[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy.  Allow me to share
a few brief updates:

*• April Vacation Cancelled* Last evening, the School Committee voted to
amend the current 2019-20 school calendar
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Calendars/2019-2020%20Amended%20School%20Calendar%204-7-20.pdf>
and
cancel April vacation originally scheduled for April 21-24.  The School
Committee agreed with my recommendation that we continue to provide
instruction for all students through our Remote Learning Plan
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/Superintendent/District%20Remote%20Learning%20Plan.pdf>.
We will also continue providing meals for students in need
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/Superintendent/NPS%20meal%20service%20during%20school%20closure%20notice.pdf>
during
this week.  The continuity of instruction and vital services is important,
and the inability of families to travel make this an appropriate move in
this unusual circumstance.  Monday, April 20th is Patriots' Day, and the
district will observe this holiday and not hold classes.  The School
Committee also voted to have the last day of school be Friday, June 19th.
Please check out the district's website to view calendar information:  NPS
Calendar Information <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/calendars>

*• Friday, April 10th is Good Friday *A reminder that this Friday, April
10th, is Good Friday and the district will not hold classes on that day.

*• Meals for Needham and Boston Students*  Just since last week, the NPS
Nutrition Services Department has provided over 2,400 meals for over 400
students.  If a child in your family or a child you know in Needham
requires breakfast and lunch, please check out the following information: Meals
for Needham Children
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/Superintendent/NPS%20meal%20service%20during%20school%20closure%20notice.pdf>.
Enrollment in the NPS is not required and there is no paperwork needed.
For families in Boston, please check out the meal information and other
services available in Boston through METCO, Inc.: METCO Information for
Boston Students <https://metcoinc.org/>

*• School Committee Open House April 18th *The School Committee will host a
virtual Open House from 9 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th to
provide an opportunity for parents and community members to meet and speak
informally with their School Committee representatives.  An invitation to
join the open house virtually will be forwarded next week.  Please join us!

*• Twitter Updates  *I strongly encourage families or individuals to sign
up for  the Superintendent's Twitter
<https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3ANPS_Supt&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.needham.k12.ma.us%2F>
account
to receive timely updates, information,  and  messages that are especially
important at this time.  It's easy to do, and you can receive quick & easy
access to NPS news.

Please continue to stay well and, as always, reach out to me with
questions, comments, or concerns at 781.455.0400, x11203 or
dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us

Finally, Happy Passover and Easter to our families celebrating the
holidays!  Given the extraordinary times, I know I will be disappointed not
to be able to gather with my family for Easter dinner.  Nonetheless, I hope
we can all enjoy the gift of smaller family gatherings and, especially,
continued health in the days and weeks ahead.

Respectfully,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools
Needham, MA
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