Dear GESD Parents/Guardians:

As you may have heard, the federal government decided to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We know that many students, staff, their friends, classmates, families and community members are impacted. For them, this is a personal crisis.

Our schools and staff are sensitive to this situation. If you are concerned at all about sending your children to school, please let us know so we can work together to alleviate your concerns. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement has designated schools as “sensitive locations.” Because of that enforcement actions will not occur on school grounds absent exigent circumstances. As you may already know, all students, regardless of their immigration status, have a right to an education in our country. Our commitment is to educate all students who come to us. It is our first responsibility, one which we take seriously, and one we intend to keep.

In the event it is needed, we will provide support for the social and emotional needs of those affected. In addition, we are providing opportunities for students to discuss these issues in a very safe, nurturing environment. Should the need arise, we will work with community organizations to provide the most accurate and timely information about rights and options for students and families impacted by this change in policy. We will post resource information on our website as we receive it.

While this is a significant event for many in our community, we wish to reiterate that this action will not cause us to waiver in our commitment and our belief in each and every student. We will support and protect our students. We will uphold the law to provide an education to every student, without regard to race, religion, national origin or immigration status.

Thank you for entrusting GESD with your children. We promise to continue to provide them with a quality education, one on which they can build and become productive and contributing members to our community, state and nation. We support all of our students, including our Dreamers, because we know the key to realizing one’s dreams, and the key to building a healthy nation begins with a quality education. And that begins in our classrooms.

Cindy Segotta Jones, Superintendent

Dr. Gerry Petersen-Incorvaia, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

Deby Valadez, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Mike Barragan, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Auxilary Services