Join Us to Keep Neighbors Healthy

Dear Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills Families,

Local authorities have shared with us their concerns and observations that groups of children and teenagers are out and about and seeming to ignore the social distancing protocols. As the superintendents charged with the education and well-being of local children, and as your neighbors, we want to provide clear and specific guidance related to the directive on social distancing and shelter in place in place for our community. As COVID-19 continues to spread at an alarming rate throughout the state and nation, it is absolutely essential that we all do our part to protect our communities and look out for one another by complying with these directives.

Please take a look at these helpful FAQs from Santa Clara County Public Health Department to understand how to follow the directives. 
English FAQ
Spanish FAQ
Chinese FAQ

Here are some simple tips:

• Please adhere closely to the directives and guidance from Public Health and make clear to your family that you expect them to do the same.
• Practice excellent hygiene and pay close attention to your health.
• Please continue to buy only normal quantities of essential supplies, food and medicine. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services will remain open.

We know many of our families may have questions about these regulations and how to follow them with children and young adults at home. While children may not be as susceptible to serious illness from the novel coronavirus, they can still get sick and spread disease to those who are most vulnerable. Please be sure your children are practicing strict social distancing and excellent hygiene. 

Here are some tips health experts are passing along to those of us with children or teenagers at home: 

Do:

1. Do allow children and teens to get outside daily in a setting where they can maintain proper social distancing of six feet from others.  This could include playing games in the backyard, or taking a walk, run or hike.
2. Do encourage your children to maintain regular contact via phone or video chat with friends and relatives. Give them the time to socialize.
3. Do find the time to play games, read books and discuss what your children do each day, including distance learning.
4. Do take the time to listen to one another and share your feelings.  Adults balancing work and all-day childcare are undoubtedly stressed, as are children.

Do Not:

1. Do not organize play groups or play dates for young children or gatherings for teenagers in your home or in the homes of others.
2. Do not allow your children and teens to meet up at a park or other areas in the neighborhood, unless you or another adult will be able to supervise and ensure the six-feet separation rule.
3. Do not allow your children and teens to go hang out at schools.  Our custodians have been working very hard to keep our schools sanitized and safe, and with schools closed, there is no reason for anyone to be on campus right now.
4. Do not allow your children to go outside of the home or the backyard if they are exhibiting any signs of illness, especially a fever, cough or runny nose.
5. Do not engage in any non-essential travel, even within California or the Bay Area.  This is particularly important as Spring Break approaches.  Please note that most airlines, hotels and other tourism related businesses are providing refunds and credits.

It is up to all of us--every member of our community--to protect public health. We have the ability, by working together, to mitigate this devastating health crisis. 

Sincerely, 
Jeffrey Baier, Superintendent, Los Altos School District
Nellie Meyer, Superintendent, Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District
Ayindé Rudolph, Superintendent, Mountain View Whisman School District
 

Click Here for Spanish Version