The story we're presenting isn't unique to us. It's the story of our daughters, sons, and their classmates, struggling in poor condition classrooms, far from the core school amenities. Every child deserves the right to learn in a clean and safe environment. 

According to the California Education Code, ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions Section 51101, parents have the right (7) To have a school environment for their child that is safe and supportive of learning. A right currently compromised for one second grade class at West Hollywood Elementary. 

Our 7-year-old children are in a detached classroom bungalow, situated worryingly away from the main school facilities. Our young children must navigate the campus unattended in order to go to the restroom. Safety concerns arise when we consider the possibility of them straying off campus, due to inadequate supervision. 

The classroom's space is another issue worth addressing. There isn't ample room for the students to move freely, leading to discomfort amongst them. 

To make matters worse, West Hollywood Elementary administration did not provide professional cleaning services prior to the start of school, engendering potential health hazards. Several of our children have been suffering from aggravated allergy symptoms and recurring complaints of headaches, which we believe are linked to the inadequate conditions. Ant sightings on top of everything else, only further worsen the situation.

These conditions are far from what we expect for our children's safe and supportive learning environment. West Hollywood Elementary and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) should honor its responsibility to provide a supportive and safe place for our children to thrive.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air quality can lead to asthma, infections, and even poor student performance. This situation is far from ideal and stands in stark contrast to the standard protocol for providing healthy learning conditions. Parents who are not professional cleaners were asked to clean the classroom environment last minute prior to start of school.

No child's health should be compromised in a classroom environment that should be conducive to their learning and growth. These photos are evidence of the loose, damaged ceiling tiles that expose our children to unknown air quality issues. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the ceiling tiles, we have also discovered that the HVAC was not cleaned and full of allergens, as well as a spider infestation in the classroom. Evidenced by the photos below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furthermore, our children were lacking the proper equipment for learning at the start of school, including an overhead projector or smart board for the teacher's success and the student computers needed to start district required learning. 

Finally, our children are at higher risk for socio-emotional damage. They are at a disadvantage with a bungalow far removed and isolated from other students in the main building. This isolation is especially concerning given that they have already lived through emotionally challenging Covid years. Social health is the foundation for mental health. According to the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General report, we are in an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Separating our 7-year-old children from their peers located in the main school building will result in further socio-emotional damage.

It's time for West Hollywood Elementary and LAUSD to act by relocating these students to a safer and cleaner classroom closer to restrooms and their 2nd grade peers within the school building. Our children’s safety, health and education are at stake - they deserve nothing less than our best effort. Please sign the petition today to support a safer, cleaner environment for our children that supports their growth and education.