How to Prepare Going Into the New School Year
As the new school year begins, we want to help parents feel confident, organized, and reassured that their children can start the year safe and supported.
Know Your Rights at School
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is not allowed on school property unless they present a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Schools are considered “sensitive locations,” meaning enforcement actions generally do not take place there. This includes classrooms, school buses, and school events. Knowing this can help ease fears and allow your children to focus on learning and making friends.
All children—regardless of immigration status—have the right to attend school. Schools cannot ask about a child’s or family’s immigration status as a condition for enrollment.
If ICE were ever to come to a school, they cannot speak to a student alone—an adult must be present. We encourage families to review the “What to Do if ICE Comes to Your School” pamphlet ([insert link here]) so both parents and children know exactly what to expect.
Set Up an Emergency Plan
Life can be unpredictable. For parents with children under 18, it’s wise to prepare legal documents such as a Power of Attorney or Standby Guardianship form. These allow you to choose a trusted adult to step in and care for your children temporarily if you are unable to do so because of illness, detention, or another emergency.
Keep a copy of this form somewhere safe and make sure both the guardian and your children’s school have a copy. Attached is a copy of the Standby Guardianship form for the state of Oklahoma. These forms are valid for a year once notarized. (add attachment)
In addition to legal paperwork, practice an emergency phone number with your children—a number they can call if they ever feel unsafe or cannot reach you. Make sure they know the full name of the person who will answer and how to explain their situation calmly.
Keep Your School Records Updated
Make sure your phone number, address, and emergency contacts are up to date with the school.
Provide the name and contact information of your Standby Guardian to the school office.
Ask your school how they communicate urgent information—whether by phone, email, text message, or school app—so you never miss important updates.
If English is not your first language, let the school know your preferred language for communication. Schools are required to provide interpretation and translation for important matters.
Most schools have a school counselor. Get to know them so you can reach out with specific concerns.
Encourage School Attendance
We know that fear can sometimes make parents hesitant to send their children to school. However, it’s important to remember that keeping children home without a valid reason can lead to truancy court and unnecessary legal trouble. Attending school regularly not only supports your child’s learning and friendships, but also protects your family from avoidable court issues.
Stay Informed
Even outside of school, you and your children have rights. If approached by immigration officials, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer before answering questions or signing anything. Teach your children not to open the door to strangers and to contact a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.
At Rivas and Associates, we are here to help families prepare for any situation. If you live in Oklahoma, we can provide free Standby Guardianship forms and guide you through completing them. Our goal is to make sure your children are cared for and protected—no matter what happens.
