February 2018 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Feb '18

11 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: It is with considerable sadness that I share with you that Needham High School 11th grader Adrienne Garrido passed away this afternoon as a result of the injuries she sustained from last night's traffic accident. Saturday night's accident on Webster Street took the lives of two amazing and loving young people, Adrienne and her friend Talia Newfield. I am at a loss for words at the moment, but I wanted you to know this information. The schools and staff will be prepared tomorrow and throughout the week to support students. In addition, principals will provide parent resources about coping with grief and tragedy that we hope will be helpful at this time. If you have a specific concern or question, please contact your child's guidance counselor or principal. This evening I am reminded of a quote from American poet William Cullen Bryant who observed: "And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief." Finally, please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Newfield and Garrido families. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Feb '18

11 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham community is facing a heartbreaking loss of one of our juniors, Talia Newfield, who was struck by a car in Needham last night and died. A classmate, Adrienne Garrido, was also injured and is hospitalized in Boston. The loss of a young person who was a daughter and sister within a loving family and a vibrant member of the school community is difficult to comprehend. Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts go out to the Newfield Family this morning as they mourn the loss of Talia. And we pray for a speedy and full recovery for Adrienne. Needham High School's cafeteria will be open today (Sunday) from 10:30-12:30 to allow students to come in and talk with counselors and with each other. Staff from the NHS Guidance Department will be joined by staff from Needham Youth and Family Services and staff from Riverside Community Care. Needham High School Principal, Aaron Sicotte, encourages students to come in and talk about what happened or seek support. Support and resources will also be available during the upcoming week for the school community. If parents are looking for a way to discuss the news with their children or their children have questions, here are some online resources that may help: Scholastic: Children and Grief <http://www.scholastic.com/childrenandgrief/> Psychology Today: Talking to Children about Death <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/understanding-grief/201701/talking-chi…> In addition, counselors in each school will be available tomorrow to assist any student who is experiencing difficulty over the news. The next several days will be challenging for the community as we mourn the loss of one of our own and pray for Adrienne's recovery. We stand ready to provide resources, support, and care for Needham's families and, especially, our children. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Feb '18

07 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Today our schools will dismiss at the regular time, but our Boston resident students are being dismissed early . Afternoon and evening activities have been canceled, and NEDP is asking parents to pick up children by 4:00 p.m. *Many thanks for your patience!* Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 Feb '18

06 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: *• Inclement Weather * In the event of an inclement weather event that may require students to be sent home early from school, we will use the early release day schedule and cancel afternoon Kindergarten. I am reluctant to send students home early from school and would only do so if, after consulting with Town and Public Safety officials, it is the safest and most prudent thing to do. If I make a decision to send students home early, I will use this list serve to send an email, the School Messenger Emergency/Inclement Weather Notification System (email and phone call), and Twitter <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.n…>. In addition, principals will send an email to parents/guardians. If you need to update contact information, please do so now at this link: PowerSchool <https://powerschool.needham.k12.ma.us/public/> Thanks for your patience and assistance. *• School Committee Open House Saturday, March 10th *Please join members of the School Committee on Saturday morning, March 10th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at the Needham Library. This is an ideal opportunity for parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School Committee members and superintendent. Before or after visiting with the School Committee you can view the amazing Art in Bloom <http://www.needhamartinbloom.com/> exhibition being held at the same time at the library. Art in Bloom is an amazing community/school collaboration between the Beth Shalom Garden Club and NHS students. Please stop by and say hello! *• 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 15th I will ask teachers to observe "No Homework" night so students can enjoy the afternoon and evening with their families. *• Civic and Spelling Bees **We take our Bees seriously here in Needham!* Please consider signing up for or attending the upcoming Needham League of Women Voters Civics Bee <https://lwv-needham.org/civics-bee/> scheduled for March 11th at Broadmeadow. Also, the annual Needham Education Foundation Spelling Bee <http://www.nefneedham.org/> is scheduled for March 18th at Needham High School. These are two wonderful, fun, and educational opportunities for the entire community. *• Needham Schools Spotlight *Please check out the latest Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> cable show featuring a discussion with several Pollard and NHS students, all of whom are new immigrants to this country. These amazing students, who hail from Ukraine, Haiti, Iceland, Brazil, Syria, and China, are new to Needham and have amazing stories to share. We are fortunate to have these young people learning and growing in our community. Finally, congratulations to the cast and crew of the High Rock/Pollard Middle School production of *Annie!* Sold out audiences enjoyed the musical and theatrical energy and abilities of our middle school students. Thanks to the parent volunteers and school staff who made the production a reality. As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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