- Parents/Students
Student Safety & Wellbeing
Campus Culture
The Los Altos High School culture reflects our school's dedication to fostering a community that values respect, empathy, and the well-being of every student. Here are our guidelines and expectations that are intended to establish and maintain a safe learning environment for all students and encourage positive behavior, personal responsibility, and a sense of belonging within our community.
Expectations for Behavior On and Off Campus
Respect for Others
- Treat all individuals on campus, including fellow students, teachers, staff, and visitors, with courtesy and respect.
- Students and staff are protected against any form of discrimination based on their: Race and color; national origin; sex and gender; sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, disability, medical condition, genetic information , marital status, ancestry, age, and association with a protected group. Schools are prohibited from retaliating against students who assert their rights under anti-discrimination laws.
- All students are guaranteed the right to physical and emotional safety–antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, sexism, ableism, heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, classism, colorism, weightism, cissexism, nationalism, and cultural appropriation are not tolerated.
- All pupils have the right to participate fully in the educational process, free from discrimination and harassment. Harassment on school grounds directed at an individual on the basis of personal characteristics or status creates a hostile environment and jeopardizes equal educational opportunity as guaranteed by the California Constitution and the United States Constitution.
Personal Responsibility
- Keep the campus clean and free from litter and dispose of trash properly.
- Respect school property, including lockers, equipment, and facilities.
- Be responsible for personal belongings and do not engage in theft or vandalism.
Use of Technology
- Follow the school's technology use policies, including responsible use of personal devices, the internet, and social media while on campus.
- Respect the privacy and consent of others when taking photos or videos.
- Do not share personal information about other students that may jeopardize their safety or cause them harm.
Attendance and Tardiness
- Arrive at school on time for classes and activities.
- Follow the school's attendance policies and procedures.
Safety and Security
- Report any safety concerns, hazards, or suspicious activities to school personnel immediately.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and participate in safety drills.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco
- The use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco products on campus is strictly prohibited.
- Vape pens, e-cigarettes, and other electronic smoking devices are prohibited on campus.
Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives
- Embrace diversity and inclusivity, and be open to different cultural backgrounds and viewpoints.
- Engage in constructive conversations and activities that promote understanding and unity among students.
Weapons
- Weapons of any type are prohibited on campus. This includes knives or blades of any size.
With respect to conduct in the classroom, it is important to note that expectations and policies differ from teacher to teacher. Those will be outlined for students. If a parent or student has questions about what is/is not permitted, they should check with their teacher.
Fentanyl and Synthetic Drugs Risks
The opioid crisis, particularly involving fentanyl, is a growing concern nationwide and in Santa Clara County. At Los Altos High School, the health and safety of our students are our top priority. We are committed to keeping families informed, recognizing the warning signs, and working together to protect our students from the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Why Awareness Matters
According to the CDC, overdose deaths among teenagers linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl have tripled in the past two years. Alarmingly, 73% of teens are unaware that fake prescription pills can contain fentanyl.
Fentanyl, an opioid pain reliever 50 times stronger than heroin, is often mixed into illegal drugs or pressed into counterfeit pills resembling prescription medications like Percocet, Xanax, or Adderall. These counterfeit pills, often sold online or via social media, can be deadly.
Adding to the risk, xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, is increasingly being combined with illicit fentanyl. Together, these substances significantly increase the likelihood of overdose and death.
Our Response and Preparedness
In response to this crisis, Los Altos High School has taken the following steps:
- Staff Training: Administrators and staff have been trained to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and respond using naloxone (NARCAN®), an emergency medication that can reverse opioid effects and restore breathing when administered promptly.
- Naloxone Availability: Naloxone is kept in the health office (located in the student services building), in the library, in the student union, as well as with all the Automated External Defibrillators (AED) located on campus.
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
If you observe the following signs, call 911 immediately:
• Unresponsiveness or inability to wake
• Slow or stopped breathing
• Gurgling, choking, or snoring sounds
Together, we can combat the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs by staying informed and proactive. Let’s partner to protect the health and well-being of our students and community.
