[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

Tue Feb 15 16:09:27 UTC 2022

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

On February 9th Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Commissioner Riley released an update
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/15gmvY8u9n6MVHbNde7aGQkDhEaBeOH7J/view>
stating that the statewide school mask mandate will end on Monday, February
28th for students and staff in grades K-12, vaccinated and
unvaccinated. The Commissioner is also allowing local communities to
determine an implementation timeline that makes sense for individual school
districts.  Both DESE and the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) strongly
recommend unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks in school
settings.

Based on improving local health metrics
<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hnRC0gioYWF2tX7W9DOr3c37zgynyJIa/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103927596265011240038&rtpof=true&sd=true>,
high staff and student vaccination rates
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/17RxCFS1NjDCk7PtbLB007fEM25OoBfLHSoR0lFqQAd8/edit?usp=sharing>,
the availability of symptomatic and at home testing, and the continued
priority the Needham Public Schools (NPS) places on maintaining healthy
schools, the Joint Committee on Health and Safety has recommended to me
that the NPS implement a mask friendly learning environment for all K-12
students and staff effective Monday, March 7th. They have also recommended
that for the time being Preschool staff and students remain masked.

The Joint Committee on Health and Safety
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=36642797>
has met regularly since the summer of 2020 and has provided advice and
guidance to me to ensure the safe and healthy operations of the Needham
Public Schools during the pandemic.  Through the evaluation of medical and
public health data; setting standards for the safe operation of schools;
and recommending various health protocols and procedures, we have been able
to keep our schools open for learning since the fall of 2020.

Given the Commissioner’s latest announcement; the reality that positive
cases continue to decline statewide and locally; the availability of both
symptomatic and at home testing for families and staff; the high rate of
student vaccinations; the continued focus on health and safety protocols in
our schools; and  the desire to continue to nurture a supportive, caring,
and student-centered experience in each classroom and school, the Joint
Committee on Health and Safety recommends I implement the following:

• Create a Mask Friendly Learning Environment  A mask friendly environment
recognizes and respects all our students and staff. Depending on their
individual and family health risks and needs, students and staff can choose
whether to wear a mask or not while in the school buildings. The district
will reinforce personal choice and the importance of supporting those whose
decisions differ from others. Masks must still be worn in school health
offices and on school transportation, as federally mandated. Preschool
students and staff will also continue to mask.

• Plan for the Change  We have been deliberate about each of the health and
safety measures we have taken and creating a mask friendly learning
environment is no exception. Given the likelihood of family travel over the
upcoming break and possible increased risk of exposure, we think it makes
sense to wait one week before implementation. In collaboration with school
staff, principals will thoughtfully plan the rollout of information and
support for staff and students to ensure a smooth transition. Staff should
develop and share developmentally appropriate lessons, protocols, and
announcements to explain how we will act as a school community where some
decide to wear a mask and others do not. Families are encouraged to engage
in conversations with their children to determine their mask preferences.
School staff will use the week after February vacation to share plans and
expectations with students.

• Consider a Timeline and Next Steps  A thoughtful timeline will allow for
a successful transition to a mask friendly environment:

*-* All students/staff Grades K-12: On March 7th, the Needham Public
Schools mask mandate ends and wearing a mask is optional for all
individuals, vaccinated and unvaccinated.

*-* Preschool: The mask requirement will remain in place at the preschool
level for students and staff until we receive additional guidance and
information.

*-* The Joint Committee on Health and Safety will continue to meet
regularly to monitor health metrics and, if necessary, recommend to the
superintendent a return to masking should that be necessary.

• Maintain the Commitment to Health and Safety  The district will continue
to expect from families and staff the daily completion of the health
attestation; continue with hygiene and ventilation protocols; and provide
at-home rapid tests for students and staff who opt in and a symptomatic
testing program for those experiencing symptoms in school. We will continue
to emphasize the importance of vaccinations, particularly for younger
students who may not yet have had the opportunity to get the vaccine or
booster.  The Joint Committee on Health and Safety will continue to advise
the superintendent about any health and safety concerns related to COVID
and will, if circumstances warrant, recommend adjustments to health
protocols, including a return to masking.

Tonight I will update the School Committee about our plans to create a mask
friendly learning environment and share additional health and safety
updates.

With deep appreciation to the Joint Committee on Health and Safety, all of
our students, their families, and staff who have patiently and carefully
adhered to all health-related protocols, including masking, we look forward
to the successful implementation of a mask friendly learning environment on
March 7th.

Respectfully,

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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