Superintendents_update

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September 2015

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Sep '15

21 Sep '15

Dear Needham Families: *We have enjoyed a superb school opening!* I have had the honor of visiting dozens of classrooms in each of the schools and can share that students are already working hard to grow, learn, and achieve. Please allow me to share the following updates: • * Hillside School Project Public **Hearing* Monday, September 28th the School Committee and Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) will hold a joint public hearing to share the various construction options for the Hillside Elementary School. Community members are encouraged to attend and comment on the developing plans. One or two of the options require the redistricting all of the Needham elementary schools, so it is essential to hear from all parents. For additional information: Hillside Feasibility and Planning <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Hillside_and_Mitchell_Planning/> *• Parent Workshops and Conferences* The Needham Schools and parent groups will sponsor free upcoming workshops and a lecture series: *Needham Talks: 2015-2016 Parent Lecture Series - Promoting Supportive and Healthy Parenting Pra**ctices* Please join us for an exciting free series of talks focused on the promotion of supportive and healthy parenting practices. New York Times bestselling authors and internationally acclaimed speakers will be visiting our community to share their knowledge of (1) how to effectively manage hectic lifestyles and enhance family relationships, (2) strategies for raising authentic and emotionally intelligent girls, (3) the impact of fathers/male role models on children's development, (4) understanding adolescence and how to build a new relationship with your teen/tween, and (5) how to discuss hard or sensitive topics with children. Reserve your seats today for one, two, or all five lectures at needhamtalks.eventbrite.com. Special thank you to Needham Education Foundation (NEF) for funding this lecture series. Questions: please contact Angeline Maughan at needhamtalks2015(a)gmail.com . Speakers & Dates: *October 29, 2015*: Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D. - *Crazybusy: Overbooked, Overworked and About to Snap! How Parents Can Cope in a World Gone ADD*. *December 2, 2015:* Rachel Simmons, M.A. - *Be You: An Interactive Workshop for Girls and Adults (Girls 8-14 years of age)* *February 4, 2016:* Michael Thompson, Ph.D. - *The Importance of Fathers/Male Role Models in Children's Lives (Male-Only Event)* *April 6, 2016:* Joani Geltman, M.S.W. - *The Tween/Teen Years: Understanding Adolescence and How to Build A New Relationship With Your Child* *June 2, 2016:* Jeanine Fitzgerald, M.A. - *The Truth About The Hard or Sensitive Topics* *• **4th Annual Needham Diversity Summit *Needham's 4th Annual Diversity Summit is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th at Pollard from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30. The summit will bring together community leaders, friends, neighbors, and students for an event designed to explore, foster, strengthen, and celebrate Needham's diversity of socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnic identity, age, immigration status, and ability. This annual event aims to create a network of people committed to creating an equitable and welcoming town, and to challenging its residents to think in new ways about our evolving community. The Needham Diversity Summit equips participants with the tools and confidence to actively and thoughtfully promote respect and understanding of others in our community by engaging with each other through open and candid conversation. *• Superintendent's Blog* I try to update my blog monthly. My recent posting can be found here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • * Twitter: Give it a try! * A parent commented to me recently that some folks are reluctant to have a Twitter account because it is one more thing to manage in an already busy and hectic day. I certainly understand. However, setting up and managing a Twitter account is simple and will allow you a quick, easy, and fun way to stay connected to school news and events. *(I know it is easy because even I can do it!) * Please follow me on Twitter for school updates, weather-related school cancellations, information, and photos: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt Finally, a belated Happy New Year to our families observing *Yamim Noraim,* the High Holy Days. Here's to a new school year for all of our students and families filled with learning, wonder, health, and peace! Throughout the year you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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