken into custody. Examples include:

Who will pick up the child or where the child can go?

Who will be in charge of the child while parent or guardian is away?

Family members can use the ICE detainee locator to find someone in ICE custody, click here.

3. Limit child’s exposure to media coverage.

Children pick up on spoken and unspoken signals from parents and loved ones. They understand when you are nervous our anxious. It is important to limit repeated exposure to news images that can be distressing for children.

Turn off news sources such as television and radio that are usually difficult for children to understand.

4. Maintain Routines

In times of uncertainty: sticking to usual routines and send children to school regularly.

Daily routines are beneficial for all children and help foster safety and predictability. Consistent meal times, homework, and bed times help children feel safe and secure.

5. When your child raises questions

Express openness and empathy with student
Attempt to validate feelings of worry and fear
Normalize those impacted by mixed-status as individuals of society
Remember, avoiding a child’s question does not make the question go away and can leave children more scared or worried.

A positive example is:

“Some members of our family are not U.S. citizens and could be sent back to [country of origin]. We are doing our best to prevent that. If you ever feel worried about this or unsafe, you can tell me. It is important for us to be able to talk about it. My job is to make you feel safe."

6. Symptoms & behaviors seen in children in times of stress

Eating & sleeping changes (including nightmares)
Crying or feeling afraid or anxious
Withdrawal (especially adolescents)
Clinginess (especially young children)
Feeling angry or aggressive behavior
Regressive behaviors (displaying behaviors typical of younger children)
Problems focusing in school
Take care of yourself. Supporting your children in their time of need can be overwhelming. Find ways to relieve stress and get the help you need.

Please contact your school office if you believe your student needs more support.

GRAPHIC - Talking Points for Parents Due to Non-citizen status

Talking Points for Parents Due to Non-citizen status