School spirit thrives for Palisades students learning in Brentwood

BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Inside the hallways and classrooms of Palisades Charter Elementary's temporary campus, it's hard to believe we're not in the Palisades.

Instead, every teacher, a majority of its students and the deep love of community that filled the air there can now be found at Brentwood Science Magnet in Brentwood.

ABC7's Josh Haskell attended the school, which was forced to find a new home after 70% of its buildings were destroyed by the Palisades fire in January.

"We just basically picked up the Palisades, picked up Pali Elementary and brought it here," principal Juliet Herman said.

"My philosophy as an educator is that a school doesn't exist within the four walls, it exists in the heart of every community member, and that's what we brought with us to this gorgeous campus at Brentwood Science Magnet."

Hilary Cannon, a mother of three Palisades Charter students, said back to school looked a little different this year, even as other things felt the same.

"There was grief mixed in with gratitude, meshed together, but there were pieces of it. You see the familiar faces," Cannon said. "You get to see the teachers and you're reminded it's special. It's so great, and my kids love it."

Haskell said he was shocked to see Mrs. Aiken during a recent visit to the campus, who is still teaching at Pali Elementary and made the move to Brentwood.

It was a move that happened just days after the Palisades fire destroyed most of the 100-year-old school, and many of the homes of the families who attend it.

The main building survived and the school will be rebuilt.

"Oh my gosh, I remember when you were at our school," Aiken said. She has taught at the school for decades.

"It's just really crazy to think about all the memories I had here," Haskell said. "My teachers. My classmates. And I'm thinking about all the memories that other kids have had since i graduated."

Kayden and Harper Carvalho, a brother and sister who attend Pali Elementary, shared some of their own memories with us.

"I miss Palisades Park and our school is nice. The community was great," they said. "I also miss my friends."

Haskell said he too misses the place that laid the foundation for his education, and where he made friends.

"(It's) a community I will always love and be part of, a community that will come back stronger, fueled by the memories and people that made it so special," Haskell added.