Immigration Resources

Hopkins is committed to safe and supportive learning and working environments where every student and staff member feels valued and can thrive.

As our community navigates an increase in immigration enforcement activity, we recognize that many families are experiencing fear, uncertainty, and concern.  We are committed to maintaining safe, supportive learning and working environments where every student is valued, respected, and able to learn. We approach this moment with compassion and clarity, grounded in our commitment to belonging, dignity, and a high-quality education for every learner.

We know families have questions about safety, student support, and how schools are responding during this time. This page is intended to share information, resources, and guidance to help families understand their rights, access community support, and stay informed about how Hopkins Public Schools is working to support students and families.

Student privacy, rights, and belonging

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that all children have the right to attend public school regardless of their immigration status. We are committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of our students, their families, and all immigrant-heritage students and staff. 

Federal regulations state that we are not to keep personal information such as social security numbers on file. Policies expressly prohibit any communication to an immigration agency in reference to a student or family member’s real or perceived national origin and citizenship or immigration status. As a school district, we do not know, and do not ask, the immigration status of our students.

School safety and protocols
School entry and law enforcement protocols
In coordination with local law enforcement, we have established the following protocol in the event that federal agents request entry to any school to detain or question individuals:
  • Entry into school buildings and buses will be denied without duly authorization.
  • School staff will immediately contact the school administrator.
  • Administrators will request valid identification and a clear statement of purpose and will reiterate denied entry.
  • If agents refuse to leave, the administrator will contact local police and the District Holistic Safety Team. While police are not authorized to block immigration enforcement, their role is to ensure public safety and maintain orderly conduct. 
  • During the unlikely event of an interaction with a federal agent on school property, our schools would go into the Secure mode safety protocol. This means students and staff would be in their classrooms during a time of federal agents being on our premises. If classes are outside when a Secure safety protocol is announced, students will be directed inside the building and into their classrooms.
Transportation protocols

School buses are an extension of our schools. If federal agents are seen at a bus stop:

  • Drivers will keep bus doors closed and will not release students.
  • Drivers will contact transportation dispatch immediately.
  • If necessary, drivers will block entry and return to a district building with students onboard.
Learning Options
Flexible Learning Pathways Plan

Hopkins families may opt into a Flexible Learning Pathways Plan. This plan is designed to allow E-12 students to continue learning and receive support even if they are not physically present at school. This option follows current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education. Students who participate will remain enrolled at their current school. The Hopkins Flexible Learning Pathways Plan is intended as a short-term option to support continuity of learning and student well-being.

We have identified specific methods for tracking attendance for students completing their academic work via the Hopkins Flexible Learning Pathways. Most importantly, each family who has children who do not feel safe attending school in person will receive daily check-in support from a consistent school adult. This daily connection will help us establish an accurate attendance record for your student(s).

VirtualEDU

Families seeking a longer-term virtual option (through the end of the school year) may consider VirtualEDU, Hopkins’ online school for grades 3–12. This option requires a longer commitment and space is limited. Families should contact VirtualEDU or apply online. 

 

COmmunity Support
Holistic family support 

We are committed to maintaining an environment where every student and staff member belongs, regardless of race, culture, religion, language, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Hopkins is a community that cares deeply for one another, works tirelessly on behalf of students, and remains stronger together. 
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Create a family emergency plan

Create a family emergency plan and review it together. Consider how you will communicate if separated and ensure important items, such as necessary medications, are accessible.

Review emergency contact information

Confirm that each student’s emergency contact information is current. Review your family contact details and identify a trusted family member or friend who can serve as an emergency contact if needed.

Infinite Campus Portal

Delegation of Parent Authority (DOPA)

Once signed and notarized, DOPA allows another adult to take care of your child if you are unable to do so. It is specific to each child, effective for one year and does not override your parental rights.

Privacy Release Form 

The Privacy Release Form is a document provided by the office of U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District). It allows the congressional office to communicate with federal agencies on an individual’s behalf when assistance is needed.

Families who are concerned about the possibility of immigration detention may choose to complete and sign the form in advance. After signing, individuals can either submit the form directly to Rep. Morrison’s office or provide it to a trusted family member or friend to keep. If the individual is detained, the trusted contact can share the signed form with the congressional office so staff can work with federal officials to help locate the person and support communication.

To be valid, the form must be signed by the individual. It may be submitted as a physical copy, a scanned document, or a digital PDF.

While this form is specific to Rep. Morrison’s office, similar privacy release forms are available through other congressional offices for those who live in different districts.

Privacy Release Form (PRF) – Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03)