The first day of school should always be filled with joy, excitement, and possibility. That’s why Community Coalition joined with Reclaim Our Schools LA and United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)last week to make sure students and families felt welcomed and safer as they returned to Loren Miller Elementary. Together, we launched the Adopt a School initiative—a commitment to standing with our children, educators, and families so that schools remain the safe havens they are meant to be.
Standing Against Fear
For many immigrant families, the return to school was shadowed by fear. ICE continues to terrorize communities across Los Angeles, leaving families worried that schools could be targeted. According to Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, immigration activity happened near the following schools:
– Bakewell Primary Center in South L.A.
– Harte Prep Middle School in South L.A.
– Cortines School of Visual & Performing Arts
– Victory Boulevard Elementary and STEAM Magnet in North Hollywood
“We activated our protocols and we quickly notified the schools as well as the workforce, and every family member who has children enrolled in our school system,” said Carvalho.
Building Safe Schools, Building Safe Communities
Across our city, UTLA teachers kicked off the new school year with loud and colorful “Welcome Back” events—and the noise carried a simple, strong truth: keeping kids safe is a job for all of us. Teachers do incredible work, but they can’t do it alone. When parents, neighbors, community leaders, and allies step forward, we create schools that are not just centers of learning but also anchors of safety and belonging.
Adopting a school is more than showing up on the first day—it’s about showing up all year long. It means checking in on students, organizing resources for families, supporting educators, and making sure our children see a community standing beside them. Whether you’re a parent, a neighbor, or a local business owner, your presence makes a difference.
The Adopt a School initiative is about more than education—it’s about love, safety, and collective care. When we protect our kids, we protect the future of our communities.