This page will be updated as we gain information.
School will be cancelled Friday, November 16. According to Superintendent Mary Streshly, “Given the current and ongoing air conditions, we feel this is the best decision for the health and safety of our school community.”
As of 7 p.m. on Thursday, air quality was 220 in Menlo Park and Atherton on the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is considered “very unhealthy” according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Friday’s football game has been moved to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Salinas High School, while the cross country race will take place Sunday at Toro Park in Salinas.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not mandatory to close school when levels rise above 200, but the EPA does set forth guidelines to move all activities indoors when air quality reaches “very unhealthy” levels. The EPA has noted, “People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.”
Smoke from the Camp Fire, among others, continues to affect the Bay Area. Many other Bay Area schools have been closed or will close tomorrow. Prior to Friday, M-A moved all outdoor activities indoors and followed “shelter in place” protocol per district guidelines.
