Our Commitment to Supporting Immigrant Students and Families

Chelsea Public Schools
Almi G. Abeyta, Ed.D.
Superintendent

September 18, 2025

Dear Chelsea Public Schools Community, 

As we are now 15 days into the new school year, my heart has been filled with warmth and joy seeing students across our district with big smiles and excitement for learning while in our schools. I continue to keep believing in the name, strength and story of our students and know we will have a wonderful school year.

I also want to acknowledge the stressful and difficult times that we live in, and felt it was important at the start of the school year to reaffirm that we are steadfastly committed to supporting our immigrant students and families. Our schools are committed to keeping students safe and to ensuring that they feel welcomed and belonged at school so they are in the best position to learn and succeed. The following serves as reminders about the district’s policies and procedures regarding the immigration status of our students and families: 

CPS follows the guidance of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and does not coordinate with ICE. This guidance, which details students’ rights to attend school, is available in the following languages: English | Spanish | Portuguese | Haitian Creole. Please review these documents to familiarize yourself with the protections that students have.

When it comes to our students or families’ immigration status, please know that CPS maintains the following protections:

• We will not release information contained in pupil records to federal agencies without the permission of the student’s parent or guardian or pursuant to judicial warrant, subpoena, court order or as otherwise required by law.

• Requests to enter Chelsea Public Schools by any immigration enforcement office shall immediately be forwarded to the Superintendent’s Office for review to ensure the safety and confidentiality of all students, as well as compliance with applicable state and federal laws. 

Additionally, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office released an updated guidance for immigrants, families and communities in May titled, “Know Your Rights: ICE Enforcement”. We encourage our families to review this guidance too. Translated versions are available for families in Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole. Additional guidance and resources for immigrants in Massachusetts is available on the Office of the Attorney General website.

In Chelsea Public Schools we will always welcome and educate all. We are committed to providing a safe learning environment where all individuals feel belonged at school and are treated with kindness and respect.  We believe that our diversity and inclusivity is our strength. Everyone belongs at Chelsea Public Schools. 

Sincerely, 

 

Dr. Almi G. Abeyta
Superintendent
Chelsea Public Schools