This article was originally published in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles Commission on Schools newsletter.
Since the fires broke out a week ago in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, we have witnessed profound heartbreak in those communities, including within our Episcopal communities. I wanted to take a moment to provide an update on the impact of the fires in Southern California, specifically on St. Matthew’s Parish School (Pacific Palisades) and Saint Mark’s School (Altadena).
The impact on Episcopal schools in our area is extensive. Families, staff, and alums of our Episcopal schools have lost their homes and businesses. Additionally, clergy, staff, and parishioners of Episcopal congregations have lost their homes. According to the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), “at least five CAIS members schools’ campuses are too badly damaged to be usable…and several CAIS heads of school have lost their own homes.”
However, with heartbreak, we are also witnessing extraordinary examples of generosity and goodness. For instance, on Saturday, the Episcopal Diocese proceeded with its scheduled ordination service, which included the ordination of The Rev. Mike Mischler, a staff member at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Altadena. During an ordination service, the church banners representing the ordinands are processed into the church. The destruction of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church did not stop Saint Mark’s from having a banner. A group of young parishioners created a new banner.
A simple yet profound reminder that with heartbreak comes hope!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the fires. We remain committed to supporting our Episcopal school communities during this difficult time.
The Reverend Ryan D. Newman, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Commission on Schools
St. Matthew’s Parish School (Pacific Palisades)
“We are not going anywhere. We are one community, Parish and School, and we will stay that way – we will educate the children of St. Matthew’s together and in person.”
St. Matthew’s Parish School’s Lower School campus, school library, parts of the Early Childhood campus, rectories, and the entire greater community of Pacific Palisades have suffered indescribable destruction at the hands of the Palisades Fire.
Thankfully, in the spirit of hope, St. Matthew’s has confirmed that the church sanctuary, Bitting/Pardee Parish Center, Bagnard Family Mill Building, Founders Hall, the Middle School campus, gymnasium, and head of school home are still standing.
In a statement released Monday evening, Head of School Alley Michaelson ’02 wrote:
“During these challenging times, many of our School and Church families have experienced significant loss. On behalf of the entire St. Matthew’s community, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. I also wish to acknowledge the heroic efforts of our students, faculty, staff, and current parents. We stand united as one community, encompassing both Parish and School, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to educate the children of St. Matthew’s together, in person. Our school’s motto, SERVE – LEAD – FLOURISH, guides our steps forward. Once it is safe to return, we will reunite as a community.
St. Matthew’s resides in each of our hearts, and together, we will rebuild our campus to reflect the strength of our community. St. Matthew’s is alive, and St. Matthew’s is forever.”
Saint Mark’s School (Altadena)
“Our beautiful campus may have been destroyed but the strength of the Saint Mark’s community cannot and will not be destroyed by this fire.”
This past weekend, school leaders at Saint Mark’s were able to view and confirm the devastation on the campus. Saint Mark’s School released the following statement on their Facebook page:
“Our beloved Saint Mark’s School campus and church were destroyed in the Eaton fire. We are grateful that our new preschool is still standing, but it is going to take time and resources to start the rebuilding of our campus. We have established a dedicated Emergency Rebuild Saint Mark’s Fund to support our greatest needs. We are committed to supporting the immediate needs of families in our community.”
Saint Mark’s is committed to supporting the immediate needs of families in the Saint Mark’s community, setting up a short-term location to house the school’s programs, and longer-term rebuilding of the campus.
Saint Mark’s has established a dedicated Emergency Rebuild Saint Mark’s Fund to support the school’s greatest needs. Unlike donations to third-party platforms, donations directly to Saint Mark’s School are tax deductible and can be used immediately by the school. Saint Mark’s will receive more of your contribution given directly to the school. The Saint Mark’s community is eternally grateful for the support and prayers.
How Can You Help?
At this moment, the greatest need is financial donations. Individuals, schools, churches, and organizations can give directly to St. Matthew’s or Saint Mark’s.
Financial contributions can be made to the Diocesan “One Body, One Spirit Annual Appeal.” Until further notice, the Diocese will earmark every dollar you give to an institution or person affected by the wildfires.
The Episcopal Relief and Development has established a Wildfire Response Fund.
The Commission on Schools, Diocese, and NAES have fielded numerous inquiries about helping the impacted schools and churches. First and foremost, we appreciate your willingness to help. These communities will need our help in the coming days, weeks, and months.
Right now, it is still too early for the impacted communities to know many of their specific needs beyond financial donations and basic needs (i.e., shelter, clothing, food).
When we get specific requests from St. Matthew’s and Saint Mark’s, we will pass it along to the schools in the Diocese and to our NAES colleagues.
FOR SCHOOLS WANTING TO HELP:Our partners at CAIS, CAL-ISBOA, and CAPSO have created a spreadsheet where offers for support/aid can be posted. Please do not pass it on to journalists or people outside our professional community.
HOW CAN MY STUDENTS/SCHOOL COMMUNITY HELP?There are simple and tangible ways students at other schools can help those affected by the fires. Here is a list of some ideas:
- Create notes/cards filled with encouragement, hope, love, and prayers for fire victims.
- Prepare thank you cards for fire responders.
- Organize a bake sale on campus to raise funds for St. Matthew’s and Saint Mark’s.
- Interact Project Learning Tree’s Wildfire Curriculum.
- Volunteering at local organizations assisting with relief efforts (i.e., animal shelters or food banks).
SHOULD YOUR SCHOOL OR ORGANIZATION DONATE ITEMS?
As reported by NBC News: “Brea Burkholz — a spokesperson for Direct Relief, a California-based nonprofit that provides medical resources for disaster recovery — cautioned against bringing large bags of miscellaneous items directly to shelters. While doing so is well-intentioned, Burkholz said, Los Angeles shelters often lack the capacity to handle the sudden influx of donations. ‘A lot of the time, the system can get overwhelmed with donations of clothing and the material things because they’re not set up and they don’t have the space to take all of that in.’”
The Los Angeles Daily News has prepared a list of organizations that are currently accepting gifts-in-kind donations.
More Resources
More resources for schools are available on the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles website.