Malden Public Schools administrators take proactive steps to address anxiety of immigrant students, families

New federal policies causing some misinformation and unrest in schools across state

By Steve Freker

The anxiety on Friday was palpable at Malden High School. It mirrored what has transpired in many communities across Massachusetts that have students and families who are immigrants to this country either recently or in the past few years.

The rumors began early in the day and increased as Friday went on. “There are ICE vans in the parking lot at CVS and [ICE agents] are coming to the school.” ICE refers to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. CVS is the CVS Pharmacy located on Ferry Street adjacent and behind Malden High School.

As Winston Churchill once said, “A rumor can go halfway around the world before the truth has even put its pants on.”

“It got to a point [Friday] where I walked over there to CVS myself to take a look later in the afternoon,” said eighth-year Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo. “I expected to see nothing there and that’s what I saw. It was just a rumor.”

Mastrangelo said he then did something out of the ordinary to address an unordinary situation. “I interrupted the class day with a brief announcement to allay any fears that our students may have had and to help ease their anxiety. I told them there was no one outside or near our school and that no one is allowed to enter our school, anyway, except for educational purposes.”

“Our students are safe at Malden High School and this is our highest priority all day, every day and it will continue to be so,” Mastrangelo said.

Similar scenes – and rumors – have been reported and played out in other communities around Massachusetts, particularly those whose demographics mirror Malden: with a high percentage of new or recent immigrants. Chelsea, Revere, Lawrence and Everett are among them.

Malden Public Schools, led by first-year Superintendent Dr. Timothy Sippel, Ed.L.D., have been proactive in addressing the announcement of new federal policies from Washington, D.C., regarding the intended deportation of immigrants who have entered the United States illegally. Most notably, federal authorities have indicated that those with criminal records before entering this country or those who have committed crimes in the United States are the primary targets. Dr. Sippel has put out messages and statements to Malden families noting the existing situation and assuring them that resources are available to assist them via the school district website – www.maldenps.org – and also, as Mastrangelo noted as week, no one is allowed into any school building except for educational purposes.

Mastrangelo, on Tuesday, made a video, all-school presentation to all students and staff at Malden High School regarding the situation as well. Previously, these steps were taken, he said:

—Message of support has gone out to all students and staff

—Message of specific Massachusetts statutes around Immigration Officials entering schools has been shared with staff, students and families

—Dr. Sippel has shared messages with caregivers specific to student support and procedure

—Individual check ins with students

Following is the text of the message MHS Principal Mastrangelo made to students:

“I wanted to take some time to discuss what is happening in the country, specifically around immigration.

“Whenever there is a change in an administration we face a degree of uncertainty. This change is no different. I know that there is a lot of information swirling around the internet, media outlets, and social media. Some of the information is accurate but, sadly, a lot of it is not. In times like this it is important to know the facts. You have heard, and will continue to hear, many stories.

“If you are not sure please ask any adult. If the adult does not know the answer we can find the answer. For example, there was a rumor going around at school on Friday that there were immigration officers and vans parked at CVS. That was not true. I personally went to check. I also called MPD to assure it hadn’t happened. MHS will do their best to provide updates as necessary.

“It is also important to know that there are resources available for you and your caregivers. Again, MHS will be provided these resources as needed.

“The most important piece that you have to know is that we will do everything in our power to keep you safe at MHS. In this building you are surrounded by your friends that care for you. You are also

surrounded by adults that care for you. We have about 170 staff members at MHS. We are all here because of you. We love being with you, teaching you, learning from you, celebrating your successes, and supporting you in your times of need. In short, we love you all very much. We stand up for the ones we love and we will stand up for you.

“As I have said many times, Malden High School is not a perfect place, no school is, but we are a place that values our students, their cultures, their traditions, and all that they bring to our school and community. None of that has changed. We will continue to work towards making this a welcoming and loving environment for all of our students. Regardless of where you were born, what god you worship, who you love, or how you identify. Again, we love you and we are blessed to have all of you here at Malden High School.

“If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

“Be well, do well.”