Superintendent's Newsletter

You may also read the Superintendent's Newsletter on our homepage in the "Latest Headlines" section.

This month a team of educators and government officials from the Republic of Korea visited our Los Altos schools to learn more about our innovative and cutting edge computer science program. The Minister of Education, Yoo Eun-hae led a delegation of 25 of South Korea's top computer science teachers from across the country.

"We launched our computer science program in 2009, far in advance of many other school districts in California. With well-established curriculum that is integrated across all grade levels, we're a model for school districts and countries across the world," said Sandra McGonagle, LASD's Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

Sheena Vaidyanathan, LASD's Computer Science Coordinator, led the delegation through a presentation about the program and the importance of early computer science education for student success in the future. “The Los Altos School District was an early adopter of Computer Science curriculum because coding teaches students problem solving,” explained Vaidyanathan. “It’s a way of thinking that can help students learn everything else. As students learn Computer Science, they understand the relevance of the STEM fields in today's world. They also build critical thinking skills and use their creativity."

One hundred percent of our teachers participate in professional development every school year to hone their instructional skills, share best practices and innovate in our classrooms to ensure all students excel. Our teachers are role models, showing our students what it means to be lifelong learners.

On January 21, all of our teachers participated in a day of learning in phonics instruction and early literacy. They also focused on English language development, with a focus on English Language Learners. After intensive coursework, teachers worked in groups with their Principal to reflect on the work of the day and make an action plan for student learning at their school.

To learn more about professional development in Los Altos School District and how it contributes to student success, check out the below video.

If you haven't had the chance to book your appointment to register a new, incoming student for the upcoming school year, please click here to register today! Registration is quick and easy with the help of our friendly registrar.

Do you have a current 6th grade student who will be entering Blach or Egan Junior High School in the next school year? Please take note of the important dates below where you and your child can get more information about our two National Blue Ribbon awarded junior high schools.

Egan Events

February 5, Transitioning to Egan, Incoming 7th Grade Info Night, 6:30-7:30pm Egan Multi

February 28, Parent Tour-Hour, 9:30-10:30am, Egan Library (Parents Only), sign up here

March 20, Parent Tour-Hour, 9:30-10:30am, Egan Library (Parents Only), sign up here

March 27, Egan Student Tour and Elective Faire, 8:30-10:30am (for incoming/interested students)

Blach Events

February 5, Blach Incoming 7th Grade Parent Info Night, 7:00-8:30pm, Blach Multi

March 11, Blach student tour and Elective Faire, 6:30pm

March 13, Blach Campus tour for Parents, 9:30-11:00am (sign up here)

March 16, Blach Campus tour for Parents, 1:30-3:00pm (sign up here)

Student safety is our top priority in the Los Altos School District. We are taking every precaution to be sure that our students remain healthy as we learn more about the coronavirus. This weekend, there were two cases identified in California in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

As public health departments across the nation are working to identify anyone who might be infected to prevent further spread of the outbreak, we encourage all students, parents, and staff to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including common illnesses like colds and flu.

To prevent the spread of illness, LASD teachers and staff always follow the below guidelines:

• Encourage students and staff to stay home when they are sick.
  
• Those who have a fever at school should go home and stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
  
• Separate sick students and staff from others, ideally in a separate place, until they can be picked up to go home.
  
• Promote hand hygiene among students and staff through education, scheduled time for handwashing, and availability of soap and water or hand sanitizer.
  
• Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  
• Teach and encourage proper cough etiquette—cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or arm (do not use hands).
  
• Perform routine surface cleaning.
  
• Consider not attending large gatherings, as this is where cold, flu, and other respiratory viruses often spread.

The Santa Clara County is maintaining a website with helpful information and FAQs. We will keep our community updated with any relevant information as it becomes available.

Website: losaltosschools.org
Location: 201 Covington Road, Los Altos, CA, USA