District Partners Assist In Evacuation Of Students From Malibu Outdoor Science School

Dear Palos Verdes Peninsula Parents and Community Members,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the countless Californians who have had their lives turned upside down due to the wildfires over the past several days.

In the early evening on Thursday, November 8, Silver School Elementary received notification of a voluntary evacuation of the Hess Kramer Camp in Malibu where 5th grade students were attending Outdoor Science School. Due to wildfires in the surrounding area, local officials announced the voluntary evacuation.

School administration and District officials made the decision to evacuate the students and proceeded to secure transportation for students, teachers and chaperones. Because of the challenges associated with finding three buses on short notice, the District reached out to the Palos Verdes Transit Administrator, Martin Gombert for assistance.  Mr. Gombert was able to connect District staff with a network of transportation operators including the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) Commuter Express and the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. Utilizing their resources, the companies were able to mobilize buses to travel from various parts of Los Angeles County to Malibu to evacuate students, staff and chaperones.

Thanks to the efforts of Palos Verdes Transit, LADOT, and Big Blue Bus, students, staff and chaperones arrived safely back at campus beginning at approximately 12:25 a.m.

“This event highlights the tremendous community support for our schools and for our children on the Peninsula. For this we are so thankful”, stated Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District is also appreciative of the support and funding that County Supervisor Janice Hahn has provided for these types of services. The District also recognizes the efforts of the Silver Spur Elementary School principal Marta Jevenois-Richardson, 5th Grade teachers and parents in bringing students home safely.

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