Rockford schools reassure migrant students about privacy and safety

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year, Rockford Public Schools issued a notice to reassure Mexican, African, and Middle Eastern migrants that it does not disclose the immigration status of its students.

Rockford schools began welcoming students to the new school year on Thursday, August 14th.

On Wednesday, the district posted the following message on its Facebook page in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Swahili:

Welcome Home.

What does it mean to belong?

At Rockford Public Schools it means more than simply being here.

It means you’re truly part of our community and this district.

Belonging means every student is welcome, every family is accepted, and every dream has a place to grow.

It means we have your back.

When you send your child to our schools, know this, student records are private and never include immigration status.

Your child’s safety, privacy, and potential are at the heart of every decision we make.

You’re working with a district that wants nothing more than to see your child succeed.

Here, we celebrate every culture and every idea, embracing the unique strength that comes from our diversity.

We believe you belong here, and to discover just how far your children’s talent and potential can take them.

But belonging isn’t simply about what we say, it’s about what we do.

So starting this fall, the district will host family engagement events to strengthen the connection between home and school.

These workshops will help families understand their rights, learn how the district supports students, and create action plans for different situations. Additional activities will offer resources, guidance, and ways for families and schools to work together for student success.

Rockford is your home, and this is your district.

Welcome to a new school year.

Welcome home.

Last year, Constance Lane Elementary established a soccer club to help 150 new students, children of East African refugees, adapt to American culture and school.

According to the Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce, Winnebago County has taken in hundreds of displaced African residents, many of whom fled a refugee crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce is working to build a 180-unit housing complex behind the Forest Plaza shopping center.