Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Effective tomorrow, Thursday, May 20, the Needham Public Schools will adopt new guidance <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YpAQidqWWg2IrX5DtYaatBpV26fNg9WVuHUscbSaosc/edit?usp=sharing> 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_101eBD8TiV259DorjE8wuYzuerwNljtzVP_Hs/edit?usp=sharing> to reflect the new DESE guidance <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UErmwWNEV4avtJGyOX8S4uQLylrQ3mY5/view?usp=sharing> 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/1YpAQidqWWg2IrX5DtYaatBpV26fNg9WVuHUscbSaosc/edit?usp=sharing> 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@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.