March 17, 2020

By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources

Schools were opened for a few hours so that students could pick up items left in lockers, locker rooms, and band rooms before the emergency closure went into effect on Friday, March 13.

At Diamond Bar and Walnut High, students streamed onto campuses to gather items on March 17 and 18.

"The Kids allowed to come in from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. today and tomorrow," explained security guard Lisa Wong-Owens at Diamond Bar High

Freshman Ethan Larson collected his tuba as soon as the gates opened at 8 a.m. in band room.

"I'm going to practice!"

“I came to get it for insurance – just in case I need to catch up on work. It makes me feel better to have it,” said Walnut High junior Gabriel Cha who scooped up her English textbook.

“I just brought everything I had in my locker!” said senior Mika Rickard.

His sister, sophomore Abby Rickard also carried a stack of books to the car.

“I have work to do!”

“I never thought I’d be living through something like this in my lifetime,” commented Walnut High custodian Arlene Rodriguez, a 42-year veteran employee.