Dear North Wasco School District Families,
We recognize the growing fear and uncertainty among many families in our district due to ongoing national discussions about potential changes to immigration policies. These concerns resonate deeply throughout our schools, as they affect not only individuals but also the sense of safety and security that is essential for effective learning. We are unwavering in our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all students belong.
As educators, our top priority is the wellbeing of our students—mentally, physically, and emotionally. We are focused on ensuring every child has access to a safe learning environment where they can thrive.
While we understand our diverse community includes a range of perspectives and beliefs, we are united in our responsibility to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of every child. To this end, we follow school safety protocols, District policy, and state and federal laws that guide who is allowed to contact students during the school day.
Key Protections:
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Right to Education: The U.S. Supreme Court, in Plyler v. Doe, ensures that all children have the right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status. Schools cannot deny enrollment to any student based on their immigration status.
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Privacy Protections: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools are prohibited from sharing a student’s education records or information about immigration status without parental consent or a court order.
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Enrollment: Schools cannot require Social Security numbers or information about immigration status for enrollment. A variety of documents can be used to establish a child’s age or residency.
Board policies:
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Policy AC, Nondiscrimination, protects every student from harassment, discrimination, and inequitable treatment based on gender identity or other factors.
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Policy ACB, All Students Belong, emphasizes that our schools must be safe and inclusive spaces for all, regardless of identity.
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Policy JOB, Personally Identifiable Information, safeguards students’ private information, ensuring their identities are respected and protected.
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Policy KN, KN-AR(1) & KN-AR(2): Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies and Investigations Conducted on District Premises. Specific processes must be followed when requesting to interview a student or conduct an investigation on district property.
Our Commitment to Students and Families
We are dedicated to protecting the rights of all students. If you have concerns about your child’s education, safety, or privacy, please feel free to reach out to any of our school administration.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Bernal, Ed.D
Superintendent