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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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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 24 Mar '19

24 Mar '19

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share a few updates as we begin a new week and head into Spring: *• Portrait of a Needham Graduate *Parents and families are invited to learn more about our work this past year to develop a Shared Vision of the Future <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2018/10/> for our PreK-12 students. Please check out this 6 minute video presentation recently shared as part of a faculty meeting: Portrait of a Needham Graduate: The Community Comes Together to Develop a Vision for our Students <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxK-AMP1NXs&feature=youtu.be>. Additionally, families and community members are encouraged to share feedback, questions, and comments to the School Committee at their spring Open House to be held on Saturday, April 6th in the Pollard Middle School Library from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. Your input is important! *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post provides an update about our work around equity and inclusion in the Needham Public Schools: Superintendent's Blog: Getting REAL in the Needham Schools <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Needham Schools Spotlight *My recent cable show highlights the planned implementation of Full Day Kindergarten: Needham Schools Spotlight: Full Day Kindergarten in 2019! <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> *• 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, concern, or 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/> described above. Share your ideas and hopes for our children. *• Community Forum *The NPS, supported by the Needham Human Rights Committee, Needham Diversity Initiative, and Citizens for Needham Schools, will host a *Racial Equity in Action *Forum on Wednesday evening, April 24th in the NHS Cafeteria from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Join us to hear an update about our successes and challenges to ensure equity and inclusion for all students in the NPS. *• Student Accolades *The 2019 Scholastic Art Awards have been announced, and over 20 NHS and Pollard students won Gold Keys, Silver Key, or Honorable Mentions for their incredible and creative work. For more information, please check out this tory in the Hometown Weekly: NPS 2019 Scholastic Art Award Winners <http://www.hometownweekly.net/needham/needham-students-win-art-awards/> 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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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Jan '19

21 Jan '19

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham Schools are scheduled to open at the regular time tomorrow, Tuesday, January 22nd. Please leave extra time to get to school, bundle up, and understand that some buses may run late due to the cold and traffic conditions. Also, while the Town's road crews and school maintenance staff did a great job plowing, shoveling, and sanding, many areas around town, including sidewalks and school entryways, remain icy. Students must use caution walking to and from school tomorrow. I hope you and your families enjoy the upcoming week. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 Jan '19

08 Jan '19

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: A belated Happy New Year to you and your families! Allow me to share a few updates: • *2019-20 (FY20) School Budget & Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 7.5% increase in the budget for the 2019-20 school year (FY20). The budget plan includes almost $2 million to implement Full Day Kindergarten and other funds required to support equity and access in our schools. You may view the presentation I shared with the School Committee recently by clicking this link: Superintendent's Presentation to the School Committee <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Department…> You can also review detailed budget information available on the school department's website: FY20 NPS Budget Documents <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=926906#FY20> The School Committee will hold a Budget Hearing on Tuesday, January 15th at Broadmeadow beginning at 7:00 p.m. to receive feedback from the community about the plan, including Full Day Kindergarten. I encourage those parents and community members interested in implementing Full Day Kindergarten to come out and speak up at the Public Hearing. Your voice is important! *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post summarizes the school budget plan and provides additional links to information and resources: FY20 School Budget Plan: Equity and Achievement for All Students <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Martin Luther King Celebration *Once again this year the schools will partner with the Needham Diversity Committee, Needham Clergy Association, and Needham Human Rights Commission to celebrate the life and meaning of Dr. King. Please plan on joining us at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Pollard for reflections, poetry, music, and more. 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 Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2019! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Dec '18

21 Dec '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we begin the winter break, allow me to share the following updates: • Racist and Hateful Graffiti Twice in the last two weeks hateful and racist graffiti, including the use of a swastika, racial slur, and a homophobic slur, have been found written into a boys' bathroom stall at Needham High School. Principal Aaron Sicotte and his staff are working with teachers, students, and the police to find the perpetrator(s) and ensure appropriate consequences are applied. This kind of unsettling behavior is not representative of the students of the Needham Public Schools, and when a hateful act like this occurs, the entire school community rises to condemn it. While it may be discomforting to address an incident like this, especially on the eve of winter break when everyone is focused on vacation plans or holiday preparations, it is important to acknowledge the behavior and the steps we are taking to address it. Of course, we want to acknowledge the behavior without amplifying and drawing unwarranted attention to it. We will strive to keep families informed when incidents like this occur knowing that we must also seek balance in our efforts to act and communicate. It is important to note that students brought this graffiti to the attention of school staff. Principal Sicotte acknowledged the importance of this in an email to the high school community: *"Coming forward to report offensiveness like this is a great example of actively stepping forward. I appreciate all of the times students report concerning items and the many times each day a student says to a friend that something shouldn't be done or said. Those can be hard moments, but they highlight the depth of character of so many of our students and the essence of what make NHS the strong community it is. We have incredible students and adults in this building, and offensive behavior like this does not reflect who we truly are." *Mr. Sicotte is spot on. Finally, the district, students, and staff are engaged in work at every level to support equitable opportunities and nurture safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools and classrooms for each child. Unfortunately, the Needham Public Schools and the Needham community are not immune from racist, anti-semitic, and homophobic slurs despite our ongoing efforts to combat fear and hate through, for example, the curriculum, school programs, and School Improvement Plans. Sadly, there is no guarantee that this behavior will not be repeated; our efforts to confront racism and hate are robust but imperfect. Please know, however, that when it does occur, our students and staff will act and move quickly to ensure no student or staff member feels targeted or unsafe within the Needham Public Schools. *• 2019-20 (FY20) School Budget *Last week I presented to the School Committee my proposal for a budget plan for the 2019-20 school year. The plan is very much focused on providing an equitable learning experience for each child, and a key component of the budget includes the resources required to implement a publicly-funded Full Day Kindergarten program for each eligible Kindergartner beginning next school year. The Kindergarten plan has been thoughtfully developed by Needham staff, including our K and KASE teachers, and is modeled on Boston's successful K2 Kindergarten Program <https://www.bpsearlylearning.org/focus-on-k2/>. I have also proposed in the budget that each K classroom have a teacher assistant to provide a second set of hands to help the teacher manage, direct, and assist young learners. You may review the entire FY20 budget plan and see my presentation to the School Committee here: 2019-20 Needham Public Schools Budget Proposal <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=926906#FY20> The School Committee will have a Public Hearing on the budget plan at their January 15th 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 the coaches, partners and athletes involved in our new Unified Sports Program: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> . *• 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/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=18652412>. 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…> Finally, as we head into the vacation week 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. To those celebrating the holiday, a Merry Christmas to you and your families! To everyone: Enjoy your vacation, and we'll see you in the 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 03 Dec '18

03 Dec '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: For those families celebrating the Festival of Lights, Happy Hanukkah! I hope the season is joyful for you and your families. Allow me to share the following quick updates: *• Needham Education Foundation (NEF) *The NEF continues to support innovation and learning in the Needham Schools! Most recently the NEF funded almost $68,000 in various grants for our elementary, middle, and high schools. Please support the NEF this holiday season and recognize a teacher by purchasing holiday cards available through the NEF website: NEF 2018 Teacher Appreciation Cards <https://www.nefneedham.org/support/teacher-appreciation-cards/> *• Needham Schools Spotlight * The most recent Needham Schools Spotlight highlighting the issue of gender equity and sexual harassment in the schools can be viewed on public access television and found here: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> *• Superintendent's Blog *My recent post about the 2018 District Survey results can be found on the NPS website: 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/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=18652412>. 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…> *• Student Scholars *Finally, let me acknowledge and congratulate two Needham High School seniors, Anna Friedman and Ethan Lee, both of whom recently received the prestigious *Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents 2018 Award of Academic Excellence*! This award is presented annually to two outstanding seniors in each high school in the Commonwealth. Both Anna and Ethan model the district's core values, particularly around scholarship, and they are deserving of this award. They also happen to be amazing and caring young people whom we are all very proud to know and honor. Congratulations, Ann and Ethan! As always, feel free to contact me with questions or comments: 781.455.0400, ext. 11203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Oct '18

15 Oct '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Good Monday morning! Allow me to share the following updates: *• Portrait of a Needham Graduate *Over the last half year over 50 parents, staff, community members, and students have been working to develop a vision for Needham's students. Please check out my latest Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> to learn about the Portrait of a Needham Graduate process and provide input. Your understanding of this important work *and* your feedback will be critical to our success! *• Needham METCO Documentary Premiere *Please join us this Wednesday, October 17th at 6:30 p.m. in the Newman auditorium for the world premiere of *METCO: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow*, a documentary produced by our very own NHS teacher, Natalie Guthrie. The film tells the story of METCO in Needham through the eyes of staff, parents, and students. You can check out a trailer here: METCO Documentary Trailer <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDJFh-jFgLs&t=18s> *• School Committee Open House *The Needham School Committee will host an Open House at Needham High School on Saturday morning, November 17th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. This is an opportunity for parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School Committee and share ideas, questions, and concerns. Please join us! *• Needham Schools Spotlight *Please check out the latest cable show featuring a discussion about the proposed new Police and Fire Building Projects and the strong collaboration and partnership between the Needham Police Department and the Needham Public Schools: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> *• Bus Updates on Twitter* There are times a bus or van can be delayed due to road conditions or a mechanical issue. Parents and students who wish to receive updates about school transportation can sign on to Twitter to receive timely, updated, and helpful alerts: https://twitter.com/NeedhamPSTrans Parents and students are also encouraged to follow me on Twitter to receive important school news and updates, including weather-related school cancellations: https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt *• Student Accolades* Congratulations to several Needham High School students for being commended or named semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: *Semi**-Finalists: *Ethan Lee, Jackson Schwartz, Noah Schwartz, Benjamin Shapiro, Shaashwat Sharma... *Commended Students:* Alexander Berney, Daniel Blumenstein, Daniel Borowsky, Pedro Caceres, Samuel Feuer, Anton Geyyer, Samantha Gilarde, Benjamin Glanz, Stephanie Godes, Kevin Grady, Connor Healey, Julia Leshchiner, Shane Morley, Calvin Mueller, Claudia Sesso, Danielle Shaw, Rui Ming Shen, Alon Trogan, Michelle Veiner We are proud of these and all of our students who each day demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and personal growth! 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 Have a great week! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 05 Sep '18

05 Sep '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Welcome back to school! We have enjoyed greeting your children this week, and I can report after visiting each school and many classrooms that the energy is high and the smiles (and the new sneakers) are bright. We are excited to begin a new year and anticipate our continued work on school construction, the development of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2018/03/>, and planning for the implementation of Full Day Kindergarten <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2016/04/>... to name a few of our key initiatives! As we begin our first week of school, allow me to share the following updates: *• School Transportation *New school bus drivers, high bus ridership, and school and road construction have all resulted in delays and late arrivals on some bus routes. In particular, the ongoing construction at Needham High School, coupled with commuter and school traffic in and around the high school campus has caused some buses to be delayed on their next route. I appreciate your patience as we work to mitigate the impact of these issues on our buses and can assure you that we are working closely with public safety officials and our bus contractor, Connolly, to address all concerns that arise. *• Hey, Parents, Want to Learn about Social Media & Your Kids? *Next Tuesday evening, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Pollard auditorium, the NEF and High Rock/Pollard PTC will c0-sponsor a presentation and conversation with Boston University sociologist and social media expert, Dr. Jill Walsh about the teen digital landscape. Please join us! *• School Committee Open House at Needham High School *The School Committee will host an informal Open House at Needham High on Saturday, October 27th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. Parents and members of the community are invited to chat informally with School Committee members about questions and concerns related to any school matter and to tour renovated spaces in the building. Please come and meet your School Committee. *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post includes comments I made to the staff during our our annual back to school general staff meeting: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> • * Stay in Touch with the Superintendent! *One way to stay in touch is to follow me on Twitter: *Go ahead, give it a try!* The quickest way to get weather-related school closings or other important information is on Twitter. For school updates, weather-related school cancellations, reminders, and photos, go to: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt Also, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x11203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us I look forward to sharing with and hearing from you! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 22 Aug '18

22 Aug '18

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Dear Needham Public School Families: Earlier this evening Channel 5 (WCVB) reported on the resignation of a Needham High School teacher. Channel 5 reports that the resignation is linked to an alleged incident earlier this summer in another town in which the teacher is accused of offering money to a young girl to lift up her shirt. Earlier today Channel 5 reporter Mike Beaudet did inquire about the status of one of our high school teachers, and I informed him that it is not the policy or practice of the Needham Public Schools to discuss personnel matters. However, I did inform Mr. Beaudet that the teacher in question has resigned his position in the Needham Public Schools and that I would have no further comment. As you know, we prioritize student safety, security, and wellbeing in the Needham Public Schools. If we are ever made aware of any behavior that would injure, hurt, or harm a child, we would deal with the situation immediately and swiftly. *We are aware of no circumstance in which the teacher in question has ever jeopardized the safety or wellbeing of any Needham Public School students. * Should we ever become aware of concerning, inappropriate, or illegal behavior involving any staff member (past or present), we would take immediate action, including, if necessary, involving appropriate law enforcement officials. I am sorry that this particular message is the only one you have received from me this summer. Rest assured that we are focused on preparing for your children to return to school on Tuesday, September 4th. The principals, staff, and I look forward to greeting them when they arrive to classes within the next two weeks. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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