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/1NdyqyVm2qpIn6KEN3bBjMpB8XabmKkolkr7uNBiTeiA/edit?usp=sharing>. 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-fliQIsBcD1TdOagxNYMxL63Idv6s/edit?usp=sharing> *• 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=bUxVZi9wTDdmalZJeERLbXBObzl3Zz09> *• 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@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.