Education leaders from Sacramento County have announced a joint effort to support the thousands of Butte County students traumatized and displaced by the catastrophic Camp Fire. Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon—alongside District Superintendents Scott Loehr (CJUSD), Christopher R. Hoffman (EGUSD), Dr. Sarah Koligian (FCUSD), and Assistant Superintendent Rick Messer (SJUSD)—announced the joint “Sister Schools” partnership at a press conference held yesterday.
“Our students are devastated and everyone in our county is traumatized. But, when our kids return to school and are comforted by kids their age, it will lift their hearts.”—Tim Taylor, Butte County Superintendent of Schools
Sacramento County students will connect throughout the year with Butte County students via assemblies, visits, Skype, and e-mail correspondence, offering comfort and establishing relationships. Butte County students will begin returning to class on December 3.
“This type of long-term support will make a big difference in the lives of our children,” said Tim Taylor, Butte County Superintendent of Schools. “Our students are devastated and everyone in our county is traumatized. But, when our kids return to school and are comforted by kids their age, it will lift their hearts.”
“We need to address the emotional needs of Butte County’s young people. Connecting our students with theirs will be helpful and powerful,” said David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools.
During assemblies and visits, Sacramento County students will personally deliver letters of support, donations, and emotional comfort to Butte County school communities. This partnership will involve both public and private events. Details on the visits and assemblies are forthcoming.