Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/417576
P H O T O S B Y J O N H A LV E R S O N Both Kim Coots and Alisa Cummings say the outpouring of support and generosity of educators in California and other states has been humbling. Backpacks and binders have been donated. Educators have offered teacher sup- plies, curriculum and unit plans. If you want to help, cash donations are best because the usual school fundraisers for activities, projects and supplies cannot hap- pen because of the fire. You are welcome to note what the funds should pay for. Typical categories, says Cummings, include field trips and assemblies, playground equipment, teacher supplies, and specific programs. The parents organization is handling donations. If you'd like to donate, make the check out to: Cub Power c/o Weed Elementary School 575 White Ave. Weed, CA 96094 Want to help colleagues recover? "I'm thankful for everyone helping me set up a new classroom for my students to- morrow," says third- and fourth-grade teacher Kristi Wilson (right), shown here with nurse Stacey Shoemaker. Not only was Wilson's room damaged, everything in it was contaminated and off-limits. Colleagues came on Sept. 22 to set up her room for kids who returned to school the next day. "My mom got out safely, and all the kids found out their families were safe and sound," says Tag Pimentel, here pointing to the burned remains of his mother's house and car, which can be seen from the playground. His elderly mom lived all alone, and he could see the flames racing toward her house. He ignored thoughts of trying to run up to her house and get her out, and stayed with his students, praying that someone would get his mom out. Students and staff wait to evac- uate from the high school field. More than 1,000 firefighters fought the fire on the ground and in the air. They hit it hard and fast in the early hours of the fire as winds pushed it northeast. By evening, they had a line of pink fire retardant surrounding the fire's border. That pink powder became a symbol separating what was lost and saved. In one neighborhood, houses coated pink remained standing while those across the street became nothing more than ash piles smoldering in foundations. (Photo by Kim Coots.) help from colleagues my mom's safety THANKFUL FOR: THANKFUL FOR: 11 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 4