Assistance
GET HELP
A family's well-being has a huge impact on the academic outcomes of our students and as a public institution we want to help our families by providing a list of resources both within the school district and with community partners that they can turn to in their time of need.
- Academic Help
- Bullying
- Financial Assistance
- Food Insecurity
- Homelessness
- Immigration Information & Resources
- Technology Help
- Well-Being - Mental Health
Academic Help
Bullying
The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees Policy 5601 prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying of or by students.
Are you being bullied or do you know someone who is?
Report it
Want to learn more about our Bullying Policy? Visit our
Financial Assistance
Our district provides meals (breakfast & lunch) and textbooks at no costs to our students thanks to state funding and programs, but families can learn more about additional assistance from the state of Indiana at
Indiana Departments of Workforce Development
The Fort Wayne Community Schools Clothing Bank provides clothing to thousands of students each year. FWCS students receive clothes, shoes, coats, toiletries and other items as needed because of poverty or homelessness or following a disaster, such as a flood or fire. Students are referred to the clothing bank by a case manager or counselor at their school.
Food Insecurity
Homelessness
Immigration Information & Resources
We recognize the growing fear and uncertainty among many families in our district caused by ongoing national discussions, particularly regarding changes to immigration policies. Fort Wayne Community Schools is committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students and families regardless of immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other basis. We recognize and value our diverse student population and believe all students deserve the opportunity to learn without fear.
FWCS is committed to its practice of not inquiring about a student or parents’ immigration status at any time, including during enrollment. We will continue to follow school safety protocols, District policy, and state and federal laws, which provide guidance on who is allowed to contact students during the school day and who has access to student documents. FWCS is not allowed to share personal student information with anyone without parental consent. We also do not allow individuals to enter our school buildings without authorization and proper clearance.
When families face uncertainty, Fort Wayne Community Schools will be a place of stability where students can continue to learn and grow. If you or your child need assistance, please reach out to your child’s school.
Read our Board resolution here
FAQ's
As FWCS learns about new immigration enforcement directives from the state and federal government, we want to assure all students and families that we will continue to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. This Q&A should help families understand FWCS policy and procedure (designed to ensure student safety and protect student privacy) and to provide information about where families can look for help in the community.
- If I keep my child home from school due to fear of immigration enforcement activity, will FWCS mark the student absent?
- Will FWCS employees ask my student or any family members about their immigration status?
- What will FWCS do if a student’s parents or guardians are detained during the school day?
- Do immigration customs and enforcement (ICE) officials have the right to arrest or detain my student?
- Can ICE officials demand records from schools, and what will FWCS do to protect student information?
- Is it safe to bring my student to school?
- How will I know if ICE came to my school?
- If I need additional help, what can I do?
If I keep my child home from school due to fear of immigration enforcement activity, will FWCS mark the student absent?
FWCS will continue to follow the FWCS attendance policy as found in the Student and Family Support Guide. Please know that we have not seen and do not anticipate imminent immigration enforcement activity in schools. However, if you choose to keep your student at home, please let the school or teachers know so they can provide remote work if possible, to keep your student from falling behind.
Will FWCS employees ask my student or any family members about their immigration status?
No. FWCS will never inquire about a student, parent or any family member’s immigration status at any time, including during enrollment. Federal law dictates that all children living in the United States (including children who are undocumented immigrants) can attend public school from kindergarten through 12th grade. Further, Indiana law requires all children to be in school. Truancy laws benefit the growth and well-being of students, which benefits every family and community.
What will FWCS do if a student’s parents or guardians are detained during the school day?
If a family is concerned that a student’s parents or guardians might be detained during the school day, they should provide FWCS with additional emergency contacts. FWCS will communicate with the contacts designated by parents or legal guardians if they can’t reach the primary contacts. Families may also contact the Wendy Y. Robinson Family & Community Engagement Center for information about completing Third-Party Agreements and any questions related to custody.
Do immigration customs and enforcement (ICE) officials have the right to arrest or detain my student?
Can ICE officials demand records from schools, and what will FWCS do to protect student information?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits schools from sharing personally identifiable information in education records without parental consent. Those privacy protections apply to all students, regardless of immigration status. FWCS will not share student records with ICE officials without parental consent, a subpoena or warrant. In almost all cases, even if presented with a subpoena or warrant, FWCS will not immediately produce the requested records. FWCS will review the documentation authenticity, notify parents of the request, and will thereafter timely comply, per the terms of the order.
Is it safe to bring my student to school?
How will I know if ICE came to my school?
If I need additional help, what can I do?
Technology Help
Well-Being - Mental Health
Taking care of our mental health is important and leads to SAFER Schools! Learn more about our licensed therapists that are here to help support the mental and emotional health of our students.