Per county guidance, we consult Fire.AireNow.gov which aggregates data from both Purpleaire.com and Airnow.gov. It's important to remember that numbers do not always reflect real-time information precisely, and that air quality can be highly localized and subject to rapid change. As such, we consult this tool in conjunction with local observations.
This document was developed collaboratively with Sonoma County's Department of Health and both Sonoma County air management districts and the county's Department of Health. It provides guidance for modifying activity in schools due to air quality.
WHAT DOES THE GUIDANCE SAY?
monitor the air quality (AQI) frequently using Fire.AirNow.gov
take action according to levels
consider all children as being "sensitive" (children are more sensitive to smoke because of developing lungs and heightened activity)
watch for symptoms
remind staff of restrictions frequently
restrict access to -and time- outdoors according to AQI
parents are encouraged to talk with their child's pediatrician and school administrator/teacher if they are concerned about sending their child to school, or would like to keep them home
clean masks (cloth or surgical) may provide some protection against smoke for children; N95 are preferred for adults
when levels pass an AQI of 100, doors and windows close and room-to-room movement is minimized
air purifiers and HVAC systems in our classrooms provide additional protection (for mitigating both COVID and smoke)
WHAT GUIDANCE IS BVUSD FOLLOWING?
We are following Sonoma County Schools Air Quality Guidance (updated in June 2021) developed through a collaboration of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District (NSCAPCD), and the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE). SCOE is currently reviewing the guidance, and updates may become available soon.
WHICH AIR QUALITY MONITOR IS RECOMMENDED?
We will monitor Fire.AirNow.gov which aggregates data from both Purpleaire.com and Airnow.gov.
WHEN DO DOORS & WINDOWS CLOSE?
Per our COVID Protection Plan (CPP):
When the amount of outside aire needs to be minimized due to other hazards such as heat, wildfire smoke, or when the EPA Air Quality Index is greater than *100 for any pollutant, we will close windows and doors, but continue use of HEPA filters and air purifiers.
*101-150 is considered "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups."
WHAT DO THE AQI RANGES MEAN?
0-50 = Good
(no restrictions)
51-100 = Moderate
(monitor index and unusually sensitive students)
101-150 = Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
(remind staff or restrictions, indoor recess, close windows and doors, and watch for symptoms)
151-200 = Unhealthy
(remind staff or restrictions, avoid outdoors as much as possible, monitor symptoms, take action as needed)
201+ = Very Unhealthy
(no outdoor activity, likely school closure)
SHOULD I KEEP MY CHILD HOME?
With the enhanced filtration and air purifiers in our classrooms, we believe our classrooms may be safer than many home environments with regard to air quality.
Families always have the right to keep their children home, but we encourage you to talk with your pediatrician and school staff first.
If your child has respiratory or heart conditions making them extra vulnerable to poor air quality, please consult with your health care provider.
WHEN WILL SCHOOLS CLOSE?
We will evaluate each situation within the current context, but we will consider school closure as AQI indices reach the Very Unhealthy levels.
HOW WILL FAMILIES KNOW IF SCHOOL IS CLOSED?
We will use the same Parent Square alert system that we use for any school emergency.
We will also report closures to SCOE so that SCOE may alert the media.
DO MASKS HELP?
Masks have some limitations, and those recommended for air quality (N95) are not certified for use by children. Cloth face coverings will continue to be in use for COVID mitigation and they may afford some protection from smoke.
Please keep masks clean and replace them frequently for maximum benefit.
WHAT SORT OF AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM DOES BVUSD HAVE?
All classrooms in use have HVAC systems with recommended filters. Systems have been sized correctly and passed inspection.
We also have additional air purifiers in classrooms.
When levels pass an AQI of 100, doors and windows close. At these levels, we encourage as little movement as possible coming in and out of the rooms.
DISTRICT OFFICE
(707) 542 • 2201 | www.bvusd.org | 2250 Mesquite Drive • Santa Rosa • Ca
YULUPA OFFICE
(707) 542 • 6272 | lone.svoma@bvusd.org | 2250 Mesquite Drive • Santa Rosa • Ca
STRAWBERRY OFFICE
(707) 526 • 4433 | anne.martinez@bvusd.org | 2311 Horseshoe Drive • Santa Rosa • Ca