Moulton, Wood Canyon unite in the face of natural emergency

SPANISH VERSION

The Coastal Fire sparked in the Laguna Niguel community late in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 13, and spread quickly. As the evening progressed, it became apparent that a plan needed to be devised for Moulton Elementary, which was in the recommended evacuation zone. Cancelling school on Thursday would be the easiest option, but CUSD has prioritized in-person instruction and continuity since the onset of the Pandemic. Students would be best served at school.

Wood Canyon was identified as a viable option to host Moulton for the day, and the Comets more than rose to the occasion to accommodate the Eagles.

Early Thursday morning, Wood Canyon, Moulton and District staff organized to ready the campus for additional students. Tables and chairs were brought into vacant temporary classrooms, extra Chromebooks were supplied for students who might not have them, extra food was delivered for lunch. Every possible resource the District could provide in this extraordinary situation was shared. Wood Canyon parents donated food and snacks for the faculty and staff. By 8:15 a.m., more than 300 Moulton students were grouped together with their teachers and escorted to their new classrooms.

The dual school setup continued on Friday, and the campus was uplifted with a visit from some educational dignitaries. CUSD Trustees, Superintendent Vital Brulte, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares visited Wood Canyon to observe how the schools navigated the challenge quickly and offer support to those displaced by the fires.

While the two days were unorthodox, they were a demonstration of amazing leadership and a team effort. CUSD came together to provide a great experience for students.

Wood Canyon provided the use of mobile classrooms to Moulton Elementary students and teachers when Coastal Fire evacuations caused the school to close May 12-13.

Wood Canyon provided the use of mobile classrooms to Moulton Elementary students and teachers when Coastal Fire evacuations caused the school to close May 12-13.

Wood Canyon provided the use of mobile classrooms to Moulton Elementary students and teachers when Coastal Fire evacuations caused the school to close May 12-13.

Moulton Elementary students had class at Wood Canyon during the evacuations from the Coastal Fire May 12-13.

Moulton Elementary students participating in PE at Wood Canyon during the evacuations from the Coastal Fire.

Moulton Elementary students participating in PE at Wood Canyon during the evacuations from the Coastal Fire.

Wood Canyon set up extra parking space for Moulton teachers and parents during the dual enrollment days May 12-13.

Moulton Elementary students had class at Wood Canyon during the evacuations from the Coastal Fire May 12-13.

Moulton Elementary students had class at Wood Canyon during the evacuations from the Coastal Fire May 12-13.

Moulton Elementary students had class at Wood Canyon during the evacuations from the Coastal Fire May 12-13.

Moulton Elementary and Wood Canyon Elementary kindergarten students combined classes for a fun, unique learning opportunity when the schools combined attendance during the Coastal Fire evacuations May 12-13.

Nutrition services had plenty of food on hand for breakfast for the Moulton and Wood Canyon combined days.

Nutrition services had plenty of food on hand for breakfast for the Moulton and Wood Canyon combined days.

Nutrition services had plenty of food on hand for breakfast for the Moulton and Wood Canyon combined days.

Parents and local businesses donated lunch and treats to support faculty and staff during the combined operations days.

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond discussing the operations of the Coastal Fire combined schools with CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, CUSD Trustee Judy Bullockus

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte

CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte, Wood Canyon Principal Chris Dembiec, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Moulton Principal Jose Pedraza

Wood Canyon Assistant Principal Nathan Howe, CUSD Associate Superintendent Dr. Greg Merwin, CUSD Assistant Superintendent Brad Shearer, CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte, Wood Canyon Principal Chris Dembiec, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Moulton Elementary Principal Jose Pedraza, CUSD Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas, CSEA Chapter 224 President Ronda Walen, CUSD Trustee Judy Bullockus, CUSD Chief Facilities Officer John Forney

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, CUSD Trustee Gila Jones

Wood Canyon MTSS/Intervention Specialist Stacia LaBounty shows CUSD Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas a math model that a student had worked out in chalk on the sidewalk.

Wood Canyon MTSS/Intervention Specialist Stacia LaBounty shows CUSD Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas a math model that a student had worked out in chalk on the sidewalk.

CUSD Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares, CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte

Wood Canyon Principal Christ Dembiec, CUSD Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas, Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares, CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond

CUSD Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte, CUSD Trustee Gila Jones, CUSD Trustee Judy Bullockus

CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte gives a tour of the combined operations at Wood Canyon to Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares (left) and California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond (right)

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares visit a Moulton classroom to show support for the students as their school was closed during the Coastal Fire Evacuation May 12-13