Dear Anon Parent or Guardian,
We are sending this message to all _ Public Schools families.
On Oct. 10, the federal Department of Homeland Security planned changes in the way immigrant families look for legal status in the United States – by looking at the public programs families use.
The planned rule changes do not affect school programs. The proposed rule changes will not change student meals or special education or any other part of how your children learn and take part in _Public Schools. Your children can still enjoy free and reduced breakfast and lunch meals at school. Your children are welcome and safe in __ Public Schools.
How to learn more about the proposed rule changes and what they might mean to your family:
The online National Immigration Legal Services Directory helps you find low cost and free groups who can answer questions about the possible rule change. Your family’s situation may be different than another’s, and these groups and immigration lawyers are the best sources of help and answers.
You can educate yourself on the federal process. You can see the proposed rule at regulations.gov; enter 1615-AA22 in the search box.
Washington’s Governor Inslee doesn’t want to make any changes. He and others across the state are also against changes in a family’s ability to become legal citizens of our nation – and to access programs created to help all families in our communities.
The proposed changes are not law now and likely won’t become law for months – if at all. This gives you time to learn about them, to check into what they might mean for your family outside of school and to join others in their comments about the proposed changes.
Our schools are “home away from home” for over 20,000 students whose families speak 97 different languages. We are one of the most diverse Washington state school districts, and we know our schools are richer and better because of that diversity. No matter what happens with the politics around us, we are committed to the safety and security of your schools; committed to equal opportunity for your children and committed to our mission of high quality education.
We are glad you are here, and we thank you for entrusting your family’s children to us.