Messages from Superintendent's Office & EMCSD

Message from Dr. Garcia: New Immigration Laws - January 13, 2026

Dear EMCSD Community,

As we begin our second week back from winter break, I would like to share a few important updates as we look ahead to 2026!

I am excited to announce that enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will open on February 2nd. If you or someone you know has a child eligible to begin preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten, we encourage you to contact your school office to learn about the enrollment process. You can find more enrollment information in the newsletter below, including programming for expectant families and children 0-3.

I would also like to invite you to our Mid-Year District Update scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th, at 5:00 p.m. The update will take place at our Board Meeting, where I will highlight the work accomplished thus far and share how it aligns with our Strategic Plan, as well as outline our priorities for the remainder of the year.

Additionally, two new laws in relation to immigration and schools have taken effect this year. Below is a brief overview:

Safe Haven Schools Act - AB 49
- Restricts immigration enforcement from entering a nonpublic area of a school site without a valid judicial warrant, judicial subpoena, or court order.
- Defines “schoolsite” broadly to include campus, school-sponsored activities, and transportation.
- Requires schools to follow parental instructions and use emergency contacts when a parent/guardian is unavailable. Ensuring updated emergency contacts is critical. Please contact your school office if you need to update your emergency information.
Sending Alerts to Families in Education (SAFE) Act
- Requires a school's comprehensive safety plan to include procedures for notifying parents/guardians & staff when the presence of immigration enforcement on a school site is confirmed. The deadline to update is March 2026.
- Notification timing is determined by the district, with the safety of students and staff serving as the guiding consideration.

We take great pride in ensuring that our schools remain safe, welcoming and supportive environment for all students, staff, and families. As immigration enforcement continues to evolve statewide and nationally, our commitment to the well-being of our community remains steadfast. Our partnership remains our strength, and I look forward to building a stronger community together!

Sincerely,

Dr. Maribel Garcia

Superintendent

Message from EMCSD: June 13, 2025

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:

If ICE Agents come to your Home or Residence - you have the right to:

NOT to open your door unless the immigration agent knocking has a warrant signed by a judge with your name on it
NOT reveal your immigration status and REMAIN SILENT and do not answer any questions from immigration agents
NOT SIGN ANY PAPERS without first talking with an attorney

Immigration Support & Resources

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) - 888-624-4752
CLUE Justice Immigrant Bond Fund - 213-481-3740
Immigrants Are Los Angeles
Immigrant Defenders Law Center - 213-634-0999
National Day Laborer Organizing Network - 626-799-3566
ORALE’s Long Beach Justice Fund - 562-276-0267

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

El Monte City School District

Message from Superintendent Dr. Garcia: June 8, 2025

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

Message from Superintendent Dr. Garcia: January 23, 2025

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.

U.S. Supreme Court: Per Plyler v. Doe, 1982., all children have a right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status.
California Education Code [EC] 220, 234, et seq.: Every student in California has the right to attend public school in the state free from discrimination, harassment, violence, intimidation, and bullying.

California’s Assembly Bill 699: Schools are not to collect information about families’ immigration status unless required by law.

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

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.