[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Saturday, May 2nd

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

I hope you and your families are healthy and that you had an opportunity to
enjoy today's beautiful spring weather.  I write to share the following
updates about the District's response to the COVID-19 health emergency:

*• Learning from Home  *Since the Governor announced that schools will be
closed for the remainder of the school year, teachers and administrators
have worked to refine and adjust our Remote Learning Plan
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32266432>.
In order to strengthen our plan we took the following steps over the last
couple of weeks: reviewed the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary
Education Guidance <http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/learn-at-home.html>;
surveyed families at two elementary schools, Pollard and the high school
(with a broader District survey coming soon); held over 20 parent meetings
representing families from each school; received feedback and suggestions
from the School Committee; studied plans and ideas from neighboring school
districts; and collaborated with our teachers and staff.

As a result of these efforts we have strengthened our plan in at least
three key ways:

1.  All students, PreK-12 will have increased, typically daily, contact
with their teachers through "live" sessions on Zoom, Google Meets,
FaceTime, or, as appropriate and necessary, on the phone.  These class
sessions will include Morning Meeting, office hours, discussion time, small
groups, class presentations, consultations, advisory, or other
opportunities for students to see and engage with the teachers who care for
them.

2.  Principals and teachers will send out a weekly schedule and plan to
every family each Sunday evening by 6:00 p.m. so families and students have
an opportunity to preview the week and balance work, family, and learning
with home responsibilities.

3.  We have identified the key learning goals and objectives for each grade
level, K-8, and subject area and posted these on the district's
website:  Needham
Public Schools Remote Learning Goals
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pkITyCOsE0_vunDnDgLba0lFImO9PVPNINFrq3cYoeA/edit?ts=5ea86d35>.
Students and families can see what the academic expectations and targets
are through June 19th.  (High school academic goals and expectations vary
by course; an overview of department objectives will be posted in the
coming week.)

Specific information about each school's schedule and plan will be shared
by the principal, and we expect the adjusted plans to rollout beginning on
Monday, May 4th and continuing through May 11th when they will be fully
implemented in each school.

*• Additional School News *Many parents have asked about accessing their
child's school building to retrieve personal belongings and materials.
Principals, public health staff, and custodians are reviewing plans to have
families come in to gather materials within the next couple of weeks.
Principals will share plans soon.  If you or someone you know may need
support, guidance, or meal assistance at this time, please check out the
district's website for community resource information in Needham and
Boston:  Family Resources during the COVID-19 Emergency
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32147670>

*• Moving Forward *The district will convene a broad based and inclusive
group of educators, parents, students, public health officials, and town
staff as part of a new *COVID-19 Planning & Advisory Committee* to provide
ideas and feedback to district staff as we continue to refine our learning
from home opportunities, consider summer school plans, revise curriculum to
adjust for the period of school closure, and consider what health, safety,
and social distancing measures may be necessary when schools open in
September.  School Committee Chair Andrea Longo Carter and I will lead the
effort, and we expect to begin work within the next few weeks and continue
our efforts through next winter or as needed.  Stay tuned for updates and
information.  By the way, some community members had trouble viewing Ms.
Longo Carter's video message to the community.  It has since been posted on
the district's website:  School Committee Chair's Message to Needham Public
Schools Families
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r8kLzoH0gdAvvapv4XwsjezZQ5LFutza/view?ts=5eac5a71>

Let me take this opportunity to thank our families for your guidance,
feedback and strong support over the last several weeks.  We appreciate
your willingness to make suggestions and to jump in to assist your children
at home even while you juggle multiple and demanding responsibilities.  We
will continue to collaborate with families to ensure we address the needs
of our students.

Finally, please take a moment this coming week, which is *National Teacher
Appreciation Week, *to acknowledge the efforts of your child's teachers.
They have been working hard to adjust a demanding curriculum and reinvent
their instruction in order to meet the academic and social & emotional
learning needs of over 5,700 students during an unprecedented health
crisis.  There may have been times over the last few weeks that an
individual's efforts have fallen short of a parent's expectations or a
child's needs.  Our work may be imperfect but our willingness to improve,
grow, and learn is stronger than ever.

It goes without saying that our educators are committed to the children and
young people of the Needham community, and they will continue to do
everything possible to bring learning, creativity, joy, and personal
connection to the students they miss so much and care for so deeply.  It
remains my greatest honor to serve as your superintendent in this wonderful
community, working alongside talented, dedicated, and loving teachers,
administrators, and staff.

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

Respectfully,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent
Needham Public Schools
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