My daughter's third-grade social studies teacher is a Turkish American whose family has been devastated by recent current events. Ms. Aydin is the kind of teacher who makes you want to go back to the third grade just to be in her class. She is passionate, empathetic, and fiercely supportive of her students.

Ms. Aydin’s own experience as a DCPS student gives her special insight into what students need to succeed. Ms. Aydin began middle school at Deal as a brand new American preteen who didn't speak English and graduated from Jackson Reed High School (formerly Woodrow Wilson). A few years later, Ms. Aydin returned to DCPS as a student teacher at Hearst Elementary.

Ms. Aydin has supported so many of our children, and now she could use some support from the community. The Marie Reed third grade families are collecting funds for her family in Turkey.

You can read her story in her own words below:

On Monday 6th February 2023, two earthquakes of 7.8 and 7.5 magnitudes struck South East Türkiye and North West Syria. At least 15000 people have been confirmed dead so far, with the number rising by the hour.

I am a Turkish American living in Washington D.C. I teach 3rd grade at District of Columbia Public Schools. After learning about the earthquake on February 6, 2023 my first priority was to direct my community to donate to official Turkish government organizations with first responders on the ground to rescue people. I then began collecting in-kind donations from my community, delivered them to the embassy and dedicated my time to sorting the items to be distributed in Turkey.

My father is originally from Antakya and his goal was to return to his homeland to retire there. My parents, siblings and I collectively lost 3 homes, and a business during this earthquake. Everything can be verified.

Most importantly I lost a cousin. His father had to collect his dismembered body inside a blanket to bury him. Other family members are presumed dead because we have not heard from them in 5 days. If the earthquake didn’t kill them, hypothermia or their preexisting conditions did.

My father also lost his cousins, aunt and niece and nephews.

My aunts and uncles and their families have all lost their homes. Aside from the family members that are standing by in hopes of obtaining information about missing relatives, most of our family was evacuated from Antakya in the clothes on their back since it is no longer in a viable condition. My family members became refugees in their home country. They are now dispersed in different regions in Turkey living with friends or extended family that can provide temporary housing during the harsh weather conditions, and cold winter months. In addition to losing their homes, they have lost their jobs, and income. They will need sustainable incomes to be able to carry out their lives in new cities and start from scratch.

My father was going to be the first in his family to pass down a property to his children, and grandchildren. His lifelong savings, home and business was destroyed within sixty seconds. I am confident in the Turkish government’s ability to be responsive to their citizens. I also recognize the magnitude of this earthquake and know that there is a lot of ground to cover and many people in need. Based on the official announcements it is expected that earthquake victims will need to pay a portion of the rebuild expenses. As you can imagine this was not something we were prepared for. In addition to your sympathies, I kindly request your generous contributions.

Thousands of volunteers and organizations are working around the clock to support the victims. If you prefer to donate to organizations instead I kindly request that you donate to vetted organizations that can actually deliver resources to people that need it. These are the organizations that I can confidently endorse. Please consider donating.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KkNJIiNx_t3HZuFYOKQdvKjq7nyE1_3jwolekn6CyUw/edit

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Busra Aydin