- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Canvas Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 May '26

08 May '26

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am writing to inform you of a recent cybersecurity incident involving Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS) used by Needham Public Schools and owned by Instructure. On Friday, May 1, 2026, we were first notified by Instructure that the Canvas system had experienced a security breach. We were subsequently informed that data associated with Needham Public Schools had been downloaded. On May 7, 2026, we were notified of a second breach involving the system. At this time, Instructure has confirmed that the information accessed included first names, last names, and email addresses for all Needham Public Schools students and staff. While we do not yet have written confirmation from Instructure, we are operating under the assumption that all students and staff were affected. We have also been informed of the potential that teacher gradebook data connected to our PowerSchool student information system could have been modified. At this time, this has not been confirmed. Immediately upon notification of the breach, we disconnected Canvas from PowerSchool to prevent any further potential compromise of data or systems. We have requested from Instructure a complete documented accounting of the incident, including exactly what data may have been accessed or modified. We are also continuing to closely monitor the situation and review any additional systems that could potentially have been affected downstream. Additional information from Instructure regarding this incident can be found here: https://www.instructure.com/incident_update We understand the concern that incidents like this create for families and staff, and we are committed to keeping you informed as we learn more. 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.

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Family Community Forum
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Jun '25

17 Jun '25

Dear NPS Families: I am writing to follow up on my earlier email <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ojhlrMl4-sBFOR9VYl9c8gASxrjyB3Pxgt0T9Dk…> from this morning. Needham Extended Day Program (NEDP) Director Genevieve Jolly and I will host a virtual family forum tomorrow, Wednesday, June 18th at 5:30 p.m. to share updated information about the arrest of an NEDP staff member, how the district is responding, and to respond to questions from parents and caregivers. While we will not be getting into specifics as the police investigation is outside our purview and is ongoing, we do want to offer an opportunity for NPS parents to hear directly from us about this situation, including how we will continue to support our students. The virtual meeting will not be recorded. Here is the link to the virtual Parent/Caregiver meeting on Wednesday, June 18th at 5:30 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86896710813> As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or comments. 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.

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Important Message for NPS Families
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Jun '25

17 Jun '25

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Earlier today I was notified that a Needham Extended Day Program (NEDP) employee at Eliot Elementary School was arrested on child pornography charges and faced arraignment in District Court this morning. Please read this statement to the community <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QNorTywmMlpmtMSDA4FgB7prdEgdSOnCFtB2Ed1…> for more information. I want to reassure families that the police are not aware of any Needham Public Schools students’ wellbeing or safety being in jeopardy. An opportunity for a virtual family meeting to discuss how the district is managing this situation and supporting students will be forthcoming within the day. 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.

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

17 Apr '25

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish our families celebrating Passover, Easter and Orthodox Easter wonderful holidays! I hope these important and special celebrations offer a peaceful, blessed and joyful time with your families and friends. Also, I am pleased to announce that Ms. Caren Firger, assistant principal at Newman, has accepted the position of principal at the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School effective July 1st. Please read my announcement here: Sunita L. Williams Elementary School Principal Announcement <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vrizpJR0_VXQ-H7pKCTOu6wa0S-P2gOH/view?usp=…> Have a safe and enjoyable April break! 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.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 Apr '25

06 Apr '25

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Despite a wet and dreary weekend, I hope you and your family had a chance for some rest and rejuvenation. I am scheduling a parent/caregiver virtual meeting on Wednesday evening, April 9th from 7:00 until about 7:45 p.m. to share information and updates about the recent arrests of two Needham Public Schools teachers. While I will not be getting into specifics as the police investigation is outside my purview and responsibility and in both cases is ongoing, I do want to offer an opportunity for NPS parents to hear directly from me about these two situations, including how we will continue to support our students. Given the nature of the topic I will not be recording this meeting. I want participants to share or ask candid questions without worrying about comments being documented. Here is the link to the virtual Parent/Caregiver meeting on Wednesday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/84804502661?pwd=Q0DQaU2yH9ZRbnbqxha85OR…> As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or comments. 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.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Apr '25

04 Apr '25

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am writing to notify you that a Needham High School teacher has been charged with the possession of child pornography. Please read this statement to the community <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZ5yxK0GWEI0hZN_YeGrFk7ly0Jm4Wdy/view?usp=…> for more information. I want to reassure families and students that the police are not aware of any Needham High School or Needham Public students’ wellbeing or safety being in jeopardy. In the days ahead the staff at the High School, led by Principal Aaron Sicotte, will provide additional updates and information, including how we will support our grades 9-12 students and staff as they come to learn about and process this disturbing information. Should your child, who may learn about this news, require any support or guidance upon returning to school, please let your school principal or guidance counselor know. 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.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Mar '25

07 Mar '25

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Earlier today I notified High Rock School families that a High Rock teacher was arrested on child pornography charges and faced arraignment in Framingham District Court this afternoon. Please read this statement to the community <https://drive.google.com/file/d/11FnYFBxwucuU56LJnN-TdEIBLVToPROb/view?usp=…> for more information. I want to reassure families that the police are not aware of any High Rock or Needham Public Schools students’ wellbeing or safety being in jeopardy. In the week ahead the staff at High Rock School, led by Principal Jessica Downey, will provide additional updates and information, including how we will support our 6th grade students and staff as they come to learn about and understand this disturbing news. Should your child, who may learn about this news, require any support or guidance upon returning to school next week, please let your school principal or guidance counselor know. 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.

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Inclement Weather Information
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 05 Feb '25

05 Feb '25

Dear NPS Community: During this time of year I continue to monitor forecasts to understand what impact, if any, inclement weather may have on plans for a safe arrival and departure from school for all students and staff. A moderate amount of snowfall or slushy weather does not necessarily warrant calling off school. It is my practice to wait for the latest forecast available about stormy weather to ensure the best decision about having no classes, a delayed opening, or early release from school can be made. New England weather can be tricky, so waiting for updated information makes the most sense and has served our district well. Throughout this evening and into the early morning I will monitor weather reports and connect with the Town's public safety and public works staff so that I can make an informed decision about any delay, school cancellation or early release. Typically I make decisions about 5:00 a.m. or so in the morning; however, if the morning commute looks good but there's a possibility of a difficult afternoon commute, a later decision about an early release from school, following the usual early release day schedule, would be made. I'll ask that students, families, and staff be prepared for any possibility. For more information about inclement weather, check out the district's website: Inclement Weather Information <https://cdnsm5-ss13.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Dis…> Thanks for your patience and partnership. 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.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Jan '25

30 Jan '25

[image: Screen Shot 2019-09-09 at 2.30.24 PM (1) (1).png] Dear Needham Public Schools Community: In the last several days I have received requests from staff and parents to explain how the Needham Public Schools intends to respond to the barrage of Executive Orders (EO) coming out of Washington. Whether it has to do with immigration, civil rights, freezing Federal education funds, transgender rights, or K-12 curriculum overhauls, it is difficult to keep up with the news of yet another EO being signed by the President. Let me be clear: The Needham Public Schools will not react and respond to each of these Executive Orders as if they are the law of the land. Instead, we will review each one as necessary and, based on existing educational laws passed by Congress (e.g., the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA), Federal Civil Rights law, Massachusetts State laws, MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations (e.g., Curriculum Frameworks) and Needham School Committee policies, we will determine what, if anything, requires adjustment or correction. We will also make decisions about our schools, students, and staff based on the District’s Strategic Plan and the Portrait of a Needham Graduate framework, which includes, among other things, explicit and purposeful language about equity, inclusion, and antiracist practices. If an Executive Order runs contrary to established law and our District’s framework, we will not give it further consideration. In other words, we will stay the course unless it is unconstitutional or illegal to do so. I am concerned about the impact that Executive Orders targeting immigrant families is having on some Needham families and students. Today I learned that there is at least one student in our District who has missed school due to the fear of ICE detaining members of the family. One child missing school is too many. It is unacceptable that any parent feels compelled to keep their child home due to the worry that a member of the family, including the student, could be apprehended and detained. Our schools are safe, and we do not allow Federal law enforcement into our schools without an authorized warrant signed by a judge. Furthermore, our strong partnership with the Needham Police, who are not allowed to enforce Federal immigration laws, means that we continue to collaborate to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff. This morning Needham principals and administrators met with an immigration attorney to learn more about our responsibilities as school leaders and discuss appropriate protocols and procedures for keeping students safe, including securing student records and information. We will continue to work with families to ensure they understand that our responsibility is to keep students safe and learning in school. We will continue to follow Federal and State laws in order to provide a comprehensive, academically rich, and inclusive educational program, one that respects the unique qualities, abilities, and talents of the wonderful children of this community. For additional information about our responsibilities as a District to protect all students and their information, please review this document <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sPO9m5vGbgvbWzZyPjSDRgNCYZFfK9_K/view?usp=…> from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. I also encourage you to read my latest blog post <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> which includes a letter I sent to high school students in February of 2017 in the aftermath of other Executive Orders issued at that time. Please also let me know if you have any questions or concerns by reaching out directly to my office. 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.

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Follow up on PowerSchool
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Jan '25

16 Jan '25

Dear Needham Public School Families: As a follow up to my January 8, 2025 email <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BBeA3cdn4qChuKwjTpPe4rQifj_SL67nknRVcr4…> in which I described a data breach involving the district's student information system, PowerSchool, I want to share updated information. • The two dozen former staff and former students who may have had their social security numbers compromised have been contacted and offered credit monitoring services by PowerSchool if eligible. (We have not collected social security information for staff or students for over 15 years; no current staff or students have social security numbers in the PowerSchool database.) • A Needham Public Schools analysis of the fields that were exported by the perpetrator included: Names, addresses, and home phone numbers of students, parents, and some other contacts; grade level; date of birth; ethnicity; year of graduation; medical alerts including allergies and medical conditions; and whether a student qualifies for free or reduced lunch. • As required by law we have notified the MA Attorney General's Office and the MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation of the cybersecurity incident. • PowerSchool has created a Frequently Asked Questions <https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/> page on their website to offer updated information, and I encourage you to read it to learn more. Should you have further questions, please let me know. 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.

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