COVID-19 Resources

Information and Updates about COVID-19

Please find below the latest updates of Alto International School’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

For the start of the 2020-2021 school year, Alto International School is preparing for students’ possible return to campus. Please read below to learn more about Alto’s preparations and planning process.

Preparing for the Start of the 2020-2021 School Year (Update June 26, 2020)

Alto International School is preparing for several scenarios for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. While we aim to return to on-campus teaching and learning, we are preparing for three possible scenarios: Return to on-campus /space-based learning for all students, a hybrid model of on-campus and virtual learning, and virtual learning for all students. Click here to learn more.

The return to on-campus teaching is based on The Four Pillows concept outlined by the San Mateo County Health Office. Even though this framework does not return the learning environment to pre-COVID-19 times, we must keep in mind that the primary goal of students returning to school for the 2020-21 school year is to maximize instructional time and provide an excellent learning environment.

Click here to learn more about The Four Pillows concept and the possible return to on-campus teaching.

Reopening of the Alto Preschool (Update June 2, 2020)

In response to the ‘shelter in place’ order for San Mateo County, Alto International School has been physically closed for Kindergarten to Grade 12 and has transitioned to distance learning mid of March 2020. In June, Alto offers an on-campus preschool program for a limited number of families.

From June 2 to June 16, Alto International School’s preschool program, a licensed child care center, is offering an on-campus program to a limited number of currently enrolled families. In parallel, the school continues to provide a virtual distance learning program to families who opted to keep their children at home. The preparation to reopen the preschool before the summer break included a survey of Alto’s preschool parents, careful planning, and implementation of new routines. The opening is following the guidelines of the San Mateo County Health Office. Click here to read more about the health and safety precautions in the preschool program.

Please note that on April 7, 2020, Bay Area schools (K-12) have been ordered to remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. All in-person classes and regular school programs are suspended. After school care / Hort will not be available during the closure. On March 18, Alto started its distance learning program for students, and this program will continue until the school physically reopens. We ask everyone in the Alto community to adhere to the ‘shelter in place’ guidelines issued for the Bay Area. 

Previous School Updates:

• Preparing for Fall 2020, Message from Alto’s Head of School, May 26, 2020
• Message from Alto’s Head of School, April 8, 2020
• Information about IB Exams Cancelation, March 26, 2020
• Message from Alto’s Head of School, March 16, 2020
• Message from Alto’s Head of School, March 12, 2020
• Message from Alto’s Head of School, March 6, 2020

General Information:

• San Mateo County Health Website
• California Department of Public Health
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• U.S. State Department Travel Advisories

Parent Resources:

• Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource
• Talking to Teens and Tweens About Coronavirus
• How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
• Five Ways to View Coverage of the Coronavirus
• Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus