December 2019 - Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 20 Dec '19

20 Dec '19

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we begin the December break, allow me to share the following updates: *• Host Students from Daxing January 12-17th!* We are looking for ten Needham families to host ten middle school aged students from the Daxing School District, Beijing in January. The Needham Public Schools has a strong partnership with the Daxing School District located in Beijing, China. For several years we have exchanged students and teachers to visit our schools and communities to learn more about our educational programs, explore the cities of Boston or Beijing, and develop lifelong relationships that strengthen understanding and friendship between our two countries. You do not have to have middle school aged students in your family to host a Chinese student. Additional information can be found here: Daxing January 2020 Exchange Information <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19EEqLrGJ4nk2xzqT8XG7tEnYE3nNgmfXkTbyhx8…> *• 2020-21 (FY21) School Budget *Last week I presented to the School Committee my proposal for a budget plan for the 2020-21 school year. You may review the entire FY21 budget plan and see my presentation to the School Committee here: FY21 Needham Public Schools Budget Proposal <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=926906#F21> . The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget plan at their January 21st meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow, and I encourage parents and community members to participate. *• **Needham Schools Spotlight * Please check out the latest Needham Schools Spotlight cable show featuring a conversation with staff, community members, and students about the prevalence and dangers of teen vaping: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight>. *• Superintendent's Blog *My recent post is about the FY21 Budget plan. Check it out here: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Winter Weather is Here! * Information about weather-related school closings can be found here: Information about weather-related school delays and cancellations <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/N…> . I also strongly encourage parents to follow me on Twitter in order to receive the most timely information about weather-related school delays or closings. While I will continue to notify the media and send out emails and phone calls to interested families, it takes time for all of the messages to make it through the queue; Twitter is simply quicker! More information here: Twitter: @NPS_supt <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimelin…> *• 2020-21 School Calendar *Many folks who are planning summer vacations have called to inquire about the status of the school calendar for the next academic year. The School Committee will consider and vote on a 2020-21 calendar sometime in February. One thing I can share is that I will most likely recommend that school start before Labor Day given that Labor Day is Monday, September 7, 2020. I will likely recommend that classes for students start no earlier than Wednesday, September 2nd. Stay tuned for a 2020-21 school calendar in February! Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank NPS families for your ongoing support, generous spirit, and genuine willingness to engage and connect. The work we do with your children each day is an awesome responsibility and a great honor. I hope we will continue to remain worthy of your partnership, guidance, and trust as, together, we educate and care for these amazing, energetic, and talented young people. If you are celebrating the upcoming holidays, may I take this opportunity to wish you a joyous and peaceful Hanukkah and Christmas! To all, Happy New Year! As always, feel free to contact me with questions or comments: 781.455.0400, ext. 11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Dec '19

17 Dec '19

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Due to the inclement weather, all after school and evening activities in the Needham Public Schools will be cancelled today, Tuesday, December 17, 2019. However, the Needham School Committee will meet, as scheduled, at Broadmeadow beginning at 7:00 p.m. Thank you and drive safe! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Dec '19

09 Dec '19

Dear Needham Families: This Wednesday, December 11th is scheduled to be an early release day for all students. *However, given the preliminary weather forecast which calls for snow and ice during the morning commute, we have decided that Wednesday, December 11th will be a regularly scheduled school day for all students with no early release. Weather permitting, classes will begin at the regular time and conclude at the regular time.* It's not possible to plan a delayed opening and an early release on the same day; bus schedules are disrupted and students would only be in class for two hours. In order for a school day to count toward our required minimum 180 school days, classes must be scheduled for at least half the regularly scheduled day. I recognize that changing schedules for families on short notice is less than ideal. However, without any change in the planned schedule and if the morning commute was unsafe, I would have to cancel the entire day, further disrupting family and student schedules. If the weather conditions on Wednesday, or any other day, require a delayed opening or cancellation, I will notify families as soon as possible and typically by 5:30 a.m. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we begin a new round of winter weather. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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