Dear CH-UH Families,

There is growing concern in our community due to recent events and policy changes in our country regarding immigration. Students, staff, and community members have shared with me that they are extremely troubled. I want to say first and foremost that Heights Schools remain Heights United: no matter what we face, we face it together. 

One of the many wonderful things about our nation’s public school system is that all children are entitled to a public education, regardless of their immigration status or background, or the immigration status of their parents. We will continue to uphold this promise in our schools - not simply out of legal responsibilities, but out of love and care for our students and community. Keeping our children safe and providing them with the best possible education is our purpose.

At this time, we have no indication that immigration enforcement actions will occur on our school grounds. However, we are making every effort to ensure we are prepared, should that situation arise. We have shared with our staff the steps the District can and will take to safeguard the rights of all students in interactions with immigration authorities. These practices - aligned with Board Policies 5540 and 8830 - include comprehensively verifying the legality of requests for records or for access to students, immediately involving District administration, and minimizing disruptions to the school environment. 

The Heights Family Resource Center, which opened this year and is located in the Delisle Options Center, serves as a central hub for connecting CH-UH families to essential resources and support. Along with offering workshops, information, and education that build capacity and connect the community, the HFRC is available to help families with the following:

HFRC staff will never ask a family or student about their immigration status. This is protocol for all staff in all of our schools, including at the time of a student’s registration.

Our school social workers and counselors are also here to support families’ mental and emotional well-being during this time. Research has shown that these circumstances can lead to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms, particularly among children and adolescents. If you or your child are experiencing distress or have concerns, please reach out to your school's counselor or social worker for assistance.

You can also complete the referral form located in the Quick Links section of their school's page on CHUH.org. Anyone can complete this referral form, and submissions are routed directly to the school social worker and counselors for follow-up.

Local and regional support agencies:

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s principal or me directly. 

Sincerely,

Superintendent Liz Kirby