Ever since the tragic Palisade fire, which started on January 11, 2025, and burned for nearly a week before being fully extinguished, Mira Costa has welcomed Pali High School students to enroll and continue their education for as long as needed.
This has been incredibly beneficial to the displaced students, providing them with free education and a sense of stability after many lost their homes and nearly their entire school.
Mira Costa students have shown kindness and generosity, making the Pali students feel comfortable and supported in their new environment.
“I felt like I was welcomed in right away, and everyone was so nice,” said freshman Eli Smith, “The teachers made it easy for me to catch up and begin from where they left off.”
However, with the sudden increase in students, teachers have had to adjust by teaching extra periods and finding additional seats in their already full classrooms.
Some teachers have found this particularly challenging due to personal responsibilities, long commutes, or other commitments that make it difficult to arrive early or stay late.
“It has been a challenge taking on an extra period to teach,” said Ms. Takiguchi, “But I find a way to make it work out despite my after-school tasks.”
To accommodate everyone, the school has added temporary desks in some classrooms and adjusted schedules to ensure that all students receive the support they need.
Students from both schools have also formed new friEendships, bonding over shared experiences and helping each other adjust to the changes.
Many Pali students have expressed gratitude for the kindness they’ve received, making it easier for them to settle into a new routine.
Despite the difficulties, Mira Costa’s teachers and students remain committed to helping their new classmates feel at home.
Overall, the community is grateful that the Pali students are safe, and the teachers are willing to make sacrifices to ensure the students continue their education, according to Takiguchi.
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