Eager chatter filled Westridge’s Braun Center as the freshman class filed in for class meeting on Wednesday, January 15, a day after returning back to school. Adjusting to a post-fire daily routine can be challenging for faculty, staff, and students alike. So, in an effort to support its community members, Westridge administration planned several forms of grade-wide communal gatherings.

Class meetings and town assemblies are opportunities for the students to discuss and share important messages and school updates. In recognition of the recent Los Angeles fires affecting members of the Westridge community, administration prioritized gatherings such as grade-wide class meetings and town meeting.

The Upper School class meetings focused on slowly transitioning back to normalcy and announcing rescheduled events. Administration also designated quiet rooms on campus for students who needed to relieve stress or simply take a break. Other announcements included the Upper School and Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias’ decision to extend free dress from January 20 to 24 and the postponement of Winter Formal to February 18. 

On Thursday, January 16, the entire Upper School gathered in Hoffman Gymnasium for a fire-focused town meeting. Students engaged in vulnerable discussion, sharing service opportunities at organizations such as pet shelters. Some vocalized their sympathy and offered support to other students, and others shared ways to cope with feelings of hopelessness and sadness.

One of the main focuses during this town meeting was to educate students about local service opportunities and propose ways of helping the community recover after the tragedy. During the meeting’s discussion portion, one student shared their way of coping with the aftermath of the fire, saying, “Volunteer work can be a great way of coping because it can feel like things are really out of control and there’s nothing you can do, but that’s not true.”

After the discussion, senior service representatives advised students about how to make service work more effective by only volunteering where help is needed and choosing the right organizations to support. Kayla A. ’25, Associated Student Body President, also spoke about the organization Partnership for Success, an education program connecting local private and public Pasadena schools and guiding students to accomplish their academic and personal goals with the help of student mentors. She encouraged

mentors to reach out to their mentees and be a “source of support” for them.

Additionally, Westridge’s climate awareness and sustainability club, the Green Guerillas, addressed the effects of climate change in the local fires and shared a unique opportunity to attend the Pasadena 100 Candle Vigil. The event takes place on the 2nd anniversary of the passing of Pasadena’s Climate Emergency Resolution goal for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. The community will come together to discuss their progress towards this goal, and 

Westridge students were encouraged to show up. Lindsay C. ’25, Green Guerillas Co-Head, said, “It’s a great way to connect with the community and spend time with your friends during this time, and having a bigger audience also is a sign to city representatives that we need change.”

Since volunteering and supporting the community is a priority for many students during this time, Westridge has allowed all Upper School students to volunteer off campus during free blocks. Ms. Erica St. John, Upper School Service and Community Engagement Coordinator, has since sent out several volunteering opportunities via email to the Upper School. 

Although the Eaton fire has affected numerous members of the community, Westridge faculty, staff, students, and parents continue to rally to support each other. Mr. Daniel Calmeyer, 9th Grade Class Dean said, “Being there for each other with kindness, grace, and love is all we could ask.”