Back
Share

A Community Stands Together: JTD's Response to the LA Fires

By Olivia Vandergriff
In times of crisis, the true strength of a community is revealed. This was especially clear during the recent fires that impacted the Los Angeles area. On the morning of Tuesday, January 7, when the Palisades fire ignited, JTD's leadership team, led by Head of School Rose Helm, sprang into action to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, and staff on campus. As the situation developed, faculty and staff worked to address the needs of the JTD community, first supporting evacuating families and later, as the fire moved closer to JTD's campus, removing essential school artifacts and records off campus should the fire threaten the School.
JTD maintained a continuous line of communication between faculty, staff, and families and worked with Joffe Emergency Services Emergency to ensure that the decisions were being made in accordance with best practices in emergency management.

While the logistical response was crucial, what truly stood out was the outpouring of care and support from the JTD community. Many families were directly affected by the fires; some families lost homes and others supported displaced friends and family members. In true JTD spirit, families rallied together—offering shelter, coordinating playdates, and packing suitcases full of new clothes, toys, and toiletries for the families who lost everything. The JTD Parents' Association quickly mobilized to establish a point of contact to coordinate help and support moving forward for each family who lost a home. This collective effort was a powerful reflection of The 5C's, JTD's core values. 

As the situation improved and the evacuation warning was lifted, JTD announced plans to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, January 21. Once classes resumed, there was a soft reentry for families to navigate the disruption and loss. Students were given flexibility around attendance, dress code, and academic work in an effort to reduce stress and help students return to a supportive environment. The School also arranged for counseling and mental health support for families who were affected by the fires. 

Throughout the crisis, JTD’s commitment to community support was evident. As many families faced significant loss, the School provided a range of resources, including lists of housing options, emergency Financial Assistance, and help finding replacement clothing, toys, books, and more. 

In the aftermath of the fires, the JTD community has come together to support those affected and help them move forward. Director of Advancement Kate Merritt and Advancement Associate Carolyn Crosson have worked closely with impacted families, ensuring they have replacement yearbooks, copies of Golden Leaves, school pictures, and re-printed diplomas. Community Programs Manager Sigita Newsom has connected with families to paint watercolor sketches of their beloved homes. Visual Arts Teacher Lindsay Parker has collaborated with Palisades schools who have relocated to temporary office spaces to create cheery artwork to bring warmth to their temporary classrooms. Together, these efforts aim to restore a sense of normalcy and give those impacted by the fires a sense of hope.

While the Palisades and Eaton fires created significant challenges for many, the outpouring of kindness and care during these crises has highlighted the heart of the JTD community. The John Thomas Dye School continues to be a place where community, compassion, and resilience thrive, no matter the challenges that may come.

If you have been affected by the fires and need any support from JTD, please reach out to Advancement Associate Carolyn Crosson at ccrosson@jtdschool.org. 

Start a discussion!

No comments have been posted

Recent Spotlights

List of 6 news stories.

VIEW MORE

The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.