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December 2012

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Dec '12

21 Dec '12

Dear Needham Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Allow me also to share two items of interest: • School Budget Hearing The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 6.48% increase in the budget for the 2013-14 school year (FY14). The budget plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding teachers at High Rock, Pollard, and the high school, and the proposal also provides funding to maintain existing programs throughout the district. The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. However, it will be a challenge to secure all the resources we require to move school programs forward, especially in a difficult economic climate. You may view the plan and additional information about the budget on our website: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY14%20Budget The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. • Superintendent's Blog My post for December can be found on the district's website: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ Enjoy the upcoming vacation with your children! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Dec '12

14 Dec '12

Dear Needham Families: I am at a loss for words this evening as I write to express both grief and outrage over the tragic and senseless loss of innocent children and the adults who cared for them in Newtown, Connecticut. Like you, I am in shock over this abominable crime, especially knowing it occurred during what should be a peaceful, joyful, and holy season for so many of our families. Needham's principals and I met late this afternoon to check in with one another and discuss appropriate plans for the return of students to classes next Monday morning and throughout the week. I would like to share the following information: • The principals will meet with their entire faculty and staff early on Monday morning and before students arrive to discuss how to be prepared for students. Each teacher will receive information and a script about what to do and/or say in the event a student raises a concern or questions about the tragedy. • Guidance counselors, nurses, and others will be available and accessible in each building to respond to children's concerns and needs as necessary and appropriate. • The principals will email parents over the next few days and as necessary to share information and updates about the school's response and any concerns. • The principals suggest the following document, entitled A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope, may provide parents and all caring adults with some ideas and age appropriate responses to today's events: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx Finally, let me take this opportunity to reassure parents that we take school safety and security very seriously in the Needham Public Schools. Of course we can never guarantee that nothing would ever happen in one of our schools or in the community. What we can do is be planful, vigilant, and proactive, particularly when it comes to our children's safety. We review, plan, and practice emergency responses and protocols with students and staff throughout the year. We collaborate closely with the Needham Police and other public safety and health officials to review plans and procedures to maximize school safety and security. The principals know that attending to student and school safety is their first and most important priority. Over the next several days and many months to come, the heartwrenching details and pictures will emerge as all of us try and wrap our heads around and comprehend the depths of this terror. For now all we can do is pray for the victims, their families, and the parents who are grieving tonight over the loss of a beautiful little boy or girl. Tonight let's also make sure we hug and kiss our own children and reassure them they are safe and that we love them. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400, x 203

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