Roseville Area High School. Image via homes.com
District leaders outline safety measures and growing needs as ICE activity disrupts student attendance.
By Max Jasper — Community Reporter
The Roseville Area Schools Community Advisory Committee devoted its Jan. 14 meeting to an urgent topic: how to support immigrant students and families amid heightened federal immigration enforcement in the area.
District leaders emphasized both the emotional toll on families and the practical challenges schools are now navigating as absences rise and fear spreads through neighborhoods.
Roseville Area Schools Superintendent Jenny Loeck opened the meeting by acknowledging the sensitivity of the moment and reaffirming the district’s stance: school buildings remain safe spaces and federal immigration agents are not permitted on campus without a judicial warrant. While the district avoids direct involvement in activism, leaders stressed their commitment to maintaining stable learning environments and ensuring students’ basic needs are met.
“Our focus at this time is to continue to offer a safe and secure experience for students that are attending our schools,” Loeck said. “We believe that our school campuses and buildings continue to be safe and our biggest concern is ensuring that our kids who aren’t coming to school on a regular basis out of fear are also safe.”
Principals from multiple schools reported significant increases in student absences, particularly among multilingual learners and students in dual language programs. One elementary principal described more than 100 absences in the past week alone, noting that many families are afraid to leave their homes for groceries, work or even to bring children to school.
Staff members, many of whom share the same cultural backgrounds as affected families, are experiencing their own emotional strain while continuing to show up for students.
In response, schools have begun organizing deliveries of food, household supplies and other essentials for families sheltering at home. Staff and trusted parent volunteers have created systems to collect names confidentially, purchase groceries and deliver them discreetly.
Middle and high school teachers are also shifting lessons online, recording instructional videos and preparing asynchronous learning options to help students keep up academically during prolonged absences.
“We’re exploring the possibility of putting some cohorts together for some online learning for students again, based on data and recommendations from administrators and liaisons that need that academic outreach at home.” Loeck said.
District leaders highlighted the growing need for financial assistance as families lose income due to missed work. Requests for help with rent, utilities and transportation are increasing. Some families have indicated they would send their children to school if door-to-door transportation were available, but schools have struggled to coordinate carpools or alternative transit options.
Community organizations are stepping in to fill gaps. Local volunteers have organized neighborhood safety trainings, rapid response observer groups and fundraising efforts. Thousands of dollars in gift cards and donations have already been directed to the district to support food access.
District officials emphasized the importance of coordinating these efforts to protect family privacy and ensure resources reach those most in need.
As the situation evolves, the district plans to continue expanding academic support and strengthening partnerships with community groups. Leaders closed the meeting by underscoring the shared goal: keeping students safe, fed and connected to learning during a period of deep uncertainty.
