Calif. family upset over wildfire messages

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A California family has opposed a recent school assignment that had students writing thank you letters to those who battled this year's destructive wildfires.

Troy Morrison said that when two of his children were asked to write the thank you messages at their San Diego County school, the assignment served as a harsh reminder of the home they lost to the devastating blazes, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Wednesday.

The 44-year-old father said that while he doesn't blame area firefighters for the loss of his family's home, he feels the school should be more sensitive to wildfire victims.

He said that he has yet to receive an apology from local school officials for the controversial assignment.

Jamul-Dulzura Union School District Superintendent Nadine Bennett responded to Morrison's complaints by pointing out to the newspaper that neither student complained when the assignment was given.

She also told the Union-Tribune that the school district has made counselors and other services available to those students impacted by the recent wildfires.