Dear Mountain View School District Families,

As our community copes with the challenges posed by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, I want to share an update about the impact of these events on our schools and the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

The recent Eaton Fire significantly affected air quality in our area, leading to heightened health risks due to smoke and ash. To prioritize the safety of everyone in our district, we made the decision to close schools last Friday, during the peak of smoke exposure.

This morning, our administrative team conducted inspections of all school campuses to ensure they are safe, clean, and ready for students to return. I’m pleased to report that conditions have improved, and schools will reopen on Monday, January 13th, at their regular times.

In preparation for reopening, we’ve taken additional measures to ensure a safe environment:

• Air Quality & Ventilation: All HVAC systems and air filtration units are fully operational in classrooms and offices.

• Cleaning Efforts: We have addressed any remaining ash and are equipped with school approved specialized sprays to manage any lingering smoke odors in indoor spaces.

While schools are ready to welcome students back, air quality remains a concern. As a precaution, we will:

• Temporarily limit outdoor activities to reduce exposure to poor air quality.

• Provide masks to students and staff who need them.

We are closely monitoring air quality reports in collaboration with local and State agencies to ensure we make decisions that prioritize health and safety.

We also recognize that these wildfires and their impacts may have caused stress or anxiety for many in our community. Families are encouraged to reach out to school counselors if their children show signs of distress. We are here to support students through classroom discussions, creative activities like writing or drawing, and counseling sessions as needed.

For additional resources, including tips on helping children navigate stress caused by natural disasters, please visit the MVSD website (https://www.mtviewschools.com/), where you’ll soon find strategies for building resilience and fostering stability.

To keep everyone informed:

• All school marquees will display reopening messages for Monday.

• We will continue to provide updates through ParentSquare and social media.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and partnership as we navigate this challenging time. Together, we will ensure our students return to a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment.

With gratitude,

Raymond A. Andry, Ed.D.

Superintendent
Mountain View School District
3320 Gilman Road
El Monte, CA  91732