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

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 Jun '15

25 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few items with you as we conclude a successful school year: *• District Goals Report *Last week the School Committee heard an update about the progress of the 2014-15 district goals. To review our progress, please check out our website: School Committee Packet and 2014-15 Goals Report <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/school_committee/documents/sc%20packets/2014-…> *• Full Day Kindergarten Update *The School Committee also heard a report from the Full Day Kindergarten Committee. The report is detailed, comprehensive and helps outline a pathway to full day Kindergarten in Needham: Full Day Kindergarten Presentation <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/FDK_School_Committee_presentat…> If you wish to read a brief FAQ and summary of the report, click here: FAQs About Full Day Kindergarten in the NPS <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/Q_&_A_DK.pdf> *• Hillside Feasibility Update *This past week about 60 community members attended an interactive forum to discuss and provide feedback on options for a renovated or new Hillside Elementary School. Ongoing updates will be on our website, and I encourage you to check our ongoing progress: Hillside Feasibility Study Updates <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Hillside_and_Mitchell_Planning/> *•* * Congratulations Retirees! * Recently we honored our retiring staff who represent over 279 years of combined and dedicated service to the children of the Needham Public Schools! The school community wishes the blessings of health and happiness in the many years ahead: *Ann Barysh, Cathy Heller, Chris Early, Judy Tuck, Lauras Kelly, Linda Drew, Margie Mearls, Mary Ann Pierce, Melissa Geib, Merle Berman, Susan Misler, Phyllis Reisner, Renee Bellin, Michele Kaminga, Sue Ellen Schwam*. *• Congratulations NHS Students!* Several NHS students received accolades recently: The Girls' Track relay team (Kaleigh Hughes, Olivia Corkrey, Sarah Armstrong, Margie Cullen) won first place in the New Balance National Championship held in North Carolina last week. Several NHS students participated in the Grand National Speech and Debate Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, and sophomores Ariana Orozco (ranked 8th among 211 nationwide) and Grace Ward (ranked 13th among 221) both reached the quarterfinal rounds because of their stellar performances. The boys' Volleyball team clinched the Division I State Championship at Babson College last week, and on the same evening was honored with the prestigious Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) 2015 Sportsmanship Award! Receiving both the championship trophy and the sportsmanship award is a testament to the strength, discipline, teamwork, and integrity of the boys and their coaches and families. Congratulations to all of our Needham students! Finally, let me take this opportunity to say thank you to our parents, staff, and all of our students for another great year in the Needham Schools. Together we tackled challenges and we managed to keep the focus on the most important work we do: providing an excellent education to the best young people around. Thanks for your ongoing guidance and support. Enjoy the summer months with your family! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Jun '15

16 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following three announcements: • *Full Day Kindergarten Report* The Needham School Committee will hear a report about a pathway to Full Day Kindergarten in the Needham Public Schools at its meeting scheduled for this evening, Tuesday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow. If you can’t attend, please tune in on cable or you may access the presentation on the district website tomorrow morning. • *Hillside Feasibility Planning* The Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) and the School Committee will hold a joint public meeting on Monday, June 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow. The purpose of the meeting is to inform Needham residents and parents about the status of the feasibility study and to allow community members the opportunity to participate in discussions and planning around a possible new school in Needham. • *Honor Teachers! * As the school year draws to a close, honor a special teacher or other important person in your child’s life by making a donation in his/her name to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF). Teacher Appreciation Cards make it simple to show your gratitude, while supporting innovation and excellence in the Needham Public Schools. For more information: http://www.nefneedham.org/ Many thanks for your ongoing support. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Jun '15

12 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: As we conclude a very busy week, including the successful graduation of 387 members of the Needham High School Class of ’15, and we anticipate the last several days of school, I write to share with you the following information. My office has completed its investigation of a complaint regarding the workplace conduct of Dr. Jonathan Pizzi, the former principal of Needham High School. *I want to emphasize that the complaint and allegations did not involve students.* Dr. Pizzi was placed on administrative leave April 29, 2015 after being informed of allegations of unwanted sexual contact made by an adult employee in the district. Dr. Pizzi declined opportunities to be interviewed as part of the district’s formal investigation into the alleged behavior. The school district worked closely with legal counsel and appropriate town officials and authorities during the investigation. Dr. Pizzi resigned as principal on May 2, 2015. My office concluded its investigation on May 22, 2015 and I have determined, given the information available, sufficient evidence exists to support the actions the District has taken in regards to Dr. Pizzi. The school district’s investigation is now closed, and we will have no further comment on the matter. It’s important at this time to reiterate that our attention is on our students’ needs, and we are moving forward as a community to concentrate on a successful conclusion to the school year. Dr. Joseph P. Barnes has been named the interim principal at Needham High School effective July 1st, and he will work closely with students, staff, and families over the summer months and into the fall to ensure a smooth and productive opening of the new academic school year. Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank the high school administration, staff, and faculty for stepping forward over the last several weeks to ensure the needs of our high school students, particularly our recent graduates, have been the focus of their work and attention. As always, should you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at 781.455.0400, x202 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Please take some time this weekend to enjoy the wonderful weather and anticipate the summer days that await us. Sincerely, Daniel Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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

09 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: I am excited to announce that Joseph P. Barnes, Ed.D. has accepted my offer to become the interim principal at Needham High School effective July 1, 2015. Dr. Barnes, who retired from the Needham Public Schools as Pollard’s principal in 2006, has most recently served as an interim high school and middle school principal and leader in several districts, including Worcester, Leicester, and Newton. He has remained actively engaged in educational administration, supervision, and policy as an adjunct faculty member at Curry College as well as a member of the Needham School Committee. Dr. Barnes began his career in Watertown and Hopkinton where he taught high school English for several years, supervised teachers, and coached tennis and football. He became an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School and later a principal at the Hopkinton Middle School before being appointed in his hometown as principal of Pollard where he served for seven distinguished years. There he turned around a struggling middle school where he introduced social and emotional learning programs, introduced a Teacher Assistant Team model that focused on the needs of struggling students, and developed a viable student recognition program. Dr. Barnes also worked with Town boards to oversee the installation of additional modular classrooms to meet growing enrollment at Pollard. Dr. Barnes has the capacity, intellect, and perspective to lead Needham High School at this time. Over the years he has developed excellent relationships with students, parents, and staff. His thoughtful and caring relationships are built on trust, integrity, and a unique focus on the needs of students. Dr. Barnes is clearly focused on instruction and regularly asks questions about how decisions will impact the classroom and help a student grow and succeed. He has the unique ability to listen, ask probing, sometimes uncomfortable, questions, and helps set a direction that enables a student, teacher, or administrator to do an excellent job. He does not pretend to have all the answers but collaborates with others to ensure he has the information he needs to make good decisions. Dr. Barnes relishes hard work, and he is smart, intuitive, and very much focused on empowering others—students and adults alike—to grow and achieve. Dr. Barnes possesses tremendous interpersonal skills and his communication skills are excellent. He is a reflective learner and a superb listener. He has the mindset, experience, and energy to help guide learning and support the school’s efforts toward continued growth and excellence. Dr. Joe Barnes is again ready to serve his community in the coming school year, this time as the leader at an amazing high school with talented students and staff. Dr. Barnes will step down from his role on the Needham School Committee where he has served with distinction, dedication, and honor for several years. Dr. Barnes is excited to begin work, and I know within the next few days and over the summer he will reach out to staff, students, and families as we make plans for a new school year. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Joe Barnes as the interim principal at Needham High School beginning on July 1 st! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of schools

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