[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

I am writing to you to inform you that school will start as scheduled on
Monday, September 14th *but we will begin with remote learning only until
Tuesday, September 29th when in person learning will begin for all students
in grades Preschool to 12.*

After receiving an update around the maintenance plans and ongoing work
taking place in all of the schools related to ventilation upgrades, it is
my conclusion that the maintenance staff needs more time to complete
necessary repairs so that we can open all schools and classrooms within a
safe and healthy environment.

I regret sending this information to you with only ten or so days to go
with that start of the school year, but my number one priority has been -
and will remain - the health, safety, and wellbeing of each student and
staff member.  Nothing else is more important to me, and I thought I should
make this decision now so that families have at least some time to plan for
their children to be learning at home remotely for the first two weeks of
the school year.

I will send out an additional communication over the next two or three days
that will include more information.  *In the meantime, please do not email
or contact building principals, administrators, teachers, or staff
requesting information about what this means to your child or inquiring
about specific plans.*  That information and additional details will be
forthcoming.

For now, rest assured that our teachers and staff will be ready to connect
with your children remotely on what remains the first day of school,
Monday, September 14th.

With appreciation for your patience and continued partnership,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools
Needham Public Schools
1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492
781-455-0400 x11203
dan_gutekanst at 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.
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