Superintendents_update

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December 2007

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Friday, December 21, 2007 Dear Parents and Guardians: As the flakes fly and students look anxiously out the window anticipating next week's vacation, let me take this opportunity to wish each of you a restful and peaceful holiday. Now in my second year as superintendent, I have had additional opportunities to see and understand more clearly the wonderful work the teachers and staff do with our students each day. I continue to be impressed with the level of dedication, creativity, and professionalism they bring to each school and classroom. It is a real honor for me to work within the Needham Public Schools. I am very pleased that the School Committee adopted this fall the four core values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth and three goals to support these values and what we fundamentally believe to be our work in the schools. As the school year continues to unfold, teachers and staff will work together with the School Committee, parents, and the community to ensure we have a common understanding of these goals and how they might be implemented throughout the system. This will be challenging but, I think, very exciting and enriching work. We will also work with the town to ensure we have the resources we need to achieve these goals and nurture the close connection and relationship that exists between each child and teacher in every classroom. Unquestionably, the budget for the 2008-09 school year will be extremely tight, and we will need to be creative and make thoughtful decisions about what we can afford and how we can deliver the best possible educational program with available resources. I encourage parents to follow the budget discussions that will take place throughout January and into the winter months. I also encourage parents and students to enjoy New Year's Eve in Needham: Join the community for a celebration of art, music, dance and magic on December 31st from noon to 10:00 p.m. Check out the schedule of events at [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001lpYAE8mFiQWmFMxErGgliDyhtry4QQeD4k33OOsFWJJ5Fzof… ] www.needarts.org Your $5 button admits you to all events at venues throughout town. Buttons may be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office, Needham Public Library, the Selectmen's Office, Taylor Stationery, Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, YMCA Charles River Branch or online at [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001lpYAE8mFiQUix7_-Qj2EahqJcHhmbVaZMbswvlmyDi2Yz1wI… ]www.mktix.com As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Dear Parent and Guardians: A few updates: The Needham Public Schools seeks your input about school programs through your participation in an online survey that will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The information received will help us gain a better understanding of what is most important to our parent community in the areas of Student Learning and Growth, Parent Satisfaction, Educational Planning, Staff Expectations, Financial Performance, Student Services, and Curriculum. The results of this survey will be included in the 2008 Needham Public Schools annual Performance Report. Please complete the survey by December 21, 2007. If you have questions about the survey or the procedures, you may contact me. Here is the link to the survey: http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=811691 Tomorrow evening I will present my preliminary budget recommendation to the School Committee. I believe the budget details the resources we need to move our schools forward and provides each child with an opportunity to grow and learn. I look forward to the budget presentation and the subsequent conversation with the School Committee and other town boards and officials about the needs of our students and schools. There is no question, however, that this will be a challenging year for the town and school budgets, especially as we look to provide the same level of service for students while balancing, for example, increased energy and health benefit costs. The work ahead for the School Committee will be difficult, and I urge you to participate in the process and communicate your concerns and ideas in the weeks and months ahead. Let me take this opportunity to thank the Town Manager, Selectmen, Finance Committee, and the School Committee for their guidance and advice as we work together on behalf of the schools and the community. Let me also take this opportunity to wish our families who are celebrating Hanukkah a peaceful and joyful holiday with your family! As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us if you have a question or concern. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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