Superintendents_update

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June 2016

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Jun '16

13 Jun '16

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates as we conclude another busy and successful school year: *• Water Quality Testing* Due to the increased media attention surrounding lead in drinking water, the Town of Needham recently tested all drinking fountains at our two oldest schools, Hillside and Mitchell. While there were no reported problems of lead at Mitchell, there were a couple of water fountains where the sample was slightly above the EPA's action level. Those water fountains were immediately taken out of service. Over the summer, the Town will test all drinking fountains in each school, including again at Mitchell and Hillside. The Town of Needham Director of Public Health, Tim McDonald, the Needham Schools Health Services Director, Elaine Tengalia, and the Superintendent of Schools, Dan Gutekanst will be available on Wednesday, June 15th at 5:00 p.m. in the Mitchell Elementary School, Room 1 to discuss the recent water testing results from Hillside and Mitchell. Please join us if you have any questions about the test results and the plans for testing water fountains in all of the District's schools. For complete information about the water testing, please refer to the District's website: Water Quality Testing Results <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/Information%20about%20Water%20…> *• Congratulations, 2016 Retirees * At our recent Retirement Reception we honored several NPS staff retiring at year's end. Together they represent over 325 years of service to our students and the profession: *Gretchen Ayoub, Dotti Baker, Mardy Claus, Chris Faherty, Deb Gammerman, Sheila Hamwey, Lizette Hill, Lyn Robbins-Jekowsky, Joan Kirkman, Joan Krozy, Dianne List, Mora MacDonald, Rosanne McTernan, Chuck Mustone, Lynne Salzman, Mike Schwinden, Deborah Watters* We wish them well as they begin new adventures! *• New District Leaders *After extensive and comprehensive search processes involving interviews, reference checking, and site visits, we welcome several new district administrators who will join us in the fall: *Keith Ford*, currently a Dean of Students at Randolph High School has been appointed as a new NHS Assistant Principal; *Trelane Clark*, the Academy Leader at the Frederick Pilot Middle School in Dorchester, has been named Newman's Assistant Principal; *Barbara Singer*, currently a Natick School Nurse, has been appointed as the Director of School Health Services; *Elizabeth Welburn*, formerly of the Concord Public Schools, will assume the Middle School ELA Coordinator position; and *Elizabeth Zajac*, French Teacher and Teacher Leader at the O'Bryant School of Math & Science in Boston will become our new World Languages Director; *Shane Marchand* will become our new Transportation Director, replacing Sheila Hamwey who retires this year. We are excited to bring such talented folks to join us in the NPS; and Hillside teacher, *Jamie Singelais *will become our new English Language Learner (ELL) Coordinator. *• NEF Thank you Cards!* As the school year draws to a close, honor a special teacher, coach or staff person by making a donation in his or her name to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF). NEF Teacher Appreciation Cards make it simple to show your gratitude, while supporting innovation and excellence in Needham Public Schools. P urchase cards at Taylor’s Stationery or Volante Farms through June 24th. If you have questions, please contact Maureen Callahan at mcallahan(a)nefneedham.org. *• NHS Student Achievements *Recently, 140 NHS students were notified that they have been recognized for their world language proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, Latin, and French. These students competed in national exams, resulting in the 140 awards, including 21 gold medals! At the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Sacramento, the eight NHS students participating cumulatively ranked in the top five out of 517 schools participating. Girls' Lacrosse and Varsity Baseball enjoyed incredible seasons, each finishing as a runner up in the state tournaments. This Wednesday, June 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Concord-Carlisle High School, the Boys' Volleyball Team will defend its Championship Title. *Please come and cheer the Rockets!* *• Student Leadership *Recently I had the good fortune to sit down with a few Pollard and NHS student leaders to talk about their roles and the meaning of leadership. For a sneak video preview of the conversation, please check out: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/15-16/StudentLeadership.htm> . The students are pretty amazing! Finally, let me take this opportunity to say thank you to our parents, staff, and all of our students for another successful year in the Needham Schools. Together we kept the focus on the important work: Providing an excellent education to the very best young people around. Thanks for your ongoing guidance, support, and generous spirit. It is an exceptional honor for me to serve as your superintendent. Enjoy the summer months with your family! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superinetndent Needham Public Schools

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