Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

Allow me to share a few updates as we conclude the week and anticipate the April break:

• COVID Guidance The CDC has recently changed its COVID isolation guidance for those who have been ill, and the MA Department of Public Health will now follow this guidance as will the Needham Public Schools. Details here: NPS COVID Guidance

• School Committee Open House Please join the School Committee at its spring Open House to be held at Pollard on Saturday, April 27th from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. This is an informal opportunity to interact with School Committee members and ask questions or share ideas. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the plan to work with the town and state to renovate Pollard Middle School. Students and staff will be available for tours.

• Courageous Conversation on Race The Town of Needham plans a series of conversations about how race impacts our community. The first conversation will be led by Needham High school students on Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Center at the Heights, located at 300 Hillside Avenue. Please attend and hear our students talk about the work they are doing to make our schools inclusive and welcoming for all.

• Superintendent's Blog My most recent post is available: The MCAS: An Imperfect but Important Tool

• 10 Minutes with AI My latest 10 minute video features a conversation with Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation Chris Gosselin about the challenges and possibilities of AI in the schoolhouse: 10 Minutes with AI

Enjoy the April vacation with your families!

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.