Dear Needham Public Schools Families:
Like you, I am reminded this weekend that sometimes events that seem so far away can impact some of our students and families in ways we don't necessarily expect.
Worldwide events, such as the earthquake in Afghanistan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and now the war in Israel affect family members and loved ones of several Needham students.
Our schools stand ready to support all of our students, especially those who have relatives and friends in areas of violence and conflict including Ukraine and Israel:
• In the coming days if your child needs support in school to process the events of the weekend, please reach out to the school counselor.
• Elementary classroom teachers will not initiate conversations about war and conflict, but they will guide and respond to students in developmentally appropriate ways, understanding that not every child is aware of or knowledgeable about the violence. At the secondary level, student inquiry and curiosity, particularly in social studies classes, will guide any classroom discussion.
As we begin a new week of learning in the NPS, let's remember that our collective role as parents and educators is to ensure our students develop the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to lead fulfilling lives and to envision and build a prosperous, peaceful, and just world.
Respectfully,