Odyssey South Charter School in Altadena, along with several other schools in the Pasadena area, was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. The school community faces numerous challenges, including finding new classrooms, addressing displaced families, and securing funding for rebuilding. Despite the hardships, the school is determined to provide normalcy and support for its students.
Odyssey South, a TK-8 charter school in Altadena, was among the dozen or so schools destroyed in the Los Angeles fires. Two charters near Odyssey — Pasadena Rosebud Academy and Aveson Charter School — also burned down.At least 40% of the school’s families and 10 staff members lost their homes. As of Friday, 5% of families were still unaccounted for. Like at all the damaged schools, staff are navigating their own fire hardships while frantically scouring the city for new classroom space.
Odyssey South, a popular TK-8 charter school in Altadena, was among the dozen or so schools destroyed in the Los Angeles fires. At least 40% of the school’s families and 10 staff members lost their homes. As of Friday, 5% of families were still unaccounted for., the most important thing, they said, is to bring an element of normalcy to children whose lives have been upended.
The next obstacle is more practical. A vacant office building seemed perfect, but where would Brimecombe and her staff find hundreds of school desks and chairs? A nearby school offered to share its campus, but there wasn’t enough space for the entire student body so they’d have to split up — not a desirable option when students need continuity and to be with their friends, Brimecombe said.And the final obstacle is money.
His group is asking Pasadena Unified, which leases space to several damaged charter schools, to help find new space for those schools and to share funds from a recently passed pair of measures that are slated to bring in nearly $1 billion to district schools.Stacy Connor, head of Odyssey’s parent association, said the Eaton fire was the most terrifying experience of her life. She and her family had to evacuate their home in Pasadena at 4 a.m.
“Every single staff member at that school knew every single child. They truly loved children,” said Connor, who spent countless hours volunteering at Odyssey. “It was such an inclusive community where everyone felt welcome. I don’t know if we can replace that.” “In a way, we are ready for this kind of a situation. Resiliency is already built into our core values; we know how to come back,” Brimecombe said. “But it’s going to be tough. We’re going to need to double down to provide all the mental health support our students will need.”
CHARTER SCHOOLS FIRE DAMAGE EDUCATION DISPLACEMENT RELIEF EFFORTS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Arizona Charter School Turns Into Private LDS SchoolA failing charter school in Arizona closed and reopened as a private LDS school funded by taxpayer vouchers. Parents who had enrolled their children in the charter school were given limited options for their children's education.
Read more »
ASPIRA Charter School Board Votes to Close Haugan Middle SchoolThe ASPIRA charter schools board voted unanimously to close the CPS-funded Haugan Middle School due to insufficient funding. Parents and teachers pleaded with the board to keep the school open, but the financial challenges proved insurmountable.
Read more »
California Wildfires Threaten Insurance Market and Residents' Rebuilding EffortsThe devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, particularly the destructive blaze in Pacific Palisades, are testing California's insurance market as many insurers have stopped issuing new policies due to wildfire risks. This poses significant challenges for residents, especially in high-risk areas like Pacific Palisades with an already limited insurance availability. State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has implemented a moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations, urging affected residents to contact their insurance companies and seek assistance.
Read more »
After Eaton Fire, L.A. Supervisor Kathryn Barger Leads Relief and Rebuilding EffortsL.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is rallying support and resources for the devastated Altadena community in the aftermath of the Eaton fire, which has claimed lives, homes, and landmarks.
Read more »
LA Supervisor Leads Rebuilding Efforts After Devastating FireL.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger navigates the aftermath of the Eaton fire, offering support to devastated residents and rallying government agencies to aid in the rebuilding process.
Read more »
Southern California Braces for Another Wildfire Threat Amidst Rebuilding EffortsAs Southern California residents prepare for another potential wave of wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire.
Read more »