The leader of the Aveson Charter Schools surveyed the damage the Eaton fire caused to one of their campuses. Despite the devastation, the students’ next lesson may move some to tears thanks to surprising support from strangers.
“Their school said they wanted to adopt our school, just wonderful,” said Ian McFeat, executive director of Aveson Charter School.
The 14,000-acre Eaton Fire was decimated Altadena neighborhoods, destroying or damaging at least 7,000 structures – making it one of the most devastating fires in California. At least 16 people have died as a result of the wildfire, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The only LA County fire with more deaths than the Eaton Fire occurred in 1933 in Griffith Park. 29 people were killed.
For days, McFeat has juggled finding support for students and teachers who have lost their homes. McFeat’s own home was destroyed by the fire.
On Wednesday, his team will bring the school community together to comfort each other. While they have offers to temporarily use another site for classes, it’s not clear when that will happen.
McFeat said his team has no connection with the Arizona school offering support and can’t wait to share it with their students.