Superintendents_update

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September 2017

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 Sep '17

25 Sep '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• Needham High School Expansion Project* Later this fall we will break ground on the new Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, a construction project that will replace Hillside. Before then, on October 2nd, the School Committee will ask Town Meeting to support a $14.2 million expansion and renovation project at Needham High School to provide new and renovated classroom and gym space for the growing enrollment at there. If approved, construction would begin next February and be completed in time for the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. The growing student population in the District has required projects like the Sunita L. Williams School and high school expansion to be considered. To learn more about the project, you may read my latest blog post: Superintendent's Blog: Needham High School Expansion Project <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Equity in the Needham Public Schools* We have hired a consultant to assist us to better understand the racial equity issues and challenges we may have as a district around supporting all student learners in the Needham Public Schools. Last year, several parents raised a concern about how students were assigned to middle school classes. More information about the parent concern and the District's response can be found here: Placement Practices in the Needham Schools <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2017/01/> and here: Supporting All Students in the Needham Schools: Report to the School Committee <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/School%20Committee%20Update%20…> Part of the consultant's work is to interview groups of staff, students, and parents to learn what these groups think about the work we are doing in the Needham Schools to assist all learners and to help us identify areas for growth and improvement. Parents who are interested in participating in a focus group should contact Diane Simmons at diane_simmons(a)needham.k12.ma. us for more information. We anticipate sharing the consultant's report to the School Committee in December or January. *• Bus Updates on Twitter* There are times a bus or van can be delayed due to road conditions or a mechanical issue. Parents and students who wish to receive updates about school transportation can sign on to Twitter to receive timely, updated, and helpful alerts: https://twitter.com/Ne edhamPSTrans Parents and students are also encouraged to follow me on Twitter to receive important school news and updates, including weather-related school cancellations: https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt * • Job Opportunities in the NPS* We have job opportunities for interested folks. Cafeteria Substitute and Teacher Assistant positions are available now and being advertised on the District's website: Needham Public Schools Job Postings <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/human_resources/Employment%20Opportunities> Please pass on! Finally, to those observing the High Holy Days, please accept my best wishes to you and your families! As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Sep '17

17 Sep '17

Sunday, September 18, 2017 Dear Needham Families: We have enjoyed a terrific school opening! Over the summer months the buildings were cleaned, new staff hired, and hundreds of teachers were involved in professional learning - all in preparation for a new school year! As a November groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, which will replace the overcrowded and outdated Hillside School, is planned, we have also enrolled over 70 new students into our expanding district. As we head into our 4th week of school, allow me to share the following updates: *• School Committee Open House at Needham High School *The School Committee will host an informal Open House at Needham High next Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. Parents and members of the community are invited to chat informally with School Committee members about questions and concerns and to tour the high school facility with the principal to learn more about the need for additional classrooms and a renovated gym. Please join us to meet your School Committee and learn more about the space and program challenges at Needham High! *• Needham High School Renovation Project *At the October 3rd Special Town Meeting, Town Meeting Members will be asked to consider appropriating up to $14.2 million to add classroom space and renovate parts of the building, including the "A" gym. To learn more about the need for classroom space at Needham High, please see this post: Needham High School Space Needs <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2017/03/high-school-enrollment-increa…> and to view a video presentation, please watch the latest Needham Schools Spotlight:Needham Schools Spotlight: High School Space Challenges <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/17-18/2nhsspaces.htm> *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post includes comments I made to the staff during our our annual back to school general staff meeting: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> • * Stay in Touch with the Superintendent! *One way to stay in touch is to follow me on Twitter: *Give it a try!* The quickest way to get school closings or other important information is on Twitter. For school updates, weather-related school cancellations, reminders, and photos, go to: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt Also, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us I look forward to sharing with and hearing from you! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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