From the Desk of the Superintendent
Superintendent J. Brian Sarvis, Ed.D.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
May 1 Day of Protest
The Santa Barbara School Districts join State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and education leaders across California in asking students to attend school on May 1, a day of protest regarding proposed federal immigration legislation. There are 180 days of school in our state and we know the importance of every one of those days. Students need to be in school.
Locally, we are aware that community organizers are planning a protest march at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 1, at Ortega Park. We applaud their willingness to have this event coincide with the end of the school day, permitting students to receive important education instruction and then participate in the protest after school.
We want parents and students to know that students are encouraged to use their free time after school and on weekends to be involved in community events regarding immigration issues. We understand that protests on current immigration issues may be planned for May 1. But, if the student misses any or all of the school day, parents are to call the school’s attendance office. Students are considered truant when they miss school unless they have a permissible absence, verified with a parent note. Most important, we want our children to be safe and supervised. Student safety is our number one concern. By law, during school hours, schools are responsible for knowing where students are when they are not in school.
We feel there are valuable civics lessons in discussions about current issues and our schools continue to plan activities and classroom dialogue that supports student discourse. The issue of federal immigration reform has presented some very positive, teachable moments where students engage in critical thinking about issues that affect them, perhaps their families, and their community. We want that dialogue to continue in the school setting.
Our students need to be at school, on time, and ready to learn!
Related links:
Protests Regarding Immigration: Information for Students and Parents
Protestas Relacionadas con Inmigración: Información para Alumnos y Padres