The Poly community is far-reaching—made up of students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends across generations, past and present, and around the world. When the Southern California wildfires struck in January 2025, nearly one in five Poly families were directly affected. Homes were lost. Families were displaced. In the face of tremendous uncertainty, what emerged was nothing short of extraordinary: an overwhelming community outpouring of support.
Within a few days, Poly’s parent organizations, faculty, and staff had fully mobilized. Scott Gym became a donation hub. Alumni drove in supplies. Students assembled care kits and wrote notes. Families opened their homes. From Lower School to Middle and Upper School, the response was rapid, generous, and heartfelt.​​
​
The Relief Fund was launched that same week with a lead gift from Sean and Christine Yu. The Board of Trustees reached 100% participation within hours, in a clear sign of unity. Their generosity set the tone, inspiring many others, some giving for the first time, and others increasing their commitment. It was a powerful reflection of Poly’s values in action.
This support allowed the school to respond swiftly to urgent needs: tuition assistance for families in crisis, emergency relief for faculty and staff, and resources to keep students connected and learning. The impact was both immediate and deeply personal.
But this effort was about more than meeting needs—it was about demonstrating the power of community. ​
Thanks to an outpouring of support, fresh fruit was distributed to faculty and staff members impacted by the fires, as an expression to show care and appreciation to our community.
Generosity defines who we are at Poly. Resilience isn’t created in a vacuum; it is fortified by community members’ every thoughtful choice, every act of giving, and every moment of care.
As one donor put it, “The spirit, generosity, and just plain grit that your community is pouring forth is a true antidote, both to your own tragedy [and] to the world of hurt at large.”
In the months since, dozens of faculty, staff, and Poly families have been supported through the Poly Relief Fund. Grants for financial aid, housing, and remediation, and to offset other areas of loss, have allowed our community members to persevere. Because of the generosity of so many, the Fund will continue in perpetuity.
The Poly Relief Fund reflects our collective spirit. We’re not strong for our community but because of it.
​
THANK YOU
TO ALL OF YOU.
