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

A Message to Families from the Needham School Committee
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Apr '20

30 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Needham School Committee Chair, Andrea Longo Carter, wishes to share the following video message with families. A transcript of the message, with translations in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, is also included. Video Message from Andrea Longo Carter, Chair Needham School Committee <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r8kLzoH0gdAvvapv4XwsjezZQ5LFutza/view> Transcript of Video Message <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WnlxH6zHB_zSb88qRO-O4hyPKzkSw7wOelSyBvg…> Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 24 Apr '20

24 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am attaching three video messages for the elementary, middle, and high school students of the Needham Public Schools: Video Message for Elementary Students <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifZly73afuA&feature=youtu.be> Video Message for High Rock & Pollard Students <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmX2uQBrHUU&feature=youtu.be> Video Message for High School Students <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ozQZZhJvlc&feature=youtu.be> Please share with your child(ren) when you have an opportunity. I have also included a transcript for each video message as well: <https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MNKaRYmvDljw-n8r4RaWKXkl4IObPmVuHe18ks…>Written Message to Elementary Students <https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MNKaRYmvDljw-n8r4RaWKXkl4IObPmVuHe18ks…> Written Message to High Rock and Pollard Students <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uFI6KFPep8EBmXXLl_lY2avz-RzebMRqgmBYEN0…> Written Message to Needham High School Students <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BmLPWDPc3OfRxRGNXu3lyQQF28oEmM99PgDgsMC…> Have a great weekend and stay healthy. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 Apr '20

23 Apr '20

April 23, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On Tuesday Governor Baker extended the state-mandated closure of schools through the end of the school year in response to the health crisis. This news prompted additional questions and concerns from families, students, and staff. Let me reassure you that the district’s dedicated teachers and administrators remain committed to the development and care of all our students and families. It is important for our families to know that under the capable hands of Needham Public Schools educators, and with the support of loving families and a caring community, our students are learning and growing every day. The pandemic has changed our lives and caused us to reinvent the school experience. As I connect with the schools, I am inspired by the creative lessons, pictures, and videos of our students and teachers participating in remote learning. These artifacts are evidence of the implementation of the district’s Remote Learning Plan with a focus on three key priorities: 1) Maintain and nurture strong connections and relationships with students and families; 2) Engage students directly in the curriculum in thoughtful and measured ways so all students can learn and grow; and 3) Provide services and supports to help meet the many needs of all students, particularly our most vulnerable students. Thank you to parents and family members who are balancing work demands, family needs, and student learning in unanticipated ways. Allow me to share three important updates: • As the Governor extended the school closure date, the Commissioner of Education once again notified us about new remote learning and curriculum guidance that will be issued, presumably by the end of this week or early next week. We will review this guidance and determine if any aspect of our NPS Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32266432> will need to be adjusted or changed. Please stay tuned for information on how our district will respond to these new state guidelines. • After the Governor’s announcement, teacher leaders and administrators met to discuss the first couple of weeks of implementation of the district’s Remote Learning Plan and to discuss what changes may be needed, especially now that we know we are going beyond the May 4th date. Additionally, our principals and schools are conducting surveys and/or holding virtual Open Houses with families to understand what is working well and where there are areas needing our attention. While the three priorities referenced above will continue to guide our work, I believe we will need to consider how we can maximize teacher and student interactions so that students remain engaged, connected, and learning throughout the next several weeks and until the last day of school on Friday, June 19th. • There are some additional pressing issues that we have already begun to address. For example, we are working on providing an alternative way of hosting graduation and other traditional year-end activities that our students, particularly our high school seniors, have anticipated for so long. We are researching how to provide additional support to students, potentially in the summer and into the fall. We are also thinking about how to continue to nurture a sense of community, caring, and wellbeing for all students, families, and staff. Perhaps most critical, we need to prepare for the transition back to school when our buildings reopen, including ways to accommodate social distancing if still needed. One of the silver linings to the health emergency is that our students and teachers are bravely learning about and practicing the skills critical to our students’ futures, as identified in the Portrait of A Needham Graduate <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/P…> and the district’s strategic plan. The Portrait competencies are being tested in the real world as we prepare all Needham Public Schools students to be creative thinkers and problem solvers, communicators and collaborators, socially and culturally responsive contributors, responsible and resilient individuals, and empowered learners. Despite the challenges, students and teachers will clearly learn, grow, and connect in ways that we do not even see yet! Thank you for your feedback and suggestions, your words of encouragement to our teachers and principals, and your understanding as we work together to support our amazing students. Should you have any questions, please continue to reach out to me. 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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School Committee Open House
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham School Committee will hold a virtual Open House for parents, staff, and community members on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. Please "stop by" to meet your School Committee members and ask a question or share a comment. We look forward to seeing you! Meeting information, including the link, can be found here: Needham School Committee Open House <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee> Sincerely, Daniel Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 Apr '20

08 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. Allow me to share a few brief updates: *• April Vacation Cancelled* Last evening, the School Committee voted to amend the current 2019-20 school calendar <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Calendars/…> and cancel April vacation originally scheduled for April 21-24. The School Committee agreed with my recommendation that we continue to provide instruction for all students through our Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…>. We will also continue providing meals for students in need <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…> during this week. The continuity of instruction and vital services is important, and the inability of families to travel make this an appropriate move in this unusual circumstance. Monday, April 20th is Patriots' Day, and the district will observe this holiday and not hold classes. The School Committee also voted to have the last day of school be Friday, June 19th. Please check out the district's website to view calendar information: NPS Calendar Information <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/calendars> *• Friday, April 10th is Good Friday *A reminder that this Friday, April 10th, is Good Friday and the district will not hold classes on that day. *• Meals for Needham and Boston Students* Just since last week, the NPS Nutrition Services Department has provided over 2,400 meals for over 400 students. If a child in your family or a child you know in Needham requires breakfast and lunch, please check out the following information: Meals for Needham Children <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…>. Enrollment in the NPS is not required and there is no paperwork needed. For families in Boston, please check out the meal information and other services available in Boston through METCO, Inc.: METCO Information for Boston Students <https://metcoinc.org/> *• School Committee Open House April 18th *The School Committee will host a virtual Open House from 9 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th to provide an opportunity for parents and community members to meet and speak informally with their School Committee representatives. An invitation to join the open house virtually will be forwarded next week. Please join us! *• Twitter Updates *I strongly encourage families or individuals to sign up for the Superintendent's Twitter <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimelin…> account to receive timely updates, information, and messages that are especially important at this time. It's easy to do, and you can receive quick & easy access to NPS news. Please continue to stay well and, as always, reach out to me with questions, comments, or concerns at 781.455.0400, x11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Finally, Happy Passover and Easter to our families celebrating the holidays! Given the extraordinary times, I know I will be disappointed not to be able to gather with my family for Easter dinner. Nonetheless, I hope we can all enjoy the gift of smaller family gatherings and, especially, continued health in the days and weeks ahead. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham, MA

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 Apr '20

06 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: With the advent of the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting instruction to our students via video conferences and other forms of remote learning as part of the Needham Public Schools Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…>. Our teachers will be using technology platforms, for example, Google Classroom <https://edu.google.com/products/classroom/?modal_active=none> and Seesaw <https://web.seesaw.me/>, to engage and manage student learning. I write to inform you of our plans and to make families and students aware of certain state and federal laws and regulations that are designed to protect students and student privacy. Many teachers will be recording their synchronous lessons for students who are unable to attend a class in “real time.” The primary focus of the video and audio recording will be on the lesson provided, not on the students in the class. However, questions and comments asked and spoken by students will be part of any recording. Only students assigned to that specific group/class will have access to the video recording. The recordings will not be made public in any capacity. Parents have the opportunity to opt out if you choose to not have your child participate in any “real time” video conference that is recorded by the teacher. If you choose to opt out, the teacher will still hold the session and your child will be able to view the recorded video at a later time. We are required to inform you of the following regulations and ask for your consent for your child to engage in the remote learning experience and to inform you of the following NPS policy, state, and federal laws, including the so-called Massachusetts Wiretapping Act <https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/partiv/titlei/chapter272/section…> and the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) <https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html>, which are applicable to the implementation of the District's plan. Further, it is our expectation that students and parents/guardians understand and agree to the following conditions: • Parents and students must refrain from recording any and all remote lessons. • Parents/ guardians are permitted to observe online instruction in a non-disruptive manner. • To the extent that remote learning opportunities provide access to confidential student information, all participants must agree ahead of time to refrain from disseminating any confidential student information about other student participants with any and all third parties. • Students, and where appropriate parents/guardians, agree to engage in virtual educational experiences dressed appropriately, in a quiet, private area to the extent practicable given the circumstances, in order to minimize background noise and distractions and to protect the integrity of student engagement as well as student confidentiality. • Parents/guardians and other household members who normally are not privy to day-to-day classroom and group service discussions agree to respect and keep confidential any personal or private information (e.g. disability status) inadvertently discovered about other students due to proximity to virtual education. • Screenshots, pictures, audio/video recording and distribution of any virtual educational experience are prohibited in order to protect student privacy, proactively prevent potential cyberbullying, prevent the distribution of copyrighted materials and comply with Massachusetts law. • Students must adhere to the District's Responsible Use Policy <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/information_technology_services/re…> Please go to this form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrcMvOyX-gEB4TpxkXZKaRKcRCqUxobfq…> to let us know if you would like to opt your child out of lessons that the teacher is recording. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that you agree to the above conditions and are providing your consent for your child to be recorded and for your child's participation in the District's Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…> . Should you have any questions about the implementation of the district's Remote Learning Plan, please contact your child's principal or Dr. Terry Duggan, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning at terry_duggan(a)needham.k12.ma.us . Please also reach out to us as soon as possible if you anticipate or become aware of any issues with your child accessing the remote opportunities provided by the District. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools I Parents have the right to opt their child out of our remote learning plan.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 02 Apr '20

02 Apr '20

April 2, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: First and foremost, I hope everyone in your household is safe and healthy. While I recognize the enormous challenge for them, I also hope our young people are doing their level best to maintain social distancing; the science clearly says it’s one big way we all can help make this pandemic end sooner. Given the extraordinary situation we find ourselves in during the outbreak of COVID-19, our students’ wellbeing and education remain a priority for the district, and I’d like to share with you how we intend to provide services and supports to our 5,700 students and their families during this period of school closure: • The district is providing free meal service for *any child or teen* in need in Needham; there is no eligibility requirement or paperwork. Please read about the Child Nutrition Services Program <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…> and help us spread the word about the availability of “grab and go” bags containing breakfast and lunch for those children experiencing food hardship. Any Needham student, no questions asked, can receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch without cost. • In an effort to be responsive to the educational needs of all our students through the state-mandated school closure now extended until May 4th, we collaborated with our teachers and administrators to develop a viable and appropriate Needham Public Schools (NPS) Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…> to provide educational programming, services, and curriculum consistent with recent guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our model is a combination of educator directed and student self-directed learning that varies depending on student age, individual and family needs, access and capacity for remote learning (including access to technology and the internet), and the ongoing health of students and families. The remote learning plan for our district is designed to help restore a sense of structure and routine to our students. However, remote learning cannot replace the in-person school experience, and we should not expect remote learning to replicate the traditional classroom experience, including the length of a school day. While different, the core of our remote learning plan maintains the district’s commitment to academics, social and emotional learning, and equity—hallmarks of an education in the Needham Public Schools. An overview of the plan, which will be phased in beginning next Monday, April 6th, is available here for families to review: NPS Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…>. Families and students will be hearing directly from school principals in the next day or two about details and specific schedules for their remote learning experiences. The focus at each school will be on reinforcing skills already taught this school year, applying and deepening these skills, and introducing new learning and concepts. Teachers will be using a range of technologies and practices, materials and resources. The target length of time for student engagement with learning will not be the amount of screen time they will be experiencing. Students will have direct teacher contact time; support time with counselors, nurses, and other related service providers; student collaboration time; and individual student work time. Our hope is students will find the new formats accessible and engaging, and that families will be our partners in the learning process. Let me stress this point: Our remote learning plan will not replace the classroom or school experience. Students will not be engaged in a 6-hour day with certain activities, lessons, and assignments scheduled in specific intervals with a teacher guiding the learning each step. This will be a truncated and very different learning environment for our students. Although it is impossible to replace the full educational experience virtually, our remote learning program seeks to provide students a range of opportunities to build their mind, body, and spirit. Whether in the classroom physically or virtually, our community will continue to promote excellence and character through our spirit of working together. • A Remote Learning Support/Services Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/student_support_services/special_e…> will be made available for families with students requiring special education services. This plan outlines how and to what extent special education, related services and accommodations & modifications will be provided during this period of school closure. Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to remain connected and to support continued learning for all students. More information will be shared by your child’s principal within the day and as the NPS Remote Learning Plan is thoughtfully rolled out each week starting April 6th through May 1st. Finally, many families have inquired about the status of April vacation. Given that travel plans are upended this spring and that we would like to provide some continuity in learning and services for families, I am exploring with the Needham School Committee the possibility of canceling the April break (with the exception of Patriot’s Day), which, in turn, would allow us to shorten the school year with a last day of school to be held on Friday, June 19th. I will consider this carefully with the staff and ultimately make a recommendation to the School Committee which is in the best interest of our students, their families, and our educators. On behalf of a very dedicated and caring staff, please know how much we look forward to returning to our buildings this spring and greeting every student when we reopen the school doors. We miss them like crazy! We recognize, of course, that there are many factors outside our control right now, and we will respond to the changing situation and solve the problems as they arise. What will not change is our commitment to maintain and nurture strong relationships with our amazing students and their caring and supportive families. Please 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 Please take care of yourself and stay healthy, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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