Superintendents_update

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July 2017

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Jul '17

14 Jul '17

July 14, 2017 Dear Needham Families, In the last few days, the media has been reporting about the dangers of a social media game, “Blue Whale”, where young people are encouraged to engage in increasingly risky behavior. Because of the increased media attention, I thought it would be prudent to make you aware of this information, especially because your child may now be aware of the game and perhaps curious to learn more. This caution is no different from past communications reminding parents to be aware of your child’s use of social media and the Internet. Best wishes for an enjoyable and safe summer. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Jul '17

10 Jul '17

Dear Faculty and Staff: I am excited to announce that Ms. Karen Bourn has accepted my offer to become the interim principal at Eliot effective July 12, 2017. Karen has served in the Needham Public Schools since 2013 as the assistant principal at Broadmeadow. In her role as assistant principal Karen has worked with Principal Gaberman and the staff to support an excellent instructional program for all students. She has led professional development at Broadmeadow, coordinated the Collaborative Tiered Intervention Team meetings, managed the school's schedule, and overseen student behavior and discipline. Karen has helped to lead the district's efforts around cultural proficiency, and she has used her extensive classroom experience to collaborate with and guide teachers. Karen has also established strong and productive relationships with students and their families. Karen has a strong instructional background and a deep affinity for the classroom experience. Before coming to Needham Karen taught for fifteen years, most recently in the Natick Public Schools where she was a 4th grade teacher. Karen has the capacity, intellect, and experience to lead Eliot at this time. She is a superb listener and has strong communication skills. Karen does not pretend to have all the answers, but she collaborates with others to ensure she has the information she needs to make good decisions. Karen relishes hard work, and she is very much focused on empowering others—students and adults alike—to grow, learn and achieve. During the upcoming year I am confident that Karen can lead an exceptional Eliot school staff forward on your journey toward excellence. She knows that the teachers at Eliot are smart, dedicated, and caring. Her main job will be to support you in your efforts to improve learning for Eliot's children. Karen is excited to begin work, and I know within the next few weeks and over the summer she will reach out to staff and families as we make plans for a new school year. In fact, I will be honored to introduce Karen next Wednesday, July 12th at 10:00 a.m. to those staff members who can stop by Eliot for a brief welcome on her first day. I recognize this is not a convenient time for everyone; Karen will make sure she provides additional opportunities in the upcoming weeks to connect with teachers and staff. Please join me in welcoming Karen Bourn as the interim principal at the John Eliot Elementary School! Respectfully, Dan

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