[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

Like you, I am reminded this weekend that sometimes events that seem so far
away can impact some of our students and families in ways we don't
necessarily expect.

Worldwide events, such as the earthquake in Afghanistan, the ongoing
conflict in Ukraine, and now the war in Israel affect family members and
loved ones of several Needham students.

Our schools stand ready to support all of our students, especially those
who have relatives and friends in areas of violence and conflict including
Ukraine and Israel:

• In the coming days if your child needs support in school to process the
events of the weekend, please reach out to the school counselor.

• Elementary classroom teachers will not initiate conversations about war
and conflict, but they will guide and respond to students in
developmentally appropriate ways, understanding that not every child is
aware of or knowledgeable about the violence.  At the secondary level,
student inquiry and curiosity, particularly in social studies classes, will
guide any classroom discussion.

• One source of information for parents is from UNICEF: How to talk to your
children about war and conflict
<https://www.unicef.org/parenting/how-talk-your-children-about-conflict-and-war#:~:text=A%20good%20starting%20point%20is,to%20open%20up%20a%20discussion.>
.

As we begin a new week of learning in the NPS, let's remember that our
collective role as parents and educators is to ensure our students develop
the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to lead fulfilling lives and to
envision and build a prosperous, peaceful, and just world.

Respectfully,

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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