Dear NPS Families: Allow me to share five things you need to know about COVID and Health & Safety in our schools: *1.* 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> met again this past Monday and discussed the recent uptick in COVID cases <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Jn_-gPZ0ZPH8PbrJjUqIGj4-vHkp1uXK/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103927596265011240038&rtpof=true&sd=true> locally and within the district. The district's COVID Dashboard <https://datastudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/38f06c1e-7093-4a9e-9c83-af8a36c457c9/page/dmbiB> includes the most recent tally of positive cases. We know COVID cases are increasing in the schools, and we want to ensure that we are being thoughtful and balanced in our response to the latest increase. *2.* Our staff and student attendance <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aSIRB_aONmeKVzCLrc0RHTIWxA8bD6NT/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103927596265011240038&rtpof=true&sd=true> has been averaging about 91% over the last week or so, and the health attestation completion rate is averaging 80% for families. *3.* We continue to follow current Department of Elementary and Secondary School (DESE) and MA Department of Public Health (DPH) guidance <https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/protocols/>, and we continue to offer regular at home testing, in school symptomatic testing, and the health attestation, among other measures (e.g., keeping windows/doors open) to help keep our students and staff healthy and safe. Parents may opt in to our testing program by contacting us: covid@needham.k12.ma.us *4.* At this time we will not be making any changes to our *Mask Friendly <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IIlHbGWdneNPaTZlySblmHsMtIHkSc-i4h9sGBm6sys/edit?usp=sharing>* policy <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IIlHbGWdneNPaTZlySblmHsMtIHkSc-i4h9sGBm6sys/edit?usp=sharing> for students and staff. However, effective Friday, May 20th, we will recommend mask wearing for all parents and family members attending indoor activities, including athletics, plays, concerts, and other large indoor school programs. (Students and staff will continue to make their own decisions about wearing a mask during the day and at school activities.) We are serious about staying as healthy and safe as possible, and we need your help. If it becomes necessary, we will adopt additional measures around masking. *5.* Finally, effective Friday, May 20th, the RUVNA health attestation will contain new prompts around symptoms: Health Attestation Update <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kKLioCiw1sHGNeojOmqECEnuDoRP0KSEMa9rkBKucgg/edit?usp=sharing> . The Attestation will reflect the milder symptoms that COVID can present. Recently COVID has shown up with symptoms similar to seasonal allergies and with the current high pollen levels, it's especially important for students and staff to be testing with even mild symptoms. *Please review the update and complete the Health Attestation for your child each school day!* Thanks for your partnership as we work together to keep our students and staff healthy and our schools open. I will share additional updates as necessary. Sincerely, 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.