When word got out that Hurricane Harvey damaged more than 200 schools and destroyed thousands of homes in the City of Houston, the families of Barnard Elementary School immediately went into action. “Our school has a connection with the Mandarin Immersion Magnet Elementary School (MIMES) in Houston,” explained Barnard Principal Aida Hernandez. “As a Mandarin immersion magnet school here in Pacific Beach, we share a love for the same language and the same culture. Every minute that kids can be learning is a minute that counts. So our parents were eager to help those kids get back to school as quickly as possible.”
Barnard’s PTA has been collecting new school supplies and new or gently used clothing for the families of MIMES. Nine boxes have been sent so far and more are on the way. In addition, an Amazon registry was created (and remains open) so anyone can send the most needed supplies directly to the school.
Damage to the school itself is thankfully minimal and it is set to reopen on September 11th. Besides the clothes and school supplies, the students of Barnard send their Texas friends lots of love and a big yǒng bào (hug).
