Sherwood School District is committed to fostering a community where every student and family feels a sense of belonging, safety, and respect. Our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies apply to all members of our community, regardless of background or circumstance and include protections based on national origin.
If you witness or become aware of any incidents of harassment, or if you have additional concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your school principal, the SHARE Center, or the Teaching and Learning department. We value our partnership with families and staff in ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and valued. Below are frequently asked questions and answers to support families, staff, and students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment Questions:
Q: Will Sherwood ever ask about a student’s or a parent/guardian’s immigration status?
A: No, Sherwood does not ask or require information about immigration status.
Q: Does Sherwood require a U.S. birth certificate to enroll in school?
A: No, Sherwood does not require a U.S. birth certificate. There are many ways schools can verify a child’s age without a birth certificate.
Q: Can immigration status of a student or parent/guardian impact a student’s access to education?
A: No, immigration status does not impact a student’s ability to enroll in and attend school, receive school meals and services, or participate in school activities.
Q: Does Sherwood require a family to share their country of origin or a child’s country of birth to register for school?
A: No, families may choose not to share that information and are not required to include it before submitting their registration form.
Student Rights and Responsiblities
Q: Can my child’s educational records be released to federal immigration officials?
A: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the district from releasing student educational records without prior parental consent, except in limited circumstances, such as a legal order or subpoena, or with the signed consent of a parent/guardian.
Any subpoena from Immigration and Customs Enforcement must be verified by the Superintendent’s Office. The law also requires the district to make a reasonable effort to notify parents/guardians about a subpoena before producing any information, so the parent/guardian can object or seek protection from the subpoena.
Q: Can Sherwood release my child’s directory information to federal immigration officials or any other organizations?
A: The district shall not, in accordance with state law, disclose personal information for the purpose of enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Please see Policy JOA: Directory Information
If you would like to opt your child out of directory information, please notify your school’s office.
Immigration Rights
Q: What do schools do if immigration officials visit the school to question students?
A: Schools do not confirm a student’s attendance or release students to any outside agencies, except in limited circumstances, such as when the Department of Human Services (DHS) is involved due to concerns about child abuse in the student’s home, and only after the school has verified the identity and credentials of the agency representative.
Q: What should parents/guardians do if they’re worried about being detained while their children are at school?
A: It is important to make sure your school has up-to-date emergency contact information, including who has permission to pick up your child and who the school can contact in an emergency. You may also want to create a plan with your student and share it with trusted adults listed as your student’s emergency contact.
Q: What should students do if they’re concerned about their immigration status?
A: If students have concerns about their immigration status, they should speak with a trusted adult. Families may also seek resources from counselors or our SHARE Center.
Q: What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?
A: Below is external information provided by the City of Sherwood and Washington County. It should be noted that Sherwood School District does not sponsor or endorse the activities and/or information contained in these materials. It is provided for your convenience and review.