Dear RPS Parents, Caregivers, and Staff,
Over the past several weeks, I have issued several statements regarding the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Rochester and throughout Minnesota. Each of those statements has reiterated our school district's commitment to ensure that our schools are safe and inclusive spaces for all of our students to learn. We have also expressed deep concern for the RPS students, families, and staff who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the crisis that is taking place across our state.
Our schools and central office departments are putting those values into action by providing students, families, and staff with resources to help them navigate this challenging situation, from providing students with additional transportation services to connecting families to community organizations that can assist with food, housing, mental and physical health resources, and more. It is important to stress that there are many legal and practical limits to the types of support that our school district can provide in this situation, and so working with community partners has been and will continue to be a critical part of our strategy.
We have created a page on our website where you can find continually updated information and a growing list of links to community organizations ready to assist families during this crisis. You can find that page at www.rochesterschools.org/safety-policies-supports.
Here are some links to organizations and RPS offices that may be of particular help in the days ahead:
RPS Interpretation Services connects RPS families to interpreters who speak Anuak/Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Khmer/Cambodian, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Our interpreters can help facilitate communication for families, staff, and students in these languages. To get interpreter support, please contact by email at miguel.benjamin@rochesterschools.org or by phone at 507.328.4237.
United Way provides a 211 Information and Referral Service. Resources related to housing, food, and other essential everyday needs can be accessed freely and confidentially by calling “211.”
Channel One Food Bank provides access to food in the Rochester area. Community members can identify a trusted person to pick up and deliver their groceries.
The City of Rochester, MN’s Immigration Resources page includes links and resources from the City.
Creating a Family Preparedness Plan from the organization Informed Immigrant outlines steps parents and caregivers can take to prepare themselves and their families in case they encounter immigration enforcement or other obstacles.
The Homeless Education Program provides resources for Rochester Public Schools families who are experiencing homelessness and high mobility.
NAMI Southeast Minnesota includes links to families, mental health counselors, and programs in our community.
In addition, you will find below the links to the Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) Form that parents/caregivers may want to complete and keep on file with Rochester Public Schools. A DOPA is a document that lets someone take care of your children when you can’t. The person you give this permission to is called an “Attorney-in-Fact.” This form must be signed in front of a notary. RPS maintains its regular notary services, free of charge, at the Edison Building at 615 7th St SW, Rochester, MN. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
As always, our primary focus is our students. We will reach out with more information as needed in the days and weeks ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support for Rochester Public Schools and for our students.
Sincerely,
Kent Pekel, Ed.D
Superintendent