- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

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

26 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope you and your family had a restful February break! Besides working a few days, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to visit with three of my ten siblings whom I have not seen for over two years. It was a small but great reunion capped off by a visit with two of my daughters who live in the DC area. Allow me to share these health and safety updates as we prepare for a new week and the ending of the mask mandate on Monday, March 7th. *• At Home Testing *For those families who have received the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, please make sure your student is tested on Sunday before returning to school on Monday morning, February 28th. If your student tests positive, please follow the appropriate health protocol: COVID Protocol Updates <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NdyqyVm2qpIn6KEN3bBjMpB8XabmKkolkr7uNBi…> *• Health Attestation *A reminder that the health attestation needs to be completed for each student each day before attending school. This tool is a key way that students and staff can assess personal health each day in order to help ensure healthy classrooms and schools. The parents of those students for whom the attestation has not been completed will be contacted and/or the school nurse may assess a child who presents with symptoms. In the coming weeks, I anticipate we will re-evaluate the need for a daily attestation; in the meantime I appreciate your cooperation in completing this health requirement each school day. *• Preparing for Mask Friendly Schools *Please check out my latest Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> to learn about our efforts to create the conditions for a mask friendly learning environment beginning on March 7th. *• Ten Minutes with Karen Bourn and Andy Garlick *My latest brief ten minute video features Eliot Principal Karen Bourn and Broadmeadow Principal Andy Garlick <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZHaE85iAZk> who share how we are planning to create the conditions for mask optional or mask friendly learning environments in the Needham Public Schools. As we begin a new week of learning, let's also keep in mind the people of Ukraine, especially those who have died, and hope and pray that there is a quick resolution to the invasion of their country. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On February 9th Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Riley released an update <https://drive.google.com/file/d/15gmvY8u9n6MVHbNde7aGQkDhEaBeOH7J/view> stating that the statewide school mask mandate will end on Monday, February 28th for students and staff in grades K-12, vaccinated and unvaccinated. The Commissioner is also allowing local communities to determine an implementation timeline that makes sense for individual school districts. Both DESE and the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) strongly recommend unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks in school settings. Based on improving local health metrics <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hnRC0gioYWF2tX7W9DOr3c37zgynyJIa/ed…>, high staff and student vaccination rates <https://docs.google.com/document/d/17RxCFS1NjDCk7PtbLB007fEM25OoBfLHSoR0lFq…>, the availability of symptomatic and at home testing, and the continued priority the Needham Public Schools (NPS) places on maintaining healthy schools, the Joint Committee on Health and Safety has recommended to me that the NPS implement a mask friendly learning environment for all K-12 students and staff effective Monday, March 7th. They have also recommended that for the time being Preschool staff and students remain masked. The Joint Committee on Health and Safety <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=36642797> has met regularly since the summer of 2020 and has provided advice and guidance to me to ensure the safe and healthy operations of the Needham Public Schools during the pandemic. Through the evaluation of medical and public health data; setting standards for the safe operation of schools; and recommending various health protocols and procedures, we have been able to keep our schools open for learning since the fall of 2020. Given the Commissioner’s latest announcement; the reality that positive cases continue to decline statewide and locally; the availability of both symptomatic and at home testing for families and staff; the high rate of student vaccinations; the continued focus on health and safety protocols in our schools; and the desire to continue to nurture a supportive, caring, and student-centered experience in each classroom and school, the Joint Committee on Health and Safety recommends I implement the following: • Create a Mask Friendly Learning Environment A mask friendly environment recognizes and respects all our students and staff. Depending on their individual and family health risks and needs, students and staff can choose whether to wear a mask or not while in the school buildings. The district will reinforce personal choice and the importance of supporting those whose decisions differ from others. Masks must still be worn in school health offices and on school transportation, as federally mandated. Preschool students and staff will also continue to mask. • Plan for the Change We have been deliberate about each of the health and safety measures we have taken and creating a mask friendly learning environment is no exception. Given the likelihood of family travel over the upcoming break and possible increased risk of exposure, we think it makes sense to wait one week before implementation. In collaboration with school staff, principals will thoughtfully plan the rollout of information and support for staff and students to ensure a smooth transition. Staff should develop and share developmentally appropriate lessons, protocols, and announcements to explain how we will act as a school community where some decide to wear a mask and others do not. Families are encouraged to engage in conversations with their children to determine their mask preferences. School staff will use the week after February vacation to share plans and expectations with students. • Consider a Timeline and Next Steps A thoughtful timeline will allow for a successful transition to a mask friendly environment: *-* All students/staff Grades K-12: On March 7th, the Needham Public Schools mask mandate ends and wearing a mask is optional for all individuals, vaccinated and unvaccinated. *-* Preschool: The mask requirement will remain in place at the preschool level for students and staff until we receive additional guidance and information. *-* The Joint Committee on Health and Safety will continue to meet regularly to monitor health metrics and, if necessary, recommend to the superintendent a return to masking should that be necessary. • Maintain the Commitment to Health and Safety The district will continue to expect from families and staff the daily completion of the health attestation; continue with hygiene and ventilation protocols; and provide at-home rapid tests for students and staff who opt in and a symptomatic testing program for those experiencing symptoms in school. We will continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations, particularly for younger students who may not yet have had the opportunity to get the vaccine or booster. The Joint Committee on Health and Safety will continue to advise the superintendent about any health and safety concerns related to COVID and will, if circumstances warrant, recommend adjustments to health protocols, including a return to masking. Tonight I will update the School Committee about our plans to create a mask friendly learning environment and share additional health and safety updates. With deep appreciation to the Joint Committee on Health and Safety, all of our students, their families, and staff who have patiently and carefully adhered to all health-related protocols, including masking, we look forward to the successful implementation of a mask friendly learning environment on March 7th. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Pollard is open Tuesday, February 15th
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public School Families: A fake email, purportedly from Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo, was circulated Monday evening claiming Pollard would be closed today. This is not true. *Pollard Middle School and all of the Needham Public Schools will open as regularly scheduled today, Tuesday, February 15th.* Thanks for your patience. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Feb '22

07 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Three quick items as we begin the week: *• Reminder About School Facilities Master Plan Meeting * Families and community members are invited to attend a virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. to learn more about the School Facilities Master Plan process and to have an opportunity to ask questions. The link to the meeting can be found here: School Facilities Master Planning Meeting for Families/Community on February 8th at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/82574306436?pwd=eDliclJYVnBwSlpBSjRINzV…> I am also attaching the slide presentation that the designers will share at tomorrow's meeting for you to preview: February 8th School Staff & Community Meeting <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BL9f0kaOWzNbCbchKXyYTU9BjgkRL5h4/view?usp=…> I hope you can join us to learn more about these important school projects. *•** School Bus Survey *We are conducting a survey for Needham resident parents who share legal custody of a child with a parent/guardian within the eligible bus route for your child's school. We are trying to determine if we may be able to offer an expanded service for families in these specific custodial situations. If you are a parent who shares custody of a child with another parent/guardian within Needham and use or might plan to use bus service within your child's eligible bus route, please complete the following survey by next Monday, February 14th: School Bus Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-Bus-Service> Many thanks. *• One More Time: Opt in to Receive At Home Tests* On Friday, February 11th at 3:00 p.m. we will push out via text and email one last opportunity for those families who have yet to tell us if they wish to opt in to receiving rapid test kits for students. The text and email will come through the daily Health Attestation app. *If you have already opted in to the program or indicated that you do not wish to participate in the program, you will not receive a text or email. *For more information about this program and the symptomatic testing program, please view this presentation: NPS Family Testing Information <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTfYBGjHCINRAZCY1HH5xzp2wXh3H6CuGKs…> Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Another Chance to Opt In to the District's Testing Program
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Feb '22

04 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: This afternoon, Friday, February 4th at 3:00 p.m. we will push out via text and email another opportunity for those families who have yet to tell us if they wish to opt in to receiving rapid test kits for students. The text and email will come through the daily Health Attestation app. To date, over 55% of our students have opted in to the program and will be receiving test kits (two tests per kit) weekly. *If you have already opted in to the program or indicated that you do not wish to participate in the program, you will not receive a text or email.* For more information about this program and the symptomatic testing program, please view this presentation: NPS Family Testing Information <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTfYBGjHCINRAZCY1HH5xzp2wXh3H6CuGKs…> Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Family and Community Meeting: School Master Plan for Mitchell, Pollard and High Rock
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Feb '22

01 Feb '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Families, staff, and community members from across the district are invited to participate in an informational meeting and conversation focused on the building infrastructure, space, and programmatic needs of Mitchell, High Rock, and Pollard. The virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. Here is the link: School Facilities Master Plan Family Meeting <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/82574306436?pwd=eDliclJYVnBwSlpBSjRINzV…> I encourage families to participate and learn about the building and program needs at these schools and how these needs may impact the entire district (e.g., through redistricting or moving to a 6-8 program on one Pollard campus). Please check out my latest Superintendent's Blog for more information, including links to informational reports: Next Up: Addressing the Infrastructure Needs at Mitchell, High Rock, and Pollard <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> I look forward to your participation! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Reminder: Opt in at 3:00 p.m. Monday, January 31st
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 31 Jan '22

31 Jan '22

Dear NPS Families: This is a reminder that today, Monday, January 31st at 3:00 p.m. the district will push out via text and email a notification for you to opt in to receive a COVID rapid test kit with two tests in each kit for your student(s). There is no charge for the test kit. The notification looks similar to the daily morning health attestation which families will continue to receive daily. You can opt in at anytime before Wednesday, February 2nd at 8:00 a.m. You only need to opt in once. Test kits will be sent home with students by the end of the week and each week thereafter. For more information, please read my email dated January 29, 2022 or review this brief presentation: New NPS Testing Program <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTfYBGjHCINRAZCY1HH5xzp2wXh3H6CuGKs…> Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Important Health and Safety Update for Families
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 29 Jan '22

29 Jan '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am writing to let you know that the district will change our COVID testing program in coordination with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Department of Public Health (DPH), and Needham Public Health. I am confident that the new COVID testing options are the appropriate next step to keep our schools healthy and safe. You may view a brief presentation of the new program here: New NPS Testing Program <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTfYBGjHCINRAZCY1HH5xzp2wXh3H6CuGKs…> Here is a summary of the changes: - At-Home Rapid Tests Each week, beginning this Thursday and Friday, February 3rd and 4th, the district will distribute one iHealth COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Antigen Test kit (2 tests in each kit) to each student whose family opts in to receive tests and agrees to test once on Sunday and again on midweek. To opt in, families must respond to the text or email that the district will push out using our Health Attestation app, RUVNA. *We will send out a special text and email to all families on Monday afternoon, January 31st about 3:00 p.m.* By opting in, families will agree to review the training materials for test administration <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DS9psyq9WpqvNe022OGZYjb5pmwBimxk/edit?u…>, report positive test results <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSde-V_H0m8AWvClAQkEFTJhai_Xyu9KFEF…> to their student’s school, and administer the tests according to the district’s guidelines. Only those families who opt in through RUVNA by Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. will receive their first test kit by Friday, February 4th. - In School Symptomatic Tests Beginning on Wednesday, February 9th, the district will provide symptomatic testing for students whose families have consented to the DESE/CIC testing program. The program is designed to provide an in school test for those students who develop symptoms during the school day. It is administered by our health partner, CIC. If you already signed up for the DESE testing (symptomatic, pool, and Test & Stay), you do not need to consent again. If you consented and would like to *opt out* of symptomatic testing, please email danielle_deleon(a)needham.k12.ma.us. For those who have not signed up for the DESE/CIC testing, you may opt in at this link: In School Symptomatic Testing Program <https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma?district=Needham> . (Families can opt in to one of the testing programs, both programs, or neither.) - Contact Tracing and Test & Stay Program In order to participate in the new DESE testing program, we will stop contact tracing, exposure notifications and the Test & Stay program on Thursday, February 3rd. The ability to offer At-Home Rapid Testing for students and the availability of symptomatic testing will mean that we can continue to prioritize health and safety. This also means that if your student has a potential exposure while at school, they may continue to come to school and do not have to quarantine because of the low incidence of in-school transmission. You can expect that additional information will be shared in the days ahead. In the meantime, we are providing a presentation of the new COVID testing options <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTfYBGjHCINRAZCY1HH5xzp2wXh3H6CuGKs…>, updated COVID Protocols for Students and Families <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NdyqyVm2qpIn6KEN3bBjMpB8XabmKkolkr7uNBi…>, plus answers to Frequently Asked Questions <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_DX34Yep-8Eb_jUGgGtfRmZRMGFX0LfS/edit?u…> . The FAQ includes instructions on administering At-Home Tests and reporting positive test results, plus additional context for understanding the change to our health and safety protocols. Finally, if you wish to view a brief video about the new program featuring NPS Director of Health Services Susannah Hann and School Committee Chair, Dr. Connie Barr, click here: Video presentation of new testing program <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arDprRtrKgA> As always, thank you for your 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 09 Jan '22

09 Jan '22

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share some important updates as we continue to focus on a healthy learning environment for our students and staff: *• COVID Updates & Protocols* New health and safety guidance and protocols are changing rapidly and will continue to do so over the coming days. Please review the latest protocol updates here: COVID Protocol Updates <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NdyqyVm2qpIn6KEN3bBjMpB8XabmKkolkr7uNBi…>. I recognize that it is challenging for families to keep up with the pace of new health guidance and procedures, and it also places an enormous burden on the entire staff, including our nurses and administrators. We will work together as one school community - staff, families, and students - to be responsive, transparent, and proactive around updates and information. Our efforts will be imperfect but if we exhibit patience, grace, gratitude, and, every once and awhile, a dose of good humor we will be able to prioritize the needs of our students. You may view my recent report to the School Committee here: January 4, 2022 Health & Safety Update to the School Committee <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JmQ4VHlziLNHFE-fliQIsBcD1TdOagxNYMx…> *• Health & Safety Open House* The Joint Committee on Health and Safety will host a virtual Open House on Tuesday, January 11th for families at 5:00 p.m. Members of the committee will share some brief information and then listen to questions and comments. Here is the link: Family Health and Safety Open House <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/87524362894?pwd=bUxVZi9wTDdmalZJeERLbXB…> *• Superintendent's Blog *My latest blog post <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> shares information about the FY23 Budget Plan and the upcoming Budget Public Hearing. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 31 Dec '21

31 Dec '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we prepare to resume school on Monday, January 3rd, I’d like to share several important health and safety updates and reminders: • Health Attestation Please remember to complete the attestation for your child(ren) when prompted to do so via text or email on Monday morning and each day school is in session. To help us ensure only healthy students are attending school each day, the attestation is an important responsibility each family has. We will continue to update the language and prompts in the attestation based on newly evolving public health guidelines. • Face Coverings and Masks Masks remain a key tool in our efforts to contain the spread of the virus, especially in younger students who have not been vaccinated or boosted. Given the highly transmissible variant of the virus we are currently facing, I encourage everyone to consider upgrading their masks to at least a surgical mask. KN95 or N95 masks also are protective, yet no mask will be effective if it is not worn properly. Please ensure your child(ren) understands how to properly wear a mask which will reinforce the same messaging we are providing in schools. For additional information on masks, please visit the CDC’s website: CDC Mask guidance <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-mas…>. The NPS has also received a supply of KN95 masks for our staff who may choose to wear them. • Vaccinations It is important for those who are eligible to get vaccinated and, as appropriate, to get a booster. The Town of Needham offers booster clinics on most Tuesdays, and also next Saturday, January 8th, the Town will offer a vaccine clinic for students ages 5 and up. Please sign up here <https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/needham?fbclid=IwAR2CiCADyqDfpf1H6N…> and get the shot! We are also working with our partner, PelMeds Pharmacy, to schedule an additional clinic and once confirmed, I will forward registration information. • Updated CDC Guidance on Isolation This week, the CDC updated its guidance on the isolation time period for those who have tested positive for COVID-19. (This guidance has now been adopted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)). A reminder that an *isolated individual* is one who has tested positive for COVID; a *quarantined individual* is one who has been identified as a close contact but has not tested positive for COVID. Key updates are included here: Isolation and Quarantine Guidance <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wW0IvcFLFuGeZ_FUlfvEiQ9JJXM9aznO5unTd0N…> • Staff Testing The state has secured rapid testing kits to distribute to school staff, and I anticipate that we will be able to provide a test to each school staff member who wants to take a test before school resumes. This will be yet another tool we have to strengthen our school safety and health protocols. For additional information on our health and safety plans, please check out the district’s website <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> and the FAQs <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ttDw6Yl31ufHgP24BmnepZg3AXEvx1GqmBC3T3h…> . Finally, some families have asked about whether or not the district will implement a surveillance testing program. At this time the Joint Committee on Health and Safety <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> is not recommending routine COVID surveillance testing for several reasons. We have decided to focus our available resources and energy on the attestation process and the test and stay program, and the districts who have been doing surveillance testing have reported a low participation rate which, of course, impacts the efficacy of the program and results. We will continue to discuss and review what the best options and tools are to keep our school communities safe. It’s important to acknowledge that the latest surge in COVID infections needs to be monitored closely, and in the days ahead the district may need to adjust plans or procedures to ensure a healthy environment for all students and staff. We will also continue to update our website to reflect the latest information and guidance. I’ll ask that parents and families be particularly patient with our school nurses who will be back next Monday responding to the many emails and questions they have been receiving over the last week or so. *Please also recognize that any of this information or guidance could change, and I would share updates as soon as it is possible to do so.* Due to the efforts of our staff and in partnership with students, parents, families, and community health partners we have been able to implement a successful, full time, and in person return to school this year. It's been a challenge, and I could not be prouder of our students and staff for demonstrating resilience, plenty of flexibility, and a great spirit. Working together in 2022 we will continue to prioritize health and safety so that we can keep our young people learning in the classroom with their friends and the teachers and staff who care for them. My very best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy New 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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