06-12-25 Standing Together, Safety

We have been made aware of planned gatherings in Pasadena in the coming days about recent federal immigration enforcement activities in our region. We join with the City of Pasadena in encouraging you to remain peaceful and safe, to follow the law, and to abide by the values that define our district community.

Our top priority is the safety and well-being of children in our schools, their families, our employees, and our broader community. At PUSD, we are committed to maintaining environments of calm routine for children in our schools, where the focus is on learning, joy, and community. We believe that schools must be places where all students, staff, and families feel valued and secure, and can focus on learning without fear, whether during the regular school year or during summer programs.

In alignment with Board Policy and state guidance, the following systems and protections are in place:

• All preschool through 12th-grade campuses require all visitors, including law enforcement, to check in through a single entry point.

• We will not allow ICE agents on school grounds without a lawfully executed court order.

• We do not collect or share information about the immigration status of our students or their families.

• We have also created a dedicated webpage with helpful resources for families navigating these immigration-related concerns. pusd.us/immigrationresources

We strongly encourage families to stay informed, and:

• Update School Emergency Contacts: Ensure that several trusted adults are listed to pick up your child. Contact your school or make changes through the Aeries Parent Portal using a browser.

• Complete a Family Preparedness Plan English Español. Click here for a template.

• Know Your Rights:

• From the California Department of Justice: Know Your Educational Rights (English | Spanish)

• From the Immigrant Legal Resource Center: What Immigrants Should Know (English | Spanish)

• From the State of California: Immigration and California Families

• Reach out for Support when needed

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

• National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

• California Attorney General’s Office

• California Department of Social Services Refugee Programs Bureau

• L.A. County Office of Immigrant Affairs

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)

• Get Legal Aid if needed

• LA County Office of Education (LACOE) list of Legal Resources for Detained Family Members

The PUSD community has faced many challenges recently. And each time, we emerge stronger and more united. As events unfold over the coming days, I want you to know that PUSD schools will continue to be anchors in our community, where the focus is on the joy of learning and on community.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D.
Superintendent