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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 22 Dec '21

22 Dec '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we head into the holiday break, let me share a few important updates: *• Health and Safety* I shared a health and safety update <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OnkpzIqSQ4KR5BNWV8yykHodHm_JHOMugcv…> with the School Committee last evening, and I encourage you to review it. We have seen an increase in positive cases <https://datastudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/38f06c1e-7093-4a9e-9c83-af8a36c…> within the Needham Public Schools but impacted students are not getting seriously ill or they have no symptoms at all. In consultation with Needham Public Health, we will limit COVID positive contact tracing over the vacation period. If Needham Public Health learns of a student’s positive laboratory test over the break and the student was in school during the contagious period, impacted staff and the families of that individual’s classmates will be notified of the potential exposure by email. *School nurses and principals will not be available over the break and will respond to family inquiries or questions as soon as possible beginning on Monday, January 3rd.* • Inclement Weather & Remote Learning Days Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeff Riley has confirmed recently that at this time school districts will not be allowed to hold a remote learning day in lieu of a traditional snow day. In the event of a school cancellation due to inclement weather, we will have a traditional "snow day" and make the day up in June. Unfortunately, this winter the Town of Needham, like many communities statewide, is struggling to get all the plow operators they have had in the past to clear roadways and sidewalks in a timely fashion. This could mean that a delay or even a cancellation is more likely if I do not feel the road, sidewalk, or parking conditions are acceptable. At the same time, all of us will have to be patient as we navigate parking areas and neighborhood sidewalks that might have more snow accumulation than we’d prefer. In some cases, parents may need to drive their children to school rather than allow them to walk on icy sidewalks or roads that have not been cleared. For more information about weather related school delays and cancellations: 2021-22 NPS School Delays and Cancellations <http://p13cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Di…> • 2021-22 School Year Budget Proposal Recently, I shared my preliminary budget proposal for the 2021-22 school year <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PfG-y8y6HCaAGpfwN1gABnXStoZz4UGo/ed…> (Fiscal Year 23) with the School Committee. I believe the budget proposal will provide the resources we need to continue to serve our students and address school and district priorities as outlined in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Strategic Plan <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lNBQevaPrVJgvQRdXj31x4mscAt75UgS/ed…>. The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on Tuesday, January 18th at 6:30 p.m. and all community members, parents, and staff are welcome to participate. Detailed information about the budget plan is available on the district’s website: FY23 Budget Proposal <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/business_offi…> *• 10 Minutes with Tamatha Bibbo and Jessica Downey *Please check out my latest (quick!) ten minute interview with Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo and High Rock Principal Jessica Downey: 10 Minutes with Our Middle School Principals <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMrsR6PtYuM> *• 2022-23 School Calendar *Many folks who are planning summer vacations have called to inquire about the status of the school calendar for the next academic year. The School Committee will consider and vote on a 2022-23 calendar sometime in February. One thing I can share is that I will most likely recommend that school start before Labor Day given that the holiday is Monday, September 5, 2022. In that case, classes for students would start no earlier than Wednesday, August 31st. Stay tuned for a finalized 2022-23 school calendar later this winter. *• News You Need(ham)* is an electronic newsletter, which is sent out weekly from the Town of Needham. It includes helpful information that residents rely on. Here is the latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/needhamma/the-news-you-needham-5013794 and a link to subscribe: https://needhamma.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=713dda0f2d48ad06984d25f79… Finally, as we head into the vacation week let me take this opportunity to thank NPS families for your ongoing support, generous spirit, and genuine willingness to engage and connect. The work we are privileged to do with your children each day is an awesome responsibility and a great honor. Our amazing staff deserve some serious down time this holiday, and I hope NPS families will also make space for relaxation, play, and perhaps a good book or movie. *To those celebrating the holiday, a peaceful and Merry Christmas to you and your families!* We'll see you in the 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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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 24 Nov '21

24 Nov '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share the following updates: • *Inclement Weather *In the unlikely event winter weather may require the closing or delayed opening of the Needham Public Schools, I will do my level best to make a decision about a cancellation or delay by about 5:30 a.m. Unless it is abundantly clear what the weather conditions will be, I am often reluctant to call off school the evening before a storm is predicted because New England weather is fickle. Once a decision is made, alerts will go out via email, phone, and on local TV. The quickest way to find out is on Twitter <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt> where I also post the information. For more information on school cancellations and delayed openings: Inclement weather information <http://p13cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Di…> . Finally, it is important for students to be in classes as scheduled throughout the year, and I don't believe a winter storm should necessarily keep us away from school. If it is predicted to snow, for instance, four to six inches I am inclined to hold classes. There are circumstances, however, when the snow is minimal but icy and dangerous roads may prevent a safe school opening or at least require a delay. Safety for students and staff, of course, will always be my first consideration. This coming winter parents and students should leave plenty of time to get to school and keep a shovel and galoshes nearby! *• 10 Minutes with Chief Schlittler *Please check out my latest 10 minute video, produced courtesy of the amazing TV students at NHS and featuring Needham Police Chief John Schlittler <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egBdNw1yWXg>. Together we talk about the role the police play in our schools, and we discuss our recently signed Memorandum of Understanding <http://p13cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/De…'s%20Office/MOU%20Needham%20Police%20&%20Schools%2011-12-21.pdf> . *• Thank a Teacher with NEF Gratitude Cards *A donation to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF) is a special way to thank a teacher in your student’s life. NEF Gratitude Cards help provide vital support for the funding of teachers' innovative ideas and professional development opportunities through NEF grants. Gratitude cards can be purchased at Proud Mary, Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, and Volante Farms through December 22nd or Gratitude Gram e-cards can be ordered online and NEF will send your personalized message on your behalf. All cards are $10 each. Visit www.nefneedham.org/support/cards <http://www.nefneedham.org/>for more information. • *NHS Student Accolades **Where to begin??* Recently Students Acting to Make a Difference (SAMD) <https://sites.google.com/needham.k12.ma.us/samd/charity?authuser=0> performed *The Little Mermaid* to enthusiastic crowds and raised $7,000 to donate to The Ocean Conservancy <https://sites.google.com/needham.k12.ma.us/samd/charity/ocean-conservancy-r…> as part of their commitment to serving the greater good and community. Congratulations to the Girls Volleyball Team <https://docs.google.com/document/d/15JtrqSrYL7u21UZpW0gviz2zY73E0g__aZzQ_no…> for winning the Division I State Championship for Needham High School again this year! The Team was also awarded the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Sportsmanship Award for exceptional teamwork, fairplay, and discipline. Kudos and congrats to our Unified Basketball Team <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bTNc9YWKg0Sz74A0diLH4Q-KpEvEs2p7IV7lnlJ…> for an undefeated season; the Dance Team <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xM1ngxJdM1eG-G-woaB4XZOFIGPllaSsFM9WDxi…> for taking Third Place in the championship; and to senior Kyler McNatt for placing 2nd at the State Cross Country Championship <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1539q63uw4kKnkKdI-D36maGmr5BT9tyW2LGd-RY…> ! All of our students and their teachers and coaches bring us honor with their dedicated and spirited efforts, and we are proud of them. • *Happy Thanksgiving!* We are fortunate to live, work, and learn in an amazing community like Needham that values children, and we are especially blessed to be citizens in a vibrant country that serves, however imperfectly, as a model of democracy, inclusion, and justice to the rest of a sometimes weary world. I know I am grateful for my family and to work with a talented staff, committed parents, and the exceptional young people of Needham - all of whom inspire civility, peace, and hope. *Happy Thanksgiving!* 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 Nov '21

07 Nov '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share some updates as we begin a new week: *• Visitor Protocol * Beginning Tuesday, November 9th, we are allowing limited and essential visitors into school during the school day to conduct school/student-related business. All visitors will need to complete a health attestation either before they arrive at school or once inside but before they begin their parent meeting, etc. You may read the visitor protocol here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vZTDFk37oDk-Uvira-e70cC4fJKh-EJbmkku3xp…> and review the health attestation form here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yo-THQ8TUC4Ur6v-5hj7c6JyN3daZkPCovxxR_O…> . *• Vaccine Clinic * In partnership with Town of Needham Public Health, we will be sponsoring vaccine clinics for students ages 5-11 at Pollard on Saturday, November 13th and another on Saturday, November 20th. Please register here: Pollard Vaccine Clinics <https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/needham>. *• Family Health and Safety Open House* I will host a Family Health and Safety Open House via Zoom on Tuesday, November 9th from 5:30 until 6:30 <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/82838165792?pwd=dklQaFB0UUhFY0NJUmNYOFl…> p.m. Please join me and some of our public health partners to discuss COVID-19 updates and information. *• Superintendent's Blog * My latest post explains how parents and families can become informed and get involved in the Needham Public Schools. Please take a few minutes to check it out: Superintendent's Blog: Hey, Parents: Let's Get Involved! <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> As always, thanks for your partnership. 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 '21

29 Oct '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we approach the first week of November allow me to share several updates: *• Health & Safety *There are a few important items families should be aware of: 1. *Health Attestation* While we have a good response on the daily completion of the health attestation process <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BUrjuNHXhShHX_9HMmZZO2iU-HA42yKWUvRX4iX…>, there remain families who do not complete the process without a reminder or who complete it without truly assessing their child's health status each morning before sending them to school. Please remember to *first assess* your child's health and *then* *complete* the quick process on your phone or through email. 2. *Masking *The mask mandate has been <https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2021-1026mask-requirement-exten…> extended <https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2021-1026mask-requirement-exten…> for students and staff from November 1st to January 15th. The Department of Elementary and Secondary (DESE) is also offering an "off ramp" waiver to districts who can attest to at least having 80% of eligible students and staff vaccinated in order to make masks optional before January 15th. The NPS Joint Committee on Health and Safety <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> will continue to review our local health metrics and vaccination rates to advise me about if and when it makes sense to be "mask optional" before January 15th for vaccinated individuals. For now, all students and staff are required to wear masks as outlined in our protocols. 3. Vaccine Survey/Clinics In partnership with PelMeds Community Pharmacy <https://pelmeds.com/> and the Town of Needham Department of Public Health and Human Services, the NPS is planning on hosting vaccine clinics on upcoming weekends in the school setting for students ages 5-11 as soon as the vaccines are approved. Please complete the following anonymous survey so we can best plan for and anticipate the community's need for vaccinations. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5MJKDB7 *4. Family Health and Safety Open House* I will host a Family Health and Safety Open House via Zoom on Tuesday, November 9th from 5:30 until 6:30 <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/82838165792?pwd=dklQaFB0UUhFY0NJUmNYOFl…> p.m. Please join me and some of our public health partners to discuss COVID-19 updates and information. • Needham Diversity Summit Needham's Tenth Annual Diversity Summit is scheduled for Sunday, November 14th at noon via Zoom. This year's theme is "Voices of Unity" and it is a wonderful event that brings together community leaders, friends, neighbors, and students to explore, strengthen, and celebrate Needham's diversity of socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, gender equity and expression, religion, ethnic identity, age, and ability. For more information, including registration: Needham Diversity Summit <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/needham-diversity-summit-100-voices-of-unity-t…> • *Congratulations, Needham High School Students! *Congratulations to Needham High School students who continue to grow, achieve, and excel in so many ways: - Kudos to seniors *L**indsay Hess* and *James Mahoney *for extraordinary academic accomplishments on the 2021 Advanced Placement exams. Lindsay was one of 219 students *worldwide* to earn a perfect score for Drawing and James was one of 356 students *worldwide* who earned a perfect score in Computer Science! I would also like to recognize their teachers Linda Burke, Shireen Yadollahpour, Kate Bergeron and Mark Dineen who engaged, encouraged, and challenged Lindsay and James in pursuit of excellence. - Congratulations to Needham High School students for being named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test <https://www.compassprep.com/national-merit-semifinalist-cutoffs/comment-pag…> : *Vijay Fisch *and *Jeremy Gold*. - Congrats, to *Jack Carnahan*, *Brendan Mawhinney*, and *Boyoung Paik* have been accepted into the National Association Federation of Music Educators All National Music Conference, All National Mixed Choir. - Finally, a big shout out and congratulations to the *Needham High School Speech and Debate Team* which was awarded the 2020-2021 Leading Chapter Award by the National Speech and Debate Association, the highest recognition given by the Association. NHS Speech and Debate is one of 108 school chapters out of 3,000 schools to receive the award. In addition, advisor *Paul Wexler *was granted membership in the 200 Club for outstanding commitment and achievement. We are proud of these and all of our students and the staff who support themeach day and demonstrate a commitment to scholarship, creativity and growth. Our students are successful at the high school level as a result of their personal commitment to learning, their parent and family's ongoing support, and the collective efforts of a talented Preschool through Grade 12 faculty and staff! Enjoy the weekend and Happy Halloween! 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 08 Oct '21

08 Oct '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we begin a holiday weekend, allow me to share several updates: *• Addressing Challenging Behavior *In recent conversations with school principals, Parks & Recreation staff, and the Needham Police, I have heard troubling reports of poor behavior around town, in parks, and on ballfields of several young Needham adolescents, typically in grades 7-9. Serious vandalism, trash piles, broken glass, and general misbehavior have been observed and reported. For example, on a recent evening after 9:00 p.m. over 50 young people were gathered on Memorial Park Field, several of them consuming alcohol. While the inappropriate actions of a few do not represent the behavior of all, this behavior is unacceptable and must be addressed. I will continue to work with School and Town staff and our School Resource Officers both to hold young people accountable and to help curb this behavior. I also encourage all parents to talk to your children about your expectations for their behavior when they are hanging out with or visiting friends in the community. *• School Committee Open House* The Needham School Committee will host an informal Open House for parents and community members on Saturday, October 16th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at Needham High School (Webster St. entrance, under the tent). Please stop by to say hello, ask a question or share an idea. *• Health Attestation *Many thanks to our parents and students who continue to complete the daily health attestation procedure at a high rate; in the last several days the rate of completion has been about 94 to 96%. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff. My most recent cable show, *Needham Schools Spotlight*, features a conversation about COVID protocols and health information with our school & public health partners: Health and Safety Remains the Priority in the NPS <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=2445680> *• Ten Minutes with... *We have launched a new video program entitled, *"Ten Minutes with..."* featuring brief ten minute interviews with leaders and learners in the Needham Public Schools. The most recent video features two students, *Nick Tuchin* and *Fernanda Pinto Pro* who collaborated to advocate for the School Committee to rename the October holiday *Indigenous Peoples' Day*. Please check out Ten Minutes with Nick and Fernanda <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiTG2d5o5rY> when you get the chance. *• Needham's Parent University *Needham Community Education launched the NCE Parent University in October 2020 to foster a partnership between the Needham Public Schools and the District’s parents. Our NCE Parent University <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jtruf7PzM0e2cWk_G0auZmM4LofAdQDL/view?usp=…> workshops and seminars, taught by experts throughout the year, are designed to address various parenting challenges and concerns and provide invaluable information and skills. The programs are free but registration <https://nce.reg.eleyo.com/> is required. In addition, there is a new NCE Adult Fall Catalog <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EhoTm8ha_ZNVpSKea9ZoUY0L0RFbTaFbacedScO…> featuring an array of virtual and in-person programs that provide joy, social engagement, and intellectual/creative stimulation. If you have questions about the NCE Adult Programs, please contact amy_goldman(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781-455-0400 x11214. *• Congratulations! *Congratulations to these three Needham High School students for being named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test <https://www.compassprep.com/national-merit-semifinalist-cutoffs/comment-pag…> : *Samuel Billante, Benjamin Lee,* and *Drew Winkler*. We are proud of these and all of our students who each day demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and growth. Have a great holiday weekend! 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 Sep '21

10 Sep '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope you and your families have had a great start to the school year! Allow me to share an important update as we continue to attend to the health and safety of our students and staff. The Needham Public Schools will participate in a state-sponsored COVID testing program, and in order for your child to participate, you must sign a consent form. Please read this letter about our testing program and consent <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SxlGfCGaxTG5A5A5XwtA9yQE7T8QESbx/edit?u…> from our interim Director of Health Services, Sussanah Hann, and complete the consent as soon as you can so we can work together to keep all students healthy and in school for learning. Thanks for your support and participation as we begin a new year of learning and growth for our students! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 Aug '21

25 Aug '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited and prepared to greet our students next week on Wednesday, September 1st. Allow me to share the following information: *• School Opening Information* I encourage families to read our updated 2021-22 School Opening Plan <https://docs.google.com/document/d/187JsNf6aomfgj0Tg1vZOT2blY7ihuJlU/edit?u…> which contains information about teaching and learning and health and safety measures we will implement this fall. If you were unable to attend the recent Family Open House, you can view the meeting here: August 23rd Family Open House <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aT12YlZ4mphqEfXXanYE2amfXOHOgo1Y/view?usp=…>. I've updated the presentation <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13Viv_JOxW8s9r8wF0R318EmkzmF-hTWK/ed…> I shared with families, and we have added a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ttDw6Yl31ufHgP24BmnepZg3AXEvx1GqmBC3T3h…> around health and safety protocols, including updated information for healthy and safe school lunches and cafeterias. • *Superintendent's Blog* My recent post includes an important update to the Needham Community <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>. • *Stay in Touch with the Superintendent! *One way to stay in touch about the latest school news, including weather-related school closings or other important information, is on Twitter. Go to: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt to sign up. I look forward to sharing with you and hearing from you in the school year ahead. Here's to a superb (and in person) school year for the students of the Needham Public Schools! 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 Meeting August 23rd
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Aug '21

21 Aug '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am scheduling a family meeting on Monday, August 23, 2021 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to share updates about a safe and healthy September 1st school opening. Here is the link to NPS Family Meeting <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86458108033?pwd=bXlOWmZLVEM0QnltcVROUjF…> The meeting will be recorded and shared with all 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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Fwd: Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Aug '21

14 Aug '21

NPS Families: I understand that some families did not receive yesterday’s email. I am sending again. Thanks for your patience. Dan Gutekanst ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Daniel Gutekanst <dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us> Date: Fri, Aug 13, 2021 at 4:18 PM Subject: Superintendent's Update To: <superintendents_update(a)lists.needham.k12.ma.us> Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Please see my attached August 13, 2021 letter to families <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nMW-rG3rIwIPLf6V9-VyzaFaDkzhBzWd/edit?u…> concerning the healthy and safe reopening of schools on September 1, 2021. Should you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks for your patience and partnership and enjoy these last few weeks of 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. -- Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Aug '21

13 Aug '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Please see my attached August 13, 2021 letter to families <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nMW-rG3rIwIPLf6V9-VyzaFaDkzhBzWd/edit?u…> concerning the healthy and safe reopening of schools on September 1, 2021. Should you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks for your patience and partnership and enjoy these last few weeks of 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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