January 30, 2025

Dear Lackawanna CSD Families,

On January 21, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security reversed previous guidance that limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from conducting immigration enforcement activities in sensitive locations such as schools and places of worship. We recognize that this change may cause concern for some members of our school community.

Let us be clear: all children, regardless of immigration status, are welcome in Lackawanna CSD schools. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Plyler v. Doe (457 U.S. 202, I 982) guarantees that undocumented children and young adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as U.S. citizens and permanent residents. We are committed to upholding this right and ensuring that our schools remain a safe and supportive environment for every student.

In alignment with the New York State Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students, our district:

1. Does not collect or maintain information about the immigration status of any student or their family members.
2. Will not share student records or personal information with immigration authorities unless required by law.
3. Ensures that no student will be denied access to education based on their immigration status or that of their family.
4. Will take all necessary steps to protect students from any actions that may disrupt their education or wellbeing.

School-Based Support Contacts

If your child is experiencing fear, stress, or anxiety related to this federal policy change, please reach out to the school-based mental health professional at your school for support.

• Truman Elementary School - (716) 82 I -56 I 0
o Amy Rivera, ARivera@lackawannaschools.org, ext. 5420
o Brittany Zucco, BZucco@lackawannaschools.org, ext. 5420

• Martin Road Elementary School - (716) 821-56 I 0
o Nyala Ahmed, NAhmed@lackawannaschools.org, ext. 4284

• Lackawanna Middle School - (716) 821-5610
o Meg Saladyga, MSaladyga@lackawannaschools.org, ext. 2044
o Tara Taddio, TTaddio@lackwannaschools.org, ext. 2406

• Lackawanna High School - (7 I 6) 821-56 I 0
o Richard Lehr, RLehr@lackawannaschools.org, ext. 2045
o Tracy Wehr, RWehr@lackawannaschools.org, ext. 2021
o Renee Slemmer, Rslemmer@lackawannaschools.org, ext. 2212

Keeping Student Contact Information Updated

To help us respond effectively and support all students, it is essential that all families keep their contact inf01mation up to date in eSchool, including emergency contacts. Each student should have at least two emergency contacts, who can be family members or other trusted adults designated by the parent or guardian. You can update your student's contacts by speaking to the clerk at your school or Central Registration: Seham Juran, SJuran@lackawannaschools.org, (716) 821-5610, ext. 7703

While the legal and enforcement landscape is fluid and changing, what has not changed is our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment for every student. We stand by our families and will continue to follow New York State's guidance to protect the rights of all students.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child's principal or my office.

Respectfully yours,

Nadia A. Nashir Superintendent of Schools

Lackawanna City School District