AN UPDATE FROM DR. MICHAEL WATENPAUGH


September 6, 2017

Dear San Rafael City Schools Families and Community,

Yesterday, we learned that the Trump administration ordered the end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. I believe this is a disheartening development with serious implications, as many in our SRCS community are protected by this federal immigration policy. DACA allows children who arrived in the U.S. without documentation to stay and thrive if they meet certain guidelines. Although Congress has time to act on the decision, we know many face uncertainty right now.

In light of the announcement, I want to remind our entire community that San Rafael City Schools welcomes all students and families, regardless of their immigration status. Our "Dreamers" are vital contributors to our SRCS community.

On behalf of our Board, our teachers and staff, we want the students and families affected by this news to know that we are here to support you. All SRCS students have full access to our schools and are protected from pressures and intrusive actions that would disrupt or impair their education. The District complies with all Federal and State laws governing the privacy of student records including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Our Board of Education's Resolution #1707 makes all our campuses a safe zone for students and families threatened by immigration enforcement.

Last evening, many members of our SRCS community attended a special meeting hosted by the Marin County Office of Education on DACA. Our partners at Canal Alliance, Canal Welcome Center, Marin Community Foundation and others presented on the details of the announcement. Please see the box below with key information, as well as a link to the video from the event and other resources. We will be sharing this information widely with our community. Furthermore, today and in the coming days, teams of educators in our schools are meeting with affected students to learn how we can better support them.

We remain deeply committed to all our students and will do everything we can to ensure their success and safety. Thank you for your support and partnership.
 
Sincerely,

Michael Watenpaugh, Ed.D.
Superintendent
FOLLOW-UP FROM MCOE EVENT ON DACA 
Resources from Canal Alliance and Partners 

Summary of Key Information Points from Canal Alliance
  • As of today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not be accepting any initial DACA applications.  
  • DHS will not terminate currently existing grants of deferred action, nor will they revoke current work permits (EAD) because of this announcement.  
  • If an initial DACA request was accepted by DHS on or before September 5, the request will still be processed. Any initial requests received after this date will be rejected. 
  • If a DACA renewal request was accepted by DHS before September 5, the request will still be processed.  
  • If someone is currently a DACA beneficiary whose benefits (deferred action and a work permit) expire between September 5, 2017, and March 5, 2018, they should file a renewal request before October 5, 2017. No renewal requests will be accepted beyond that date.  
  • No new applications for advance parole associated with DACA will be approved, and any currently pending applications for advance parole associated with DACA will be closed. However, currently valid advance parole periods associated with DACA should be honored, although Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) retains its usual discretionary power about whether or not to grant admission.
Event Recording 
The event was recorded via Facebook Live and is available on Canal Alliance's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CanalAlliance.SanRafael/ 

Local SRCS Partners
Other Resources