In response to the devastating wildfires affecting LA County, the Los Angeles Unified School District has announced that all schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho reported that Marquez Elementary and Palisades Elementary have been completely destroyed, with Palisades Charter High School suffering 30% damage.
Despite the closures, students will still have access to digital academic resources. The district is actively monitoring the situation and plans to decide regarding online learning for Friday by 4 p.m. on Thursday.
To support students and families during this challenging time, the district will provide meal distributions from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on January 9 at eight designated sites across the region. These sites are specifically set up to ensure that Los Angeles Unified students can receive two meals per student.
The district is also prioritizing the mental health of its students and families. Those in need of support can reach out via the Student and Family Wellness Resource Line. Mental health services are available weekdays, while employees can access assistance through the Employee Assistance Service for Education.
For additional resources and support, families are encouraged to visit the district’s website, which will provide information on city, county, and community-based assistance.
In these trying times, the dedication of the Los Angeles Unified School District to support its students and families is commendable. By providing access to meals, mental health resources, and digital learning tools, they are ensuring that the educational needs of their community are met as they navigate through this crisis.
This situation serves as a reminder of the resilience of communities and the importance of coming together in the face of adversity.