March 2017 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Mar '17

30 Mar '17

Dear Needham Families: As we conclude the week, allow me to share two quick updates: *• MCAS *We will soon begin administration of the MCAS for students in grades 3 - 8. We use the MCAS results, and the results of many other assessments, to learn more about our students and our academic programs; the data assist us to consider and plan improvements in teaching and learning. This year, all students in grades 4 and 8 will take a computer-based MCAS in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Because the computer-based MCAS test and experience is new for our students, we have been busy testing equipment, integrating keyboard skills into technology lessons, and preparing students with practice questions using laptops and chrome books. We are ready for the test administration and anticipate a smooth experience for all students. We also believe the ideal preparation for students is for them to get plenty of rest the night before and enjoy a good breakfast the morning of the test. Information about the MCAS can be found here: Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education: MCAS Information <http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parents/>. If you wish to learn more about Needham's 2016 MCAS results and how we use this information, please check out this link: 2016 MCAS Presentation to the School Committee <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/2016MCASPresentation…> . *• Superintendent's Blog *My most recent post shares information about Needham High School's growing enrollment and the need for additional classroom space: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ As always, thanks for your ongoing support and partnership. 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 22 Mar '17

22 Mar '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• School Committee Open House this Saturday, March 25th *Please join members of the School Committee on Saturday morning, March 25th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at Needham High School in the Da Vinci Workshop <https://www.facebook.com/DaVinciWorkshopNHS/?ref=page_internal> for an informal *technology showcase, featuring students and staff technology demonstrations*. This is also an ideal opportunity for parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School Committee members and superintendent. Please stop by and say hello! *• Needham High School Classroom Feasibility *The Town has undertaken a comprehensive feasibility study to analyze the need for additional classroom space at Needham High School and to propose options to meet those needs. A recent presentation to the School Committee about the project can be found here: NHS Feasibility Update <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/NeedhamHighSchoolFeasibilityUp…> As many parents, high school students, and staff are aware, Needham High School's growing enrollment exceeds the existing capacity of the building, and the need for additional space has become critical. A phase one expansion of the high school's cafeteria to accommodate the large number of students enrolled at NHS was completed this past summer. Now it is time for the School Committee to hear from parents and the community about a possible phase two classroom expansion. To learn more about this project and provide input, please join the School Committee at a public hearing at the Needham Free Public Library at 6:30 p.m. next Monday evening, March 27th. Community members will hear a brief presentation about the classroom options and then have an opportunity to provide feedback and comments. Later that evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the School Committee and the Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) will meet to vote on an option to present as a possible project to May Town Meeting. Your participation is important. You may also contact the School Committee via email: schoolcommittee(a)needham.k2.ma.us . *• Student Achievements* Finally, congratulations to several student groups for recent performances and accomplishments... Kudos to the Needham High School cast and crew of Pirates of Penzance who took the stage over this past weekend and shared their song, dance, laughter, and talents with the community. It was an awesome show! Congrats, as well, to several winter athletes and teams: The NHS Cheerleaders made it to the State Tournament. . . the undefeated Boys' Swim Team and Senior Jack Higgins won the state title in the 100 Breaststroke. . . Sophomore Nordic Ski Team member Rok Gundaker captured the State's Individual Boys Title. . . Senior wrestlers Brady Liss and David Kurker each won individual Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) State Titles. . . NHS boys' basketball and girls' hockey teams both competed in state athletic tournaments in the last week. For the first time in school history, the boys secured the MIAA South Sectional Championship, and the girls, after an undefeated season, played in the Division I MIAA Hockey Championship. While the girls came up short and lost to Woburn, their season - and the boys as well - was characterized by hard work, athleticism, great spirit, and sportsmanship. Lastly, a big thank you to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF) for sponsoring last weekend's Spelling Bee! The NEF is our strong and consistent partner in educational innovation, and we appreciate their incredible support and enthusiasm for our students and staff. I am proud to share a photo of the winning elementary team from Eliot, the *Queen Bees* , Talia Feeney, Taylor Chen, and Danielle Sockol. *Congratulations, girls!* *[image: Inline image 1]* As always, thank you for your support and feedback. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Wednesday, March 14, 2017
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Mar '17

14 Mar '17

Tuesday, March 13th 8:50 p.m. Dear Needham Families: As of this evening I anticipate we will have a regular school opening tomorrow morning, Wednesday, March 15th. I know the DPW and Building crews have been hard at work today clearing roads, driveways, and parking lots. However, if after I check out the conditions tomorrow morning in Needham and determine with our Public Safety folks that a delay is instead in order, I will send out a notification no later than 6:00 a.m. (The fastest way to find out is through Twitter: NPS Superintendent <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc^tfw>) Please take your time and care coming to school tomorrow, especially navigating icy side and cross walks. Hope you had a good (and last snow) day! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following important updates: *• Needham Unplugged* Once again this year the Needham schools will support and participate in Needham Youth Services program, Needham Unplugged <http://www.needhamma.gov/youth/unplugged> during the month of March. On Thursday, March 9th I have asked teachers to observe "No Homework" night so students can enjoy the afternoon and evening with their families. *• Screenagers – Growing up in the Digital Age **Screenagers* is a film focused on a pervasive parenting issue in the digital age and provides sensible advice on how to best navigate the digital world with your tweens and teens. To view the trailer, click here: Screenagers Trailer <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQx2X0BXgZg> Sponsored by the Needham PTCs, Needham Youth Services, and Needham Public Schools, we invite you to attend this screening and panel discussion on March 29, 2017 at the Newman Elementary School. Tickets are $5.00, doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the film will start at 7 p.m. For more info and to order tickets: Screenagers Tickets and Info <https://impactflow.com/event/presented-by-needham-school-district-1661> *• Name That (New) School! *The Needham School Committee recently formed and charged the School Naming Sub-committee with recommending possible names for the new elementary school to be built on Central Avenue. Since the current Hillside School will remain in operation for a number of years as swing space for other town projects, the name is not available to move with the students and staff. The Sub-committee welcomes ideas for names from the community. If you have a suggestion for a name for the new school please submit your idea and a rationale by email to schoolcommittee(a)needham.k12.ma.us by March 24th. *• School Committee Open House March 25th *Please join members of the School Committee on Saturday morning, March 25th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at Needham High School for an informal technology showcase, featuring students and staff technology demonstrations. This is also an ideal opportunity for parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School Committee members and superintendent. Please stop by and say hello! *• Needham Diversity Initiative *The Needham Diversity Initiative will sponsor a conversation about gender on Tuesday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. For more information: Needham Diversity Initiative <http://www.needhamdiversity.org/> *• Needham Schools Spotlight* The latest cable broadcast, featuring middle school student leaders, is now available on local TV and online at this link: Needham Schools Spotlight: Student Leadership <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/16-17/StudentLeaders.htm> *• Superintendent's Blog* My latest post, entitled *Needham Students Achieve Success*, shares information about academic, artistic, athletic, and other student accolades and achievements at Needham High. Please check it out here: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Finally, congrats to several middle school students who have been selected to participate in the state Geography Bee and to NHS Boys' Basketball and Girls' Hockey teams who are competing in state tournaments this week. We wish them all well! (Thanks for sharing the best students in Massachusetts with us - It's a privilege!) Have a great rest of the week, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400 (x203)

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