October 2012 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 8:01 p.m. Dear Needham Families: It is my expectation that the Needham Public Schools will open on time tomorrow, Wednesday, October 31st. This evening I attended a meeting with Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick and Needham's public safety officials to review plans for continuing tree, power line, and debris clean up. Town, utility, and public safety officials are working very hard to restore power to isolated areas in Needham, and they are focused on having roads ready for the morning commute. • All schools have power and will be ready for classes tomorrow. • Crews will continue to work throughout the day to continue their repair and clean up efforts. • Students and all commuters must take extra time to get to school/work and be careful at those few intersections where power is still out or tree limbs remain on the side of the road or are blocking the sidewalk. In some cases wet leaves may cover branches or wires that have been cut and are not live; students walking to school should take their time, watch where they are stepping, and be alert. • Buses will likely be delayed, and the drivers have been encouraged to take their time to ensure safety. • Students, staff, and parents should be careful and plan extra time to get to school. A few parents have told me they do not wish to be contacted by phone early in the morning in the event of a weather-related school cancellation. If you wish to opt out of our weather-related school cancellation notification system please follow the instructions posted on the district's website: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ Under Hot Topics on the left side of the page, click No School/Two Hour Delay to download a PDF detailing instructions. Finally, my most recent blog post can be found here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ I appreciate everyone's patience and look forward to a full day of classes tomorrow. Take your time and be safe. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:21 a.m. Dear Needham Families: As you may know by now, school has been canceled in Needham today, Tuesday, October 30th. I made the decision after driving around town early this morning and after consulting with public safety folks. While most of the town is safe and has power, there are isolated areas of no power, including one or two key intersections. In addition, downed lines on a couple of elementary school sidewalks and near High Rock and Pollard will make some, part, or all of those campuses inaccessible until work crews take care of limbs and lines. When I was at the scene of these downed lines at 4:00 this morning, there were no signs of any utility trucks working, so I have assumed they will not be working in time for a safe, orderly, and trouble free morning commute. Like you, I am very disappointed we are not having school today, but I had to act with an abundance of caution. I hope our students will take every opportunity to catch up on schoolwork and spend some time reading today in preparation for a full day of classes tomorrow. Stay safe and warm. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

Dear Needham Families: Two quick reminders: • Newman Homecoming Parent and members of the community are invited to attend an open house and "Homecoming" celebration at Newman tomorrow, Thursday, October 18th from 3:30 until 5:00 p.m. Please stop by and see the renovated building and classrooms! • School Committee Open House The Needham School Committee will hold its fall Open House this Saturday, October 20th at the Hillside Elementary School located at 28 Glen Gary Road. The Open House will be held from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. and provides an informal opportunity for the School Committee to hear from parents and community members. Enjoy a cup of coffee and say hello to your School Committee, ask a question, or make a suggestion. They are eager to meet you! Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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