- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 20 Nov '20

20 Nov '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share some information and updates as we conclude the week and prepare for what will be a quiet Thanksgiving holiday: *• Video Message from the Superintendent *I am asking that all families and students please watch the following five minute important video message for families <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC1LgTNgl28&feature=youtu.be>. *• Students and Thanksgiving Travel *As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season please remember that the Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order> is in effect. If your student travels to another state your student will need to produce documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test that was done within 72 hours of arrival back to MA or quarantine at home for 14 days. Please note that if your student leaves the state for the weekend, they cannot get a PCR test before leaving Massachusetts and use those results to fulfill the travel order. The PCR test needs to be done either at the state your child visits, or upon arrival back to Massachusetts, and they must quarantine at home while awaiting results. If your student is not tested with a PCR/molecular test, they will need to quarantine at home for 14 days before returning to in-person learning. Please submit documentation of any COVID-19 PCR/molecular test to your child's school nurse. You may find test sites in Massachusetts here <https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing>. *• Student Achievements *Congratulations are in order for the two Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) Academic Excellence Award honorees, Catherine Chen and Sasha Rieser, both NHS seniors. Catherine and Sasha were honored at a recent School Committee meeting for their superb commitment to learning and academic excellence. They clearly represent our core values around Scholarship and Personal Growth, and they are exemplary role models for children as well as adults! At the School Committee meeting both seniors expressed their deep appreciation for their parents' support and to all of the Needham teachers who have guided and assisted them over the years. Finally, while our Thanksgiving celebrations will be muted this year, we can all be thankful that we are surrounded by amazing young people who inspire us and give hope for a bright future. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 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 10 Nov '20

10 Nov '20

November 10, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families, Allow me to share the following invitations and updates: • *Virtual Open House* The School Committee will host an Open House on Saturday, November 14th from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/85897967182?pwd=OUIxTW9qRnh4TjRaRTRseXZ…> This is an opportunity for families to provide feedback and ideas as we collaborate in navigating through the health crisis and ensuring all students continue to receive an excellent education. Here is the link to the Open House <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/85897967182?pwd=OUIxTW9qRnh4TjRaRTRseXZ…>. In the hopes of addressing as many questions as possible, School Committee Chair Andrea Longo Carter will facilitate the discussion using comments, questions, and suggestion gathered from this survey: Comments, Questions, and Suggestions for Open House Discussion <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRI7QhO5rIzHrXvKqsVQvQOvND1S13HDq…>. Please take a moment to add your ideas so that the School Committee can address as many as possible during the Open House. *• <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YTB2QJQ> District Survey* In addition to the Open House, families have the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas about their child's experience with the hybrid and remote learning models through a District Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YTB2QJQ>. Families' responses will be compared with responses from our students and our faculty and staff in order to provide a comprehensive picture of strengths and areas that need attention as we continue through the school year. The survey will remain open until next Monday, November 16th at 5:00 p.m. . Please take 10 minutes now to complete the district survey at this link <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YTB2QJQ>. Links to translated surveys can be found here: (ENCUESTA FAMILIAR <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-SpanishFamily> (Spanish), ОБСЛЕДОВАНИЕ СЕМЬИ <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-RussianFamily> (Russian), PESQUISA DE FAMÍLIA <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-PortugueseFamily> (Portuguese), and 家庭调查 <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-ChineseFamily> (Chinese) *• Needham Diversity Initiative Summit * The theme for the Diversity Summit this year is "Hate Has No Home Here - Beyond the Yard Signs" and this community event is being held virtually on Sunday, November 15th from noon until 5:00pm. The Summit brings together community leaders, friends, neighbors, and students to explore, foster, strengthen, and celebrate Needham's diversity. There is no fee to attend, but registration <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/needham-diversity-summit-90-hate-has-no-home-h…> is required. *• Veterans Day* Any day is a good day to thank veterans for their service to our nation - however, it's particularly important on Veterans Day, November 11th. Initially, Veterans Day was meant to celebrate the end of World War I and usher in a world without war and conflict. It has evolved into a holiday honoring current and former members of the United States Armed Forces. I'd like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our veterans on behalf of the Needham Public Schools. We are grateful for their sacrifice, bravery, and the fine example they set for us all. (See how the High Rock School community acknowledges our vets here: High Rock honors veterans <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12O4IrLvUDCDFQenWIIBeYlIrQsMKmiHTVh2…> ) *• The 4 Ws!* Even though our routines, family lives, and traditions may have been upended by COVID-19, it's comforting to know we can count on each other as partners in the complex work of mitigating the spread of the disease and reinventing the educational models needed to support our children. Let's keep our children and families safe: *Wear* a mask! *Watch* your distance! *Wash* your hands! *Wait* for test results before going to school! 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 29 Oct '20

29 Oct '20

October 29, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• Information for Requests to Transfer Between Learning Models/Cohorts *We strongly encourage students to remain in their school program (Hybrid Learning Program or Remote Learning Academy) for the full academic year. However, if families need to switch programs due to, for example, a change in family health circumstances, please read the following information about requesting a transfer between cohorts: Cohort Transfer Request Information <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ibLlBi6j02E8hRbOK_9k3n2PzFADd4nCBV9kK_5…> *• Needham Schools Spotlight *Please check out the latest Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> featuring a conversation about the new school year with Needham School Committee Chair Andrea Longo Carter, Town of Needham Director of Health and Human Services, Tim McDonald, and Eliot Principal Karen Bourn. *• Opportunities for Family Engagement *Needham families are invited to participate in two upcoming opportunities to share feedback and ideas about the new school year, particularly as they relate to our hybrid and remote learning models: The School Committee will host a virtual Open House on Saturday, November 14th from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. (link to follow) and within the next two weeks families will be invited to complete a brief 10 minute survey asking about their student's school experience. These opportunities are designed to provide feedback to the School Committee and school administration and staff as we collaborate with families to ensure all students continue to receive an excellent education in the NPS. *• COVID-19 Health and Safety Information* I have been asked by many parents, staff, and students what might prompt a decision to close our schools and have remote only instruction. While the Joint Committee on Health & Safety <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_qxwWYxKERbMfypJpx0ychY8yVOHfkzoqvpO1U6…> will continue to monitor the health metrics and advise me on school closures or re-openings due to COVID-19, in large part the answer depends on how our school community will adhere to safety measures and protocols. For example, paying attention to the *4 Ws* is critical: *Wear* a mask; *Watch* your distance, *Wash *your hands; *Wait* for test results before coming to school. This is especially important now that we are heading into colder weather. Recently, many Needham students affiliated with sports travel teams have been asked to quarantine and miss school due to their contacts with others in those activities. If too many students get sick or require quarantining due to their participation on travel teams - or other activities - this could jeopardize schools being open for many students or an entire school building. Further, the Needham Public Health Department would like to remind families that if your child is participating in sports leagues that travel outside of Massachusetts to a state that is not on the lower risk list, your child must quarantine for 14 days or remain quarantined until they receive a negative PCR test after returning to Massachusetts. Sports do not meet the definition for the Commissioner's limited exceptions, and you could be subject to a fine of $500/day for not following this order. Please visit the COVID-19 Travel Order <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order> for more information. *Simply put: Students and families have to curb travel and activities that put young people in close contact with many others, including family members who may wish to travel to Massachusetts for the upcoming holidays.* If we want to stay in school, all of us will need to sacrifice precious time with friends and extended family, especially in the weeks and months ahead. This year my wife and I will spend Thanksgiving without our three daughters for the first time, but we know it is the right thing to do. Let's all make a commitment to limit our outside activities, help our young people adhere to health protocols, and focus on keeping our schools safe, healthy, *and open*. This is all hard, but we can do it. Thanks for your continued partnership with our amazing teachers and staff! 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 14 Oct '20

14 Oct '20

October 14, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share the following updates and information: *• COVID-19 Health Information * *• Needham Community Education: Parent University* *• Student Accolades* *• COVID-19 Health Information & District Dashboard* Allow me to share information about 1) A positive COVID-19 case at Newman yesterday, 2) the new District Dashboard, and 3) How families can help keep everyone healthy: *1)* Yesterday, October 13th, we had a positive COVID-19 case at Newman. The individual is resting at home today and close contacts are quarantining. *Please know that any adult or student who is considered a close contact of this individual has already been identified and notified; if you have not been contacted, your child and siblings can continue regular activities, including attending school.* If a Needham Public Schools staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, the contact tracing protocol <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> is implemented. Any adult or student who is considered a close contact <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-BZMtYBa8f38WtbNmnMPXB2pjAwnvHGOy0pOVWl…> of this individual is identified and notified by the Public Health Department. (It is very important to answer the call from the Public Health Department and follow their instructions about staying home from school and away from extracurricular activities. Families and staff are advised to call their healthcare provider for evaluation and get a COVID-19 PCR test.)* If individuals are not notified through the Public Health Department’s contact tracing, they are not close contacts and do not need to quarantine. * We are working in collaboration with the Needham Department of Public Health to implement our health and safety guidelines, including steps we must take if an individual tests positive. More information can be found here: MA Department of Public Health <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-public-health-guidance-and-direc…> and here: Needham Public Schools Illness Guidelines <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> . *2)* This week the district launched a COVID-19 District Dashboard <https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/38f06c1e-7093-4a9e-9c83-af8a36c457c…> to provide timely and updated information about positive cases within the NPS. *I will not be communicating to families each time we have a positive case in our schools; please refer to the dashboard for updated information. *However, if there are multiple cases of transmission either impacting an entire school or multiple schools, I will communicate with all staff and families about the next steps, which could include: closing part of or the entire school or district for a short time for thorough cleaning, or closing for the duration of a 14-day quarantine. *3) * Families can help by keeping sick students *and those students who have been tested but are awaiting test results at home. *We recognize that there are some pediatricians who may tell a parent that a child can attend school while awaiting test results; however, the Needham Public Schools, in collaboration with the Needham Department of Public Health, expects students awaiting tests results to remain home. If your child is tested or you are uncertain about your child's status or condition, please contact the school nurse before sending your child to school. The only way we can continue to have in-person schooling is if we all follow the 4 W's: *Wash* your hands! *Wear* a mask! *Watch* your distance! *Wait *at home if sick or awaiting test results! *• Parent University *During this unprecedented time of remote learning, Needham parents, caregivers, and guardians are seeking guidance and resources to assist their students. In response, Needham Community Education <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/community_ed> has launched the NCE Parent University, with some upcoming workshops <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xA4-W4W4c5J8bfwbjbVjtD7ISV7Ja8AC/view?usp=…> that provide parents with tips and strategies for helping their children keep focused, improve their executive function skills, set up their learning spaces, and more. You can register online for "How To Support Your Elementary or Middle School Student in Remote Learning" and "Strategies for Reducing Academic Stress and Creating Successful Students" at this link <https://www.schoolpay.com/parent/mip/Mdud>. If you have questions about the Parent University or suggestions for future workshops, please contact Amy Goldman, Director of NCE Adult Programs at amy_goldman(a)needham.k12.ma.us *• Congratulations, Students! *Congratulations to Needham High School students for being commended or named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test <https://www.compassprep.com/national-merit-semifinalist-cutoffs/comment-pag…>: *Semi-Finalists: *Catherine Chen, William Euwart, Ryan Judge, Joshua Keselman, Bronwen Olson, Matilda Slosser, Simon Traub, Harvard Wang, Isabelle Young, Lance Zhang *Commended Students:* Eric Barbieri, Thomas Cardozo, Mira Echambadi, Meghan Flack, Thomas Flanagan, Camryn Foster, Jonathan Friedman, Eva Gorenburg, Addison Hart, Amos Langsner, Margaret Lehman, Daniel Lubie, Eleanor Mackey, Sam O'Nuallain, Henry Powers, Kaitlyn Ramesh, Alexandra Rieser, Jonathan Schor, Rebecca Schwartz, Phoebe Shubin, Abigail Sprinsky, Vincent Wang, William Yin, Christopher Zhang, Jacob Zinner. We are proud of these and all of our students who each day demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and growth! 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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Nutrition Services Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Oct '20

09 Oct '20

Dear NPS Families: Please click on the link to find new information and updates about our Nutrition Services Program: Meal Service Updates <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KzsxmaV2cY5IhR3BC585giC7aeIUV5KKjEH6ccy…> Thank you. 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 Oct '20

05 Oct '20

October 5, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: This weekend, we had our first positive COVID-19 case among the high school student body. Although it saddens me to know that one of our students is ill, I’m relieved that the health team from the district and the Town’s Department of Health responded promptly and appropriately. I am also pleased and grateful to report that the family recognized the student was not feeling well earlier in the week and kept the student home for the first week of classes. As a result, there was no contact with other individuals in the school. *Please know that any adult or student who is considered a close contact of this individual has already been identified and notified. Those individuals are required to quarantine for 14 days.* Allow me to take this opportunity to share with you how the Needham Public Schools will be communicating information about COVID-19 cases in our district and helping to mitigate the spread of the disease. First and foremost, we will be guided by Department of Public Health <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-public-health-guidance-and-direc…> guidelines and the Needham Public Schools Illness Guidelines <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> . *• Student Illness *If your student is ill, your first call should be to the School Nurse so that we can ensure you receive the information you need to keep your family safe and so our health officials can immediately begin contact tracing. *• Contact Tracing* If a Needham Public Schools staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, the contact tracing protocol <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> is implemented. Any adult or student who is considered a close contact <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-BZMtYBa8f38WtbNmnMPXB2pjAwnvHGOy0pOVWl…> of this individual is identified and notified by the Public Health Department. It is very important to answer the call from the Public Health Department and follow their instructions about staying home from school and away from extracurricular activities. Families and staff are advised to call their healthcare provider for evaluation and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If individuals are not notified through the Public Health Department’s contact tracing, they are not close contacts and do not need to quarantine. The Needham Public Schools will complement contact tracing by taking the following steps: *-* There may be times when the district reaches out to families through the use of our automated phone system to request that children in certain classes or in certain schools be kept home while the contact tracing is being implemented. This brief phone message will be followed up the next day with more information about the return to school. *- *If there is the need for an entire class to quarantine, the school will communicate with families about how their child’s learning will continue. *-* If there is a suspected in-school or in-district transmission, the Superintendent will communicate with all staff and families about the next steps, which could include: closing part of or the entire school or district for a short time for thorough cleaning, or closing for the duration of a 14-day quarantine. This communication will be shared with the Town for wide distribution. *-* On the district website, information on the number of known cases of COVID-19 will soon be posted for general reference. This number does not include any personally identifiable information and is reported, as required, to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. *To reiterate, you are receiving this communication for informational purposes. If you have not been previously contacted by our health professionals, your student is not in the group that will need to follow protocols in place for close contacts.* At the heart of the district’s communication’s process is our dedication to health and safety. Our focus has been - and will remain - the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students, staff, families, and community. 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 27 Sep '20

27 Sep '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we begin the third week of this most unusual of school years and anticipate our students' return to school buildings on Tuesday, allow me to share three brief updates: *• Returning to School * The district's website contains all the information you will need to plan for a safe and healthy return to the school buildings: Plans for Reopening Our Schools <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> Included in this information are the preliminary ventilation reports for our schools: School Ventilation Reports and Information <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NDsQ8vHJ7ZibvcNSa9hrrJovGiRx0XER/view>. The website is updated regularly with additional information. *• Facilities Master Plan Public Hearing* Last year the School Committee launched an ambitious study of all school facilities based on projected enrollment patterns to determine which schools may need to be replaced or renovated. Recently, Dore and Whittier, the architects who designed the high school addition and Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, shared the preliminary Needham Public Schools Facilities Master Plan Presentation <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1p3NDw4SGEJxpx71jMK6WquiP8uEC1AsH4pt…> to the School Committee. At their October 6th meeting, the School Committee will briefly review the plan again and hold a public hearing to understand the parent and community perspective around the plan. They also will vote on an option to move forward as part of the Town's annual Capital Improvement Program. Details and the specific agenda for the meeting will be available later in the week. The full facilities study is available here: School Committee Packet with Facilities Master Plan Executive Summary <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1na_YaShsfenHyOjV21h4Twf4b0ZXuyhG/view?usp=…> . *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post includes my remarks shared with the staff as we reflect on a new school year: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>. *• Stay in Touch with the Superintendent! *Please sign up for Twitter to receive regular updates, information, and news about the schools, students, and staff of the Needham Public Schools: Superintendent's Twitter <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimelin…>. Also, please email me with questions, comments, and ideas: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Best wishes to our students, families and staff as we continue to launch a new year of learning, achievement, and growth! 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 22 Sep '20

22 Sep '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am writing to inform you that in the last two days an unknown person or persons managed to get into several Zoom sessions and disrupt classrooms at Pollard with racist, ugly, and hurtful language and taunts. While the vile language was not directed at any person in particular, it most certainly was offensive to any student, particularly a Black student or staff member who experienced it. Separately, a student at Sunita L. Williams directed a racial slur toward another student during an online class. In this particular circumstance, we are emphasizing the importance of teaching our youngest students about the impact of words and behaviors and how actions that are racist are hurtful and are not tolerated. I am extremely sorry students and staff were witnesses to, or in the case at Sunita Williams a victim of, this hate-filled language and that an individual(s) expressed this language in Needham classrooms where we strive to ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and anti-racist environment. These were cowardly, contemptible, and despicable acts that caused a significant disruption but will not detract from our learning or undermine our values of respect, equity, and community. As a result of these incidents we have: • Spoken to impacted students, staff, and families and planned necessary next steps to bring about appropriate dialogue, conversations, and healing • Followed our protocols for responding to an incident of bias or hate: Responding to Acts of Bias or Hate in the NPS <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/S…> • Notified the police so that they may investigate as appropriate; any individual found responsible will be subject to legal action • Provided additional directions to Pollard staff in regards to various controls and permissions on the Zoom platform; we are working with our IT team and Zoom to determine additional steps I wish I was not contacting you to share this disturbing information, but I want you to know that we take this behavior seriously and will address it without delay and in a way that will support our students, staff, and families. 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 Sep '20

11 Sep '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Welcome to the start of the 2020-2021 school year! Even though we are meeting remotely for the first two weeks of school, there is excitement and joy in bringing our students and staff back together. I’m proud that our staff is able to pivot to a fully remote learning model for the short term. I am writing to provide you with important updates regarding the remote start of school on Monday, September 14 for students in Preschool through grade 12 and to explain the plan for reopening our school buildings on Tuesday, September 29. I know that the two-week delay in reopening the school buildings has placed another burden on some of our families, and I thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate the uncertainties in the midst of a pandemic. I encourage you to watch this 10-minute video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99oFlVwq3Mw> addressing school reopening plans and our commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of all our students and staff. I am joined by School Committee Chair Andrea Longo Carter and Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick. *• Maintenance and Health & Safety *As I’ve said many times over the past six months, the health and safety of the Needham community is paramount, and we’ve dedicated a section of the district website for important health and safety <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> information and protocols for families to review. To read more about our efforts to ensure safe and healthy school environments, click here: NPS School Maintenance Information <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bIAF771ehnIacPmZ7jEyLnt6jI_U4eCU02cmzAh…> . *• Revised School Calendar. *Our first day of school is Monday, September 14th with all students engaged remotely. Please see the updated school calendar <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Calendars/…> . We made a slight adjustment in the schedule: September 29 and 30 will be full days for the students in the Gold cohort; October 1 and 2 will be full days for students in the Blue cohort. The following weeks will continue with the planned calendar already approved by the School Committee. *• Schedule for the First Two Weeks *As we begin the school year across the district, we are focused on building relationships and building capacity for learning, particularly in a remote learning environment. Teachers will take the time to get to know students, outline plans for success, and establish norms and expectations—all in an effort to nurture a strong academic experience for each student. Your child’s principal has already or will communicate specific information about learning from home and share details about the first week of school that are important to know for a successful start. In the Remote Learning Academy <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…>, the schedule will proceed as planned. Starting on day 1, the students will be building capacity for learning in a fully remote environment. There will be virtual meet-and-greet sessions, materials will be distributed, smaller live meetings will be held, and asynchronous work will begin. *• Technology *The NPS is committed to providing the technology tools necessary to support all students in the upcoming school year. To learn more about our plans and programs to support all learners, click here: NPS School Technology Information <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xbj7pcRu9zJ-XAGnRecUInS87zswvbgUKONMtm9…> . *• Nutrition Services *School Nutrition Services staff will be preparing hot and fresh lunches every day for all Needham students beginning Monday, September 14th. In accordance with a recent USDA waiver, school meals will be* free for all children and teens, *regardless of family income, for the first few months of this unique school year. Review the Nutrition Services information here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xkmxUyMIfvg-Y01mYf_e8jB9ZKJS_9wqG0Ws5XT…> to order a lunch to pick up and go; pick up will be at designated times at your child's school. *• Transportation *Bus passes have been mailed to our families who are registered for Transportation, including our Boston-resident families. If you have any questions or are interested in transportation, please check out information on the district's website: School Transportation <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/transportation> Please also check our FAQs <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> on topics including building safety, health protocols, and the remote start to the school year. Our faculty and staff have worked together tirelessly and creatively to prepare for the start of school. We are ready to welcome and teach our students! We are knowledgeable of the new safety protocols; we’ve moved forward with the Needham Education Association negotiating team in prioritizing student and staff needs; we’ve hired qualified staff to fill open positions; and we have enough supplies to begin the school year. We can't wait to see our students! On behalf of the dedicated faculty and staff of the Needham Public Schools, thank you for your continued partnership and welcome to the 2020-21 academic 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 04 Sep '20

04 Sep '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am writing to you to inform you that school will start as scheduled on Monday, September 14th *but we will begin with remote learning only until Tuesday, September 29th when in person learning will begin for all students in grades Preschool to 12.* After receiving an update around the maintenance plans and ongoing work taking place in all of the schools related to ventilation upgrades, it is my conclusion that the maintenance staff needs more time to complete necessary repairs so that we can open all schools and classrooms within a safe and healthy environment. I regret sending this information to you with only ten or so days to go with that start of the school year, but my number one priority has been - and will remain - the health, safety, and wellbeing of each student and staff member. Nothing else is more important to me, and I thought I should make this decision now so that families have at least some time to plan for their children to be learning at home remotely for the first two weeks of the school year. I will send out an additional communication over the next two or three days that will include more information. *In the meantime, please do not email or contact building principals, administrators, teachers, or staff requesting information about what this means to your child or inquiring about specific plans.* That information and additional details will be forthcoming. For now, rest assured that our teachers and staff will be ready to connect with your children remotely on what remains the first day of school, Monday, September 14th. 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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