Superintendents_update

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April 2017

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Apr '17

13 Apr '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share several updates: *• K-12 Fine and Performing Arts Director *I am pleased to announce that Ms. LeeAnn Sutton has accepted my offer to be the new K-12 Director of Fine & Performing Arts beginning July 1, 2017. LeeAnn is currently completing the School Leadership Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she was named a James Bryant Conant Fellow for her academic and professional achievements. Prior to her time at Harvard, LeeAnn has had diverse experiences as a Music Teacher including positions with the Cambridge Public Schools, The Longy School of Music of Bard College, The New England Conservatory Prep School and Ithaca City School District (NY). As a Music Teacher, she has undertaken a wide range of leadership roles at the school, district, and community level that have prepared her to step into the Director’s position. She is an experienced program and curriculum developer, has served as a teacher coach, organized and facilitated discussions and professional development activities, produced school and district events, and collaborated with community organizations to promote arts education. In May, LeeAnn will earn her Master of Education degree in School Leadership from Harvard University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Music from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her undergraduate degree is in Music Education and Performance from Ithaca College (NY). With her background and experience, LeeAnn brings a breadth of knowledge in teaching students of diverse backgrounds as well as in developing curriculum, promoting professional growth, developing and facilitating professional learning experiences for teachers, strategic planning, and collaborating with the community to enhance the learning opportunities for students. Throughout the interview process, she continually demonstrated thoughtfulness, intelligence, grace, and humor. LeeAnn is enormously impressed with the Needham Public Schools and is looking forward to becoming part of the dynamic and student-centered communities at each of our schools. She is excited to be able to join the teachers, students, and administrators who daily demonstrate a commitment to learning and personal growth. Let me take this opportunity to thank the many teachers, staff, and parents who participated in the interviews, attended forums to meet the candidates, joined us on site visits, and provided incredibly helpful feedback throughout the process. Please join me in welcoming LeeAnn Sutton to the Needham Public Schools in her new role as the K-12 Director of Fine & Performing Arts! *• Needham High Benefit Concert *Several NHS a cappella singing groups, including Fermata Nowhere, Subway Dwarves, and Treble Rebels, will join other area high school singing groups on Saturday, April 29th at 7:30 p.m. at Needham High School to host a concert to benefit the *Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights at Boston Medical Center. *For ticket information: NHS Friends of Music Benefit Concert Information <https://sites.google.com/a/nhsfriendsofmusic.org/nhs-friends-of-music/home> . *• Needham Schools Spotlight* The latest cable broadcast, featuring an update on the Needham High School feasibility study, is available this evening on local TV and online at this link: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/index.htm> *• Happy Passover and Easter!* I wish you, your family, and friends a joyful and blessed holiday. Please also enjoy the upcoming April vacation, and if you are traveling, be safe. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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