When the Bug Fire swept through parts of Washoe County, nine local schools were forced to close during the first week of the new school year. On Monday, students and staff returned to classrooms, but the district recognized that many families are still coping with the stress of evacuation orders and the uncertainty of the fire.
District emphasizes parental involvement
The Washoe County School District is urging parents to talk openly with their children about what they experienced during the fire. School counselor Casey Rogers explained, “It was a pretty scary time for a lot of our families. A lot of our zone was either evacuated or was ready to evacuate, in the yellow or the red. So, I know for a lot of our families and our kiddos, it was very unnerving, and there was a lot of worry around that.”
Rogers added that the district is making counselors and support staff available throughout the day to listen to students’ thoughts and feelings about the evacuations. The goal is to help children process any lingering anxiety and to prevent longer‑term emotional impacts.
Steps for parents if a child struggles
District officials ask parents to be vigilant for signs that a child may be having difficulty readjusting. If concerns arise, parents are encouraged to contact the school office and request a meeting with a counselor. “Reach out to your school, contact the office, ask to speak with the school counselor. Then we can give you the resources that you need,” Rogers said.
In addition to on‑site counseling, the district has set up family resource centers that can provide further assistance. These centers offer information on mental‑health services, community support groups, and other resources to help families navigate the recovery process. More details about the centers are available on the district’s website.
Academic implications remain uncertain
Because the closures were the result of a state of emergency, the district has not yet decided whether students will need to make up lost instructional time. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and will communicate any decisions to families as they are made.
Overall, the district’s response reflects a commitment to the well‑being of students and families, recognizing that emotional health is a critical component of a successful return to school after a disaster.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
