- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Jun '20

17 Jun '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: If you have not already done so, please take 10 minutes to complete the anonymous Family Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-Family> ( https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-Family) We have had a great response so far, but we need more family and parent voices! In fact, we need as much input as possible from families to help reflect on this past year as well as plan for reopening school in the fall. Thank you for your anticipated support! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 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 13 Jun '20

13 Jun '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: We have conducted District Surveys biannually since 2001 and this year, more than ever, we recognize the importance of feedback from our students and families so that we may build on our strengths and identify areas that need attention. Students will be completing their district surveys during the week of June 15. We are reaching out to all parents and guardians of our Pre-K to 12 students to simultaneously provide their perspective with a Family Survey focused on remote learning and how we can support children's needs as we prepare for next school year. Please take 10 minutes to complete the anonymous Family Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-Family> ( https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-Family) With all that remains unknown about the coronavirus, we are committed to keeping students and families at the center of how the district moves forward. That is why we are hoping for 100% participation in the survey process. We will analyze the survey findings and incorporate the data, and appropriate action steps, into our plans for reopening schools in September. Please complete the survey by Thursday evening, June 18th, and please support and encourage your children in grades 3 and up to complete the survey they will receive on Monday I anticipate providing additional and preliminary information to families about how and when schools will reopen within the next two weeks. Thank you for your anticipated support! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 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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School Transportation
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Jun '20

09 Jun '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: (This message is intended for Needham families requiring school bus transportation for the 2020-21 school year.) Unfortunately, there are many families who, despite many attempts on their part, were unable to register for bus transportation over the last day or so. I want to first apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our families and want you to know we can and will do better. Many families were able to register but for those who could not, this is what we are doing: • We have taken down the online registration process until our vendor (MySchoolBucks) can sort out some of the technical glitches parents experienced. Once we are confident the online process is working to our satisfaction, we will have it up again and will notify families through emails and principals' messages. • Once up and running, we are extending the deadline to Friday, July 3rd. • We will waive the late fee for families that register after the new deadline, but we can't promise that seats will necessarily be available. • In the event that restrictions to bus transportation (e.g., seating protocols) due to the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency prove untenable for individual families, we will refund the registration fee prior to the beginning of school. I appreciate your patience as we work through our new online process. Should you have further questions about bus service, please contact Transportation Director Shane Marchand at shane_marchand(a)needham.k12.ma.us . Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 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 Jun '20

07 Jun '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we begin a new week, allow me to share a few brief updates: *• School Transportation* Families can begin registering for the bus for the 2020-21 school year beginning tomorrow, Monday, June 8th. Click on this link for registration information: School Bus Registration Information <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/transportation> While the plans for the opening of the new school year on September 2nd are uncertain at this time, it is important for families who are eligible for free transportation and those who wish to pay for transportation to register in the coming days. If you register and pay for the bus and for any reason the service is unavailable or is canceled due to ongoing health concerns, families will receive a refund. Throughout the summer we will provide transportation updates, including any new health or seating protocols required on buses, to parents who have registered. *• Reopening School in the Fall* This topic, of course, is on the mind of every parent, student, and school staff member. At the present time I do not have a clear answer to families about what school will look like in the fall. While I am personally optimistic that students will return to a "new normal" in the fall, meaning enhanced health protocols (e.g., face masks, health screenings, limiting activities) will be introduced, we are awaiting additional guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) before we can announce plans. I can share the following: *-* DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley has convened a task force to make recommendations about how, when, and under what conditions schools would reopen in the fall. The Commissioner expects to provide guidance to school districts later in June; the NPS will use the Commissioner's guidance as a basis to develop plans at the local level. You can find out more about the Commissioner's task force and other information related to the COVID-19 emergency here: Massachusetts DESE/COVID-19 Information <http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop.html> *-* The Needham Public Schools convened the COVID-19 Advisory Committee, comprised of staff, public health officials, parents, students and school committee members, to guide and advise the staff as we consider plans for reopening. The advisory committee will meet throughout the summer and into next year to provide guidance and feedback on our remote learning plans, health and safety protocols, school maintenance, and technology needs. You can view a recent update to the School Committee about Needham's response to the school closure and the advisory committee here: June 2, 2020 Update to the School Committee <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1uQVkvbZ5p6kQRrIxDvedYLiUosUwQExFF8Z…> *-* While the timeline for making decisions about the reopening of schools will depend on the Commissioner's guidance as well as public health considerations, I expect to bring tentative plans and updates to the School Committee the first week in July. Of course, any plans we make to reopen schools could be changed later in the summer if public health officials determine it is necessary to do so. We will have to be flexible and nimble with our planning to adjust as the situation requires. Families can expect regular updates and information throughout the summer months as we plan for your child's new school year. *• Congratulations to the NHS Class of 2020! *Today the Needham community celebrated the 400 + members of the Needham High School Class of 2020 during a parade that began at TripAdvisor and wound its way through town until it culminated at the high school with hundreds of staff, families, and School Committee members cheering them on. The grads looked exuberant, and it was wonderful to see how community members streamed out of their homes on the route to congratulate them. You can view the Senior Awards presentations here: Senior Awards <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtpWIj2j9_k&feature=youtu.be> and watch the 2020 Virtual NHS Graduation Ceremony here: Needham High School Class of 2020 Virtual Graduation <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onI6QOJr6Nc&feature=youtu.be> On behalf of the Needham Public Schools, let me take this opportunity to wish these young people the very best as they move beyond Needham High School. Congratulations, Class of '20! As always, feel free to contact me at 781.455.0400, x11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 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 31 May '20

31 May '20

May 31, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: We write to you on this beautiful yet uneasy Sunday evening to address the news about national protests and riots occurring in the wake of horrific events involving the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery in Atlanta, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and, most recently, George Floyd who was killed by police in Minneapolis. First and foremost, on behalf of the Needham Public Schools, we wish to acknowledge the deaths of these individuals and offer our condolences and support to their families and loved ones. Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota are far away, but the impact of their deaths and the unrest in their wake, is real, palpable, and close to our community, families, and students, particularly our black students. While we can't pretend to understand what their families are going through, nor can we completely appreciate the profound effect their deaths, and the many others like them, have had on the black community, including our staff and students of color, we must acknowledge these killings because as school leaders, it is essential to call out violent and racist behavior in the hopes of promoting much needed change in our culture and society. Although we have not always responded to violent or racist acts that occur across the country and acknowledge our response to incidents occurring in the NPS have been imperfect and not always timely, we cannot be silent. Our purpose now is to support the members of our community, especially our students, their families, and our staff, who identify with these victims and often experience the insidious violence of racist, demeaning, and hateful comments, taunts, and acts. We wish to stand together. The Needham Public Schools, removed from the protests and rioting we see unfolding across the nation, must stand as a beacon of hope, anti-racism, and educational opportunity and inclusivity for all our students and their families. This is as important for our students of color as it is for our white students. Our schools, and our work with every child in each classroom, must be part of the solution of addressing the injustices, inequities, and pain that mar and stain our democracy and disproportionately impact our communities of color. This week our schools will offer opportunities for dialogue and engagement for students, their families, and staff: - Principals will work with their staff to provide developmentally appropriate learning opportunities to address the current news and provide a forum for anti-racist education. (We recognize that not all elementary students will be aware of these events, and so we will respond to the natural curiosity of children as appropriate.) - The district will continue to work with community groups to provide opportunities for dialogue and communication around issues of race, inequality, and justice. - The district will continue to provide and update resources for families on the district’s website: Equity in the Needham Public Schools <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/equity> This is not all we can do, but these are the small and important steps we can and will take to demonstrate to the community, our families, and in particular to our students and staff that we care, and we acknowledge the role we have to play and obligation to serve as leaders and human beings to address injustice, ignorance, and racism. Respectfully, The School Leadership Team of the Needham Public Schools: *Greg Bayse*, Principal, Mitchell Elementary School *Tamatha Bibbo*, Principal, Pollard Middle School *Karen Bourn*, Principal, Eliot Elementary School *Jessica Downey*, Principal, High Rock School *Terry Duggan*, Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning *Emily Gaberman*, Principal, Broadmeadow Elementary School *Anne Gulati*, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations *Dan Gutekanst*, Superintendent of Schools *Michael Kascak*, Principal, Sunita L. Williams School *Mary Lammi*, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services *Alexandra Montes-McNeil*, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources *Jessica Peterson*, Principal, Newman Elementary School *Aaron Sicotte*, Principal, Needham High School 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 02 May '20

02 May '20

Saturday, May 2nd Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope you and your families are healthy and that you had an opportunity to enjoy today's beautiful spring weather. I write to share the following updates about the District's response to the COVID-19 health emergency: *• Learning from Home *Since the Governor announced that schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year, teachers and administrators have worked to refine and adjust our Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32266432>. In order to strengthen our plan we took the following steps over the last couple of weeks: reviewed the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Guidance <http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/learn-at-home.html>; surveyed families at two elementary schools, Pollard and the high school (with a broader District survey coming soon); held over 20 parent meetings representing families from each school; received feedback and suggestions from the School Committee; studied plans and ideas from neighboring school districts; and collaborated with our teachers and staff. As a result of these efforts we have strengthened our plan in at least three key ways: 1. All students, PreK-12 will have increased, typically daily, contact with their teachers through "live" sessions on Zoom, Google Meets, FaceTime, or, as appropriate and necessary, on the phone. These class sessions will include Morning Meeting, office hours, discussion time, small groups, class presentations, consultations, advisory, or other opportunities for students to see and engage with the teachers who care for them. 2. Principals and teachers will send out a weekly schedule and plan to every family each Sunday evening by 6:00 p.m. so families and students have an opportunity to preview the week and balance work, family, and learning with home responsibilities. 3. We have identified the key learning goals and objectives for each grade level, K-8, and subject area and posted these on the district's website: Needham Public Schools Remote Learning Goals <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pkITyCOsE0_vunDnDgLba0lFImO9PVPNINFrq3c…>. Students and families can see what the academic expectations and targets are through June 19th. (High school academic goals and expectations vary by course; an overview of department objectives will be posted in the coming week.) Specific information about each school's schedule and plan will be shared by the principal, and we expect the adjusted plans to rollout beginning on Monday, May 4th and continuing through May 11th when they will be fully implemented in each school. *• Additional School News *Many parents have asked about accessing their child's school building to retrieve personal belongings and materials. Principals, public health staff, and custodians are reviewing plans to have families come in to gather materials within the next couple of weeks. Principals will share plans soon. If you or someone you know may need support, guidance, or meal assistance at this time, please check out the district's website for community resource information in Needham and Boston: Family Resources during the COVID-19 Emergency <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32147670> *• Moving Forward *The district will convene a broad based and inclusive group of educators, parents, students, public health officials, and town staff as part of a new *COVID-19 Planning & Advisory Committee* to provide ideas and feedback to district staff as we continue to refine our learning from home opportunities, consider summer school plans, revise curriculum to adjust for the period of school closure, and consider what health, safety, and social distancing measures may be necessary when schools open in September. School Committee Chair Andrea Longo Carter and I will lead the effort, and we expect to begin work within the next few weeks and continue our efforts through next winter or as needed. Stay tuned for updates and information. By the way, some community members had trouble viewing Ms. Longo Carter's video message to the community. It has since been posted on the district's website: School Committee Chair's Message to Needham Public Schools Families <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r8kLzoH0gdAvvapv4XwsjezZQ5LFutza/view?ts=5…> Let me take this opportunity to thank our families for your guidance, feedback and strong support over the last several weeks. We appreciate your willingness to make suggestions and to jump in to assist your children at home even while you juggle multiple and demanding responsibilities. We will continue to collaborate with families to ensure we address the needs of our students. Finally, please take a moment this coming week, which is *National Teacher Appreciation Week, *to acknowledge the efforts of your child's teachers. They have been working hard to adjust a demanding curriculum and reinvent their instruction in order to meet the academic and social & emotional learning needs of over 5,700 students during an unprecedented health crisis. There may have been times over the last few weeks that an individual's efforts have fallen short of a parent's expectations or a child's needs. Our work may be imperfect but our willingness to improve, grow, and learn is stronger than ever. It goes without saying that our educators are committed to the children and young people of the Needham community, and they will continue to do everything possible to bring learning, creativity, joy, and personal connection to the students they miss so much and care for so deeply. It remains my greatest honor to serve as your superintendent in this wonderful community, working alongside talented, dedicated, and loving teachers, administrators, and staff. Please continue to stay well and, as always, reach out to me with questions, comments, or concerns at 781.455.0400, x11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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A Message to Families from the Needham School Committee
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Apr '20

30 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Needham School Committee Chair, Andrea Longo Carter, wishes to share the following video message with families. A transcript of the message, with translations in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, is also included. Video Message from Andrea Longo Carter, Chair Needham School Committee <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r8kLzoH0gdAvvapv4XwsjezZQ5LFutza/view> Transcript of Video Message <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WnlxH6zHB_zSb88qRO-O4hyPKzkSw7wOelSyBvg…> Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 24 Apr '20

24 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am attaching three video messages for the elementary, middle, and high school students of the Needham Public Schools: Video Message for Elementary Students <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifZly73afuA&feature=youtu.be> Video Message for High Rock & Pollard Students <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmX2uQBrHUU&feature=youtu.be> Video Message for High School Students <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ozQZZhJvlc&feature=youtu.be> Please share with your child(ren) when you have an opportunity. I have also included a transcript for each video message as well: <https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MNKaRYmvDljw-n8r4RaWKXkl4IObPmVuHe18ks…>Written Message to Elementary Students <https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MNKaRYmvDljw-n8r4RaWKXkl4IObPmVuHe18ks…> Written Message to High Rock and Pollard Students <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uFI6KFPep8EBmXXLl_lY2avz-RzebMRqgmBYEN0…> Written Message to Needham High School Students <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BmLPWDPc3OfRxRGNXu3lyQQF28oEmM99PgDgsMC…> Have a great weekend and stay healthy. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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

23 Apr '20

April 23, 2020 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On Tuesday Governor Baker extended the state-mandated closure of schools through the end of the school year in response to the health crisis. This news prompted additional questions and concerns from families, students, and staff. Let me reassure you that the district’s dedicated teachers and administrators remain committed to the development and care of all our students and families. It is important for our families to know that under the capable hands of Needham Public Schools educators, and with the support of loving families and a caring community, our students are learning and growing every day. The pandemic has changed our lives and caused us to reinvent the school experience. As I connect with the schools, I am inspired by the creative lessons, pictures, and videos of our students and teachers participating in remote learning. These artifacts are evidence of the implementation of the district’s Remote Learning Plan with a focus on three key priorities: 1) Maintain and nurture strong connections and relationships with students and families; 2) Engage students directly in the curriculum in thoughtful and measured ways so all students can learn and grow; and 3) Provide services and supports to help meet the many needs of all students, particularly our most vulnerable students. Thank you to parents and family members who are balancing work demands, family needs, and student learning in unanticipated ways. Allow me to share three important updates: • As the Governor extended the school closure date, the Commissioner of Education once again notified us about new remote learning and curriculum guidance that will be issued, presumably by the end of this week or early next week. We will review this guidance and determine if any aspect of our NPS Remote Learning Plan <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=32266432> will need to be adjusted or changed. Please stay tuned for information on how our district will respond to these new state guidelines. • After the Governor’s announcement, teacher leaders and administrators met to discuss the first couple of weeks of implementation of the district’s Remote Learning Plan and to discuss what changes may be needed, especially now that we know we are going beyond the May 4th date. Additionally, our principals and schools are conducting surveys and/or holding virtual Open Houses with families to understand what is working well and where there are areas needing our attention. While the three priorities referenced above will continue to guide our work, I believe we will need to consider how we can maximize teacher and student interactions so that students remain engaged, connected, and learning throughout the next several weeks and until the last day of school on Friday, June 19th. • There are some additional pressing issues that we have already begun to address. For example, we are working on providing an alternative way of hosting graduation and other traditional year-end activities that our students, particularly our high school seniors, have anticipated for so long. We are researching how to provide additional support to students, potentially in the summer and into the fall. We are also thinking about how to continue to nurture a sense of community, caring, and wellbeing for all students, families, and staff. Perhaps most critical, we need to prepare for the transition back to school when our buildings reopen, including ways to accommodate social distancing if still needed. One of the silver linings to the health emergency is that our students and teachers are bravely learning about and practicing the skills critical to our students’ futures, as identified in the Portrait of A Needham Graduate <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/P…> and the district’s strategic plan. The Portrait competencies are being tested in the real world as we prepare all Needham Public Schools students to be creative thinkers and problem solvers, communicators and collaborators, socially and culturally responsive contributors, responsible and resilient individuals, and empowered learners. Despite the challenges, students and teachers will clearly learn, grow, and connect in ways that we do not even see yet! Thank you for your feedback and suggestions, your words of encouragement to our teachers and principals, and your understanding as we work together to support our amazing students. Should you have any questions, please continue to reach out to me. My phone number is 781.455.0400, x11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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School Committee Open House
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham School Committee will hold a virtual Open House for parents, staff, and community members on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. Please "stop by" to meet your School Committee members and ask a question or share a comment. We look forward to seeing you! Meeting information, including the link, can be found here: Needham School Committee Open House <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee> Sincerely, Daniel Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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