Superintendents_update

Download

superintendents_update@lists.needham.k12.ma.us

December 2023

1 participants
2 discussions

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 20 Dec '23

20 Dec '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we prepare for the holiday break, allow me to share the following updates: *• School Emergencies/Weather-related Information* Many families complained that they had not received a phone call alerting them to the 12/18 "shelter in place" notification. I apologize for any oversight or miscommunication at my end! I will take this opportunity to ask parents to update contact information in PowerSchool: Instructions to update parent/emergency contacts <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KNLR5cZpj2habJJdbdsUK0YeQrET_qHBN67cNp_…> *• Apple Distinguished Award* Congratulations to High Rock and Pollard for being recognized by Apple for a commitment to continuous innovation using technology in the classroom! You can read more about the award here: Apple Distinguished Award <https://sites.google.com/needham.k12.ma.us/media-digital-learning-nps/apple…> *• Grades 6-12 Science and the Portrait of a Needham Graduate *At a recent School Committee meeting school staff, including Mark Healey (6-8 Science Dept. Chair) and Jen Regrut (NHS Science Dept. Chair) accompanied by several students shared how their work in science is aligned to the competencies in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xdECAY1Gv8517Zoww8DQs7oQPePSIuK2Lki…>. I appreciate their thoughtful work and the conversation with the School Committee! Additional presentations in the spring, including in English and English Language Arts and Math, will be shared. *• 2024-25 School Calendar* The School Committee voted to approve a calendar for the 2024-25 school year. You may view it here: 2024-25 NPS Calendar <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vkzkay5ZxWfoy6l3xx3t1B0SA8xa1fRF/view?usp=…> (Please note that the 2nd page of the document lists the holidays, cultural celebrations, and other religious events marked by families in the community.) *• FY25 Proposed Budget *Last week I presented my proposed FY25 (2024-25 School Year) Budget to the School Committee for their consideration. You may view my presentation here: FY25 Budget Presentation <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PnQgt-IiiXt9XG4kwSIbHHuEda4ZP9vqK11…> and view all budget documents here: NPS Budget Documents <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/business_off…> The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Broadmeadow, and families, staff, and students are welcome to share comments or feedback on the proposal. *• Superintendent's Blog *My latest post is available here: Facebook is Awful... <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> For those of you celebrating the peace and joy of the holiday, Merry Christmas! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

1 0

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Dec '23

01 Dec '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On this first day of December and as we conclude a busy and productive week of teaching and learning, I want to share with you an interview <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8> I was fortunate to have with two community leaders: Rabbi Jay Perlman and Dr. Huma Farid. Rabbi Perlman is a Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, and Dr. Farid is a local physician and Muslim community leader who has two children in the Needham Public Schools. Both our members of the Needham Clergy Association. I brought them together to discuss how we can best support students, their families, and one another in this moment of fear, anxiety, and war. They are both very special people whom I am sure you will appreciate listening to on this brief 20 minute video. I encourage you to take the time this weekend or next week to watch and listen to their messages which are aligned to our district's values and Portrait of a Needham Graduate <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eJTJHT4jANFXuL6FcfJFtciRlinL1z9B/view?usp=…> competencies. Sometimes educators and parents struggle with how to best guide and advise our young people and their families, especially at times of trauma and strife. I know I am not always sure what to do. We are truly fortunate to have two amazing faith and community leaders right here in Needham who are clearly partners with us as we support our students, neighbors, and one another. Here is the link to the video: 10 Minutes with Dr. Farid and Rabbi Perlman <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8> Enjoy the weekend, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

1 0