Since fires broke out in Los Angeles on Wednesday, schools have been closed throughout LAUSD. The smoke from the sky has cleared up since then, but students’ tension still lingers. Much of this anxiety is caused by LAUSD’s decision to reopen schools and offices.
“Just because there’s no smoke in the air and we’re fifteen minutes away from Palisades, that wasn’t a really good idea for the school to open,” said ASB member Jade Hoskins.
Throughout the closure of LAUSD offices and schools, there have been many updates sent out to families and staff, providing resources and evacuation updates for students at schools all across Los Angeles.
Hamilton’s ASB took it upon themselves to start up a donation drive to aid those who were affected by these fires by donating toiletries, school supplies, and clothing to support the community. Donations are being accepted in room 804 for the near future, but ASB aims to contribute one round of donations to shelters by the Friday.
“[The drive] is made to support, uplift and build a stronger community,” said Humanities junior Eduardo Lopez.
“Since we’re not as close to the fires, it may seem as though we’re not that affected, but there have been a few families and faculties that have evacuated,” said senior and ASB president Arielle Jackson. “This drive will really help our school community and show that all of LA is together in such hard times.”
While some students are ready to be back, for other students, things have been quite rough. Mental health and physical health for many fluctuated during the break and on their first day back on campus. Students expressed relief, grief, fear, and guilt for what’s to come.
AMPA freshman Jayla Rolison said, “It affected me a lot. My family members and friends lost their homes.”
“Physically, it affected me because I have asthma. Mentally, it affected me because I got kind of scared,” said Jocelyn Montano, a 9th grade AMPA student. “I would constantly [check] the app [to see] if there were fires near me, and it got me thinking about my family. Stuff like ‘what if they’re in trouble?’”
Many students also reported that their asthma or respiratory issues were impacted directly over break and even on campus.
“I think being in the vicinity of the smoke has affected my chronic illnesses,” said Sophia Reigleman, an 11th grade AMPA student. “It’s really terrible for my lungs and even just the flavor of the smoke is making me nauseous. Being outside is not a good thing, so schools shouldn’t be in.”
Because of these concerns on campus, counselors have made themselves available for students to vent to, and staff have gathered resources for students to access throughout the day. There are PSWs as well offering Psychological First Aid (PFAs) for students in the library if needed.
Resources for students affected and impacted by the California fires can be accessed at https://www.lausd.org/Page/19056.
Edmundo Garcia, JJ McDonald, Arisa Thompson, Elvis Leal, Daniela Safaei, and Camila Lopez Bautista contributed reporting to this article.
