March 2020 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 Mar '20

28 Mar '20

March 28, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: During this extraordinary health emergency, I hope you and your families are well. During the two weeks since our schools closed, our teachers, principals, and administrators have worked to provide enrichment and learning opportunities for students as well as planning for next steps to support our students’ social, emotional, and academic needs. With the Governor’s most recent announcement extending the period of school closure to May 4th and using guidance provided by the Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), we will now pivot and focus as a district on the following priorities: • Maintain and nurture strong connections and relationships with students and families; • Prepare and implement for remote learning to advance the curriculum in thoughtful and measured ways so all students can learn and grow; and • Provide services and supports to help meet the many needs of all students, particularly our most vulnerable students. When the Governor announced a three-week school closure on March 15th, our district responded with a plan to provide opportunities for student engagement beginning on March 23rd and carrying through to April 3rd. That initial plan—providing enrichment, exploration, and opportunities to connect—will continue through Friday, April 3rd. Before I outline for you the district’s next steps to implement the priorities above and carry us through May 4th (and possibly beyond), I’d like to respond to families wondering why we were not advancing the curriculum yet, or grading work, or enforcing the educational mandates associated with specific subjects. Needham Public Schools followed a thoughtful approach, informed by DESE, to address an emergency health situation and the challenges of providing equity in education when schools are closed. Some families have suggested that Needham was doing little or nothing for children when all other districts were providing a rigorous, highly structured, and online learning opportunity meeting the needs of all learners. Of course, that simply has not been the case. Our response to this health crisis has been imperfect and imprecise, but it has reflected what the Commissioner of Education suggested, and it has focused on providing opportunities for students to remain connected and engaged. Moving forward, Needham Public Schools is committed to providing continuity for our students as they look to make academic progress and enhance their knowledge, skills, and competencies. The district’s plan for remote learning, consistent with DESE’s newest guidance, will roll out in phases and for all grade levels starting the week of April 6th. Specific structures and schedules for remote learning will be provided and shared with families by your principals in the coming days. Teachers will use different tools and online learning platforms to help stay connected with their students, including Seesaw <https://web.seesaw.me/> at the elementary grades and Google Classroom <https://edu.google.com/products/classroom/?modal_active=none> or Schoology <https://www.schoology.com/> in grades 5-12. Remote learning encompasses a wide variety of learning opportunities, including large group video or audio conferencing calls, 1:1 phone or video calls, email, work packets, projects, reading lists, online learning platforms and other resources to effectively engage with students. While technology can be a supportive tool, the Needham Public Schools and DESE believe that student learning can and should continue offline. This could include exploring the natural world and engaging in hands-on projects and artistic creations that stem from students’ own passions and experiences. The individual student experience will vary depending on student needs, access, and capacity for remote learning. I expect that we will see, and encourage, creativity from teachers and students in this regard. Clearly, we will not be able to replicate the classroom experience in your living room. Developing relevant and engaging lessons for over 5,700 students across 14 grade levels in multiple disciplines for an unknown length of time in an environment that allows no personal contact with a teacher, the critical element in the classroom, is a daunting task. Many teaching and learning practices will look different in remote learning and, inevitably, we will face some challenges as we embark on this new path. Our staff remains enthusiastic, is being innovative, and is working hard to provide each student with the programs and services needed to make progress academically, socially, and emotionally. The teachers and staff will also be participating in professional development to deepen existing skills and to learn new technology to support students. I am so impressed with how our staff is responding to this health crisis; they have been creative, caring, and responsive. I have observed teachers drop off a laptop to a student without one at home; I’ve seen nutrition services staff help out at the Needham Community Council; I’ve participated in Zoom conferences with over 150 staff asking how they can provide more for our students; I’ve seen principals, administrators, and teachers meeting late into the night and throughout the weekend to prepare for a new and different way of engaging students. It has been impressive and leaves me humbled. Let’s please remember to thank and be kind to our educators as they learn to instruct and support our students from a distance. Finally, I know that some families are feeling overwhelmed. I recognize that it is enormously difficult to juggle work and support your own children, especially with the newness of helping them to manage remote learning. Little of this is easy or clear. All of us, educators and parents, will make mistakes, get frustrated, and, at times, become impatient. And that’s OK. It is a time for all of us to embrace ambiguity, maintain perspective, and encourage empathy—for ourselves, our children, and their teachers. We will get through this because of our amazing young people, their families, and the caring staff I have the privilege to work with from the Town of Needham and the Needham Public Schools. We will move forward in thoughtful ways with the curriculum without losing sight of our primary role in helping to nurture relationships between and among students. I am inspired by students like high school junior and representative on the Needham School Committee, Aidan Michelow, who shared this comment at the March 17th School Committee meeting: “I think it’s important to keep in mind the bigger picture… be flexible… and make sure we’re staying healthy.” Please take care of your family and continue to reach out to me with your questions or concerns. My phone number is 781.455.0400, x11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 Mar '20

25 Mar '20

March 25, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: This afternoon Governor Charlie Baker and the Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Mr. Jeff Riley, announced that all Massachusetts schools will remain closed until at least Monday, May 4th. Commissioner Riley explained that he is developing educational programming guidelines to help students remain engaged in learning during this time out of school. He expects to share this guidance with school districts in the next day or so. In collaboration with Needham Public Schools administrative and teacher leaders, I will review this guidance and determine what is the best way forward for our students in the Needham Public Schools. It is my expectation that we will work cooperatively with our teachers to plan for our students' continued learning needs. Clearly, with an extended period of school closure, it will soon be time for us to pivot our planning and instruction to ensure we are supporting our students' learning and growth as much as it is possible under these extraordinary circumstances. In the days ahead, you can expect to hear from me and your building principal about next steps. In the meantime, teachers and staff will continue to provide opportunities for enrichment, learning, and exploration even as they plan for a longer period of school closure. If you have a question about your child, please email your child's teacher or principal. We are committed to connecting with our students and maintaining strong, positive, and nurturing relationships during this time and always. I appreciate your patience, guidance, and support as we work together to support the children and families of the Needham Public Schools. Please stay safe and healthy. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham, Massachusetts

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Mar '20

17 Mar '20

March 17, 2020 8:15 p.m. Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share some additional updates about the school closure and how we will be able to support your children during this time. Many of you may be eager to hear what learning options and resources are available for your children. We acknowledge that it is not possible to replicate the caring instructional environment of the classroom remotely, but the teachers and administrators of the Needham Public Schools are working each day to develop a thoughtful and coordinated plan to support you. The staff is collaborating on enrichment activities and finding ways to stay engaged with our students and families while school is not in session. Families in grades K to 5 will receive a curated list of resources by Friday, March 20th; Middle School families will receive cluster-specific resources on Saturday, March 21st; and High School students will receive department and teacher specific learning activities on Monday morning, March 23rd. Throughout the week of March 23rd and moving forward, teachers and counselors will be reaching out to their students during regular school hours. All of the learning opportunities are recommended but not required. The work will not be graded nor will we introduce new curriculum or new units of study. In the meantime, families and students may want to check out their school’s Technology Center websites for links to different online learning resources and reminders about Digital Citizenship and/or advice on managing children’s device usage. There are also some grade-level appropriate apps you may wish to consider to download or use. Broadmeadow <http://broadmeadow.needham.k12.ma.us/classrooms/technology> Eliot <http://eliot.needham.k12.ma.us/classrooms/technology> Mitchell <http://mitchell.needham.k12.ma.us/classrooms/technology_center> Newman <http://newman.needham.k12.ma.us/classrooms/technology> Sunita Williams <http://sunitawilliams.needham.k12.ma.us/classrooms/technology> High Rock <https://sites.google.com/a/needham.k12.ma.us/hrtechresources/home> Pollard <https://sites.google.com/a/needham.k12.ma.us/family_tech/> Needham High School <https://sites.google.com/a/needham.k12.ma.us/needham-high-school-media-offi…> Learning from home is a solution to the need for social distancing, but social connection is an important protective factor for all of us. Our challenge is to find new ways to connect because it is risky for children to hang out in large groups or be together on the playground, which is why all school playgrounds have been closed. Our community partners, Needham Public Health <http://www.needhamma.gov/85/Public-Health>*,* Needham Health and Human Services <https://www.needhamma.gov/3303/Health-Human-Services>, and the Needham Community Council <http://needhamcommunitycouncil.org/services/> are helping to meet the needs of families during this crisis. Families may contact the Needham Community Council, for example, to get meals and food. We recognize that our Boston resident students and families need resources closer to home and we are thankful that METCO, Inc. <https://metcoinc.org/> provides a list of services and supports. I will continue to provide necessary updates and information via email, the NPS website <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/>, and on NPS Twitter <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt/status/1239906127573331972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw…> throughout the school closure. Finally, let me acknowledge that I understand these times are extraordinary, uncertain, and can be exhausting, especially for the adults who may be anxious about a loved one’s health, their jobs, and protecting young families. During the days and weeks ahead, let’s acknowledge we will make mistakes, and we will need to practice patience, perspective, and empathy. Let's remember to check on one another and our neighbors, especially the elderly. I’m reminded of something Mother Teresa urged others to consider during tumultuous times: “Never be so busy as not to think of others.” Throughout her life, Mother Teresa also urged us to smile often. Great advice for these times! While the schools are closed, please continue to reach out to me at 781-455-0400 x11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Thank you to all those who are partners in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Mar '20

15 Mar '20

Sunday, March 15, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: You may know by now that Governor Baker, in consultation with Commissioner Riley, decided this evening that Massachusetts schools will close for a three week period beginning tomorrow due to the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). This news does not change anything for us in the Needham Public Schools, at least not immediately. We will work in the coming days to understand what we must do beyond the two week closure we have already announced. For the health and wellbeing of our community, we are continuing with plans to keep our schools closed at least through April 7th. We know how disruptive this is to everyone’s lives, yet we recognize the need to follow the guidance set forth by the CDC <https://www.cdc.gov/>, Department of Health <https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health>, Needham Public Health <http://www.needhamma.gov/85/Public-Health>, and our School Physician. We are encouraging “social distancing” (staying out of large groups and maintaining 6 feet of separation at smaller gatherings) to lower the risk of transmission of illness to others. We urge families to limit their childrens' play dates and to consider ways that they can have appropriate and healthy interactions with their peers. This is an important though difficult lesson not only for our students but also for the adults who care for them. Together, we will do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Tomorrow, Monday, March 16th, our dedicated staff at every school will be preparing appropriate enrichment activities to help students remain engaged while school is not in session. They will be gathering materials and preparing online resources for student access. In addition, staff will be coordinating plans to remain in touch with students and families periodically during the week of March 23rd to assist with accessing enrichment activities and to check in on how students are doing. More details about enrichment activities available will be shared by your child's principal. All school buildings, including the administrative building, will be closed at 3:00 pm on Monday and remain closed through April 6th. Needham Public Schools staff will be working remotely from home to plan curriculum units, engage in professional learning, and collaborate virtually with colleagues in preparation for schools to reopen. Since it is important for all of us to stay connected, staff will be checking and returning emails throughout the week. A number of additional resources are being put in place, including: • Information from the Needham Office for Special Education <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/student_support_services/special_e…> is available on the district website. • The Needham Public Schools Nutrition Services department is collaborating with Needham Community Council <http://needhamcommunitycouncil.org/food-pantry/> to provide food for the community during the school closure period. Families are urged to call 781-444-2415 for assistance. • Needham Public Schools Nurses will be in their Health Offices on Monday, March 16 between 8 am and 10 am so you can pick up your child’s medication if necessary. • I strongly urge families to sign up for a Twitter account to stay abreast of necessary school information. I will be sending updates on Twitter that will be easily accessible and informational. It takes only a few minutes to set up an account, and I expect this way of communicating will be beneficial for students and families. Click the link to set up an account: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt I assure you that we are committed to prioritizing safety, health, and wellness during these unprecedented times. Rest assured that Needham Public Schools will keep all of our children and families at the forefront, providing ongoing support, guidance, and education. Please feel free to contact me via phone (781-455-0400, x11203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us . Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Mar '20

12 Mar '20

8:42 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: After consulting with school staff, local officials, and our Town of Needham Public Health partners over the evolving situation associated with the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), I have decided that the Needham Public Schools will close tomorrow, Friday, March 13th for a two-week period with classes resuming Monday, March 30th. Of course, based on updated and new information and guidance from local, state, and Federal officials, we will evaluate the status of school reopening at that time. While we are not aware of any instance of a Needham Public Schools student, staff member, or family member impacted by COVID-19, we believe it is a prudent step to close school for this time period. I recognize that this decision has far-reaching impacts on our families, caregivers, and the broader community, and I understand the uncertainty and frustration that results. Making a decision like this is complicated by the fact that there are children and families in our community who depend on the educational, social/emotional, and nutritional supports that our schools, teachers, and staff provide. I am especially concerned about this vulnerable population and hope over the coming weeks we can work with community partners to assist as much as possible. Evidence shows that social distancing is one of the most effective ways to combat the spread of infectious diseases like this one. Social distancing occurs when people stay away from crowds and large gatherings, and when they maintain a person-to-person distance of at least six feet. Therefore I am asking parents, families, and students to practice social distancing while school operations are temporarily suspended. It is strongly recommended that parents, families, and students limit all non-essential travel and gatherings in commercial or social settings. During the week of March 16th, teachers and staff will use the remaining snow days to prepare and plan so that beginning on Monday, March 23rd, we will have learning experiences and opportunities teachers will be able to share with their students, much of it online. We will require the cooperation and good spirit of students and the adults who care for them to work together to make these learning opportunities at home worthwhile. And yet we acknowledge the experience will be novel and imperfect. We will also support those students who may lack digital resources at home. Families and students can expect additional information, updates, and guidance over the course of the next several days from my office and your principal. Suddenly and unexpectedly, we find ourselves as a community and as a nation confronting a pandemic and trying to make decisions and plans that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones. All of us - teachers, parents, students, caregivers - we are all in this together, and I am confident if we support one another and stay strong as one Needham community we will get through this. I appreciate your patience, guidance, and anticipated good spirit now and in the days ahead. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Mar '20

11 Mar '20

March 11, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Due to concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and after consulting with Needham Town/School officials and the Needham Department of Public Health, we have decided to cancel all non essential evening and community events, including parent meetings and conferences, in the Needham Public Schools effective immediately and until further notice. Similar restrictions have been implemented by the Town for all municipal buildings. Additionally, all currently planned field trips will be canceled. Schools will remain open for our students and staff and classes in all schools will continue as scheduled and planned. I understand the decision to restrict our schools and campuses to the students and staff of the Needham Public Schools and to focus our students’ learning only within the confines of the Needham community may be unsettling, but I believe it is prudent and will allow us to prioritize student and staff health and wellbeing in our schools. Here are some examples of events that will be canceled beginning Thursday, March 12th: - Community events and meetings in school buildings - Student performances, including the high school musical - PTC meetings and other parent events, including parent conferences & IEP meetings - Adult education classes - Use of buildings by non-school groups - School-sponsored field trips NEDP will continue to offer before school and after school care at our elementary schools, and after school clubs, practices, and activities run by school staff as well as after school programs run by Needham Community Education will continue. Middle school and high school athletic tryouts may also continue, but we will not have spectators at athletic events until further notice. The cancellation of many wonderful activities and events will be disappointing to students, staff, and community members who have worked so hard to prepare and plan. I am hopeful, though, if we can limit activities and focus student learning within our community, we will be doing our part to curb the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of infection. Finally, the news of the spread of COVID-19 changes quickly, and it is always possible that we will need to take further steps that will impact school operations and teaching and learning. Please know that we will work closely with our public health partners, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and our school staff to take appropriate steps and provide necessary and timely information. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32087589> document that we have developed; we will update this FAQ in the days ahead. As we continue to focus on the needs of your children and our community, I thank you for your understanding, patience, and genuine support. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham, Massachusetts

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Mar '20

09 Mar '20

March 9, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The news about the spread and impact of the Coronavirus continually changes and, like you, we are busy keeping up with it. I recognize that there is a certain level of anxiety about this outbreak, and many have questions and concerns that are sometimes exacerbated by breaking news reports, social media, and the latest rumors. In the Needham Public Schools, I continue to think it is important to take a deep breath, consider new information carefully, respond in a balanced and measured way, and prioritize the care of our students. I'd like to share what we are doing here locally in Needham to ensure that our schools and the community remain healthy, safe, and ready for learning: *• Public Health Guidance *The NPS are collaborating closely with the Town of Needham Public Health Department (NPHD) <https://www.needhamma.gov/85/Public-Health>, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) <https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-di…>, both of whom are working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html> to plan and advise us in our response to the Coronavirus. Specific questions about the Coronavirus and symptoms can be found at any one of the links above. *• School Health Services *School nurses are ramping up their efforts to check up on student absences, and they are being careful to question students who come into the office and are not feeling well. They also want to continue to be very careful, as we all need to, about maintaining student and staff confidentiality, particularly if someone is ill. School Health Services Director Barbara Singer has encouraged all teachers to make sure students have ample time to wash hands and use tissues. We are ordering extra tissues and other cleaning materials for staff to use in schools and classrooms. Please don't hesitate to contact your school nurse if you have a question or concern about your child's health. *• Cleaning Protocols *The school custodians and our transportation vendors and drivers are implementing new protocols to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, bus seats, etc.). We will bring extra staff on to support custodians and nutrition services workers as necessary. *• Interrupted Teaching and Learning *Some students and families have inquired about possible plans to maintain instruction through, for example, online learning should there be a need to close a school or schools for a period of time. While we do not yet have a specific plan to implement, we are considering what we could reasonably expect to do to assist and support students, especially our most vulnerable students, in the event a school(s) closure becomes necessary. We are working with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), school administrators, and teachers to consider possible ideas, alternatives, and plans. *• Local School and International Trips *At this time, and in consultation with the Needham Department of Public Health, we are not cancelling school-sponsored and local trips, athletic events, or meetings. Should the situation change and we are advised to reconsider a field trip or trips, we will alert students and families at that time. Given the Governor’s recommendation to cancel international travel, we will make announcements about trip cancellations or postponements later this week. We have been working with our travel vendors to mitigate the losses that families will inevitably incur as the planned trips are canceled. *• Additional Information & Communication *Please take a look at the attached "Frequently Asked Questions" or FAQ document attached to this email for additional information. Updates will be provided as necessary in the days ahead. <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html> Many thanks for your continued partnership as we work to serve your children! As always, please let me know if you have a comment or question: 781.455.0400, x11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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