[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

March 9, 2020

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

The news about the spread and impact of the Coronavirus continually changes
and, like you, we are busy keeping up with it. I recognize that there is a
certain level of anxiety about this outbreak, and many have questions and
concerns that are sometimes exacerbated by breaking news reports, social
media, and the latest rumors.   In the Needham Public Schools, I continue
to think it is important to take a deep breath, consider new information
carefully, respond in a balanced and measured way, and prioritize the care
of our students.

I'd like to share what we are doing here locally in Needham to ensure that
our schools and the community remain healthy, safe, and ready for learning:

*• Public Health Guidance *The NPS are collaborating closely with the Town
of Needham Public Health Department (NPHD)
<https://www.needhamma.gov/85/Public-Health>, and the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health (MDPH)
<https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19>,
both of whom are working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html> to plan and advise
us in our response to the Coronavirus.  Specific questions about the
Coronavirus and symptoms can be found at any one of the links above.

*• School Health Services  *School nurses are ramping up their efforts to
check up on student absences, and they are being careful to question
students who come into the office and are not feeling well. They also want
to continue to be very careful, as we all need to, about maintaining
student and staff confidentiality, particularly if someone is ill.  School
Health Services Director Barbara Singer has encouraged all teachers to make
sure students have ample time to wash hands and use tissues. We are
ordering extra tissues and other cleaning materials for staff to use in
schools and classrooms.  Please don't hesitate to contact your school nurse
if you have a question or concern about your child's health.


*• Cleaning Protocols  *The school custodians and our transportation
vendors and drivers are implementing new protocols to regularly clean and
disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, bus seats,
etc.).  We will bring extra staff on to support custodians and nutrition
services workers as necessary.


*• Interrupted Teaching and Learning *Some students and families have
inquired about possible plans to maintain instruction through, for example,
online learning should there be a need to close a school or schools for a
period of time.  While we do not yet have a specific plan to implement, we
are considering what we could reasonably expect to do to assist and support
students, especially our most vulnerable students, in the event a school(s)
closure becomes necessary. We are working with the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education (DESE), school administrators, and teachers to
consider possible ideas, alternatives, and plans.


*• Local School and International Trips  *At this time, and in consultation
with the Needham Department of Public Health, we are not cancelling
school-sponsored and local trips, athletic events, or meetings.  Should the
situation change and we are advised to reconsider a field trip or trips, we
will alert students and families at that time. Given the Governor’s
recommendation to cancel international travel, we will make announcements
about trip cancellations or postponements later this week. We have been
working with our travel vendors to mitigate the losses that families will
inevitably incur as the planned trips are canceled.


*• Additional Information & Communication  *Please take a look at the
attached "Frequently Asked Questions" or FAQ document attached to this
email for additional information.  Updates will be provided as necessary in
the days ahead.
<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html>
Many thanks for your continued partnership as we work to serve your
children!  As always, please let me know if you have a comment or
question:  781.455.0400, x11203 or dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent
Needham Public Schools
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