Dear Los Altos School District Community, 

Recent news regarding the Los Altos School District (LASD) Waiver Application, new California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines, and news of Santa Clara County’s move from “purple” to “red” is a lot to absorb.  As I’ve said before, the only constant during this pandemic has been change.  Below is a summary of how this new round of information and change will impact LASD.

LASD’s Waiver Application Is Approved
SCCPHD and CDPH have approved LASD’s Waiver Application to bring targeted groups of students back to campus in a phased approach, including those in grades TK-3.  We believe it is essential to focus this limited reopening on the students who experience the greatest challenges in distance learning, including students with special needs, English language learners, students receiving nutritional services, and our youngest learners.  

Reopening with the Waiver
Our phased approach under the waiver is as follows: 

On September 21st, Group 1 Starts 

• Students Enrolled in Special Day Class
• Students Requiring Academic Supervision in Distance Learning (see waiver)

After Group 1, approximately three weeks will separate each group’s return to campus in our Blended Learning model, physically attending school in the A/B Group format, on Mondays/Tuesdays or Thursdays/Fridays, respectively.  Those students enrolled in Virtual School will remain in distance learning unless they request to move into the Blended learning program.  The rest of the groups and their order of return to campus are as follows: 

Group 2:  Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Students
Group 3:  First Grade Students
Group 4:  Second Grade Students
Group 5:  Third Grade Students

LASD will consult with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department for approval prior to implementing each step of this phased approach.  The LASD Virtual School will continue to operate for those families who do not wish to return their child to campus.  Furthermore, all families will continue to have the option to change to the Blended Learning or Virtual School program every six weeks.  That being said, your school principal requires notification two weeks in advance of the designated program switch dates. The first such switch date is October 5, with a notification deadline of September 21. For more information click here.

New California Reopening Strategy and Santa Clara County in “Red”
The State of California recently announced a new reopening strategy, or tiered color system, which now guides the reopening of businesses and schools.  Yesterday, Santa Clara County moved from the “Purple/Widespread,” or most severe level, to the “Red/Sustained” tier.  If Santa Clara County remains at the “Red” tier for 14 consecutive days, LASD and all other school districts in the county will be allowed to reopen campuses to students.  

LASD’s plan is still to reopen in a Blended Learning format, with TK-8th grade students returning to campus 2 days per week in stable A/B cohorts.  Students would not return to campus all at once, but rather in a phased approach and by grade level as outlined in our Reopening Plan.  As we reopen, our schools must still adhere to all SCCPHD guidelines.  

When and if the state clears schools to reopen in Santa Clara County, we will immediately update our community at that time so that we can all make preparations accordingly.  Additionally, I will have public discussions with our Board of Trustees to determine the phased return of each grade level of students, along with corresponding dates. I will communicate those to you as they become available.

Health and Safety Is Our Priority
As we slowly return groups of students to campus in a phased approach, LASD will strictly adhere to all current and future state and local public health guidelines to keep our students and staff safe. We will ask our families and staff to collaborate with us in strict adherence to all guidelines at home as well.  This collective action will be critical to ensure our reopening is sustained and that our entire community stays healthy. 

I’m very proud of our school district’s proactive efforts to safely and responsibly bring students back to campus under ever-changing circumstances.  I recognize the current situation is challenging and requires a great deal of effort from families and staff alike.  Your partnership and collaboration is appreciated as we continue to navigate this public health crisis together. 

As always, I am available to answer your questions and address your concerns as we work to provide the best educational experience for all students.  

Sincerely, 

Jeffrey Baier
Superintendent
Los Altos School District

Questions and Answers:  Waiver

Under the approved waiver, which groups of students will return to campuses first and when?
Focusing on students with the greatest need for academic support in distance learning, students in Special Day class and those otherwise requiring significant assistance in distance learning will return to campus in small cohorts beginning on September 21. 

What is the approximate time-frame between each group’s return to campus under the waiver plan?
Approximately three weeks will separate each group of students’ return to campus.  LASD will work in coordination with Santa Clara County Public Health Department to determine the exact date of return of each group based on public health circumstances and our schools’ ability to safely and effectively implement all public health requirements to keep our communities healthy. 

What if my child is enrolled in Blended Learning, but we prefer not to return to campus yet?
All families have the option to change to the Blended Learning or Virtual School program every six weeks.  The first notification deadline is September 21 for an October 5 switch date. Your school principal requires notification two weeks in advance of the switch date.  Please click here for more information on program switch and notification dates. 

What are the health and safety protocols under the waiver process?
LASD will strictly adhere to all current and future health and safety requirements from state and local public health officials. Please review the Waiver Application for more information.  

What will the school day look like when my child returns to campus in the Blended Learning format?
Students will attend school in their stable cohort in the A or B Group.  Group A students will learn in their classrooms on Monday and Tuesday.  Group B students will learn in their classrooms on Thursday and Friday.  Wednesday will remain an online learning day.  On the days when students are not attending class physically, learning will be online and largely asynchronous.  

How do I know if my child is in the A or B cohort?
If your child is in elementary school, you should have received notification of your child’s cohort and classroom teacher assignment via a letter from your principal in August.  If you need more information or have misplaced this information, please contact your school principal. Junior high school families will be notified of cohort designation prior to our actual return.