March 2011 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 Mar '11

23 Mar '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: Please allow me to share a few updates: School Committee Open House The School Committee will hold its annual spring Open House in the library at High Rock School from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011. This is an informal opportunity for parents, community members, students, and staff to meet members of the School Committee and share ideas, concerns, and ask questions. Please stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your School Committee! Bullying Prevention Website We were recently informed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that the bullying prevention plan the Needham Schools submitted this past December has met all of the department's requirements. We have created a resource for parents, students, and families on the district's website that we hope will provide additional information about the district's efforts to prevent and respond to bullying. To learn more, please go to: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/student_development/Bullying_Prevention Sex Education Curriculum The Needham Public Schools Wellness Department, in collaboration with parents, community members, and the School Committee, has been working to update the district's sex education curriculum and program. I encourage parents to visit the district's website to learn more about the planned curriculum: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/wellness/Sexuality Parents will find useful resources here, including a slideshow outlining recent parent presentations, curriculum goals by grade levels, parent resources, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide that details many parent questions and concerns. I am immensely proud of the thoughtful work that has gone into the development of this program, and, like any good program, it remains a work in progress. Your feedback and partnership will be welcome as we continue to refine and improve our curriculum. School Transportation 2011-2012 During the last two weeks of March applications are being delivered to all Needham Public Schools for students in grades 1-12 offering school bus transportation for the school year 2011-2012. Applications will be sent home with your children. Please review all the information and return completed applications to the Transportation Department at 1330 Highland Avenue by May 1, 2011, to be guaranteed a seat on the bus. If you do not receive an application or have any questions, please call the Transportation Department at 781-455-0400 x234. Please also visit our web site to check your school and street for eligibility or to download an application: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/transportation/ As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Mar '11

11 Mar '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: Two additional updates to conclude the week: Race to Nowhere The Needham Education Foundation, in cooperation with the Needham Public Schools and Needham Youth Services, will host a screening of the new documentary, [ http://www.racetonowhere.com/ ]Race to Nowhere, on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Needham High School auditorium. The film is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion involving local students, educators, and community members who will discuss the film, its message, and implications for Needham's students. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advanced and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, please visit: [ http://rtnnefneedham.eventbrite.com/ ]rtnnefneedham.eventbrite.com Robotics Tourney In my update earlier this week I neglected to mention that for the first time ever, several Needham High School students will participate this weekend in the [ http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/default.aspx?id=968 ]FIRST Tech Challenge State Robotics Competition on Saturday in Palmer, MA. Motivated by high school math teacher Hans Batra and several enthusiastic parent and community volunteers, our students will compete against the best in the state. To watch a Youtube video of the team, please visit: [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_zGIa3Ch5A ]Youtube: NHS Robotics 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 '11

09 Mar '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: Please allow me to share a few updates: Community Substance Abuse Prevention Forum The Needham Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention will host a panel presentation and discussion on substance abuse, decision making, and the adolescent brain. The forum will feature Marissa Silveri, Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School and Needham educators, leaders, and students who will share ideas, insights, and concerns about risky youth behaviors. The forum will begin tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Broadmeadow. For more information: http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=2489 School Committee Open House The School Committee will hold its annual spring Open House in the library at High Rock School from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011. This is an informal opportunity for parents, community members, students, and staff to meet members of the School Committee and share ideas, concerns, and ask questions. Please stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your School Committee! Needham High School Presents My Fair Lady Join over 100 high school students the weekend of March 18th for their performance of this classic musical. For more information, please check out the district's website: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/fpa/ Finally, best wishes to the NHS boys' hockey team as they compete in the Super 8 Tournament and to the dance team as they compete in the State Championship this weekend! As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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