- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Jun '21

12 Jun '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we approach the last week of school, allow me to share the following information and updates: *• Fall of 2021 School Opening Plan *I am pleased to share the Fall of 2021 School Opening Plan <https://drive.google.com/file/d/187JsNf6aomfgj0Tg1vZOT2blY7ihuJlU/view?usp=…> for students, families, staff, and members of the community to review. The plan details the steps we will take to ensure a safe, healthy, and full time return to school for all students and staff in September. I will discuss the plan in detail at next Tuesday evening's School Committee meeting, and I am scheduling a Virtual Family Open House on Wednesday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/81735943295?pwd=UnVHVzRDWXZkOU9pOSt4cVY…> to share the plan and respond to questions and comments. I hope you can join me for this important conversation. In addition, there is a link to a survey embedded in the plan so that you can provide feedback and suggestions. Recognizing that it is a busy time of year for you and your families, please participate by reviewing the plan <https://drive.google.com/file/d/187JsNf6aomfgj0Tg1vZOT2blY7ihuJlU/view?usp=…>, attending the virtual meeting, and/or completing the survey. *• Superintendent's Blog *My most recent post about a new NPS school calendar including religious and cultural observances can be found here: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>. *• Class of 2021* Congratulations to the 424 members of the Needham High School Class of 2021! While they had a challenging conclusion to their high school career, they received their diplomas on Memorial Field on Sunday, June 6th with plenty of pomp and circumstance. Highlights of the ceremony are included on this Needham Channel newscast: Class of '21 Graduation Highlights <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuQHAkJNjjE>. We wish them the best as members of the class head off to work, the military, and college. Best wishes to all of our families and students for a healthy, safe, and enjoyable 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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2nd Dose Vaccination Clinic @ Needham High School Registration
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 31 May '21

31 May '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: With gratitude to our parter, PelMeds <https://pelmeds.com/>, the *2nd Dose COVID Vaccine Clinic for those children ages 12 and up who received their first COVID vaccine dose at Needham High School* on May 22nd will be scheduled on Saturday, June 12th at the same location. Please note: This clinic is only for those who received their first dose at Needham High School on May 22nd. Please register here <https://calendly.com/info7/needham-high-school?month=2021-06> for a time slot between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Should you have any questions, please email: info(a)pelmeds.com Many thanks and stay healthy and safe, 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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2nd Dose Vaccination Clinic Registration
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 20 May '21

20 May '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: With gratitude to our parter, PelMeds <https://pelmeds.com/>, the *2nd Dose COVID Vaccine Clinic for those children ages 12 and up who received their first COVID vaccine dose at Pollard Middle School* on May 15th will be scheduled on Saturday, June 5th at the same location. Please note: This clinic is only for those who received their first dose at Pollard on May 15th. Please register here <https://calendly.com/info3-2/needham-public-pollard-1?month=2021-06> for a time slot between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Should you have any questions, please email: info(a)pelmeds.com Many thanks and stay healthy and safe, 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 May '21

19 May '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Effective tomorrow, Thursday, May 20, the Needham Public Schools will adopt new guidance <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YpAQidqWWg2IrX5DtYaatBpV26fNg9WVuHUscbS…> that allows all students the option to wear a face covering/mask outdoors during recess, outdoor learning experiences, and athletics. Students must continue to wear face coverings/masks at all other times of the school day, including on the bus, during arrival/dismissal, and inside the school and classroom. Last night the School Committee revised the Face Coverings Policy <https://docs.google.com/document/d/191_qZ_101eBD8TiV259DorjE8wuYzuerwNljtzV…> to reflect the new DESE guidance <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UErmwWNEV4avtJGyOX8S4uQLylrQ3mY5/view?usp=…> that gives students the option not to wear face coverings and masks while engaged in school activities outdoors. This new policy goes into effect tomorrow, Thursday, May 20 for all students, PreK-12. For more detailed information, including an FAQ, about what this means to your child, please read the Face Coverings/Masks Updated Guidance. <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YpAQidqWWg2IrX5DtYaatBpV26fNg9WVuHUscbS…> As necessary, principals will provide additional guidance for students and staff about the implementation of the new protocol. Many thanks for your patience and partnership as we continue to support your children! 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 18 May '21

18 May '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Yesterday Governor Baker announced some upcoming changes to COVID-19 Health and Safety protocols: Governor's May 17th Updated Guidance <https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-to-lift-covid-restric…> . The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) also released guidance to complement the Governor's announcement: DESE Guidance May 17th <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UErmwWNEV4avtJGyOX8S4uQLylrQ3mY5/view?usp=…>. The key component in the guidance is that the requirement for students to wear masks outdoors while engaged in school activities has been relaxed. While DESE specifies that these revised measures go into effect today Tuesday, May 18th, *the Needham Public Schools will not be implementing the new guidance immediately. Students will continue to wear face coverings/masks outdoors in accordance with existing NPS health protocols until we implement the new guidance. (High school athletes, however, may receive new guidance regarding masks as early as today based on a vote of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association or MIAA.)* Last evening I consulted with the district's Joint Committee on Health and Safety to review this guidance and discuss the implications for students and staff and on school operations, particularly as they relate to existing NPS health and safety measures. Tonight at the School Committee's regularly scheduled meeting I will ask the Needham School Committee to revise its Face Coverings Policy (EBCFA) <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EhakEmXkX37pnmOkMsazXG9MFVXL9IUZ/view?usp=…> that was instituted last September to reflect the updated guidance. Assuming the School Committee revises its policy, the new guidance would likely take effect later this week but not until I have an opportunity to provide clear communication to our staff and families. I expect to be able to provide this guidance later this week. A change in the face covering/mask protocol that provides an option for students is a good thing and is another step toward normalcy. I appreciate your patience as the district ensures an appropriate plan is developed and communicated so that all students, families, and staff will continue to feel healthy and safe at school. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Needham High School Vaccine Clinic May 22nd
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 May '21

13 May '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: With gratitude to our partners at Waltham-based pharmacy PelMeds <https://pelmeds.com/>, I am pleased to announce a COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine clinic <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-high-school?month=2021-05&date=2021-0…>for all Needham youth and Needham METCO students <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-high-school?month=2021-05&date=2021-0…> ages 12 and up will be held on Saturday, May 22nd in the Needham High School cafeteria from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. A follow up clinic for the second shot will be scheduled at the same location. Please sign up here: COVID-19 Pfizer clinic at Needham High School, May 22nd <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-high-school?month=2021-05&date=2021-0…> . Consent forms and other information are available when you register. Should you have any additional questions, please email PelMeds directly: info(a)pelmeds.com Lastly, let me take this opportunity to reassure families that, despite the incomplete reports you might read/hear in the media, the NPS will follow all guidance regarding required vaccinations for school entry. *I strongly encourage families to get their children ages 12 and older signed up for the COVID vaccine, believing it to be a necessary step to keep our students and staff safe and our schools open. * Of course, parents should always consult with their child's pediatrician with any questions or concerns. If the Massachusetts Department of Public Health does require the COVID vaccine for school entry in the fall, the NPS will absolutely expect that students will have been vaccinated before they begin classes - except for those who, according to the current law, have a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief that would preclude a child from receiving a vaccine. I'll provide updates when they become available. Stay safe and thanks for your partnership as we continue to support the best students around! 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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Vaccine Clinic for Needham Youth Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 May '21

12 May '21

Dear NPS Families: Our incredible partner, PelMeds <https://pelmeds.com/> Pharmacy, has decided to provide additional slots <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-public-pollard?month=2021-05> for this Saturday's vaccine clinic in the Pollard gyms for Needham and Needham METCO students ages 12 and up. If you are interested, please register for the May 15, 2021 Pollard Vaccine Clinic <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-public-pollard?month=2021-05&date=202…>. Should you have any additional questions, please email PelMeds directly: info(a)pelmeds.com Consent forms and other information are available when you register. Registration for the second clinic at Needham High School on May 22nd will be made available soon. Thanks and stay healthy, 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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Vaccine Clinics for Needham Youths
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 May '21

11 May '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am pleased to announce that in partnership with Waltham-based pharmacy, PelMeds <https://pelmeds.com/>, the Needham Public Schools, in consultation with the Town of Needham Health Department, will host two COVID-19 vaccine clinics for Needham's young people enrolled in public or private school, one on Saturday, May 15th at Pollard <https://calendly.com/info3-2/needham-public-pollard?month=2021-05&date=2021…> and a second clinic at Needham High School on Saturday, May 22nd. Follow up clinics for the second dose will also be scheduled at both locations. Many thanks to PelMeds President and Needham parent, Bhuren Patel for offering this opportunity! As you may know, yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-up…> the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine in adolescents aged 12 and up, and tomorrow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will meet to discuss and vote <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/agenda-archive/agenda-…> on additional guidance for the use of the Pfizer vaccine in young people. In a press release, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) President Lee Savio Beers, MD, "applauded the FDA’s action, calling it a “critically important step in bringing life-saving vaccines to children and adolescents. Our youngest generations have shouldered heavy burdens over the past year, and the vaccine is a hopeful sign that they will be able to begin to experience all the activities that are so important for their health and development." More information, including vaccine information and FAQs about the vaccine can be found here: American Academy of Pediatrics <https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/05/10/fda-eua-pfizer-covid19-vacc…> . Pending the CDC's final guidance expected tomorrow, Pelmeds <https://pelmeds.com/> has *availability for any Needham youth and Boston resident students participating in the Needham METCO Program who are age 12 and up* this Saturday, May 15th in the Pollard gyms from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Please sign up here: Register child age 12 and up for COVID vaccine clinic <https://calendly.com/info3-2/needham-public-pollard?month=2021-05&date=2021…>. Consent forms and other information are available when you register. Registration for the second clinic at Needham High School will be made available soon. I encourage families to register now for this important vaccine clinic. Please contact your child's pediatrician should you have any questions. 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 03 May '21

03 May '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share a few brief updates: *• Students Return to Full Time Instruction *With gratitude and excitement, we have been very pleased to welcome our students back to full time instruction over the last several weeks. Today high school students began the process of returning on a full time basis, and the smiles on their faces this morning indicate that they are ready and eager! I continue to appreciate the efforts of our teachers and school staff for making this a reality as well as the exceptional collaboration and partnership families and parents have demonstrated throughout the year. Please check out reports to the School Committee about our elementary return to full time <https://drive.google.com/file/d/18LhGuum3FmqV1u6JsEYzrXzEwjnat-kQ/view?usp=…> instruction and the middle school return to full time <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hGbkfpz6t56jyzS3OLAHPJ4I1ebbqFYNFIW…> instruction. I will report on the high school's return at tomorrow's School Committee meeting. *• Let's Get REAL! *The district's REAL Coalition <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/equity/r_e_a_l_coalition> (Race, Equity, Access, Leadership) is committed to making progress on a coordinated and thoughtful plan to address racial equity and equity for all in the Needham Public Schools. This work is aligned with the Portrait of A Needham Graduate, the district's five-year strategic plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/P…>. Although the work is never easy, the district will keep going forward with a sense of urgency. On behalf of the REAL Coalition Steering Committee, I have the privilege of launching *Let's get REAL <https://www.canva.com/design/DAEbk6ajY7E/cbD-7YEjKqteyCusG4PwGw/view?utm_co…> - *a communication dedicated to keeping you apprised of our work with the School Committee, staff, parents, community members, and especially students, to build on our assets and tackle the challenges of ensuring racial equity and equity for all. Please check out this first issue <https://www.canva.com/design/DAEbk6ajY7E/cbD-7YEjKqteyCusG4PwGw/view?utm_co…> and reach out to any of our 18 REAL Coalition Steering Committee members listed in the newsletter if you have questions or a request for more information and support. *• Needham Schools Spotlight *The latest cable show <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> features School Committee members Andrea Longo Carter and Connie Barr sharing some of the challenges and opportunities we confronted during this last school year. Check it out: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> *• Superintendent's Blog *My latest blog post highlights our race equity efforts in the Needham Public Schools. Read on: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Finally, even as we continue to focus on returning our students to classes full time, we are also planning for next school year. Stay tuned for additional updates about our efforts and an opportunity for a virtual family/parent meeting to share further planning and to hear your questions and ideas. 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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Travel Guidelines for NPS Families
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Mar '21

30 Mar '21

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Many thanks to all of our families who have been great about completing the health attestation form <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_…> each and every day! The overall compliance has been excellent, and we appreciate you taking the time to check on your child's health each morning before sending them off to school. Recently, the state revised its COVID-19 Travel *Order* to a Travel *Advisory*. However, the Needham Department of Public Health has directed the Town of Needham and the Needham Public Schools to abide by the original travel order. Please review the district's website for further information: Return from Travel Requirements <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-z0-Tz5EutQ7O5pB_ZE9LccjZSkXmg2TyNnsUDx…> . Many thanks for your ongoing patience, cooperation, and good spirit as we continue to plan for a full reopening of the NPS this spring! 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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