Robbinsdale Area Schools

All Are Welcome: Immigration Resources

All Are Welcome: Immigration Resources

Jan. 26, 2026 Update

In this difficult and emotional time, Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch shares a message of care, strength, and commitment to our students, families, and staff. She acknowledges the fear and fatigue many are feeling while reaffirming our responsibility to keep schools safe, supportive, and focused on learning. Grounded in our belief that every person deserves dignity, belonging, and opportunity, the message highlights how our community continues to show up for one another.

We invite you to watch the full video message. For an update on support available for families, see below.

Support for Families: Start With Your School

We recognize this is a stressful and uncertain time for many members of our community. Some families are experiencing increased needs right now, and our schools remain committed to supporting students and families with care and compassion.

Because each school community is different, supports are being coordinated at the local school level through trusted partnerships and existing networks. The best first step if your family needs help with food, basic necessities, or other assistance is to contact your child’s school directly. See the list of school contact information below.

School teams are working closely with social workers, family support staff, and community partners to help connect families to available resources in ways that are responsive to local needs. While services vary by school, support may include:

  • Food assistance
  • Basic household supplies and toiletries
  • Connections to rent or housing assistance
  • Community-based resource referrals
  • Volunteer-supported delivery of essential items

Many of these partnerships and supports have existed for years and continue to be available as needs change.

We also have an up-to-date Community Resource Guide available with contact information and links if you'd like to arrange resources outside of your school-community.

E-LEARNING UPDATE: Our commitment to safety, dignity, and belonging

E-Learning Update

If a student needs to be absent from in-person school for an extended period of time, the district has put into place supports for remote/online learning.

If your family would like to access this option, to if you have questions about e-learning, learning materials, technology, or student mental health supports, please contact your school principal or main office directly.

Unlike during COVID, there is not a single districtwide model. Each school is responding based on the needs of its students and families.

Rdale will provide the opportunity for e-learning through Friday, March 27, 2026.

Rdale's Original Update From Jan. 29, 2025

On Jan. 29, 2025, Dr. Staloch shared this letter to the community, stating that at Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale), we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every student and family feels safe, valued, and supported. Amid times of uncertainty and challenges facing many in our community, we want to reaffirm a simple but vital truth: all are welcome here.

Recent developments – increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, threats to birthright citizenship, and growing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming – have created uncertainty and anxiety for many individuals and families in our community. These issues impact our immigrant families, Indigenous peoples, communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. As a district, we stand united in our support for every member of our diverse community, and we remain a place of safety, belonging, and opportunity for all.

Read the Jan. 29, 2025 letter In English

Read the Jan. 29, 2025 letter In Spanish

Read the Jan. 29, 2025 letter In Somali

Our Commitment to You

We honor and uphold the principle of providing a safe and inclusive space for every learner. Federal law guarantees every child access to public education, regardless of their immigration status.

To protect the rights and safety of our students and families, Rdale has updated internal procedures for responding to inquiries or actions from government agencies. These procedures ensure that the needs of our community are prioritized and that our schools remain places of safety, learning, and growth.

Supporting Our Families

To further support our immigrant families navigating these challenges, we want to share our Resource Guide for Immigrant Families. 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

This guide is intended to provide helpful information and resources. However, please note that it does not constitute legal advice. If you need specific legal guidance, we encourage you to consult with a licensed attorney or a trusted legal resource.

We encourage you to review the guide and share it widely within our community. A printed version will also be available at our school and district offices.

English Resource Guide

Spanish Resource Guide

Somali Resource Guide

What You Can Do

If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to take advantage of the following resources:

  • Speak with a trusted adult at your child’s school, including psychologists, social workers, school counselors, climate and culture specialists, administrators, and others
  • Use our Let’s Talk platform to ask questions of district staff, including requests for support and resources

We also urge families to ensure that student emergency contact information is up-to-date in our system. Keeping this information current is critical for responding quickly and effectively in times of need. Please reach out to the office staff at your child’s school, or email registrar@rdale.org with the name of your student(s) to make sure information is up to date.

Our Shared Commitment

Creating a safe and welcoming environment requires all of us. We invite every member of our community to join us in fostering kindness, respect, and empathy in our schools. By working together, we can ensure that every family is celebrated and every student thrives.

Robbinsdale schools will continue to advocate for all students and families. Please know that your children are at the heart of everything we do, and we will always stand with you in fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and hope.

Thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we are stronger—working to inspire and educate all learners to develop their unique potential and positively contribute to their community.