Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On this first day of December and as we conclude a busy and productive week of teaching and learning, I want to share with you an interview <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8> I was fortunate to have with two community leaders: Rabbi Jay Perlman and Dr. Huma Farid. Rabbi Perlman is a Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, and Dr. Farid is a local physician and Muslim community leader who has two children in the Needham Public Schools. Both our members of the Needham Clergy Association. I brought them together to discuss how we can best support students, their families, and one another in this moment of fear, anxiety, and war. They are both very special people whom I am sure you will appreciate listening to on this brief 20 minute video. I encourage you to take the time this weekend or next week to watch and listen to their messages which are aligned to our district's values and Portrait of a Needham Graduate <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eJTJHT4jANFXuL6FcfJFtciRlinL1z9B/view?usp=sharing> competencies. Sometimes educators and parents struggle with how to best guide and advise our young people and their families, especially at times of trauma and strife. I know I am not always sure what to do. We are truly fortunate to have two amazing faith and community leaders right here in Needham who are clearly partners with us as we support our students, neighbors, and one another. Here is the link to the video: 10 Minutes with Dr. Farid and Rabbi Perlman <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8> Enjoy the weekend, 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.