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

Re: [Superintendent's Update] Blue and Gold Days
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 27 Aug '20

27 Aug '20

Gabrielle: I appreciate your advocacy and thoughtfulness around this. Overall, in the calendar I have shared, there are 70 gold days and 67 blue days. While it is uneven in the fall, it generally evens out in the spring. The reality of any calendar is that we have holidays and have to work around and with them; every year different programs and classes are impacted in this way. Thanks, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок. On Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 12:22 PM gabrielle oliveira <gabrielle.mro(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hello everyone - > > While the difference between Gold and Blue cohorts are only 3 days, the > distribution of days between September and December is unbalanced. Blue is > getting hit with all short weeks in the fall and that will be to the > detriment of kids trying to find a rhythm in their studies. That is a very > easy thing to fix. Please be balanced int he distribution of days of the > hybrid model. > > I also want to say that in the meeting for Hybrid families several > principals mentioned how the fully remote plan will mean a more structured > class schedule because there will be a dedicated teacher full time with the > same students. I chose the hybrid model. I am confident we will make it > work, but I think folks in the position of leadership shouldn’t be throwing > the model under the bus when parents (87%) committed to it. If the weeks at > home will be messy and unstructured, I am fine with it. I just need to know. > > I urge you to fix the unbalanced nature of Gold and Blue days' > distribution in the fall. > > Thank you, > > Gabrielle

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Aug '20

13 Aug '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On August 11th, the School Committee voted to approve the district’s Plan for Reopening Our Schools <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YI6cHXX36Ba4LOu1cT57YDQ0whifVmSC/view?usp=…> with a Hybrid Learning Model for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. You may view my presentation to the School Committee here: Presentation to the Needham School Committee <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zp97S6cgYObaueIdB3QNpmXvjc1-TpT8/view?usp=…>. In addition, the School voted to amend and update the 2020-21 school calendar to reflect the changes necessary to open school safely. You can find the calendar here: 2020-21 Revised School Calendar <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/2…> Please note that we will stagger the start of school for students during the week of September 14th. More information about when your child will begin classes will be forthcoming soon from each school. District staff, public health officials, parents, students, and School Committee members guided the planning process and provided feedback. We kept our dedication to the health and safety of our students and staff at the heart of the process. Our focus has been – and will remain – the health, safety, and wellbeing of all students and staff. We believe our hybrid model, which involves both in person and remote learning, best meets students’ educational needs and can be implemented safely for students and staff. There is a much more information that will be shared with families over the coming weeks as we prepare for school, and I appreciate your patience, flexibility, and partnership as the details and structure emerge. We will hold information sessions for families hosted by principals and other district staff to share updates and answer your questions. Here is the upcoming schedule of meetings: *• Family Meeting for Remote Only Students* (Red Cohort) is scheduled for August 21st at 11:30 a.m. This meeting is for those families who have opted to participate in a remote only learning experience for their children. Meeting Information and Link: Remote Learning (Red Cohort) Family Meeting <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1js2Ioy4pMK6CKa5zRwfhisK6qojK_7fFNOqXJL-…> *• Family Meeting for Elementary Students* in Hybrid Model is scheduled for August 24th at 4:00 p.m. Meeting Information and Link: Elementary Family Meeting <https://docs.google.com/document/d/151nwKYy7rLToURDcBvC_A3fYcKZmIA1pyt-vZ-t…> *• Family Meeting for Middle School (High Rock and Pollard) Students* in Hybrid Model is scheduled for August 25th at 11:00 a.m. Meeting Information and Link: Middle School Family Meeting <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uc9ai2EOwyYxTlFVVdUhcwAlAdjmk5goXgbMpK1…> *• Family Meeting for Needham High School Students* in Hybrid Model is scheduled for August 24th at 5:30 p.m. Meeting Information and Link: NHS Family Meeting <https://docs.google.com/document/d/184Bxw7ms8LFb2naxRo9YwBOxJVrmA5_bxdBKft1…> *• Health & Safety Information *Family Meeting scheduled for August 26th at 4:30 p.m. Meeting Information and Link: Health and Safety Meeting <https://docs.google.com/document/d/177NeoHEJMipmTi7hEhF_TAZOAiOhsEKLgCcZ1x9…> *• Transportation & Nutrition Services* Information Family Meeting scheduled for August 27th at 3:00 p.m. Meeting Information and Link: Transportation and Nutrition Services Meeting <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rI9hZLhJ1EJTdEOBRutUCsrj420SvpWG0irWhyV…> We will continue to post regular updates to our district website, including an online list of Frequently Asked Questions <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> . We look forward to answering your questions and engaging with you as we work through the many challenges and prepare for the 2020-2021 school year. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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

11 Aug '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham School Committee will meet this evening, Tuesday, August 11th at 5:30 p.m. to discuss and vote on a plan for reopening schools this fall and to adjust the 2020-21 school calendar. Needham School Committee meetings are always available to view on local cable access and are live streamed at The Needham Channel <https://www.needhamchannel.org/>. The meeting will also be available on a Zoom webinar at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88036458738?pwd=TXBUWFYzUnMrZGQwakVpVDRrbUlIUT09 Passcode: aM1UuU For more information about communicating with the School Committee and to view tonight's agenda and past School Committee agendas, please look here: Needham School Committee <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee> To view last week's presentation to the School Committee, please look here: August 6th School Committee Presentation: Hybrid Model for Reopening School <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WxpXs2kObAF9nZOnAnbB_PlrZIOpH6eQ/view?usp=…> Many thanks for your partnership and patience as we continue to plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update: Family Questionnaire Reminder
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Aug '20

04 Aug '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: *• Family Questionnaire* While most families have responded to Family Questionnaire <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-FamilyData> (Thank you!) there are still several hundred families who have not. In order to plan and schedule classes for the start of school in September for students in grades K to 12, the district needs your help with completing this Family Questionnaire <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-FamilyData>. Please take a couple minutes now and complete one form per child so we can best support your family. *We are extending the deadline until tomorrow morning, Wednesday, August 5th.* Given that parents have incomplete information about our school reopening plans, you will have an opportunity later in August to make a different decision should that be necessary. If you do not complete the form, we will assume your child(ren) will participate in the planned hybrid model which involves a week of in school learning and a week of at home or remote learning. *• School Committee Meeting* The School Committee will meet on Thursday, August 6th at 6:30 p.m. (note change of time) to review and discuss our school reopening plans and the adjusted 2020-21 school calendar. Here is the link to the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84899409985?pwd=VERiZW16dm9CQnJ4MnBtS3RzZ3dTdz09 Passcode: *779561*Or iPhone one-tap : US: +19292056099, Webinar ID: 848 9940 9985 Passcode: 779561 Many thanks for completing the Family Questionnaire <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-FamilyData>. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Preschool Families
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 02 Aug '20

02 Aug '20

Dear Preschool Families: In my earlier email I neglected to tell families that Preschool Director Becca Sparrell will send a separate questionnaire about school reopening plans for preschoolers within the coming week. Thanks for your patience. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst -- Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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

02 Aug '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share three important updates about our plans to open school safely in September: *• Family Questionnaire* In order to plan and schedule classes for the start of school in September for students in grades K to 12, the district needs your help with completing this Family Questionnaire <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-FamilyData>. Please take a couple minutes now and complete one form per child so we can best support your family. This is due by Tuesday evening, August 4. Given that parents have incomplete information about our school reopening plans, you will have an opportunity later in August to make a different decision should that be necessary. If you do not complete the form, we will assume your child(ren) will participate in the planned hybrid model which involves a week of in school learning and a week of at home or remote learning. *• School Reopening Plans* As you know we are working closely with public health experts, teachers, administrators, community members, and parents to plan for a safe and healthy reopening of school. In order to keep class sizes small and ensure social distancing, we are focused on implementing a hybrid model for all K-12 students that involves four full days of in person learning for half the students (Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays) and five days of remote learning for the other half of the students. Each Wednesday students from both groups will interact together with their teacher remotely. Recognizing that no one hybrid plan is ideal, we believe this working model will best support our students during the period of the health emergency. We are also strengthening our remote learning plan in the event we must begin school in a remote environment or pivot to the remote model due to the health emergency. While we continue to refine the planned hybrid model (and thanks for all the feedback we have received), we are also offering families the opportunity to have their child participate in a fully remote learning experience. In an earlier survey about 15% of families indicated they may wish to have that as an option; the Family Questionnaire <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-FamilyData> is designed to have families tell us if they would prefer that option. If a student is enrolled in either the fully remote or hybrid model, families can change which model the child is participating in at the end of a grading period. *• School Calendar & Next Steps* For the 2020-21 school year the Commissioner of Education has changed the traditional 180 school day requirement for students to 170 days. On August 31st teachers and staff will report to school for training, professional development, and to prepare for students returning, and I will recommend to the School Committee that the first day of classes be September 14th. Given the plan to have students learn and work remotely on Wednesdays, we would drop all early release and delayed opening days. The School Committee will review the revised 2020-21 school calendar and our plans to reopen school at their meeting on Thursday, August 4th at 5:30 p.m. I will ask the School Committee to approve our reopening plans and the new calendar at their meeting on Tuesday, August 11th. (Links to both meetings will be posted on the district's website later this week.) We will schedule another opportunity for families to learn more and ask questions about our school reopening plans in a week or two; stay tuned for an announcement and link to a meeting. Finally, I understand the news, conflicting reports, pressure from the community to reopen schools (or keep them closed), social media, activism, and one's own personal concerns are prompting a roller coaster of emotions and perspectives about the upcoming school year. It has been a challenging time, but our focus in the Needham Public Schools has been and will continue to be the health, safety, and wellbeing of all students and staff as we move forward and envision a new year of learning, growing, and achieving. I hope you and your families are staying healthy and enjoying the weather and time together. Please complete the Family Questionnaire <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-FamilyData> ! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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