Pasadena Students Return to Damaged Schools After Eaton Fire Closures

Pasadena, CA – After more than two weeks of unprecedented closures due to the devastating Eaton Fire, Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students have begun a phased return to their classrooms. The fire, which scorched over 14,000 acres, destroyed more than 9,000 structures, and claimed at least 17 lives, left a significant impact on the community, including several school campuses. The reopening process, which commenced on January 23, 2025, has been marked by a mix of relief, emotional support, and ongoing challenges as the district grapples with rebuilding and recovery.

A Phased Return to Normalcy

The district initiated its reopening plan in phases, bringing back students to unaffected or minimally affected campuses first. On January 23, 2025, the first wave of schools welcomed students back. Old friends embraced, excited cheers echoed through hallways, and words of encouragement filled the air as students, teachers, and parents reconnected. Willard Elementary School saw students trickling in around 7:15 AM, where they were warmly greeted by staff. Parents gathered outside, sharing reflections on the challenging past two weeks. McKinley School Principal Dr. Maria Toliver and wellness and behavior teacher Linda Ortega were also on hand to welcome students, including 6-year-old Asoka Senarath Gamage, back to school. sgvtribune.com

The initial phase included 10 schools and programs, serving more than 3,400 students. Among those that reopened were Hamilton Elementary School, Blair Middle School, and Rose City High School. Jennifer Hall Lee, president of the Pasadena Unified Board of Education, expressed optimism, stating, “It feels so good to see a beautiful school building open. Rebuilding and rebirth is essential. For all people at PUSD and beyond.” latimes.com

The Impact of the Eaton Fire on PUSD Campuses

The Eaton Fire significantly impacted the PUSD, destroying five schools: Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School, Aveson School of Leaders, Odyssey Charter School-South, Pasadena Rosebud Academy, and Franklin Elementary School. These campuses suffered direct damage, necessitating extensive cleaning, repairs, or relocation plans. For instance, Eliot Arts Magnet will be joining the McKinley campus in the coming weeks, while Aveson, Odyssey Charter-South, and Rosebud will be relocating during the recovery period. sgvtribune.com

Beyond the damaged structures, the district also had to contend with widespread closures across all 24 of its campuses, affecting thousands of students and employees. Over two-thirds of the district’s 14,000 students and all 1,387 employees lived in or were affected by evacuation zones. The district categorized schools not directly in the fire's path into tiers based on proximity and damage from debris and smoke, guiding the phased reopening process.

Mental Health and Healing a Top Priority

Recognizing the immense emotional toll the fire took on its community, PUSD has made mental health and healing a central focus of the reopening. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco noted the presence of mental health counselors at all reopened schools, checking in with students in classrooms and staff in the afternoons. During the second phase of reopenings on January 27, which included schools like Field Elementary, Washington Elementary STEM Magnet, Madison Elementary, and Norma Coombs Elementary, Blanco observed “Lots of hugs, some big emotions, joyful moments.” sgvtribune.com

Don Benito Principal John Maynard emphasized the need for "space for healing and the ability to express what we're feeling" as students returned. Parents like Ravea Miller echoed this sentiment, stating, "You feel the love. It's always been love. But you just feel it more [today] because everybody was affected." While some students expressed happiness at not being directly affected, others, like fifth-grader Jezzebelle Hernandez, shared their sadness for those who were. laist.com

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Resilience

The full reopening of all schools concluded by January 30, with the remaining nine campuses welcoming students back. While there is a collective sigh of relief, unanswered questions about rebuilding, making up for lost in-person schooling, and addressing potential exacerbation of existing financial challenges remain. Gilbert Moore, walking his kids into Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School, captured the prevailing sentiment: "We're just excited, ready to get back and get the kids back into school, and get them back into the groove again, and make things go back halfway normal." sgvtribune.com

The PUSD community continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of this tragedy. The journey back to normalcy will be long, but the collective efforts of students, staff, parents, and community members are a testament to their strength and commitment to education.