May 2015 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 26 May '15

26 May '15

Tuesday, May 25, 2015 6:05 p.m. Dear Needham Families: The Needham Police Department is investigating the claim of an Eliot student who reports that on his way home this afternoon from school, a man he does not know stopped his car on Webster St. and asked the boy if he needed a ride. The boy ignored the stranger, ran home, and told his parents who then immediately contacted the police. We are not aware of any other children being involved. Out of an abundance of caution, the Needham Police will step up patrols in and around the schools tomorrow. If you have a question or any information about the situation, please contact the Needham Police Department: 781.455.7570 Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 May '15

14 May '15

Dear Needham Families: Earlier today, we were notified by YCN Transportation, Inc. that one of their van drivers responsible for transporting Needham students to/from their private special education school was arrested for buying drugs in between his morning and afternoon runs this past Tuesday, May 12th. *No students were on the van at the time of the incident nor were any students injured or otherwise involved.* The families of the students who were transported by this driver have been notified by the Needham Public Schools of the situation with the driver. YCN has terminated the driver and a substitute driver has been put in place. Rest assured that we take all matters related to student safety very seriously in the Needham Public Schools. As per our policy, this driver was subject to the appropriate Criminal Offender Record Investigation (CORI), Sexual Offense Record Investigation (SORI), and National Fingerprinting Process and was found to have no criminal activity in his past upon hire. Furthermore, YCN and the Needham Public Schools have strict driving and other safety protocols in place, including random drug testing of school van and bus drivers. We will continue to work with YCN Transportation as well as all of our special education transportation vendors to be certain student safety remains the top priority. Should you have any questions or would like to speak with me directly, please contact me at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781-455-0400 x202. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 May '15

09 May '15

Dear Needham Families: I hope you are enjoying the wonderful spring weather this Mother's Day weekend! By the way... the last day of school is a half day on Wednesday, June 24th. Allow me to share some important updates and information: *• School Transportation 2015-16 *If your child requires bus transportation next school year, be sure to complete the application by *May 15th* to be guaranteed a seat on the bus and to avoid an increase in the bus fee. If you do not complete an application, your child may not have a seat on the bus next year! Please call the Transportation Department at 781-455-0400 x234 with your questions. 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/ *• Needham Parent Survey 2015* The Needham Department of Public Health is conducting its third Parent Survey. The survey responses enable us to learn about parent and guardian beliefs and perceptions regarding underage drinking and other drug use. A complete description can be found below. 6th-12th grade parents and guardians are asked to complete the survey: http://surveys.ssre.org/s3/NeedhamParentSurvey2015 • *Superintendent's Blog* Here is a link to my most recent post: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • *Congratulations to Staff!* Congratulations to three of our outstanding teachers who recently have been notified of the following accolades: - Middle school music teacher *Aaron Bush* who has received recognition as a Quarterfinalist in the *2015 Grammy Foundation Music Educator Award*. - High school wellness teacher *Sam Martyn* who has been named the *2015 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Alpine Ski Coach of the Year*. - High school Spanish teacher *Keara Eagan *who has been recognized by the*Massachusetts Foreign Language Association for Excellence in Foreign Language Teaching.* The work of these educators reflects the District's core values of *Scholarship, Personal Growth, Citizenship, *and* Community* and represent the best of the NPS faculty. We are proud of them and the work they do with our children each day. *• Needham High School *Despite the news of Dr. Pizzi's resignation as principal of Needham High School, the students and staff enjoyed a busy and productive week. It is clear that the students did not miss a beat with many activities, including Advanced Placement testing, athletic contests, preparation for the weekend's play, art show, and Senior Banquet dominating the agenda. I appreciate the great teamwork exhibited by Acting Principal Jonathan Bourn and the entire staff, all of whom have stepped forward to manage and lead the school and ensure our students are the priority. The care and professionalism of the faculty and staff has been important as we head into end of the year activities and events. I have decided that we will look for an interim principal to begin at Needham High July 1st, and I expect to be able to share a timeline for hiring an interim within the next few weeks. I am mindful parents and the community would like additional information about the circumstances surrounding Dr. Pizzi's resignation. However, I am sure you understand that personnel matters are confidential in order to protect the privacy of all involved. To the degree it is possible, I will share updates and information as appropriate in order that we can all take steps to move forward. In the meantime, know that we have a busy end of the school year ahead for all of Needham's students, and are clear goal is to keep the focus on teaching and learning. Thanks for your patience and understanding. As always, please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. My email address is dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us and my phone is 781.455.0400, x202. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Information from the Superintendent
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 02 May '15

02 May '15

Saturday, May 2, 2015 Dear Families: Early this morning Dr. Jonathan Pizzi notified me by email that he had resigned his position as principal of Needham High School. On April 29, 2015, following a complaint regarding workplace conduct lodged against Dr. Pizzi, I placed him on administrative leave pending investigation of the allegation. *It is important to note that no students were involved in the allegations.* Dr. Pizzi had been scheduled to be interviewed this coming Wednesday, May 6, 2015, as part of the District's internal investigation regarding the allegation. In investigating the allegation, we worked closely with legal counsel and appropriate Town officials. At this time, on the advice of legal counsel, this remains a confidential personnel matter and we will not have further immediate factual comment. For the sake of our students, the primary concern is to cover the responsibilities of maintaining the day-to-day management of our high school. Therefore, Needham High School Assistant Principal Jonathan Bourn will serve as Acting-Principal and will be supported by the high school staff and my office. I want to emphasize that there is nothing more important to me than the well- being of our students and staff and the families in this community. To that end, please be assured that the faculty and staff will ensure that the school day on Monday and throughout the week will continue to run smoothly and know we will support students and families as necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to my office and not to the staff at Needham High School. My phone number is 781.455.0400, x 202 and my email is dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and ongoing support. Respectfully, Daniel E. Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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