Several schools across Los Angeles County have temporarily closed due to ongoing wildfire activity and deteriorating air quality in Southern California. On Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced the closures, particularly impacting schools in central and eastern areas of LA Unified that fall within specific geographic boundaries defined by hazardous air conditions.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, LAUSD confirmed that all schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9. They noted that the district would continue to evaluate the situation and consider the implementation of online learning for Friday, January 10. A definitive update regarding Friday’s classes will be provided by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.
The closures have left many parents and students, especially in Boyle Heights, feeling frustrated by the timing of the announcements. Long lines formed as parents waited to pick up their children from schools, expressing concerns that the last-minute notices could have been managed better.
The schools affected in Boyle Heights include:
– First Street Elementary School
– Belvedere Elementary School
– Bravo Medical Magnet High School
– Bridge Street Elementary School
– Breed Street Elementary School
– Evergreen Avenue Elementary School
– Euclid Avenue Elementary School
– Hollenbeck Middle School
– Lorena Street Elementary School
– Malabar Street Elementary School
– Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School
– Murchison Street Elementary School
– Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School
– Roosevelt High School
– Soto Street Elementary School
– Sheridan Street Elementary School
– Sunrise Elementary School
For a full list of the schools impacted by fire and wind-related closures, more information is available through LAUSD. Additionally, it’s noted that Oscar De La Hoya Ámino Charter High School was removed from the list of closures on Wednesday evening.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by wildfires and the need for effective communication by school districts during emergencies. It serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience and the ongoing efforts of educators and officials working to ensure the safety of students and families.