Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we return to school tomorrow, Monday, January 4th, we ask that you review the following checklist, and complete each of the items below before your student(s) returns to school. It is important to complete a daily symptom check each day for each of your children, and adhere to the travel order in order to keep our community healthy. *Before my student returns to school on January 4, I have:* - Reviewed the Needham Public Schools Illness Guidelines <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32912157> - Reviewed the Massachusetts Travel Order <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order>and if you have traveled to a non lower-risk state, completed the Massachusetts Travel Form <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order#massachusetts-travel-form->. Just a reminder that if your student has traveled to a non lower-risk state, they must submit documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test that was done within 72 hours of arrival back to MA, or must quarantine for 14 days. Please note the following: - Children 10 and under can return to school without a PCR/molecular test as long as the parent/guardian who travels with the student submits documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test to the school nurse - If the parent or student does not have a negative PCR/molecular test, the student must quarantine for 14 days as per the travel order - Students 11 and older must submit documentation of a negative PCR/molecular test done within 72 hours of arrival back to MA, or must quarantine for 14 days - ***A PCR test done prior to leaving Massachusetts i.e. for a weekend trip, does not meet the requirement, the PCR test must be done after leaving the state - *Students who have traveled and have not followed the appropriate protocols will be sent home immediately and remain home until they have completed a period of quarantine and/or received a negative PCR test result.* - Reviewed the Daily Symptoms Checklist <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32912140>; this must be completed each day for each of your students - Submitted documentation of your student’s flu shot-documentation must be received by the school nurse by February 28, 2021 - Notified your student’s school nurse if your student was positive for COVID-19, diagnosed with the flu, or was identified as a close contact while over winter break - Talked to your student about the need to wear a mask while outside of school, avoid gathering in groups indoors and in cars, and maintain a distance of 6 feet Thank you for your continued partnership as we work through this challenging time together. Here's to a Healthy and Happy New Year! 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.