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April 2019

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Apr '19

16 Apr '19

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share a few updates as we kick off the April break: *• **Community Equity Forum * The Needham Public Schools Race, Equity, Access, & Leadership (REAL) Coalition will facilitate a forum to update the community on our efforts on Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 in the Needham High School Cafeteria from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Please join us as we share our challenges and opportunities to lift learning for all Needham's students. *• Needham Schools Spotlight *Please check out the latest cable show, Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight>, featuring a conversation with seven amazing NHS students who lead Students Advocating for Equity (SAFE). These students share candid and insightful comments and ideas about why talking about race, bias, and a positive and inclusive school culture are important. It's a 28 minute video that is worthwhile to watch! *• School Bus Transportation *Bus Registration for the 2019-20 school year is now open. Please be sure to register for a seat on the bus as soon as possible because seats do fill up! *While the deadline to register is May 15th, many bus routes fill up well before that date, so please complete your form early.* You must register whether or not you are purchasing a bus pass or are eligible for free transportation. More information and forms can be found on the district's website: NPS Transportation Information and Forms <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/transportatio…> *• Kudos and Congrats to our Musicians! *Recently several of our student musicians earned top awards in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors (MICCA) Concerts. These awards are quite prestigious and highlight the scholarship, creativity, discipline, and artistry of our students. Congratulations to them and their dedicated teachers: - Pollard *8th Grade Band* and *Wind Ensemble* both earned *GOLD *medals under Mr. Heldt's direction. - The *NHS Chorus* *& Chamber Strings* earned *GOLD *under Mr. VanderWoude's direction. - The *NHS Concert Band* earned a *SILVER *and the *Symphonic Band* earned *GOLD* under the direction of Ms. McLallen. - The *8th Grade Treble Chorus* and *Select Choir* both earned *GOLD* medals under the direction of Ms. Grina. Finally, I hope you enjoy a restful April break with families and friends. For those families celebrating Passover and Easter, I wish you, your family, and friends a joyful and peaceful holiday. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, extension 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 02 Apr '19

02 Apr '19

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share a few updates: *• School Committee Open House *The School Committee will host an informal Open House on Saturday, April 6th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the Pollard Library for parents and members of the community. Please stop by to share an idea or ask a question about the Needham Public Schools. Also, the School Committee is particularly interested to hear feedback about the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Process <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2018/10/>. The School Committee looks forward to seeing you! *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post provides an update about our work to implement Full Day Kindergarten in the Needham Public Schools: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• School Bus Transportation *Bus Registration for the 2019-20 school year is now open. Please be sure to register for a seat on the bus as soon as possible because seats do fill up! *While the deadline to register is May 15th, many bus routes fill up well before that date, so please complete your form early.* You must register whether or not you are purchasing a bus pass or are eligible for free transportation. More information and forms can be found on the district's website: NPS Transportation Information and Forms <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/transportatio…> *• Election Day April 9th *Don't forget to vote in Town elections on Tuesday, April 9th. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. *• Student Accolades *I recently shared the good news that over 20 Needham students were honored as part of the 2019 Scholastic Art Awards, but I neglected to mention that several NHS and Pollard students also received Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention honors in the 2019 Scholastic Writing Awards: Madeline Gerber, Alexandria Hwang, Katie Johnson, Zachary Lu, Jasmine Cook, and Evie Wiseman. Congratulations to our students for their scholarship and creativity! As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, extension 11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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