Dear Needham Public Schools Families:
Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited and prepared to greet our students next week on Wednesday, August 31st. In anticipation of the new year allow me to share the following information:
• Superintendent's Blog I first encourage you to read an important message included in my latest Superintendent's Blog, On the Eve of a New School Year, Advice for Parents.
• Health and Safety While we will dial back many of the COVID protocols we have had in place over the last couple of years (e.g., the daily health attestation, weekly test distribution, & dashboard will be discontinued at this time), rest assured that my top priority remains the health, safety, and wellness of all students and staff. The Joint Committee on Health & Safety met this week to review and discuss updated guidance regarding COVID protocols for students and staff in the 2022-23 school year: COVID Health & Safety 2022-23. Of course, given the continued presence of COVID in our community, our plans and protocols could change if the health situation requires a response. The Joint Committee will not meet regularly this year but has agreed to be available as necessary to help guide decision making around any revised health and safety protocols.
• 10 Minutes with... Meet the new Sunita L. Williams principal in my latest video, "10 Minutes with Kiana Brunson." Over the course of the school year I like to share brief video interviews of the people of the Needham Public Schools. These videos are no more than ten minutes long and highlight staff, students, ideas, updates, and information for families and the community. You can find an archive of videos here: 10 Minutes with...
• Stay in Touch with the Superintendent! One way to stay in touch about the latest school news, including weather-related school closings or other important information, is on Twitter. Go to: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt to sign up. I look forward to sharing with you and hearing from you in the school year ahead.
• Stay in Touch with Your School Committee! Needham is fortunate to have a seven member elected board who want to hear from you. You can attend public meetings or email the Committee: schoolcommittee@needham.k12.ma.us More information about the School Committee's roles and responsibilities can be found on the district's website: Needham School Committee
Here's to a superb school year for the students, staff and all the families of the Needham Public Schools!