CPS students head back to class; Emanuel assures DACA students are safe

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Tuesday was the first day of the new school year for about 380,000 Chicago Public Schools students.

"I'm very excited. It's a special year for my SAT. My colleges really look into that, so I'm trying my best this year," said Itezly Candelario, a junior.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel helped kick off the new school year at Eric Solorio Academy High School in the city's Gage Park neighborhood and made sure undocumented students know CPS doors are always open to them.

"To all of the DREAMers that are here, in this room and in the city of Chicago, you are welcomed in the city of Chicago. This is your home and you have nothing to worry about," Emanuel said.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program would be phased out. CLICK HERE to find out more about the DACA plan.

The nation's third largest school district sent a letter to parents and students reminding them that ICE agents cannot come into any CPS school without a warrant.

Some students tell us it is something they worry about and they appreciate the message.

"I think it's important that the mayor does come to schools like ours, especially because the school is doing so well," said Amado Candelario, a junior.

Emanuel also visited Harold Washington Elementary School Tuesday, where he and local officials welcomed kids back to class.

He touted rising test scores and graduation rates for CPS students and said thanks to fiscal issues being resolved in the district for now, there was no controversy looming overhead to take the focus away from the first day of school.

To get ready for the new school year, some kids picked up new school supplies, new clothes and got haircuts for free at a back-to-school event.

CPS students also rode for free Tuesday on CTA buses and trains. Trained adult monitors will be posted along Safe Passage routes Tuesday for 140 schools.