By: Christi Morelock
“Someone said we can’t come to school anymore,” my student informs me in greeting — a small glimpse into the heavy dinnertime conversations happening outside our classroom walls. His eyes are questioning, and the directness of his statement catches me unprepared. My student, who struggles to connect his thoughts into words, trying to make sense of matters too multifaceted for even adults to fully grasp. My student, who looks to me to break down the complexities of language into manageable pieces he can understand — but in this instance, I cannot. Instead, I responded with the only thing I knew I could truthfully tell him: “I’m so glad you are here today.” He smiled. This un-answer of an answer was enough to set the seven-year-old’s mind at ease, and we continued through our lesson without any further interruptions.
Our conversation took place last school year, following the rollout of new immigration enforcement policies and statements from the incoming administration. The uncertainty of it all was fresh and confusing. This school year, we face similar challenges as immigration threats continue to loom — still confusing, but no longer new. Last Spring, Rockford Public Schools issued a statement that still applies today, summarizing the “non-regulatory guidance” statement provided by the Illinois State Board of Education.
RPS 205’s message provided reassurance and a sense of security: that all students are cared for here in our schools, that their privacy is protected, and that they are welcome and wanted. As we settle into this new school year, navigating the delicate balance between pushing our students towards academic excellence while being responsive to the challenges they face outside of our school buildings, let us remember that sentiment — and continue educating with compassion.
About the Author: Christi Morelock is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Rockford Public Schools and the Illinois Early Intervention Program. She works between Whitehead Elementary School and Nashold Early Childhood Center.