Our Continued Commitment to Safety, Dignity, and Belonging

Dear Robbinsdale Area Schools staff, families and community members,

The tragic loss of life and school disruption in Minneapolis yesterday related to local ICE operations leaves us, once again, with more questions, more fear, more concern and more uncertainty. We know these events are being felt far beyond district boundaries, including here in Robbinsdale Area Schools. Our commitment and responsibility to the safety and sense of belonging for our students, staff and families continues to be our top priority as we grieve together and work to support our community. 

This message follows other related communications that we have sent over the past few months as federal ICE agents have continued to be deployed to the Twin Cities metro area. This repetition is not lost on us. The weight of living with uncertainty, vigilance, and concern for one’s safety is real. It is exhausting. And it is unfair.

We want to reaffirm, clearly and without hesitation, what we have said many times before and will continue to say: You are valued. You are welcome here. Your children belong in our schools.

We understand that continued reports of immigration enforcement activity, violence, and disruption, especially when schools are involved, can cause families to question whether everyday routines—getting on the bus, coming to school, before and after school activities, going to work—are truly safe. While we cannot control or guarantee what happens outside of our buildings, in homes or neighborhoods, we can promise this: Inside our schools, safety, dignity, and care are foundational. Our schools are safe places for students and staff to be. Please know we are in communication with the local police departments of our seven cities and are working in collaboration to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep our schools a safe place. 

The district has established procedures in place for responding to any inquiries or actions from government agencies, and our primary responsibility is always the well-being of students in our care. Our schools are places of learning, belonging, and support—not fear.

Support and Resources

Support remains available to families who are experiencing stress, fear, or uncertainty during this time. If you or your child need guidance or simply someone to talk to, please reach out to someone you trust in your child’s school. This may include psychologists, social workers, school counselors, family and community engagement specialists, climate and culture specialists, administrators, or other staff who know your student and are here to help.

Families can also visit our webpage, All Are Welcome: Immigration Resources. There, members of our community can find more information, including our Resource Guide for Immigrant Families (Spanish, Somali). This comprehensive guide provides essential resources, including:

• Links to our policies to help families understand their rights
• Proactive steps for preparing for emergencies
• Family and community resources to foster connection and support
• Links to legal resources for accessing assistance and protection 

Our district is strengthened by the diversity of our students, staff and families. You belong here. Your children belong here. We remain committed, every day, to protecting the dignity, safety, and belonging of every student and family in our district.

Thank you for your trust, your resilience, and your partnership during incredibly difficult times.

Be well,

Teri

Dr. Teri Staloch
Superintendent
Robbinsdale Area Schools