On April 18, the Needham School Committee and Dr. Gutekanst hosted an Virtual Open House on Zoom that was attended by over 100 parents and community members. Dr. Gutekanst gave an update on remote learning, and acknowledged that as remote learning continues, adjustments will need to be made at all levels. An emphasis was put on school-home communications, with surveys to be sent to families in the coming days. Dr. Gutekanst also reiterated the district's focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and equity, as well as the competencies developed though Portrait of a Needham Graduate.
On Tuesday, April 21, Governor Baker announced that Massachusetts schools would remain closed through the end of the school year. Dr. Gutekanst posted videos for elementary, middle, and high school students on April 24. In addition, Dr.Gutekanst shared a "Message to High School Students" on his blog.
At the April 28 School Committee meeting Andrea Longo Carter was elected new School Committee Chair, and on April 30, she shared a message for families:
