News from the Superintendent
Welcome to the Superintendent's news. Here you will find the latest communications from Mrs. Bellizzi.
Latest Communication
Good afternoon,
As you may be aware, the new presidential administration has released a memo that rescinds a 2021 memo by the Department of Homeland Security that designated schools as areas protected from immigration enforcement actions.
At Wallingford Public Schools, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every student and family feels safe, supported, and valued in our schools. We understand that recent concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may create uncertainty or anxiety for some community members.
We want to reassure you that our schools are safe spaces for all students, regardless of immigration status. ICE officials are not permitted to enter our schools or access student information without proper legal authorization, and we are committed to upholding this protection.
It is important to note that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects the privacy of student education records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information without parental consent. This includes data that could reveal a student’s immigration status. The federal law also supersedes any state-level policy that seeks to mandate the release of student data.
Also, schools cannot share student records with immigration or law enforcement agencies without consent or a judicial order.
We have provided our staff with protocols to follow if ICE officials should visit our schools in the future. As always, the safety and well-being of our students are our number one priority.
To support families during this time, we have compiled suggestions and resources that may be helpful:
- Update Emergency Contacts
- Families update emergency contacts. Each student should have at least two emergency contacts. These individuals do not need to be family members; they can be any trusted adult known by the family.
- State of Connecticut Immigration Resources -
- Connecticut ACLU - Know Your Rights
- ACLU - Know Your Rights
Please contact your building administration for assistance if you require hard copies of any resources.
We are committed to maintaining the trust and partnership of our families. Together, we will continue to ensure that our schools are where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.
Sincerely,
Danielle Bellizzi
Superintendent of Schools