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 instruction and the middle school return to full time 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 (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. 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 - 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 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 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

• Superintendent's Blog My latest blog post highlights our race equity efforts in the Needham Public Schools. Read on: Superintendent's Blog

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@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.

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