February 2022 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 26 Feb '22

26 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope you and your family had a restful February break! Besides working a few days, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to visit with three of my ten siblings whom I have not seen for over two years. It was a small but great reunion capped off by a visit with two of my daughters who live in the DC area. Allow me to share these health and safety updates as we prepare for a new week and the ending of the mask mandate on Monday, March 7th. *• At Home Testing *For those families who have received the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, please make sure your student is tested on Sunday before returning to school on Monday morning, February 28th. If your student tests positive, please follow the appropriate health protocol: COVID Protocol Updates <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NdyqyVm2qpIn6KEN3bBjMpB8XabmKkolkr7uNBi…> *• Health Attestation *A reminder that the health attestation needs to be completed for each student each day before attending school. This tool is a key way that students and staff can assess personal health each day in order to help ensure healthy classrooms and schools. The parents of those students for whom the attestation has not been completed will be contacted and/or the school nurse may assess a child who presents with symptoms. In the coming weeks, I anticipate we will re-evaluate the need for a daily attestation; in the meantime I appreciate your cooperation in completing this health requirement each school day. *• Preparing for Mask Friendly Schools *Please check out my latest Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> to learn about our efforts to create the conditions for a mask friendly learning environment beginning on March 7th. *• Ten Minutes with Karen Bourn and Andy Garlick *My latest brief ten minute video features Eliot Principal Karen Bourn and Broadmeadow Principal Andy Garlick <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZHaE85iAZk> who share how we are planning to create the conditions for mask optional or mask friendly learning environments in the Needham Public Schools. As we begin a new week of learning, let's also keep in mind the people of Ukraine, especially those who have died, and hope and pray that there is a quick resolution to the invasion of their country. 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 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On February 9th Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Riley released an update <https://drive.google.com/file/d/15gmvY8u9n6MVHbNde7aGQkDhEaBeOH7J/view> stating that the statewide school mask mandate will end on Monday, February 28th for students and staff in grades K-12, vaccinated and unvaccinated. The Commissioner is also allowing local communities to determine an implementation timeline that makes sense for individual school districts. Both DESE and the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) strongly recommend unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks in school settings. Based on improving local health metrics <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hnRC0gioYWF2tX7W9DOr3c37zgynyJIa/ed…>, high staff and student vaccination rates <https://docs.google.com/document/d/17RxCFS1NjDCk7PtbLB007fEM25OoBfLHSoR0lFq…>, the availability of symptomatic and at home testing, and the continued priority the Needham Public Schools (NPS) places on maintaining healthy schools, the Joint Committee on Health and Safety has recommended to me that the NPS implement a mask friendly learning environment for all K-12 students and staff effective Monday, March 7th. They have also recommended that for the time being Preschool staff and students remain masked. The Joint Committee on Health and Safety <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=36642797> has met regularly since the summer of 2020 and has provided advice and guidance to me to ensure the safe and healthy operations of the Needham Public Schools during the pandemic. Through the evaluation of medical and public health data; setting standards for the safe operation of schools; and recommending various health protocols and procedures, we have been able to keep our schools open for learning since the fall of 2020. Given the Commissioner’s latest announcement; the reality that positive cases continue to decline statewide and locally; the availability of both symptomatic and at home testing for families and staff; the high rate of student vaccinations; the continued focus on health and safety protocols in our schools; and the desire to continue to nurture a supportive, caring, and student-centered experience in each classroom and school, the Joint Committee on Health and Safety recommends I implement the following: • Create a Mask Friendly Learning Environment A mask friendly environment recognizes and respects all our students and staff. Depending on their individual and family health risks and needs, students and staff can choose whether to wear a mask or not while in the school buildings. The district will reinforce personal choice and the importance of supporting those whose decisions differ from others. Masks must still be worn in school health offices and on school transportation, as federally mandated. Preschool students and staff will also continue to mask. • Plan for the Change We have been deliberate about each of the health and safety measures we have taken and creating a mask friendly learning environment is no exception. Given the likelihood of family travel over the upcoming break and possible increased risk of exposure, we think it makes sense to wait one week before implementation. In collaboration with school staff, principals will thoughtfully plan the rollout of information and support for staff and students to ensure a smooth transition. Staff should develop and share developmentally appropriate lessons, protocols, and announcements to explain how we will act as a school community where some decide to wear a mask and others do not. Families are encouraged to engage in conversations with their children to determine their mask preferences. School staff will use the week after February vacation to share plans and expectations with students. • Consider a Timeline and Next Steps A thoughtful timeline will allow for a successful transition to a mask friendly environment: *-* All students/staff Grades K-12: On March 7th, the Needham Public Schools mask mandate ends and wearing a mask is optional for all individuals, vaccinated and unvaccinated. *-* Preschool: The mask requirement will remain in place at the preschool level for students and staff until we receive additional guidance and information. *-* The Joint Committee on Health and Safety will continue to meet regularly to monitor health metrics and, if necessary, recommend to the superintendent a return to masking should that be necessary. • Maintain the Commitment to Health and Safety The district will continue to expect from families and staff the daily completion of the health attestation; continue with hygiene and ventilation protocols; and provide at-home rapid tests for students and staff who opt in and a symptomatic testing program for those experiencing symptoms in school. We will continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations, particularly for younger students who may not yet have had the opportunity to get the vaccine or booster. The Joint Committee on Health and Safety will continue to advise the superintendent about any health and safety concerns related to COVID and will, if circumstances warrant, recommend adjustments to health protocols, including a return to masking. Tonight I will update the School Committee about our plans to create a mask friendly learning environment and share additional health and safety updates. With deep appreciation to the Joint Committee on Health and Safety, all of our students, their families, and staff who have patiently and carefully adhered to all health-related protocols, including masking, we look forward to the successful implementation of a mask friendly learning environment on March 7th. 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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Pollard is open Tuesday, February 15th
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public School Families: A fake email, purportedly from Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo, was circulated Monday evening claiming Pollard would be closed today. This is not true. *Pollard Middle School and all of the Needham Public Schools will open as regularly scheduled today, Tuesday, February 15th.* Thanks for your patience. 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
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Feb '22

07 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Three quick items as we begin the week: *• Reminder About School Facilities Master Plan Meeting * Families and community members are invited to attend a virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. to learn more about the School Facilities Master Plan process and to have an opportunity to ask questions. The link to the meeting can be found here: School Facilities Master Planning Meeting for Families/Community on February 8th at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/82574306436?pwd=eDliclJYVnBwSlpBSjRINzV…> I am also attaching the slide presentation that the designers will share at tomorrow's meeting for you to preview: February 8th School Staff & Community Meeting <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BL9f0kaOWzNbCbchKXyYTU9BjgkRL5h4/view?usp=…> I hope you can join us to learn more about these important school projects. *•** School Bus Survey *We are conducting a survey for Needham resident parents who share legal custody of a child with a parent/guardian within the eligible bus route for your child's school. We are trying to determine if we may be able to offer an expanded service for families in these specific custodial situations. If you are a parent who shares custody of a child with another parent/guardian within Needham and use or might plan to use bus service within your child's eligible bus route, please complete the following survey by next Monday, February 14th: School Bus Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-Bus-Service> Many thanks. *• One More Time: Opt in to Receive At Home Tests* On Friday, February 11th at 3:00 p.m. we will push out via text and email one last opportunity for those families who have yet to tell us if they wish to opt in to receiving rapid test kits for students. The text and email will come through the daily Health Attestation app. *If you have already opted in to the program or indicated that you do not wish to participate in the program, you will not receive a text or email. *For more information about this program and the symptomatic testing program, please view this presentation: NPS Family Testing Information <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTfYBGjHCINRAZCY1HH5xzp2wXh3H6CuGKs…> 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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Another Chance to Opt In to the District's Testing Program
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Feb '22

04 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: This afternoon, Friday, February 4th at 3:00 p.m. we will push out via text and email another opportunity for those families who have yet to tell us if they wish to opt in to receiving rapid test kits for students. The text and email will come through the daily Health Attestation app. To date, over 55% of our students have opted in to the program and will be receiving test kits (two tests per kit) weekly. *If you have already opted in to the program or indicated that you do not wish to participate in the program, you will not receive a text or email.* For more information about this program and the symptomatic testing program, please view this presentation: NPS Family Testing Information <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTfYBGjHCINRAZCY1HH5xzp2wXh3H6CuGKs…> 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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Family and Community Meeting: School Master Plan for Mitchell, Pollard and High Rock
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Feb '22

01 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Families, staff, and community members from across the district are invited to participate in an informational meeting and conversation focused on the building infrastructure, space, and programmatic needs of Mitchell, High Rock, and Pollard. The virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. Here is the link: School Facilities Master Plan Family Meeting <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/82574306436?pwd=eDliclJYVnBwSlpBSjRINzV…> I encourage families to participate and learn about the building and program needs at these schools and how these needs may impact the entire district (e.g., through redistricting or moving to a 6-8 program on one Pollard campus). Please check out my latest Superintendent's Blog for more information, including links to informational reports: Next Up: Addressing the Infrastructure Needs at Mitchell, High Rock, and Pollard <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> I look forward to your participation! 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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