Dear Jamesville-DeWitt staff and families,
We’re aware that there has been news circulating about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in our area which can bring uncertainty and concern for many in our school community. As we begin the new school year, I wanted to reach out with some new information and assure you that our top priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.
All students, regardless of their immigration status, are protected and able to attend school per a joint memorandum from the Governor of New York State, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Education.
The district is in the process of updating its procedures involving ICE to comply with Education Law § 3201-b which was enacted earlier this year. We reviewed the recommended changes outlined below with the Board of Education during Monday’s regular meeting. The district will submit the updated procedures to the state this month.
School Enrollment and Immigration: Rights and Protections for Students, Parents and Persons in a Parental Relation
In 1984, the United States Supreme Court ruled it is unconstitutional to deny undocumented children access to a free, public K-12 education. This ruling is still in place today and is the law. The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is committed to ensuring students have equal access to education, regardless of immigration status, national origin, citizenship, or any other protected reason, and strictly complies with the Supreme Court’s decision.
The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District takes all legally allowable steps to protect students while they are attending school. The school has strict protocols in place for handling requests from immigration officials for (1) information about students; (2) cooperation with immigration enforcement activities; and (3) requests for a student to be released to immigration authorities.
Parents and persons in a parental relationship should make sure the district has updated emergency contact information, including a list of all individuals authorized to pick your child up from school, in the event you are unavailable to do so. Please contact your child’s main office to provide any necessary updates.
Jamesville Elementary: (315) 445-8460
Moses DeWitt Elementary: (315) 445-8370
Tecumseh Elementary: (315) 445-8320
J-D Middle School: (315) 445-8360
J-D High School: 315-445-8340
Please reach out if you have any questions, need clarification, or are in need of support.
Sincerely,
Darcy Woodcock
Superintendent of Schools