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

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 31 May '22

31 May '22

Dear NPS Families: We need your feedback! This year’s District Survey opened on May 16 and so far, over 1,000 parents/ guardians have provided invaluable feedback. Their confidential survey responses will inform our plans for next school year. We are aiming for 100% participation. *Please **respond before the District Survey closes on June 3*. Simply click now on the appropriate link for your child’s school. (If you have more than one child in the district, you can complete more than one survey.) Broadmeadow Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/4067062259/surveys> Eliot Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/6169435151/surveys> Mitchell Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/6306034678/surveys> Newman Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/3866218309/surveys> Sunita Williams Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/8708162984/surveys> High Rock Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/4774951925/surveys> Pollard Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/6955739255/surveys> Needham High Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/7485935901/surveys> Thank you for taking the 10 minutes needed to share your perspective. The cumulative survey results will be provided to you and will allow each school to celebrate strengths, monitor trends, and respond to areas of challenge in our work. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 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 24 May '22

24 May '22

Dear NPS Families: I am writing to you about the tragic events unfolding this evening in Uvalde, Texas, where a school shooting occurred in an elementary school resulting in multiple deaths. This horror falls on the heels of the terror inflicted on the Black community in Buffalo where ten people were shot and killed and the shooting rampage in a California Taiwanese church congregation. Like you, I am sick about the frequency of these events across our country, and I understand the anxiety that many of our students, staff, and families may be experiencing as a result of learning about these mass shootings. I want to assure you that the health and safety of our students and staff is our *Number One* priority in the Needham Public Schools, and while we can never guarantee there will never be a violent event in our schools, the principals and staff work each day to prioritize student wellbeing and security. • Tomorrow morning the Needham Police will maintain a low key presence around our schools, and our School Resource Officers will make themselves available to check in with staff and students as necessary. • We continue to partner with Needham Public Safety partners and local officials throughout the school year, and each of our schools this year has experienced an armed intruder drill based on the ALICE protocol <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SOVH_1h5NDWrwJtLAAlhonBbHO8p5Lav95Y6Ikd…> . The goal is to utilize infrastructure, technology, and human action to increase overall student and staff safety. • Building principals will provide developmentally appropriate resources for teachers and staff to help students process these events should students raise questions about these shootings or have concerns for their safety. Counselors will be available for students who may need to process the news. Please reassure your children that school is a safe place and that we have many safety protocols in place to protect them. Our staff will continue to work closely with our students and families when they are experiencing difficult situations, and we always encourage all members of our community to speak up when they have a concern. Finally, please join me in offering prayers to the families of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Texas and all the innocent victims who succumb to senseless gun violence too often in our nation. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 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: Health and Safety
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 May '22

23 May '22

Dear NPS Families: After consulting with the Joint Committee on Health and Safety <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for…> this evening, I am recommending all students and staff wear masks during the school day and during school activities effective tomorrow, Tuesday, May 24th. *Students and staff are not required to wear masks*; however, due to the recent increase in positive cases both locally and within the schools, we believe recommending mask wearing at this time will empower students and staff to make decisions that are in their best interests, the interest of the school community, and consistent with our Mask Friendly <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cch54Hm_8qvVmjbpAKfrnH8ZnUP-wChh/edit?u…> guidance. The Joint Committee on Health and Safety reviewed local and state metrics <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/107cd0egWciN4DfCvVk0F77YnWBuRRwJ3/ed…> and expressed a sense of concern that with a rise in cases, some students could miss out on important end of the year activities (e.g., Field Days, Prom, Concerts) if cases continue to rise. While overall attendance rates <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13AHUgHRuGOOoYdQNYNSOAS8MZ4ydHE-b/ed…> seem to be stabilized, we want to ensure that each student and staff member is aware of the data and makes decisions that will allow them to stay healthy, safe, and in school learning. We certainly do not want any seniors missing Graduation! Let me take this opportunity to thank you again for completing the daily health attestation and for testing regularly with the kits the district is providing. Let me also remind families that 5 to 17 year old students are now eligible for boosters, and I encourage you to make arrangements for your child to get boosted. Please check out the Needham Public Health website <https://www.needhamma.gov/4851/COVID---19> for additional information. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 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: Five Items Related to Health & Safety
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 18 May '22

18 May '22

Dear NPS Families: Allow me to share five things you need to know about COVID and Health & Safety in our schools: *1.* The Joint Committee on Health and Safety <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for…> met again this past Monday and discussed the recent uptick in COVID cases <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Jn_-gPZ0ZPH8PbrJjUqIGj4-vHkp1uXK/ed…> locally and within the district. The district's COVID Dashboard <https://datastudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/38f06c1e-7093-4a9e-9c83-af8a36c…> includes the most recent tally of positive cases. We know COVID cases are increasing in the schools, and we want to ensure that we are being thoughtful and balanced in our response to the latest increase. *2.* Our staff and student attendance <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aSIRB_aONmeKVzCLrc0RHTIWxA8bD6NT/ed…> has been averaging about 91% over the last week or so, and the health attestation completion rate is averaging 80% for families. *3.* We continue to follow current Department of Elementary and Secondary School (DESE) and MA Department of Public Health (DPH) guidance <https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/protocols/>, and we continue to offer regular at home testing, in school symptomatic testing, and the health attestation, among other measures (e.g., keeping windows/doors open) to help keep our students and staff healthy and safe. Parents may opt in to our testing program by contacting us: covid(a)needham.k12.ma.us *4.* At this time we will not be making any changes to our *Mask Friendly <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IIlHbGWdneNPaTZlySblmHsMtIHkSc-i4h9…>* policy <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IIlHbGWdneNPaTZlySblmHsMtIHkSc-i4h9…> for students and staff. However, effective Friday, May 20th, we will recommend mask wearing for all parents and family members attending indoor activities, including athletics, plays, concerts, and other large indoor school programs. (Students and staff will continue to make their own decisions about wearing a mask during the day and at school activities.) We are serious about staying as healthy and safe as possible, and we need your help. If it becomes necessary, we will adopt additional measures around masking. *5.* Finally, effective Friday, May 20th, the RUVNA health attestation will contain new prompts around symptoms: Health Attestation Update <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kKLioCiw1sHGNeojOmqECEnuDoRP0KSEMa9rkBK…> . The Attestation will reflect the milder symptoms that COVID can present. Recently COVID has shown up with symptoms similar to seasonal allergies and with the current high pollen levels, it's especially important for students and staff to be testing with even mild symptoms. *Please review the update and complete the Health Attestation for your child each school day!* Thanks for your partnership as we work together to keep our students and staff healthy and our schools open. I will share additional updates as necessary. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 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: The Survey is Open!
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 May '22

15 May '22

Dear NPS Families: We are currently surveying the Parents/Guardians of Needham Public Schools students in grades Pre-K to 12 because we value your perspective about progress on the district priorities and want to include your feedback in plans for next school year. This 10-minute survey is confidential. Your individual responses will not be shared with anyone. We are counting on 100% participation in the survey process. Please click now on the appropriate link for your child’s school. (If you have more than one child in the district, you will have the opportunity to complete more than one survey.) Broadmeadow Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/4067062259/surveys> Eliot Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/6169435151/surveys> Mitchell Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/6306034678/surveys> Newman Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/3866218309/surveys> Sunita Williams Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/8708162984/surveys> High Rock Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/4774951925/surveys> Pollard Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/6955739255/surveys> Needham High Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/7485935901/surveys> Thank you! Your feedback is important. We will keep the surveys open through June 3rd and share the cumulative results with you. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 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 10 May '22

10 May '22

Dear NPS Families: A few quick updates: *• Health and Safety* We continue to monitor COVID case counts locally and within the schools. Our positive COVID cases and cases of the flu have increased recently, and I urge every parent to be vigilant around your child's health. Please test regularly if you are participating in our at home testing program and complete the daily health attestation. Yesterday about 80% of our families completed the attestation, but we need 100% participation from all students and families in order for us to continue to provide a healthy learning experience. *Thanks for your attention to this daily responsibility.* *• 2022 Family Survey* The Needham Public Schools values your feedback! Starting on Monday, May 16th, we are conducting the biennial district survey for parents/guardians of all our students in grades Pre-K through 12. Two years ago, the 2020 District Survey <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jk-KBaO28eB4KD3KSwgbUvoUgmNNET8g/view?usp=…> included student and staff reflections on remote learning. This year's survey will provide data to help measure progress on the District priorities in our Portrait of a Needham Graduate Strategic Plan <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhQD6_BwU2rESaPxdLgG1JKJj_Fpp3cK/view>. The survey also will allow each school to celebrate strengths, monitor trends, and respond to areas of challenge in our work. The district has partnered with Panorama Education <https://www.panoramaed.com/> to administer the survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses confidential. The survey takes no more than a few minutes to complete, and will be a valuable resource of information as we plan for next school year. *Next Monday, May 16th I will email all families the survey link and we will keep the survey open through June 3rd as we aim for 100% participation!* *• "10 Minutes with..." *Please check out my latest ten minute video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHPgND3nSqs> featuring Pollard students and math teacher Sarah Burns who share their excitement around the new Data Science math program at Pollard. *• Town Meeting *This week at the Annual Town Meeting, the NPS Budget for the 2022-23 school year <http://p13cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/De…> was unanimously passed and after many years and several studies (going back to 1947!), Town Meeting voted to provide design and construction funds for a complete renovation of the Emery Grover <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19eGFTPaORoZrx4z3nS27T4zeC0Rq50tj/ed…> School Administration and Operations Building. The proposed design will provide accessible and modern facilities for our staff, and a beautiful conference space that will accommodate community and staff meetings. I am incredibly grateful for the Needham community's continued and strong support of our schools, staff, and students. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 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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