- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 18 Mar '21

18 Mar '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The horrific news this week of the murders of eight people in Atlanta, six of them women of Asian descent, has shocked the nation and, locally, unsettled many Needham students, families, and staff. While the investigation is ongoing and the motivations of the individual arrested will unfold, here is what we know in the moment: - The victims of this brutal act are mostly women of Asian descent, and this fact has prompted many Needham staff and families who are Asian or Asian-American to worry about their students or themselves. There is a palpable level of anxiety and concern for impacted staff, for example, who stand before their students trying to calmly explain these events and reassure students even when they have trouble comforting their own children and family members. - Nationally, according to the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) <https://aapidata.com/>, incidents of bias and hate against Asians and Asian-Americans have increased in the last year, mostly due to unfounded fears over the origin of COVID-19. Locally, there have been incidents within our own community or the Needham Schools that have impacted our Asian and Asian-American students. These incidents were the direct result of these baseless claims and fears over the pandemic. - The Needham Public Schools is committed to supporting all students, including students of color who have been disproportionately impacted by acts of bias, prejudice, and hate. As a district, we have established a framework, the Portrait of a Needham Graduate <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/P…>, to ensure all students develop the skills and competencies necessary to respect and appreciate the unique gifts and talents all people - regardless of race, gender, or background - bring to each other and to our school community. - We will continue to use our curriculum and school programs, including, for example, our elementary Racial Literacy <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ICdaNEWcAaw0mcrBIThHto3BqZQbTqR9KnWMYoF…> curriculum and the secondary level’s Courageous Conversations On Race <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight>, to empower our students as they learn and grow within the Needham Public Schools. We will offer support and counseling for all students, particularly our Asian and Asian-American students, who wish to talk about or process their experiences or concerns within the schools. Classroom teachers, counselors, and school administrators stand ready to provide appropriate support and guidance. These important and challenging discussions about race and racism must not be limited to our classrooms. What can parents and other adults outside of school do to help our Asian-American students, their families, and all of our students of color? The Needham Select Board, for example, through NUARI <https://www.needhamma.gov/4942/NUARI---Needham-Unite-Against-Racism-Ini>, has stepped up and is involved in an important initiative around race and race equity in our community. It seems a perfect time for all of us to engage in deeper learning about how to create a more equitable community for all. For additional information and resources about what we are doing in the schools to support this work, please check out the district’s Equity <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/equity> website and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources <https://sites.google.com/needham.k12.ma.us/nps-equity-website/home> website. 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 17 Mar '21

17 Mar '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am pleased to report that last night the Needham School Committee approved my recommendation to reopen our elementary, middle, and high schools <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q6delAPD84FeaQWI5AQZ7tlLozNvTjb4eJaHL0R…> to full time instruction according to the following timetable: • *Elementary Schools* (K-5) Monday, April 5th • *Middle Schools* (6-8) Thursday, April 15th • *High School* (9-12) *Staggered start:* Grades 9 and 12 Monday, May 3rd; grades 10 and 11 Monday, May 10th; all students, May 17th We will build on the extraordinary work of our K-2 teachers and staff who have already successfully returned to school full time to guide a safe return to school this spring for all of our students. Preschool students will likely remain in their existing hybrid schedule; and students who are enrolled in the Remote Learning Academy, K-12, will continue to learn remotely for the remainder of the school year. There are significant logistical issues and concerns that must be worked out by the administrative and teaching staff over the coming weeks, and I look forward to updating families in the weeks ahead. Principals will also provide more detailed information and plans as they unfold. Rest assured that in all of our planning we will prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff and use our rigorous health protocols to guide all of our efforts. Also, we have recently updated our contact tracing and quarantine protocols to be aligned with the MA Department of Public Health and Town of Needham Public Health guidance. You may review the protocol here: COVID 19 Situation Chart <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/C…>. For more information about our health and measures, please check out the district's website <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> . I will host a family meeting on Thursday, March 25th at 6:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/87567653790?pwd=SzAyNW5zMzRMMG9ZenF2MzZ…> to update families about our full time school reopening planning efforts and respond to questions and comments. I hope you can join me. Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we support the amazing young people of the Needham Public Schools. 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 05 Mar '21

05 Mar '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I write to share information about school reopening updates. First, let me thank our entire elementary staff for all of the work they have been doing, particularly in grades K, 1, and 2, to get ready to bring our youngest learners back to school next Monday, March 8th. Principals, administrators, teachers, and staff have organized new classrooms, changed schedules, structured new lunch arrangements, and generally prepared for our students to return safely. Teachers in grade 3, 4, and 5, as well as those in the Remote Learning Academy, have also been working to plan additional instructional time for our at home learners. We are eager and excited to strengthen the elementary program for our students! This afternoon the Massachusetts State Board of Education accepted Commissioner Riley's recommendation that he have the authority to effectively end the hybrid model of instruction for all K-5 students. The Commissioner, supported by public health and pediatric experts, believes it is critical to return as many students as possible to the classroom beginning April 5th. So what does this mean for Needham? There are significant and important logistical issues and concerns that must be worked out, but these are key highlights and next steps: - Beginning April 5th, students in grades K-5 will return to school for in-person learning for at least 4.5 days a week; Wednesdays would likely involve a half day to provide for staff collaboration and planning. - Students in the Remote Learning Academy are not impacted by this change and will remain fully remote. - The vote does not require us to change our learning models for students in grades 6-12; the issues at the middle and high schools, including large enrollment and schedules, are complex and require more discussion and thought. - The School Committee will meet with principals and teacher leaders next Tuesday, March 9th to review these changes, discuss how we can safely implement them, and consider if it is possible and appropriate to support more in person learning for middle and/or high school students. - We will engage in conversations with the Needham Education Association (NEA) to understand how these changes may impact our teachers and staff. - The COVID Advisory Committee will meet on March 18th to discuss plans and provide advice and guidance on our efforts. We will continue to focus on student and staff health and safety measures as we move forward in the days and weeks ahead; nothing else is more important. I am pleased that we have already taken steps to bring our youngest learners back full time and safely, and I am sure we can apply those lessons to other students. Finally, all of us - staff, families, and students - will need to continue to be flexible and recognize that plans and timelines may shift. All of these changes are complex and require attention to detail and the ability to be patient and thoughtful as we work through them. Working together as a school community, I am confident that we can move forward safely and successfully. I look forward to communicating with you in the days ahead about our work and planning. Thank you for your continued partnership as we collaborate to support the amazing young people of the Needham Public Schools! Resepctfully, 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 22 Feb '21

22 Feb '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope you and your families enjoyed a quiet and healthy February break! Allow me to share some quick updates as we being the week: *• Family Health Attestation *The district will soon rollout a required health attestation form for all families to complete for each student. Please read the following and important information: Family Health Attestation Process <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BUrjuNHXhShHX_9HMmZZO2iU-HA42yKWUvRX4iX…> . *• K-12 Family Open House * I will host an opportunity for families to check in, hear school updates, and ask questions at a K-12 Family Open House this Thursday evening, February 25th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please join me, but if you can't I'll record the meeting for you to watch later. Here is the link to the meeting: https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/89968266122?pwd=WHJWZHZNem9QYmxUMWM3MHF… *• Superintendent's Blog *My February post entitled: Reopening Our Schools: What Comes Next? <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> outlines some challenges, opportunities, and next steps for our schools. Here's to a great week for your families and our students! 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 13 Feb '21

13 Feb '21

February 13, 2021 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope that you and your children are looking forward to spending some quality time together during the February school break. Although your vacation plans are likely different this year due to strict travel restrictions <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order> and health concerns, there is good reason to have hope for better days ahead as health and safety protocols provide our community with proven ways to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the vaccines roll out in Massachusetts. I want to share two important updates: *• February Break Travel *In the event you travel outside the state this coming week, please make sure that you and your family follow the district's family health and travel protocols <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MFXsUD_RmnYKDw5icr_PGZKI91LnmgWzHPh__qs…> . *• Family Health Attestation *Allow me to update you on a new process through Ruvna <https://drive.google.com/file/d/11PMfpFw5nGuAWAIE2BVA4Avs5pZdG2K_/view> as another layer of health and safety the district will be providing in March. *The district is preparing to launch a COVID-19 symptom screening* that increases each family’s role in attesting to the fact that they have checked in with their child(ren) to see how they are feeling before sending them to school. The attestation is meant to acknowledge that all of us, staff and families, are invested in keeping our schools open for in-person learning. This is especially important as we move forward with the plan <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WoDExCUdnNXfxm_Xz2nQlX_4gTy9b6TZu6vNrpl…> to bring our students in K-2 back to school four days each week starting on March 8. - *The new attestation process uses text messaging to push out a web link each morning*, allowing families to quickly tap their way through health screening questions for the students in their household who will be attending in-person learning on that day. The screening is not needed for students in the Remote Learning Academy. - *Detailed information will be provided over the next few weeks* regarding steps for you to take to support this health screening process. In the meantime, a Q & A <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nDwKyBhLTQ1QbzvCSQHDPVXMB9zL03CIW7bFGxR…> is provided as an overview of the purpose and process for the Family Health Attestation. Wishing you an enjoyable vacation week and urging you to maintain your commitment to the protocols <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> that ensure a safe and healthy return to in-school learning after the school break. 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 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

February 3, 2021 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Last night, I presented a plan to the Needham School Committee for* enhancing health & safety and strengthening the elementary instructional model *for the Needham Public Schools. I am pleased to share highlights below and make the plan available for your review at this link: Enhancing Health & Safety and Strengthening the Elementary Instructional Model <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WoDExCUdnNXfxm_Xz2nQlX_4gTy9b6TZu6vNrpl…> The district applied lessons learned from the most recent research findings on health and safety and the hybrid learning model and assessed where we can affect change and where we cannot due to health considerations, space limitations, and cost. We identified strategic and focused improvements to meet the needs of our youngest and struggling learners while also supporting our creative and caring staff. These *improvements *are: 1. Offer COVID surveillance testing for all staff and implement a daily student Health Attestation form for all families. 2. Bring our K to 2 students back to school full-time (four days per week; on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) in class sections of no more than 17 that will allow for appropriate levels of physical distancing (3-6 feet); *starting March 8.* 3. Increase support for grades 3 to 5 students in the at-home cohort of the hybrid model with additional live interaction and instruction; *starting March 8.* I am hosting an Elementary Family Meeting for Students in the Hybrid Model <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/81834858466?pwd=ejJ2cFdwaDdkZFZ3anM1ODB…> tomorrow, Thursday, February 4th at 6:30 p.m. to present more details about the K to 5 hybrid plan and to answer your questions. I will record the meeting and post on our website for those who are unable to attend. Another Family Open House for PreK to 12 families will be scheduled on February 25 at 6:30 p.m. (Zoom link to follow) where we will discuss the new Health Attestation form and update you on health and safety in our schools. As a district, we will continue to work through obstacles and challenges to address all students’ learning and social and emotional needs as they arise and fortify our health and safety measures in response to the pandemic. With appreciation for your patience and continued partnership, 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 31 Jan '21

31 Jan '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share this brief update on the predicted snowstorm heading our way Monday afternoon into Tuesday: To the degree it is possible and safe to do so, I'd like our planned school schedule for Tuesday to remain the same. *That means having a remote learning day on Tuesday if the projected weather conditions warrant a school building closure, and that is likely given the latest reports.* However, if it becomes clear early on that power outages are impacting a broad region, we will have a snow day with no classes. If we keep Tuesday as a remote learning day, students will finish classes on Friday, June 18th; a snow day with no classes means the last student day becomes Monday, June 21st. It is not my intention to do away with traditional New England snow days. We still have plenty of winter ahead, and I expect that we will have more inclement weather. A March snowstorm could likely end up providing an opportunity for a traditional snow day, especially knowing how long that month sometimes feels. But in this most unexpected year when our lives - and the education of our students - have been upended, I do believe sticking to a school routine, even if it is remote, provides some semblance of normalcy for our students. I have asked teachers to be flexible and consider modifying lessons and the amount of time spent online so that students will have some time to enjoy the snow and perhaps assist a neighbor with clearing a sidewalk or driveway. Principals and teachers will communicate plans and schedules within the next day. Finally, if it becomes clear tomorrow late in the morning that afternoon travel will become treacherous, we will dismiss classes early so our students from Boston and Needham can get home safely. If this becomes necessary, we will alert families through our emergency notification system. Thanks for your patience and partnership as we navigate COVID and New England weather! 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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Reminder to Families
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 03 Jan '21

03 Jan '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we return to school tomorrow, Monday, January 4th, we ask that you review the following checklist, and complete each of the items below before your student(s) returns to school. It is important to complete a daily symptom check each day for each of your children, and adhere to the travel order in order to keep our community healthy. *Before my student returns to school on January 4, I have:* - Reviewed the Needham Public Schools Illness Guidelines <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32912157> - Reviewed the Massachusetts Travel Order <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order>and if you have traveled to a non lower-risk state, completed the Massachusetts Travel Form <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order#massachusetts-trave…>. Just a reminder that if your student has traveled to a non lower-risk state, they must submit documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test that was done within 72 hours of arrival back to MA, or must quarantine for 14 days. Please note the following: - Children 10 and under can return to school without a PCR/molecular test as long as the parent/guardian who travels with the student submits documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test to the school nurse - If the parent or student does not have a negative PCR/molecular test, the student must quarantine for 14 days as per the travel order - Students 11 and older must submit documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test done within 72 hours of arrival back to MA, or must quarantine for 14 days - ***A PCR test done prior to leaving Massachusetts i.e. for a weekend trip, does not meet the requirement, the PCR test must be done after leaving the state - *Students who have traveled and have not followed the appropriate protocols will be sent home immediately and remain home until they have completed a period of quarantine and/or received a negative PCR test result.* - Reviewed the Daily Symptoms Checklist <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32912140>; this must be completed each day for each of your students - Submitted documentation of your student’s flu shot-documentation must be received by the school nurse by February 28, 2021 - Notified your student’s school nurse if your student was positive for COVID-19, diagnosed with the flu, or was identified as a close contact while over winter break - Talked to your student about the need to wear a mask while outside of school, avoid gathering in groups indoors and in cars, and maintain a distance of 6 feet Thank you for your continued partnership as we work through this challenging time together. Here's to a Healthy and Happy New Year! 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 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham Public Schools will be open tomorrow, Friday, December 18th, as scheduled. However, I want to caution all families and students that not all roadways and sidewalks will be completely ice and snow free, so please exercise patience and care as you come to school. Leave plenty of time for the morning commute from your homes in Boston and Needham. 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.

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

15 Dec '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share two important updates: *• Weather-related School Closures* The winter season is upon us, and this year we will continue to prioritize safety as the major factor in deciding if we can open schools or not. The implementation of our hybrid and remote learning programs means that we can continue learning for all students at home even if school buildings must be closed due to a storm. *Thus, I anticipate most days that otherwise would be traditional snow days with no teaching and learning can become remote learning days for all students. * Additional information, including how families are notified about weather-related closures, can be found on the district website: Weather-related Information <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/I…> The quickest way to find out about a weather-related decision is Twitter where I also post the information: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt *• Family Responsibilities Over Vacation* As we approach the holidays and winter break, we ask that you review the following checklist, and complete each of the items below before your student(s) returns to school on 1/4/2021. It is important to complete a daily symptom check each day for each of your children, and adhere to the travel order in order to keep our community healthy. Before my student returns to school on January 4, I have: - Reviewed the Needham Public Schools Illness Guidelines <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32912157> - Reviewed the Massachusetts Travel Order <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order>and if you have traveled to a non lower-risk state, completed the Massachusetts Travel Form <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order#massachusetts-trave…>. Just a reminder that if your student has traveled to a non lower-risk state, they must submit documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test that was done within 72 hours of arrival back to MA, or must quarantine for 14 days. Please note the following: - Children 10 and under can return to school without a PCR/molecular test as long as the parent/guardian who travels with the student submits documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test to the school nurse - If the parent or student does not have a negative PCR/molecular test, the student must quarantine for 14 days as per the travel order - Students 11 and older must submit documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test done within 72 hours of arrival back to MA, or must quarantine for 14 days - ***A PCR test done prior to leaving Massachusetts i.e. for a weekend trip, does not meet the requirement, the PCR test must be done after leaving the state - *Students who have traveled and have not followed the appropriate protocols will be sent home immediately and remain home until they have completed a period of quarantine and/or received a negative PCR test result.* - Reviewed the Daily Symptoms Checklist <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32912140>; this must be completed each day for each of your students - Submitted documentation of your student’s flu shot-documentation must be received by the school nurse by December 31, 2021 - Notified your student’s school nurse if your student was positive for COVID-19, diagnosed with the flu, or was identified as a close contact while over winter break - Talked to your student about the need to wear a mask while outside of school, avoid gathering in groups indoors and in cars, and maintain a distance of 6 feet Thank you for your continued partnership as we work through this challenging time together, and we wish you a happy and health holiday season! 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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