Dear NPS Families: After consulting with the Joint Committee on Health and Safety <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/superintendent_s_office/plans_for_reopening_our_schools/health___safety/joint_health_and_safety_committee_updates> this evening, I am recommending all students and staff wear masks during the school day and during school activities effective tomorrow, Tuesday, May 24th. *Students and staff are not required to wear masks*; however, due to the recent increase in positive cases both locally and within the schools, we believe recommending mask wearing at this time will empower students and staff to make decisions that are in their best interests, the interest of the school community, and consistent with our Mask Friendly <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cch54Hm_8qvVmjbpAKfrnH8ZnUP-wChh/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103927596265011240038&rtpof=true&sd=true> guidance. The Joint Committee on Health and Safety reviewed local and state metrics <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/107cd0egWciN4DfCvVk0F77YnWBuRRwJ3/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103927596265011240038&rtpof=true&sd=true> and expressed a sense of concern that with a rise in cases, some students could miss out on important end of the year activities (e.g., Field Days, Prom, Concerts) if cases continue to rise. While overall attendance rates <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13AHUgHRuGOOoYdQNYNSOAS8MZ4ydHE-b/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103927596265011240038&rtpof=true&sd=true> seem to be stabilized, we want to ensure that each student and staff member is aware of the data and makes decisions that will allow them to stay healthy, safe, and in school learning. We certainly do not want any seniors missing Graduation! Let me take this opportunity to thank you again for completing the daily health attestation and for testing regularly with the kits the district is providing. Let me also remind families that 5 to 17 year old students are now eligible for boosters, and I encourage you to make arrangements for your child to get boosted. Please check out the Needham Public Health website <https://www.needhamma.gov/4851/COVID---19> for additional information. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 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.