Thursday, January 16, 2025

Pasadena Unified School District to Host Friday Community Event Supporting Healing and Recovery

The Pasadena Unified School District will host a community gathering this Friday to help students, families, and staff reconnect and begin to heal together.

The “Pasadena Unified Community Connector” District-wide event from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pasadena City College will offer vendors providing free food along with music, art activities, and essential resources.

“We will reopen. We will rebuild our community. We will rise,” declares the District’s message to its community members.

“Pasadena Unified School District is committed to the well-being of students, especially during times of crisis,” the District said in a community email.

When the fire burned through neighborhoods within the District, officials implemented immediate support measures, including Grab and Go meal distribution centers. The District also developed a curriculum of self-directed studies to keep students engaged while schools were closed, and with the support of community partners, started free childcare services for families and coordinated housing assistance.

District schools are already being cleaned and sanitized to ensure students will have a safe and healthy learning environment when they return.

District official repeated their commitment to the social-emotional well-being of students, understanding that “schools are where students can build social skills and learn healthy ways to cope with stress.”

The January 17 event, running from 2-4 p.m. in PCC Parking Lot 3, was intended to create an opportunity for students to see their friends and teachers, families to get information and resources from Pasadena Unified School District departments, and colleagues to share support.

Pasadena Unified School District departments, including Enrollment, Student Wellness & Support, and the Parent Resource Center, will be present to share information about available services. Activities for children will create a space for connection and healing as the community navigates recovery together.

Free parking will be available in PCC Parking Structure 4 at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.

The Pasadena Unified School District serves approximately 14,000 students across 24 schools and five children’s centers, demonstrating the significant scope of the community impacted by this recovery effort.