HSSL is a safe zone for undocumented families!

Hello HSSL Community,

I hope all is well. I wanted to address concerns related to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. We understand that these concerns may cause stress and fear for some families, and I want to assure you that our priority is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. Listed below are some resources to guide our understanding of protections and protocols during and after school hours. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

Key Points

-Schools are “protected areas” under current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy: immigration enforcement actions at schools should be rare.

-School buildings are not generally open to the public.

-Student information is confidential under FERPA.

-We do not consent to access.

-We honor judicial warrants, orders, and validly issued subpoenas.

Links to protocol on NYCPS website:

●https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/school-environment/immigrant-families/protocols-for-non-local-law-enforcement

●https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/policies/immigration-guidance-for-schools

●https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nonlocal-law-enforcement-principal-short-summary-english.pdf

Below are links to public-facing resources to support our multilingual learners, immigrant families, and students in temporary housing.

· Project Open Arms Infohub Page: Information on our Project Open Arms initiative to support our newest New Yorkers.

· A Guide for Multilingual and Immigrant Families in New York City Public Schools: A guide highlighting how to navigate the school system for multilingual and immigrant families.

· Community Organizations that Help Multilingual learners and Immigrant Students

This map shows organizations that serve our diverse students and families. Learn about the organizations in your community. Contact them to find out what services they provide.

· Immigrant Family Empowerment: Your Advocacy Guide A resource guide for Immigrant and Multilingual Families in NYC Public Schools. Available in 13 languages here.

· Respect for All landing page (anti-bias materials) and Family-facing Respect For All and FAQ (scroll down for translations) handouts

· The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant affairs has reminded the city that regardless of immigration status, New Yorkers have rights. To learn more visit: nyc.gov/immigrants

· Know your Rights Palm Cards created by New York Immigration Coalition-

-Denese Farkas, Principal

High School for Service and Learning

911 Flatbush Avenue