National PTA President Jim Accomando and California PTA President Dianna MacDonald recently issued the following statement regarding the Camp Fire burning in Northern California:
“National PTA is deeply concerned for everyone devastated by the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. The safety of all families, schools and communities affected by the aftermath of the wildfires is very important to us.”
“We stand with California State PTA, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and the California Department of Education in supporting educators who have closed schools because of dangerous air quality. National PTA echoes State Superintendent of Public Instruction Torlakson’s encouragement to schools facing poor air quality to keep students indoors during recess and meals. Air quality information is available at AirNow.gov, and wildfire information is available from the CAL FIRE website at Fire.CA.gov.”
“The wildfires burning across California have had a deep impact on the lives of our families, our friends, our neighbors and our communities. California State PTA supports and appreciates the school districts who have had to make the decision to close schools in order to keep students and school staff safe,” said California State PTA President Dianna MacDonald.
“National PTA remains committed to assisting families during this difficult time. We urge everyone to donate to our association’s Disaster Relief Fund, which was established to respond to tragedies that grievously disrupt a school or education system. The funds will go directly to PTAs and schools in need and will help provide important supplies for students and teachers when schools reopen in Northern California.”
“In addition to National PTA’s Disaster Relief Fund, several community and charitable organizations are assisting victims. The Salvation Army accepts financial donations for those people displaced by the Camp Fire. We also encourage our members to support The United Way of Northern California, which provides emergency cash assistance and gift cards to help those who have lost their homes.”
“Our PTA mission becomes even more important when tragedies like the Camp Fire occur. As Thanksgiving approaches and we reflect on all that we are grateful for, it is critical to think of those who have been less fortunate. We know we can count on our PTA members across the country to come together to help to ease the burdens caused by the wildfires and give our children and school communities what they need to thrive.”
For more information about how to receive state funds as well as additional information and resources on fire safety, visit the California Department of Education’s website at bit.ly/CADeptofEdFireResources.