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

22 Jun '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share the following updates as we conclude another school year: *• Student Accolades * * Congratulations to our awesome students for receiving recognition and accolades this spring:* - In the *Tenacity Challenge* at Bedford High School <https://www.tenacitychallenge.com/>*, *our high school students placed in the top 10 in multiple categories as a result of the efforts of Mackenzie Fuller, Mimi Di Carli, Stephanie Ogbebor, Sebastian Davis, Chidinma Nwodo, and Luis Diaz. *- National History Day State Finals *First Place Champions were Pollard students Grace Yonchak, Alexandra Goodale, Peter Burdick, and Emily Lucas for their Group Exhibit featuring WWII vet, hero, and conscientious objector Desmind Doss; they went on to compete in Washington, DC! At the high school level, First Place in Performance went to Kenneth Crossman and Zachary Sickles for their project on "The Toledo War" and Best Project in Massachusetts History went to Avery Mathias and Kayla Talcoff for their presentation on Boston Busing/Desegregation. *-* Scholastc Art Awards: Several students, some receiving multiple awards from the 2018 Scholastic Writing and Art Awards <https://www.artandwriting.org/affiliate/MA001W/>, included: *Needham High School * Gold Key winners include Hugh Atkinson, Hannah Cisternelli, Mark Elman, Alice Rufo; Silver Key winners include Chloe Carson, Hannah Cisternelli, Erin Concannon, Emma Garber, Natalie Lawrence, Rebecca Levitan, Julia Owen, Alex Putprush, Mia Rosengard, Alice Rufo; Honorable Mention to Hugh Atkinson, Grace Cohen, Erin Concannon, Jacob Gorenburg, Grace Li, Avery Mathias, Avery Mathias, Jessica McEvoy, Karen Nie, Julia Ochalla, Julia Owen, Annie Stein, Christina Yang *Pollard Middle School* Silver Key awarded to Maylin Carr, John Kiely, Chess Paulina Miano, Scarlett Munn; Honorable Mention to Margaret Berkley, Matthew Hua, Rose Ava Jacobs, Celia Lanza *- National Scholastic Art Awards*: Two NHS students also received prestigious national awards: Hugh Atkinson, Photography Silver National Award and Alice Rufo, Drawing and Illustration Silver National Award. *- Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Awards*: *Middle School Ensembles* MS Select Choir, Gold Medal 8th Grade Treble Chorus, Silver Medal Wind Ensemble, Silver Medal 8th Grade Band, Silver Medal Town Orchestra, Silver Medal *NHS Ensembles* Symphonic Band, Gold Medal Concert Band, Silver Medal Concert Choral, Silver Medal Orchestra, Silver Medal *- *Congratulations to the *Needham Speech and **Debate Team *which came in third place at the State Championship and finished in the top 5 at the Grand National Tournament in Washington, DC. Out of a huge field of participants, Jackson Segal was named the National Champion in extemporaneous speaking and Shayan Raza and Annie Stein also placed in oratory and declamation. - *NHS Athletics *The new Unified Track Team and the Girls' Rugby Team were both honored with the Massachusetts Interschoalstic Athletic Association's (MIAA) Sportsmanship Award for great spirit, dedication, and integrity. Last evening in a heartbreaking and close Division I State Championship match the Boys' Volleyball Team lost to Westfield, but what an amazing run they have had all year! And tomorrow afternoon, the Boys' Baseball Team plays in their first-ever State Championship game vs. St. Peter Marian at Holy Cross College! Congrats to our student athletes and their coaches. *Go Rockets!!* Congratulations to all of our students who make us proud each day! *• Progress Report on Equity and Inclusion * We recently shared with the School Committee an update about our work to ensure equity, inclusion, and access in the Needham Public Schools for all students. The link to the report can be found here: Progress Report on Equity Audit <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=13276682> *• Needham Schools Spotlight* Please check out the latest Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> cable show featuring a discussion about the Portrait of a Needham Graduate work the district has initiated. *• Superintendent's Blog *My recent post celebrates the NPS retirees we recently honored at the Needham Golf Club: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Much to be Proud of and Celebrate! * Finally, it is clear to me that through the efforts of talented staff and the support of our parents and the community, the District continues to thrive and focus on the growth and development of student learning and programs: The Equity Audit provides a framework to continue our work to support all students... Full Day Kindergarten planning for an anticipated September 2019 launch is moving forward... Construction projects at the Sunita L. Williams School and NHS are well underway... And we have launched a major initiative to develop a vision for our students and the District as part of our *Portrait of a Needham Graduate *work. It's been a busy and successful year! Unfortunately, it has also been a year in which we experienced the loss of three high school students, Anaya, Adrienne, and Talia and two of our NPS colleagues, Newman teacher, Jenny Orlando and district IT technician, George Jordan. The loss of these wonderful and amazing young people and caring colleagues deeply impacted students, the staff, and the Needham community. We continue to offer our prayers and support for their grieving families even while we celebrate and cherish their lives. Eleanor Roosevelt once observed: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." I know we will forever treasure memories of their generous spirits, bright smiles, caring friendship, and genuine love. Now, after a long year, it's time to enjoy the summer break and have fun with families and friends. Please know I am proud to serve as your superintendent and value your ongoing collaboration with and dedication to the students and staff of the Needham Public Schools. Thanks for your ongoing guidance, support, and generous spirit. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 May '18

06 May '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: *Time is running out and we need your help! * The biennial District Survey is an important tool for receiving feedback from our parents, students, and staff. We use the survey results to guide improvement efforts at each school, and your participation is crucial. So far we are far below our anticipated parent participation rate, and we want to - and need to - hear from all parents. If you have not already done so, simply take 10 minutes now to click on the appropriate link and complete the survey associated with your child's school. (If you have more than one child in grades PreK to 12, you are welcome to complete surveys at more than one school.) Please complete your survey by Tuesday, May 8th so that your opinion is included and your voice is heard. The data will be used to celebrate our strengths and determine what we can do to improve! We want to hear from you. Your participation in this confidential survey is greatly appreciated. School Name Survey Link Broadmeadow Elementary School https://surveys.panoramaed.com /needham/broadmeadowfamily Eliot Elementary School https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/eliotfamily High Rock School https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/highrockfamily Hillside Elementary School https://surveys.panoramaed.com /needham/hillsidefamily Mitchell Elementary School https://surveys.panoramaed.com /needham/mitchellfamily Needham High School https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/nhsfamily Newman Elementary School https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/newmanfamily Pollard Middle School https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/pollardfamily Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Apr '18

13 Apr '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share the following highlights and updates: • Student Accolades Congratulations to our awesome students in the Needham Public Schools for receiving recognition and accolades: *- *In the Tenacity Challenge at Bedford High School <https://www.tenacitychallenge.com/>, our high school students placed in the top 10 in multiple categories as a result of the efforts of Mackenzie Fuller, Mimi Di Carli, Stephanie Ogbebor, Sebastian Davis, Chidinma Nwodo, and Luis Diaz. *- National History Day State Finals *First Place Champions are Pollard students Grace Yonchak, Alexandra Goodale, Peter Burdick, and Emily Lucas for their Group Exhibit featuring WWII vet, hero, and conscientious objector Desmind Doss; At the high school level, First Place in Performance to Kenneth Crossman and Zachary Sickles for their project on "The Toledo War" and Best Project in Massachusetts History to Avery Mathias and Kayla Talcoff for their presentation on Boston Busing/Desegregation. - Scholastc Art Awards: Several students, some receiving multiple awards from the 2018 Scholastic Writing and Art Awards <https://www.artandwriting.org/affiliate/MA001W/>, include: *Needham High School * Gold Key winners include Hugh Atkinson, Hannah Cisternelli, Mark Elman, Alice Rufo; Silver Key winners include Chloe Carson, Hannah Cisternelli, Erin Concannon, Emma Garber, Natalie Lawrence, Rebecca Levitan, Julia Owen, Alex Putprush, Mia Rosengard, Alice Rufo; Honorable Mention to Hugh Atkinson, Grace Cohen, Erin Concannon, Jacob Gorenburg, Grace Li, Avery Mathias, Avery Mathias, Jessica McEvoy, Karen Nie, Julia Ochalla, Julia Owen, Annie Stein, Christina Yang *Pollard Middle School* Silver Key awarded to Maylin Carr, John Kiely, Chess Paulina Miano, Scarlett Munn; Honorable Mention to Margaret Berkley, Matthew Hua, Rose Ava Jacobs, Celia Lanza *- National Scholastic Art Awards*: Two NHS students also received prestigious national awards: Hugh Atkinson, Photography Silver National Award and Alice Rufo, Drawing and Illustration Silver National Award. *- Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Awards*: *Middle School Ensembles* MS Select Choir, Gold Medal 8th Grade Treble Chorus, Silver Medal Wind Ensemble, Silver Medal 8th Grade Band, Silver Medal Town Orchestra, Silver Medal *NHS Ensembles* Symphonic Band, Gold Medal Concert Band, Silver Medal Concert Choral, Silver Medal Orchestra, Silver Medal *- *Congratulations to the *Needham Speech and **Debate Team *which came in third place at the State Championship. Individual awards include: Declamation first place, Annie Stein; Sasha Rieser, Novice state champion and Will Conway, both placing 5th in Novice, with Zachary Lu in second place as Varsity speaker debate; Jackson Segal has been named an Academic All-American. Best wishes as the team goes on to national championships in Ft. Lauderdale and Washington, DC! *• Parent Survey *In recognition of the importance of community feedback, the Needham Public Schools will be administering the 2018 District Survey after the school break. This biennial survey allows each school to celebrate strengths, respond to areas needing improvement, and measure progress toward the District Goals. We build on information gathered since 2001 and share the cumulative results with our staff, parents, and the community. Since the last District survey was administered in 2016, we took a number of action steps. Here are a few examples: In response to requests for improved transportation service, the School Committee approved funding for the addition of school buses and a late bus; school space issues were addressed; more STEAM programs were added; the process was launched for community involvement in developing a Portrait of A Needham Graduate, and so much more. Each School Council worked with staff to consider how to respond to the survey findings as they updated their plans. Please watch for the school-specific links to the District Survey coming to you between April 23rd through May 7th in emails from our School Principals. Your feedback is needed and I thank you in advance for sharing your opinions with us. I’m hoping for 100% participation in the survey process! *• Elementary Class Lists* Over the summer weeks elementary principals will complete class placement for the 2018-19 school year, and they will send out a class list to parents in early July. The class list will include your elementary school child's name and the names of the other students placed in your child's class. Please understand that the placement of any child could change depending on class size, staffing needs, or enrollment. If you have a question about the placement of your child, please contact the building principal. *• Needham Schools Spotlight* Please check out the latest Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> cable show featuring a discussion about the Equity Audit recently completed in the Needham Public Schools. I hope you and your families have a restful and relaxing Spring Break! As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: 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 09 Mar '18

09 Mar '18

March 9, 2018 Dear Needham Public Schools' Families: There has been significant national and local conversation about a student walkout planned for Wednesday, March 14th from 10:00-10:17 a.m. The walkout is meant to commemorate the one month anniversary of the February 14th Parkland, Florida shooting at M.S. Douglas High School. While this is generally not a topic in which our elementary students have been involved, students at Pollard and Needham High School have expressed to administrators and teachers their desire to participate at some level in the national walk out. We support and encourage student voice and civic engagement at every level in the Needham Public Schools; in fact, one of our core values is *Citizenship*. The Needham Public Schools defines citizenship as: *Contributing to an environment that nurtures respect, integrity, compassion, and service. Students and staff acknowledge and affirm responsibilities they have toward one another, their schools, and a diverse local and global community. *As a result, we have engaged and invested in K-12 curriculum, including social studies courses and programs, school visits to the Statehouse, mock Town Meetings, legislator visits to classrooms, trips to our Nation’s Capital, community service learning, and a variety of other opportunities designed to help students understand their role and responsibility in a democratic society. Additionally, active student groups, like student councils, provide our young people with an opportunity to share ideas, make plans, and impact their schools and their lives. We also recognize that as educators, our first and most critical responsibility is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students. Nothing else is more important. Therefore, on March 14th in response to the possibility of students engaging in the national walkout, we will use the following to guide our planning and work at each of the schools in Needham: • March 14, 2018 will be a regular school day for all students. All teachers will be in class working with their students as planned. • Students are expected to attend their classes as they normally would. • In the event a student leaves class to participate in the walkout, the teacher will remain in the classroom to continue the lesson and notify the office that a student(s) has left unaccompanied. • If students remove themselves from class to walkout, they will be directed by the building principal to assemble in designated areas where adults can maintain supervision and safety. At the conclusion of the 17 minutes, students will be expected to return to classes. • Students who participate in a walkout will be expected to make up any work missed according to the teachers' availability. • While the school staff will supervise students at all times, both inside and outside the classroom, school staff will not promote or participate in any activities associated with the proposed walkout. The principals of the Needham Public Schools will continue to work with student leaders around this issue, and the principals will send out additional information as appropriate and based on the needs of their individual school. Thank you for understanding that we must balance our roles as educators who strive to empower student voice with the need for ensuring student and school safety and wellbeing. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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

05 Mar '18

March 5, 2018 Dear Needham Public Schools’ Students and Families: I think it’s time to talk about your future. Just the other day I realized that the first class to experience the planned full day Kindergarten program in Needham will graduate from Needham High School in 2033. *That’s right, 2033!* I can’t even imagine what the world will be like in 2033, and it’s both daunting and exhilarating to consider how best to prepare all our students—including those who come before 2033—for today and tomorrow. I’d like to share an idea about preparing all students for the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. I am reminded of a quote attributed to John Dewey, an educational innovator from the last century: “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” More recently my friend and mentor, Anthony Bent, shared with me: “We should not be preparing children for our past but for their future.” These observations have really made me think about our current world and your future: • Career options and economic opportunities for your generation will involve increasing levels of entrepreneurship; technology-driven solutions, including digital automation and AI (Artificial Intelligence) and data management; and innovative and disruptive technology tools, marketplaces, and economic development. • Environmental and security challenges, including the impact of climate change, the availability of increasingly limited resources, cyber-warfare, and unstable and shifting international alliances, will proliferate. Renewable energy development, food sourcing, weapons development, and questions around sustainability will drive policy-making, growth, and innovation. • Issues of race, social justice, poverty, equity, economic development, immigration, and educational opportunity for a nation that is increasingly ethnically and racially diverse will dominate decision-making and planning in the United States. • Medical advancements and biotechnology will result in longer and healthier lives; science and space exploration will continue to flourish; personal innovation, ingenuity, and creativity will be prized and rewarded; social media and the creation of new technologies to communicate, solve problems, and build community will help guide and strengthen a new generation. • Increased civic engagement, including the need for diplomacy, language acquisition, and religious and cultural understanding within and across communities and governmental bodies, will be required to avoid polarization, authoritarianism, injustice, and violence and to build a sense of an ethical community of care and service.[1] <#m_-831995931832842239__ftn1> *So here’s the idea:* We should have a broad conversation about what kind of educational experiences we want for our students at all grade levels as we propel them towards graduation, the challenges ahead, and their future lives. I think we should research, discuss, debate, and articulate the key attributes, skills, and qualities we want for Needham’s young people, now and as far into the future as we can see. We will develop a framework—a Portrait of a Needham Graduate—that will inform our work and help us to establish our priorities and plans around which the community can coalesce and contribute. The timing is right to engage educators, students, and parents in a forward-thinking conversation like this. First, the world is becoming more complicated, and the knowledge, skills and tools we provide students in 2018 may be insufficient for 2025, 2030, or 2033. Second, the need to ensure an equitable and inclusive education is essential now if we want all children to have access and opportunity as citizens, parents, entrepreneurs, and leaders in this amazing and dynamic world. Finally, we need to provide clarity and coherence for the adults in our community, especially our educators, who are tasked with providing for, educating, and leading our young people during a time of increased accountability and competing demands, priorities, and interests. The good news is that Needham’s parents and educators are already engaged in thinking forward and providing excellent academic support and programs. It’s time to assess both our current practices and to consider and promote ideas that will boost student learning. Developing a Portrait of a Needham Graduate will allow us to: • Reflect on the direction of the Needham Public Schools; • Explore which key attributes, skills, and knowledge our children—You!—need for the future; • Operate within a framework of equity in education, preparing all students for the world they are facing; and • Build a community consensus around the district’s vision, goals, and strategic priorities. To accomplish this work we will invite a broad-based group of 30 to 40 members of the community, including high school students, educators, parents, business and civic leaders, and higher education representatives, to meet over the next several months to develop a Portrait of a Needham Graduate and strategic priorities that can be shared, debated, and ultimately adopted by the School Committee. The conversation will reflect the many voices, wisdom, and values of this amazing community. The work will be invigorating and may challenge some of our assumptions about what the educational experience should be in the Needham Public Schools. The end product, like a portrait hanging in a museum, will reflect the nuances, perspectives, and experiences of its creators, and it may be imprecise and contain imperfections. But we will strive to use information, research, and data to create a Portrait of a Needham Graduate, one which is aspirational and will provide a framework for the critically important work ahead—the development of the education, success, and livelihood of the young people in the Needham Public Schools. It’s an idea whose time has come—for you and for those who come before and after you. If you are interested in participating in the process for developing a Portrait of a Needham Graduate, please complete the form which can be found at the following link: Portrait of a Needham Graduate <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-d5T-gxwW15XG5F1-MSezIy08nfJ8oN-…> Respectfully and with great hope and faith in your future, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools ------------------------------ [1] <#m_-831995931832842239__ftnref1> Franklin, Daniel. “The World in 2018.” *The Economist* 01 November, 2017. Marx, Gary. *21 Trends for the 21st Century*. Bethesda, MD: Educational Week Press, 2013.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Feb '18

11 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: It is with considerable sadness that I share with you that Needham High School 11th grader Adrienne Garrido passed away this afternoon as a result of the injuries she sustained from last night's traffic accident. Saturday night's accident on Webster Street took the lives of two amazing and loving young people, Adrienne and her friend Talia Newfield. I am at a loss for words at the moment, but I wanted you to know this information. The schools and staff will be prepared tomorrow and throughout the week to support students. In addition, principals will provide parent resources about coping with grief and tragedy that we hope will be helpful at this time. If you have a specific concern or question, please contact your child's guidance counselor or principal. This evening I am reminded of a quote from American poet William Cullen Bryant who observed: "And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief." Finally, please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Newfield and Garrido families. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Feb '18

11 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham community is facing a heartbreaking loss of one of our juniors, Talia Newfield, who was struck by a car in Needham last night and died. A classmate, Adrienne Garrido, was also injured and is hospitalized in Boston. The loss of a young person who was a daughter and sister within a loving family and a vibrant member of the school community is difficult to comprehend. Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts go out to the Newfield Family this morning as they mourn the loss of Talia. And we pray for a speedy and full recovery for Adrienne. Needham High School's cafeteria will be open today (Sunday) from 10:30-12:30 to allow students to come in and talk with counselors and with each other. Staff from the NHS Guidance Department will be joined by staff from Needham Youth and Family Services and staff from Riverside Community Care. Needham High School Principal, Aaron Sicotte, encourages students to come in and talk about what happened or seek support. Support and resources will also be available during the upcoming week for the school community. If parents are looking for a way to discuss the news with their children or their children have questions, here are some online resources that may help: Scholastic: Children and Grief <http://www.scholastic.com/childrenandgrief/> Psychology Today: Talking to Children about Death <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/understanding-grief/201701/talking-chi…> In addition, counselors in each school will be available tomorrow to assist any student who is experiencing difficulty over the news. The next several days will be challenging for the community as we mourn the loss of one of our own and pray for Adrienne's recovery. We stand ready to provide resources, support, and care for Needham's families and, especially, our children. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Feb '18

07 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Today our schools will dismiss at the regular time, but our Boston resident students are being dismissed early . Afternoon and evening activities have been canceled, and NEDP is asking parents to pick up children by 4:00 p.m. *Many thanks for your patience!* Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 Feb '18

06 Feb '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: *• Inclement Weather * In the event of an inclement weather event that may require students to be sent home early from school, we will use the early release day schedule and cancel afternoon Kindergarten. I am reluctant to send students home early from school and would only do so if, after consulting with Town and Public Safety officials, it is the safest and most prudent thing to do. If I make a decision to send students home early, I will use this list serve to send an email, the School Messenger Emergency/Inclement Weather Notification System (email and phone call), and Twitter <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.n…>. In addition, principals will send an email to parents/guardians. If you need to update contact information, please do so now at this link: PowerSchool <https://powerschool.needham.k12.ma.us/public/> Thanks for your patience and assistance. *• School Committee Open House Saturday, March 10th *Please join members of the School Committee on Saturday morning, March 10th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at the Needham Library. This is an ideal opportunity for parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School Committee members and superintendent. Before or after visiting with the School Committee you can view the amazing Art in Bloom <http://www.needhamartinbloom.com/> exhibition being held at the same time at the library. Art in Bloom is an amazing community/school collaboration between the Beth Shalom Garden Club and NHS students. Please stop by and say hello! *• Needham Unplugged* Once again this year the Needham schools will support and participate in Needham Youth Services program, Needham Unplugged <http://www.needhamma.gov/youth/unplugged> during the month of March. On Thursday, March 15th I will ask teachers to observe "No Homework" night so students can enjoy the afternoon and evening with their families. *• Civic and Spelling Bees **We take our Bees seriously here in Needham!* Please consider signing up for or attending the upcoming Needham League of Women Voters Civics Bee <https://lwv-needham.org/civics-bee/> scheduled for March 11th at Broadmeadow. Also, the annual Needham Education Foundation Spelling Bee <http://www.nefneedham.org/> is scheduled for March 18th at Needham High School. These are two wonderful, fun, and educational opportunities for the entire community. *• Needham Schools Spotlight *Please check out the latest Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> cable show featuring a discussion with several Pollard and NHS students, all of whom are new immigrants to this country. These amazing students, who hail from Ukraine, Haiti, Iceland, Brazil, Syria, and China, are new to Needham and have amazing stories to share. We are fortunate to have these young people learning and growing in our community. Finally, congratulations to the cast and crew of the High Rock/Pollard Middle School production of *Annie!* Sold out audiences enjoyed the musical and theatrical energy and abilities of our middle school students. Thanks to the parent volunteers and school staff who made the production a reality. As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: 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 17 Jan '18

17 Jan '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I need your help! One of the key activities outlined in the 2017-18 Needham Public Schools Goals <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=4091118> is to *“develop a strategic plan for technology.”* The intent of this key activity is for the district to have agreements in place about its vision and accompanying actionable recommendations that further technology-enabled teaching, learning, and organizational productivity. It is this strategic plan that will guide the district's future programmatic, operational, and financial decisions regarding technology. A broad-based team whose members reflect the insights/thinking of various grade levels and program areas across the district is currently engaged in the work of developing this plan. The charge for the group is to draft a *long-range plan for technology in the Needham Public Schools *with clear goals and milestones that are aligned with the national strategy outlined in the Future Ready Learning (U.S. Department of Education) <https://tech.ed.gov/files/2015/12/NETP16.pdf> . As part of this process, we need to ensure that our work is informed by and reflects the thoughts, attitudes, and opinions of all the constituencies within the Needham school community and beyond. To this end, the strategic planning team is asking for about 10 minutes of your time *before **January 26, 2018**,* to provide us with your perspective on various aspects of current use and future directions for technology within the district. By completing this survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VVTPK9P) you will be contributing to the team's thinking and be helping to ensure that all our schools and programs are well-positioned to prepare our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the realities that they may face in the future. With many thanks and much appreciation, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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