Photo by Sarah Shmerling
This page will be updated as the Palisadian-Post continues to monitor operations
By LILY TINOCO
Assistant Editor
As the Palisades Fire continues, Los Angeles Unified School District has provided a number of updates for impacted Pacific Palisades schools and students.
As of Sunday, January 12, the Palisades fire—which broke out on Tuesday, January 7—has burnt through 23,654 acres and is at 11% containment.
Los Angeles Fire Department has reported that over 5,000 structures in the Palisades have been damaged or destroyed, including homes, businesses and schools.
Los Angeles Unified School District Updates
The Los Angeles Unified School District reported it is working “tirelessly” on clean-up efforts and collaboration with local authorities to restore “normal” school schedules and instruction as quickly as possible.
“However, there are some schools in the highest impact areas that may remain closed due to adverse conditions,” LAUSD reported. “Impacted schools will notify families and employees.”
On Sunday, January 12, LAUSD announced they were preparing Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet and Nora Sterry Elementary for both Palisades and Marquez Charter Elementary employees and students.
Palisades Charter Elementary School
On Saturday, January 11, Palisades Charter Elementary announced the school had suffered significant damage due to the Palisades fire, and is no longer safe or suitable for students or staff.
The school announced that it would be co-locating to Brentwood Science Magnet through the remainder of the school year, with classes slated to resume Wednesday, January 15.
“This means we will share a campus with students at Brentwood,” the school shared to Instagram. “Each Pali teacher will have their own classroom with the same roster of students we have had since the start of the school year.
“We aim for Palisades Charter students to start at this new location within the next week, depending on when schools reopen.”
The school will be hosting a town hall meeting on Monday, January 13, at 12 p.m., exclusively for Pali Elementary families to ask questions and discuss a path moving forward.
Families are also invited to visit Brentwood Science Magnet on Tuesday, January 14, at 2 p.m. for a “Pali Picnic” on campus.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and get acquainted with our new home,” Pali Elementary wrote.
“Our district team has been working tirelessly to prepare all 19 classrooms to create a warm, safe and ready environment for our students,” Pali Elementary explained. “This transition comes with many moving parts, and we understand the emotions that come with such a sudden shift.
“Rest assured, your Palisades Charter Elementary family will be welcomed with open arms at Brentwood and we are committed to making this transition as seamless and supportive as possible.”
To attend the Monday, January 13, virtual meeting, visit lausd.zoom.us/j/.8972511987?0mn=81871420785#success.
Palisades Charter High School
Palisades Charter High School provided updates on Saturday, January 11, regarding the campus and upcoming second semester, which is slated to resume Tuesday, January 21, virtually.
“Thousands of homes and businesses surrounding the school are no longer standing,” Principal Pam Magee shared to the school’s Instagram. “Homes, synagogues, churches … gone. Now, we must begin the work of rebuilding and Palisades Charter High School will be at the forefront of that effort.”
Magee reported a number of spaces were not visibly damaged by the fire, including Gilbert Hall, Mercer Hall, the baseball field, pool, quad, Stadium by the Sea, and most classroom buildings and gyms. But a significant portion of the campus, estimated at over 40%, has been either damaged or destroyed.
The school urged students, families, staff and neighbors to refrain from entering the campus due to the damage and potential hazards, such as asbestos and toxins.
“The presence of these toxins, especially in the burn zone, could pose significant health risks, particularly to children, and we want to ensure everyone’s safety,” Magee wrote. “Now is not the time for visitors to be on campus.”
Regarding changes to the remainder of the school year, Pali High said the start of the second semester would be delayed until Tuesday, January 21, to allow families and staff “time to address issues related to the impact of the ongoing fires.”
Pali High will then temporarily follow an online learning plan while the school addresses campus safety concerns, and classroom space. Magee said students can expect teachers to reach out with links and resources in preparation for this “short-term adjustment.”
“While transitioning to a virtual format may present challenges, we are committed to providing all students with a smooth and engaging online experience,” Magee wrote. “I am confident that with the strength and determination of our community, we will recover and rebuild stronger than ever.”
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