- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

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

27 Aug '20

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

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

13 Aug '20

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

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

11 Aug '20

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

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

04 Aug '20

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

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

02 Aug '20

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

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

02 Aug '20

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

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

20 Jul '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Please remember to complete the July NPS Family Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/July-Family> so we can understand how best to support your children and your families in the coming school year. This Thursday, July 23rd at 5:00 p.m. School Committee Chair Andrea Longo-Carter and I will host a virtual Open House to share initial ideas about school reopening plans and respond to questions and comments. Here is the link to the meeting: *Topic:* Open House with School Committee Chair Andrea Longo Carter & Superintendent of Schools Dan Gutekanst *Time:* Jul 23, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86919720211?pwd=TWJxSGxhS0R2UnFVV2R2VkpXYXB1UT09 Meeting ID: 869 1972 0211 Passcode: ChsQ8D One tap mobile +16465588656,,86919720211#,,,,,,0#,,362399# US (New York) +13017158592,,86919720211#,,,,,,0#,,362399# US (Germantown) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 869 1972 0211 Passcode: 362399 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdeBffcJFi We look forward to seeing you. 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: Family Survey for School Reopening
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Jul '20

14 Jul '20

Español русский 中文 한국어 Português عربى 日本人 Kreyòl Ayisyen پښتو svenska Tiếng Việt <https://forms.gle/qcCKJnqpocbWFzmm7> Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As our COVID-19 Advisory Committee and staff Task Forces continue planning for the reopening of school in September, it is critical to understand the concerns and perspectives of our families. (You may access COVID-19 Advisory Committee presentations here: June Advisory Meeting/Presentation <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17ILu7IeFM0V8-0qrAi1rPWIRYwhoTdOWE-L…> and July Advisory Meeting/Presentation <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PRCWlSMP2ZoOfsubjyDPUDmXeVBH_twFZxi…> ) We are grateful to the 2,642 families who participated in the District Survey <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uUKlHCsInYlLKPPUJE8KCGyGqzsO1xfp/view?usp=…>administered in June, which is a 46% participation rate, and we will continue to incorporate their responses and suggestions into the planning process. Now we are asking *all* NPS families for specific information so we can understand how best to support your children and your families. We need you to please take a few minutes to complete this survey: July NPS Family Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/July-Family> I expect to provide additional information about our school reopening plans in the next few weeks. Next Thursday, July 23rd at 5:00 p.m. School Committee Chair Andrea Longo-Carter and I will host a virtual Open House to share initial planning and ideas and respond to questions and comments. The link to the Open House will be sent early next week. Please complete the survey now! July NPS Family Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/July-Family> Many thanks for your assistance and support. 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 25 Jun '20

25 Jun '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: This afternoon, Governor Baker and Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Jeff Riley released their initial guidance about reopening schools this fall. I very much appreciate the time and thought that went into the development of this guidance, especially with its focus on prioritizing student and staff health and safety. The overall goal is the return of as many students as possible to in-person school settings in order to best meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. I encourage you to read the Commissioner’s full report at Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance <http://www.doe.mass.edu/>. Needham Public Schools administrators and staff, guided by the COVID-19 Advisory Committee, will immediately review the guidelines and continue our planning for a safe reopening of school in the fall. We understand that these initial guidelines do not address every topic or concern and that there will be additional guidance forthcoming from DESE later in July. Following are key components of the guidance we received today: · Current medical research supports a safe in-person return to school - with preventive measures in place - as infection and transmission rates are lower for children than adults. · Preventive measures include masks/face coverings, physical distancing, hand washing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. · Masks/face coverings will be required for all students in Grade 2 and above and for all adults. · Schools should maximize physical distance wherever possible, however, based upon current medical research, and in conjunction with other preventative measures, three feet is the minimum distance required. The guidance directs school districts to develop three separate plans - one for return to full in-person instruction with safety requirements, one for hybrid learning that combines in-person and remote learning, and one for full remote learning. Based upon the current medical situation and the trajectory of the disease in Massachusetts, the expectation today is that students will return to full in-person instruction in September; however, that is subject to change based upon how the medical situation develops. Furthermore, we will need to analyze and consider how our schools and classrooms can be organized to facilitate the health and safety measures outlined; this will be challenging work and likely result in tradeoffs to programs and the traditional school day. I acknowledge that there are more questions than answers at this time; rest assured we will continue to communicate with you in the coming weeks and months. Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together during these challenging times. 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 19 Jun '20

19 Jun '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we get ready for summer break, I’d like to update you on our thinking and planning efforts for the fall. First, let me congratulate the 404 members of the Needham High School Class of 2020! While they had a challenging conclusion to their senior year, the community recently honored the class with an extraordinary show of spirit and celebration during a parade through town which culminated in a final stop at NHS where many received their diplomas before heading on to work, college and the military. Seniors will also have another ceremony on Memorial Field in July when the remainder of the class will receive diplomas. We wish them the best! Allow me also to express my appreciation for your partnership, patience, and support over the last few months as we worked together during the health emergency to implement our remote learning plan. When we shuttered schools back on March 13th, our staff had only a few days to figure out how we would continue providing instruction and maintain connections with our students in a remote environment. I am proud of how hard they worked to meet student needs and create lessons that kept them learning, however imperfectly. We clearly have not yet perfected the art of remote learning; there are things we know we can and will do to strengthen our instructional plans should we need them in the future. There are areas to improve and grow, and I appreciate that over 2,500 parents completed the recent survey to help us better understand the parent perspective on our work. This summer, almost 400 teachers will work together to review their instructional strategies, learn new technology skills, and recalibrate and adjust the curriculum so we will be prepared for students in the fall. We are excited to leverage our remote learning experience into new ideas and strategies in order to enhance the classroom experience for our students. Even as we end school and prepare for our summer work, we are planning for the fall. I know parents have many questions about next year: Will the school start on time? What will it look like? Will it be safe? These, and other questions, are the right ones and the very questions we are thinking about and focused on. I can’t tell you at this moment what next fall will look like; we simply don’t know yet. What I can do is share the following information: • We will prioritize health and safety for all of our students and staff in any plans we develop. • We are awaiting guidance from the Governor and the Commissioner of Education who will provide general direction and plans for all schools to implement in the coming year. I expect that he will share his initial plans within the next two weeks. For more information: COVID-19 MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education <http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/> • In anticipation of receiving the Commissioner's guidance, we have created five task forces in the areas of technology, teaching and learning, student support services, operations & human resources, and health & wellness all working together under the guidance of a COVID-19 Advisory Committee comprised of staff, parents, town officials, and public health experts. These groups are collaborating now and will work throughout the summer to plan for a safe reopening of school in the fall. For more information about our work, please review a recent School Committee update: Update on COVID-19 Emergency <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aGzeik5J4GyCxTmXAdbNl4RMqLcR0K-2WIP…> • Our work, which we have based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schoo…>, so far has identified five possibilities: 1. A return to school with a new normal of health and safety protocols so that all students can be in the buildings 2. A model with some students in the buildings and some at home to accommodate students' physical and mental health needs 3. A model with alternating schedules where students attend on different days so we have more room in the buildings for social distancing 4. A model that requires the school to be closed for a short period of time with learning at home, in response to reported cases of COVID-19 at school 5. A complete remote learning model in which all students remain home • We will continue to partner with the Needham Education Association in all of our planning, and we will make sure that all employees representing teachers, teacher assistants, nutrition services, clerical/technical staff, and administrators are represented in the process. While the timeline for making decisions about the reopening of schools will depend on the Commissioner's guidance as well as public health considerations, I expect to bring tentative plans and updates to the School Committee in July. *Of course, any plans we make to reopen schools could be changed later in the summer if public health officials determine it is necessary to do so. * We will have to be flexible and nimble with our planning to adjust as the situation requires. Families can expect regular updates and information throughout the summer months as we plan for your child's new school year. Finally, let me conclude by also acknowledging and recognizing how we as a community of learners have responded to the recent events surrounding the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Our teachers and staff prioritized lessons, readings, and difficult conversations about racial violence and inequities in the last couple of weeks, and our high school students led a Black Lives Matter rally and march involving hundreds of students, staff, and community members that culminated in an 8 minute and 46 second period of silence honoring Mr. Floyd and all of those who are victims of racial violence and hatred. Our students were eloquent, passionate, poised; and they are hurt, angry, and tired. They shared stories about racist experiences they have had in school and in town at local stores and restaurants; they expressed frustration at how they are often perceived or treated. As the students that live and learn in Needham ended their rally, they stood on the steps of Needham's Town Hall and demanded that we, the adults, do better by them and for them. And they are right. We can and we must do better. What I have come to realize is that this is not their fight, nor is it the responsibility of black, brown, and Asian neighbors and colleagues to lead the efforts around anti-racism. Instead, Needham’s students and staff of color have taught me it is the white staff and community members who must assume responsibility for taking anti-racist and anti-bias actions and steps that will finally address hatred, discrimination, and racism in our schools, community, and nation. We are responsible to help make this world a better, fairer, and more just place for all children and adults. The Needham Public Schools is committed to this work, and we promise to share additional actions and updates in the new school year. For more information about our initial efforts, please check out the district’s website: Equity in the Needham Public Schools <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/equity> I hope the weeks and months ahead provide you and your family time to hang out, enjoy some good books, and relax and rejuvenate. Thanks for your partnership with the Needham Public Schools. Stay safe and have a great summer! 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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