08-17-25 Pasadena Unity

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August 17, 2025

Dear PUSD Community,

Tomorrow, Pasadena Unified schools open their doors to welcome our students back, and today we stood together as a community to affirm our shared commitment to them. I am deeply grateful to the many leaders, partners, and advocates who join us. Their presence sends a clear message: our community stands united for our students and families.

This unity matters. Our students, families, and staff are returning to school after a year marked by challenges, from the devastation of the Eaton fire to uncertainty created by federal immigration actions around Los Angeles County.

To every family, especially those who may feel vulnerable, I want to be clear: PUSD is here for you. We never collect or share information about a student’s or family’s immigration status. Our schools are places of learning, connection, and belonging, not fear.

This weekend, families are receiving information from their schools about the measures we have taken since January. This information is shared with you below.

This year, our staff has expanded resources and renewed our commitment to creating welcoming and supportive schools where every child feels valued and included.

Together, we begin this school year with hope, strength, and solidarity.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Since January, the district has strengthened campuses, trained staff to respond with care, and expanded resources to support families all year long.

You can find resources for your family at pusd.us/immigrationresources, including:

• Guidance on how to create a family preparedness plan

• Free legal resources made available through our community partners

• Information on your rights as a student and family, regardless of immigration status

• Useful guides for important documents and contact numbers

In addition,

• PUSD does not collect or share information about a student’s or family’s immigration status.

• If you are a family experiencing uncertainty, please reach out to your school’s principal’s office, where staff can provide support.

• Virtual learning option. PUSD offers a K-12 virtual learning program for families who prefer learning at home. Students work independently with support from PUSD teachers, receiving guidance, feedback, and check-ins to stay connected. To enroll, create an account pusd.schoolmint.com or contact the PUSD Enrollment office at (626) 396-3639.

• Update Your Emergency Contact Information We urge families to verify and update their children’s emergency contact information on file at school. Having up-to-date emergency contact information for students is essential so that, whether it’s a natural disaster or any other urgent concern, we can reach families quickly. To Update Your Child’s Emergency Contact Information: Go to the Aeries Parent Portal on your browser and log in, or contact the office at your school.