Principal's Message

With daily reports about more federal agents in Chicago — including potentially federal troops — I want to remind everyone of the steps CPS is taking to protect students, as well as provide guidance on how families can stay safe when traveling to and from school and moving within the community.

Above all, you should know that school is the best and safest place for your children so they can learn and grow.

Protecting Students at School

In accordance with federal and state law AND CPS policy, New Field:

• DOES NOT ask for our families' immigration status

• WILL NOT coordinate with federal immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• DOES NOT share student records with ICE or any other federal representatives, except in the rare case where there is a court order or consent from the parent/guardian

• WILL NOT allow ICE agents or any other federal representatives access to school facilities unless they produce a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.

If students are ever worried about their safety outside our school, they can always return to the building to get help from our security staff and administration. The building opens at 7:15 AM every morning and stays open until 5:00 PM each night. This is for emergencies only, not general supervision. And if a student is upset or concerned about what’s happening in the city, I encourage them to reach out to our counseling staff, or any trusted adult in the building, to get the support they need.

Staying Safe Outside of School

To further support families during this time, CPS has created this guidance document with tips on staying safe while traveling to and from school and around the community. This resource also includes a review of Constitutional rights, information and resources for immigrant families provided by community partner organizations, and a schedule of upcoming Know Your Rights trainings. All of this information is also available on our website at cps.edu/immigration.

Additional Resources from the City of Chicago

As part of an expanded campaign to help Chicagoans understand their rights and prepare for an increased federal presence, the City of Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) will be hosting Family Preparedness Workshops at 6 p.m. every Thursday in September. In collaboration with the Resurrection Project and Legal Protection Fund partners, IMRR will host these workshops in both English and Spanish. Interested families can register here. Additional guidance and resources are available on the IMMR website at chicago.gov/imrr for resources and guidance.

Please know that the safety and wellbeing of all students is our absolute top priority, and that we will continue making our school the welcoming, supportive learning environment that all students deserve. I thank you for your partnership and encourage you to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns.

 

Sincerely,

Conrey Callahan

Principal, New Field ES