[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

On this first day of December and as we conclude a busy and productive week
of teaching and learning, I want to share with you an interview
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8> I was fortunate to have with
two community leaders: Rabbi Jay Perlman and Dr. Huma Farid.

Rabbi Perlman is a Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, and Dr.
Farid is a local physician and Muslim community leader who has two children
in the Needham Public Schools. Both our members of the Needham Clergy
Association.

I brought them together to discuss how we can best support students, their
families, and one another in this moment of fear, anxiety, and war.  They
are both very special people whom I am sure you will appreciate
listening to on this brief 20 minute video.  I encourage you to take the
time this weekend or next week to watch and listen to their messages which
are aligned to our district's values and Portrait of a Needham Graduate
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eJTJHT4jANFXuL6FcfJFtciRlinL1z9B/view?usp=sharing>
competencies.

Sometimes educators and parents struggle with how to best guide and advise
our young people and their families, especially at times of trauma and
strife.  I know I am not always sure what to do.  We are truly fortunate to
have two amazing faith and community leaders right here in Needham who are
clearly partners with us as we support our students, neighbors, and one
another.

Here is the link to the video:  10 Minutes with Dr. Farid and Rabbi Perlman
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8>

Enjoy the weekend,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools
Needham Public Schools
1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492
*He/His/Him*
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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