On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, AJMS closed while in session due to hazardous air conditions from wildfires. Students were picked up from school and stayed home for two and a half days. Now coming back to school, resources are being offered to anyone affected by the fires.
The previous day on Tuesday, January 7th 2025, the Palisades fire was started in Pacific Palisades as well as the Eaton fire near Pasadena. Strong winds contributed to the fire’s growth so when combined, the fires burned around 511,000 acres. The strong winds were also able to carry smoke from the Eaton fire towards the school.
“Last week on Wednesday when we got to school it was pretty smoky and there was lots of ashes we did not expect,” Assistant Principal Wendy Perez said. “LAUSD started to look at air quality monitors, they started to realize the air went from bad to hazardous.”
With these conditions, a plan was put into place to get students off school campus. Staff sent a message through Parent Square and made individual phone calls.
“We made a lot of logistic planning really quick to make sure you guys were inside, that we were able to communicate with parents, and that teachers had some information,” Perez said.
Once all students were safely evacuated from the school, there was still work to be done. Precautions were taken when returning to school.
“…the masks, air purifiers, closing the door, limiting exposure outside,” Guidance Counselor Ms. Gutierrez listed precautions. “There was clean up done over the weekend to ensure that it’s nice and clean for you guys to return.”
The school is worried some students may have been affected by the fires and has planned ways to support them.
“I made a mental note of students that I know sometimes get anxious, or worried, or concerned for different things, to follow up with when we do come back,” Gutierrez said. “If you know of anyone and they need support, they were impacted by the fire, whether it’s because of a job loss or whatnot. You can come and let us know.”
One specific batch of students affected were those in SRLA
“We supposed to have our half marathon with the Rose Bowl in Pasadena,” SRLA coach Mr. Torres said. “But because of the Pasadena fire, they postponed that race- that [Rose Bowl Stadium] is now being used for help and volunteer work.”
Overall, the school wants to let students know people that care will always be here to help.
“Even though it happened and it happened to lots of people, it’s still stress and stress at school is something that I always worry about,” Perez said. “I hope this isn’t something that has to happen again.”
