Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,

I hope this letter finds you well. We want to take a moment to address a concern regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers reporting to school districts in New Jersey. Please be advised that this has not occurred as of yet in the Orange Public School District but as always, in the spirit of transparency, it is important to keep all members of our school community abreast.

Our district’s top priority is to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for every student, regardless of their background or immigration status. We understand that recent reports about ICE activity near schools have caused concern for some families. We want to reassure you that our school district will continue to uphold the rights and dignity of all students and families, and we are committed to protecting students from any disruptions to their learning experience.

What You Need to Know:

• ICE Enforcement at Schools: Federal law restricts ICE officers from making arrests or conducting immigration enforcement at schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations unless there are special circumstances, such as a criminal warrant.

• “School Safety Measures: In the unlikely event that ICE officers come to the school, we will follow established protocols to ensure that students' privacy and safety are maintained. We will also notify affected families promptly in such situations.” Then, the district will send out a message to the full school community.

• Student Rights: Every student has the right to learn without fear. Students have constitutional rights that protect them from being questioned or detained by immigration officers at school. We encourage families to review and discuss these rights with their children, so they feel empowered and informed.
  

What We Are Doing:

• Communication: We will continue to keep families informed should there be any changes to school procedures related to immigration enforcement.

• Counseling Services: Our counseling team is available to speak with students who may be feeling anxious or uncertain about these issues. We also encourage parents and guardians to reach out if they need support in navigating these concerns.

We value every member of our community, and we are here to ensure that your child feels safe, supported, and respected at all times. Please know that you are not alone; we are committed to standing together with you.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in our school community.

Should you have any questions, you are encouraged to send an email to reopeningofschools@orange.k12.nj.us.

In Partnership,

Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh, II
Superintendent of Schools
Orange Public Schools