GIPS Issues Letter to Patrons on Families Potential Affected by Immigration Issues

Matt Fisher, the Grand Island Public Schools Superintendent, issued a letter to patrons on immigration.

Dear GIPS Families,

Nothing is more important to us than our shared partnership for educating your children. 

In our joint effort of teaching students we encounter seasons of excitement and also seasons of difficulty.  Unfortunately, given the current state of uncertainty in our country surrounding immigration support, we find ourselves in a time of increased anxiety and uncertainty. 

I want to share three supportive updates with you about how we will continue supporting you and your students.

We are committed to keeping every student safe while in our care at school.  

Our most important commitment has always been to keep students, staff, and visitors safe.  Please know that GIPS has policies and protocols in place to safeguard all students.  Outside visitors are not permitted to have access to students without proper identifying credentials and legal documentation.  Also, by our policy, outside visitors are not allowed to enter classrooms or buses without district approval. 

We want to reassure you that our public schools are one of the safest places your students can be, even during times of uncertainty.  

Our staff continue to provide meaningful learning experiences for all students. 

Please continue sending your student to school.

While it may be understandably more difficult on some days than others as anxiety fluctuates, we understand that providing safe, predictable learning spaces for students is one of the best ways we may provide direct support to you.  Our staff are among the best in the state and they remain committed to your students.

We have a plan of support for students, staff, and families.

For the last few months, many of our departments have been hard at work behind the scenes in collaboration with community partners.  Student Services, Safety & Security, EL, Social Workers, and others have partnered with the Grand Island Multicultural Coalition to help us put plans in place to better support you during uncertain times.

How can you help our efforts?

If you have questions regarding immigration support, the best thing to do is to reach out to the Grand Island Multicultural Coalition for resources.  You may contact the Multicultural Coalition at 308.385.5242 or email info@mcofgi.org.

Please review your Emergency Contact information in ParentVUE.  If your Emergency information needs to be updated, please do so. 

All students are welcome — as they have always been — at Grand Island Public Schools.

We will continue following our standard safety and legal protocols districtwide as we provide support for your students.  We will continue approaching our vital work of educating your children with empathy, ensuring every student receives the support they need.

Thank you for your support,

Matt Fisher
GIPS Superintendent
www.GIPS.org