Superintendents_update

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May 2008

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 May '08

30 May '08

May 30, 2008 Dear Parents and Guardians: Allow me to share a few updates about happenings in the Needham Schools: Newman Elementary School Undoubtedly you have heard about the ongoing heating and ventilation (HV) issues at Newman Elementary School. Some staff and students have suffered respiratory symptoms and, while specific causes have not been definitively established, we are concerned that the respiratory issues relate to the HV problems in the school. An engineer's report indicates that in at least a portion of the building significant mechanical and maintenance problems exist with the 48 year-old ventilation system, and, as a precaution, we have had to close the media center, a computer classroom, and relocate three classrooms within the building to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Anxious staff and parents, along with town and school officials, expect that the town and school department will continue to focus time, energy, and resources to ensure student and staff health and safety. Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick, her staff, and the Permanent Public Building Committee have responded quickly, and Town Meeting has appropriated $650,000 to plan for both a temporary and permanent overhaul of the school's HV system. We will work throughout the summer to ensure the building can open next September with a safe and temporary HV system and, at the same time, propose a permanent HV solution to construct at Newman. I am confident that the right resources are being applied and that we will all work together-Town Government, Schools, and the Needham community- to address and solve this problem. We will hold an additional evening parent meeting in June (The specific date has not yet been determined.) to share with the community additional plans and updated information. Leadership Positions Two key school leadership positions have recently been filled: Christine Brumbach has been named the Director of Student Development and will replace Dr. George Johnson who is retiring after an extraordinary career in the Needham Public Schools. Ms. Brumbach has been the Elementary Special Education Director in Needham for the last two years and has worked with a talented staff to ensure that our special education services in all the elementary schools and the preschool are of the highest quality. She has worked especially well interacting with principals, teachers, and parents to plan for appropriate student programming. Prior to her work in the Needham Public Schools, Chris served in a similar role in the Sherborn Schools. She has also taught in the Westwood Public Schools. Prior to public school experience, Chris held various positions at the League School, a 766 approved school for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism. As Director of Education at the League School, she was responsible for program and professional development and developed collaborative relationships with local districts and parents. Ms. Brumbach received a Bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, and a Masters degree in Special Education from Boston University. Emily Gaberman has been appointed the new principal at Broadmeadow and will replace Anne Whittredge, who will retire as that school's principal after serving as its leader for 19 years. Ms. Gaberman, a teacher and administrator at the Runkle School in Brookline for the last 18 years, was the successful candidate after a long and thorough search process. Ms. Gaberman's work as a classroom teacher, math specialist, and more recently as a vice principal at Runkle has provided her with many opportunities to influence, guide, and lead the learning of a talented staff and student body. Ms. Gaberman received a Bachelors degree in English from Cornell University, a Masters degree in Musical Performance from the New England Conservatory, and a Masters degree in Teaching at Simmons. Broadmeadow's teachers, parents, and students are incredibly enthusiastic about Ms. Gaberman coming on board this summer. The Needham Spring Arts Festival. . . Please join the Needham Cultural Council on the Town Common tomorrow, Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Needham's 2nd annual Spring Arts Festival. There will be magic for children at 10 am, performing groups, including the High School Brass Ensemble and teacher Juliet Lloyd. Plugged In Teens and Bongo Love will also perform. A children's crafts table will provide arts activities all day. Enjoy the work of the many visual artists who will be exhibiting. Finally, there will be art demonstrations including painting and jewelry making. For more information, please visit [ http://www.needarts.org ]www.needarts.org. . . .And the Student Art and Music Programs I hope parents have had opportunities to view the exceptional artwork and projects on display at the high school and Pollard over the last week or so. In addition, a variety of student concerts and performances have been scheduled in each of the schools from now until the end of the year. (Please check out the district calendar for specific venues and dates: http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/gi_calendars.htm) Hundreds of students, guided by their teachers, are showcasing wonderful talents that reflect our core value around Scholarship and the district's commitment to the fine and performing arts. Finally, congratulations to the Needham High School Class of '08 who will graduate next Monday evening, June 2 at Babson College in Wellesley. They (and their parents!) have worked hard and deserve our warm and hearty congratulations. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me: 781.455.0400, x 203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us We are off to the concluding weeks of school! Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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