Superintendents_update

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March 2007

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Mar '07

16 Mar '07

Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates for you this Friday morning: I encourage parents and members of the community to become fully informed about the budget process and the two override questions the School Committee and Selectmen have voted to place on the April 10th ballot. For more information, please go the Needham Public Schools website: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ and click under News. Parents and community members are welcome to attend an Open House at the Emery Grover School Administration Building at 1330 Highland Avenue next Tuesday, March 20th from 9 to 10 a.m. Please join the school department's administrative team for a cup of coffee and informal conversation about our work in the Needham Public Schools. I continue to visit classrooms in the schools each week and am so impressed with what I see and learn. Yesterday, for example, I was in Seth Evans 5th grade classroom at Mitchell observing and participating as the students collected and analyzed data using mean, median, and mode. I observed Eva Liner's middle school students hard at work with their ancient Egypt study guides, preparing for an upcoming assessment. Her classroom was filled with examples of student projects and work highlighting their Egyptian unit. Yesterday I also attended the high school's assembly in the gym where all 1,400 students sat mesmerized by the story of one of the "Lost Boys" from the Sudan who shared his experiences about his personal struggles and that country's ongoing tragedy. I was so proud of our high school students who respectfully and quietly listened in a stuffy gymnasium, for over an hour, as they learned and asked questions about Darfur and what could be done to help. By the way, I was also impressed with all the Needham High students and fans who cheered on the girls' basketball team at the Garden this past week. An usher remarked to me that the Needham students were the best and most respectful kids he had seen there in a while. Congratulations to the Lady Rockets for a superb season! I am extremely pleased to work in a system that values hard work, respect, and enthusiasm for learning. Thanks to our teachers, staff, and principals for leading the way. As always, please contact me at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us if you have a question, comment, or concern. Have a great weekend. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Mar '07

09 Mar '07

Dear Parents and Guardians: This is a reminder that tomorrow, Saturday, March 10th the Needham School Committee will hold an informal Open House from 9 until 11:00 a.m. at the Historical Society, located on the Newman Elementary School's front lawn. Please stop by for a few minutes or longer in between Saturday morning chores or practice schedules to enjoy a cup of coffee, say hello, and chat informally with School Committee members about the Needham Public Schools. They look forward to seeing you! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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