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

13 Jan '18

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: (A belated) Happy New Year! Allow me to share a few items as we begin 2018: • *School Budget & Public Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 4.59% increase in the budget for the 2018-19 school year (FY19). The budget plan maintains services in the schools and provides the resources required to address enrollment growth and special education needs. To view my presentation of the budget to the School Committee and learn more about the budget planning process: FY19 Budget Documents <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=64513&pageId=926906#FY19> . The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming *Budget Hearing* *scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 16th* at Broadmeadow to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. *• 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 15, 2016 at Needham High School for reflections, poetry, music, and more. *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post addresses the FY19 Budget plan: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2018! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 22 Dec '17

22 Dec '17

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share a few updates as we begin winter break: *• Equity Audit Presentation *The District's equity consultant, Ms. Christine Robinson, presented her initial findings about equity and inclusion in the Needham Public Schools to the School Committee this past week. I urge parents and community members to read my blog post to learn more: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Additional information and next steps will be shared in the New Year. *• District Website *Thanks to the efforts of our technology staff, school/department secretaries, and administrators we successfully launched our new website on December 1st. Please check it out if you have not already done so: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ I hope you will find timely, accessible, and useful information on the website; please share your feedback! I also want to acknowledge the efforts of NHS graphic arts teacher Robyn Briggs who worked with the following students to help with the design, especially the creation of our our new logo: Charlie Bateman, Eric Zhu, Sam Bello, Evan Anderson & Tyler Smith. Congratulations to all! • *2018-19 (FY19) School Budget & Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 4.6% increase in the budget for the 2018-19 school year (FY19). The budget plan maintains services in the schools and provides the resources required to address enrollment growth and special education needs. The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 16th at Broadmeadow. To learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. You may view the presentation I shared with the School Committee recently by clicking this link: FY19 Budget Presentation <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=4472344> . You can also review detailed budget information available on the school department's website: FY19 Budget Documents <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/administrative/business_office/bud…> . Finally, for those of you celebrating the holiday, Merry Christmas! And for those of you who are just celebrating, well... have fun! My wife Karen and I will enjoy Christmas at home with our daughters, and I am looking forward to a little down time with a good book. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Thanks for your generous and ongoing support of the Needham Public Schools. Thank you, especially, for sharing your children with us each day. They are amazing, talented, and spirited young people! I hope you understand that I am honored and humbled to serve as your superintendent. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Dec '17

15 Dec '17

December 15, 2017 Dear Needham Public Schools Families: For those families celebrating the Festival of Lights, Happy Hanukkah! Allow me to share a few items of interest: *• Equity in the Needham Public Schools *Next Tuesday evening at Broadmeadow beginning at 7:00 p.m. the School Committee will hear a presentation from the District's equity consultant, Ms. Christine Robinson, who will share initial findings of her work and suggest next steps for the District to consider. Since last summer, Ms. Robinson has been reviewing school practices and procedures and meeting with parents, staff, and students to learn about issues of equity and inclusion in the Needham Public Schools. Folks are encouraged to attend and listen to the presentation. • *2018-19 (FY19) School Budget & Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 4.6% increase in the budget for the 2018-19 school year (FY19). The budget plan maintains services in the schools and provides the resources required to address enrollment growth and special education needs. The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. However, it will be a challenge to secure all the resources needed to move school programs forward, especially as the Schools and Town balance a variety of important needs. You may view the presentation I shared with the School Committee recently by clicking this link: FY19 Budget Presentation <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=4472344> You can also review detailed budget information available on the school department's website: FY19 Budget Documents <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/administrative/business_office/bud…> . The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 16th at Broadmeadow to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post addresses district priorities and plans: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 Dec '17

08 Dec '17

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Earlier today many Needham High School students protested recent incidents of racially charged and homophobic graffiti discovered in two boys' bathrooms at the high school by walking out of classes around lunch time. During the walkout students were civil, peaceful, and supportive of one another. Principal Aaron Sicotte and the high school staff have demonstrated tremendous patience and wisdom in dealing with this situation, and I especially appreciate how they have encouraged students to be respectful and mature as they have discussed and confronted the unacceptable and hateful incidents of graffiti. It is not easy to manage the many perspectives, emotions, and anxieties of almost 1,700 adolescents, and I am thankful for their ability to nurture an environment where young adults can talk about important issues and learn from one another. I am also thankful that all of our schools, with your support and encouragement, have high expectations for our students' behavior, including how they are expected to treat one another in a kind, caring, and respectful way - and in a way that acknowledges and honors human differences. We do this work imperfectly, but I am proud of our students' efforts and the support of their teachers and administrators. What follows is Principal Sicotte's letter to high school parents. Like Mr. Sicotte suggests, I urge parents to make this an opportunity to talk to your children, as appropriate, about their experiences and our work together as parents and educators to support their growth and learning. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools __________________________________________ NHS Families, I want to provide you an update on our collective work to create a respectful and welcoming environment for all at Needham High School. Earlier today, a group of students organized a walk out at the start of our lunch block. The goals were to make it clear that the recent graffiti was unacceptable and to push for greater equality for all at Needham High School. By our estimates between 250 and 300 students joined the protest and heard from a range of speakers who told of their experiences, read poems, chanted, and emphasized unity and the need for equality. The speakers, the signs, and the audience were all very respectful. When the speakers finished, the group marched toward the Memorial Field parking lot and around the baseball field, continuing to chant. At the end of the walk out, students returned to class where teachers engaged all of our students in conversations about the walk out, the recent graffiti, our climate overall, and how we can all work to improve NHS. Today’s protest was a powerful display of the very skills we teach our students in the Needham Public Schools - self-advocacy; standing up for others; having respectful and civil exchanges of ideas; working collaboratively. It was also a student-driven chance to have some difficult and uncomfortable conversations about what it feels like to be a student at NHS when you are in a minority group. These in-class conversations were an opportunity to engage our entire student body. They will not be the last opportunity, though. We have much work ahead of us. That work will consist of a close partnership between the adults in the building and our students, providing opportunities for all voices to be heard. With all that has happened this week and all of the processing still being done, we are not collectively ready to decide all of the steps we will take from here. I do know there will be many steps, and they will be varied and include opportunities for everyone to take part in the work, and chances for invested students to lead. It will also be balanced between taking advantage of the tremendous expertise we have in the building (students and staff alike) and with drawing on the experience of those outside the building who may help guide our work. We are fortunate to have exceptional students at Needham High School (and we thank you for that!). It is the rare scenario that someone strives to be offensive. It is the more common scenario that their impact is offensive when their intention was not. Those are opportunities for learning. We will continue to focus on that learning and growing. And we will continue to focus on ensuring Needham High School is a safe and respectful place for each and every one of our students. As essential as this work is, I also want to acknowledge that it is difficult work. It can create discomfort, and uncertainty for those taking part, and for a range of reasons. We want to make sure we are doing all we can to increase people’s comfort with sharing their own experiences and thoughts and hearing the experiences and thoughts of those around them in a respectful, civil exchange. I encourage you to talk to your child about what happened at school today. We believe parents are our students first and most important teachers, and a conversation over the dinner table can be an invitation to continue the learning and growing. If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback please let me know. Respectfully, Aaron Sicotte Principal Needham High School

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 22 Nov '17

22 Nov '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• "Snow Daze" *In the unlikely event a winter storm may require the closing or delayed opening of the Needham Public Schools, I will do my level best to make a decision about a cancellation or delay by about 5:30 a.m. Unless it is abundantly clear what the weather conditions will be, I am often reluctant to call off school the evening before a storm is predicted because New England weather is fickle. Once a decision is made, alerts will go out via email, phone, and on local TV. The quickest way to find out is on Twitter where I also post the information. ( For more info: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt ) It is important for students to be in classes as scheduled throughout the year, and I don't believe a winter storm should necessarily keep us away from school. If it is predicted to snow, for instance, four to seven inches I am inclined to hold classes. There are circumstances, however, when the snow is minimal but icy and dangerous roads may prevent a safe school opening or at least require a delay. Safety for students and staff, of course, will always be my first consideration. This coming winter parents and students should leave plenty of time to get to school and keep a shovel and galoshes nearby! *• Needham Education Foundation - Teacher Appreciation *Please consider contributing to the NEF by sending a *Teacher Appreciation Card*. In this way you will help the NEF provide funds for innovative school programing, and you will thank a teacher or staff member for his/her work with your child. More information here: NEF <http://www.nefneedham.org/> *• Student Achievements *Congratulations are in order for the two Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) Academic Excellence Award honorees, Isabel Barnet and Oliver Hirshland, both NHS seniors. Isabel and Oliver were honored at a recent School Committee meeting for their superb commitment to learning and academic excellence. They clearly represent our core values around Scholarship and Personal Growth! At the School Committee meeting both seniors expressed their deep appreciation for their parents' support and to all of the Needham teachers who have guided and assisted them over the years. Kudos also to the Needham High Golf Team for being honored with the prestigious Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Sportsmanship Award presented to a team that exemplifies good spirit, fair play, maturity, discipline, and leadership. Whether on the greens, in the pool, in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage, our students are talented, mature, hardworking, and poised. Needham families and the teachers and coaches who have guided them should rightly be proud! *• Happy Thanksgiving!* A teacher shared with me that a couple of her students who are recent immigrants to this country were not expecting to celebrate or observe the Thanksgiving holiday because the tradition is new to the family. Of course, I always assumed *everyone* understands, appreciates, and celebrates Thanksgiving! (I think it's the best holiday of the year!) The teacher's conversation with me is a reminder that the Needham Public Schools increasingly enroll children from many nations with diverse languages, faiths, and backgrounds. Their presence in our community and classrooms prompts us to share our wonderful traditions and to learn about our students' cultures and traditions. The opportunity to develop new relationships and understanding is indeed powerful. We are fortunate to live, work, and learn in an amazing community like Needham that values children, and we are especially blessed to be citizens in a vibrant country that serves, however imperfectly, as a model of democracy, inclusion, and justice to the rest of a sometimes weary world. I know I am grateful for my family and to work with a talented staff, committed parents, and the exceptional young people of Needham - all of whom inspire civility, peace, and hope. So however you are observing the holiday, I hope it is a good one for you and your family! * Happy Thanksgiving!* As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us *Go Rockets! Beat Wellesley!! * Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Nov '17

01 Nov '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates and reminders: *• 2017-18 District Goals *The Needham School Committee recently adopted District priorities and goals for the 2017-18 school year. For more information: 2017-18 Needham Public Schools Goals <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/NPSDistrict%20Goals2017-2018.p…> *• Equity in the Needham Public Schools: Parent Focus Group* There will be one more opportunity for parents to meet with our equity audit consultant, Christine Robinson, to share thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I will introduce parents to Ms. Robinson on Wednesday, November 8th at 6:30 p.m. at 142 Warren St., Roxbury. (This address is connected to the 12th Baptist Church, two doors down.) To learn more about the equity audit, please look here: Placement Practices in the Needham Schools <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2017/01/> and here: Supporting All Students in the NPS: Report to the School Committee <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/School%20Committee%20Update%20…> We anticipate sharing the consultant's report to the School Committee in December or January. *• **6th Annual Needham Diversity Summit *In collaboration with the Needham Schools, Needham's 5th Annual Diversity Summit is scheduled for this Saturday, November 18th at Pollard from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00. The summit will bring together community leaders, friends, neighbors, and students for an event designed to explore, foster, strengthen, and celebrate Needham's diversity of socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnic identity, age, immigration status, and ability. This annual event aims to create a network of people committed to creating an equitable and welcoming town, and to challenging its residents to think in new ways about our evolving community. For more information, including registration: Needham Diversity Initiative <http://www.needhamdiversity.org/> *• Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School! *Parents and community members are welcome to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Sunita L. Williams Elementary School located at 585 Central Avenue on Friday, November 17th at 10:00 a.m. The new school is scheduled to open in September 2019. *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post includes a message from Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning, Dr. Terry Duggan, about the new MCAS results: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Needham Schools Spotlight *Please check out the latest cable show featuring a discussion about the strong collaboration and partnership between the Needham Police Department and the Needham Public Schools: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/17-18/studentsafety.htm> Police Chief John Schlittler, School Resource Officer Ryan O'Leary, NHS Principal Aaron Sicotte, Assistant Principal Aly Coubrough-Argentieri, and Athletic Director Dan Lee share their thoughts and comments about the Needham Public Schools and Needham Police Memorandum of Understanding <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/mou2-8-17.pdf> and the school and police response to underage drinking. • * Twitter: Snow Day Updates ** (I know, I know... It's too early for this!!) *Setting up and managing a Twitter account is simple and will allow you a quick, easy, and fun way to stay connected to school news and events. *I tweet the first notification about weather-related school closings or delays on Twitter.* It's the quickest and simplest way to stay informed and updated about important school news. For more info: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt 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 25 Sep '17

25 Sep '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• Needham High School Expansion Project* Later this fall we will break ground on the new Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, a construction project that will replace Hillside. Before then, on October 2nd, the School Committee will ask Town Meeting to support a $14.2 million expansion and renovation project at Needham High School to provide new and renovated classroom and gym space for the growing enrollment at there. If approved, construction would begin next February and be completed in time for the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. The growing student population in the District has required projects like the Sunita L. Williams School and high school expansion to be considered. To learn more about the project, you may read my latest blog post: Superintendent's Blog: Needham High School Expansion Project <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Equity in the Needham Public Schools* We have hired a consultant to assist us to better understand the racial equity issues and challenges we may have as a district around supporting all student learners in the Needham Public Schools. Last year, several parents raised a concern about how students were assigned to middle school classes. More information about the parent concern and the District's response can be found here: Placement Practices in the Needham Schools <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2017/01/> and here: Supporting All Students in the Needham Schools: Report to the School Committee <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/School%20Committee%20Update%20…> Part of the consultant's work is to interview groups of staff, students, and parents to learn what these groups think about the work we are doing in the Needham Schools to assist all learners and to help us identify areas for growth and improvement. Parents who are interested in participating in a focus group should contact Diane Simmons at diane_simmons(a)needham.k12.ma. us for more information. We anticipate sharing the consultant's report to the School Committee in December or January. *• 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/Ne edhamPSTrans 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 * • Job Opportunities in the NPS* We have job opportunities for interested folks. Cafeteria Substitute and Teacher Assistant positions are available now and being advertised on the District's website: Needham Public Schools Job Postings <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/human_resources/Employment%20Opportunities> Please pass on! Finally, to those observing the High Holy Days, please accept my best wishes to you and your families! As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments: 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Sep '17

17 Sep '17

Sunday, September 18, 2017 Dear Needham Families: We have enjoyed a terrific school opening! Over the summer months the buildings were cleaned, new staff hired, and hundreds of teachers were involved in professional learning - all in preparation for a new school year! As a November groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, which will replace the overcrowded and outdated Hillside School, is planned, we have also enrolled over 70 new students into our expanding district. As we head into our 4th week of school, allow me to share the following updates: *• School Committee Open House at Needham High School *The School Committee will host an informal Open House at Needham High next Saturday, September 23rd 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 and to tour the high school facility with the principal to learn more about the need for additional classrooms and a renovated gym. Please join us to meet your School Committee and learn more about the space and program challenges at Needham High! *• Needham High School Renovation Project *At the October 3rd Special Town Meeting, Town Meeting Members will be asked to consider appropriating up to $14.2 million to add classroom space and renovate parts of the building, including the "A" gym. To learn more about the need for classroom space at Needham High, please see this post: Needham High School Space Needs <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2017/03/high-school-enrollment-increa…> and to view a video presentation, please watch the latest Needham Schools Spotlight:Needham Schools Spotlight: High School Space Challenges <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/17-18/2nhsspaces.htm> *• 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: *Give it a try!* The quickest way to get 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, x203) 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 14 Jul '17

14 Jul '17

July 14, 2017 Dear Needham Families, In the last few days, the media has been reporting about the dangers of a social media game, “Blue Whale”, where young people are encouraged to engage in increasingly risky behavior. Because of the increased media attention, I thought it would be prudent to make you aware of this information, especially because your child may now be aware of the game and perhaps curious to learn more. This caution is no different from past communications reminding parents to be aware of your child’s use of social media and the Internet. Best wishes for an enjoyable and safe summer. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Jul '17

10 Jul '17

Dear Faculty and Staff: I am excited to announce that Ms. Karen Bourn has accepted my offer to become the interim principal at Eliot effective July 12, 2017. Karen has served in the Needham Public Schools since 2013 as the assistant principal at Broadmeadow. In her role as assistant principal Karen has worked with Principal Gaberman and the staff to support an excellent instructional program for all students. She has led professional development at Broadmeadow, coordinated the Collaborative Tiered Intervention Team meetings, managed the school's schedule, and overseen student behavior and discipline. Karen has helped to lead the district's efforts around cultural proficiency, and she has used her extensive classroom experience to collaborate with and guide teachers. Karen has also established strong and productive relationships with students and their families. Karen has a strong instructional background and a deep affinity for the classroom experience. Before coming to Needham Karen taught for fifteen years, most recently in the Natick Public Schools where she was a 4th grade teacher. Karen has the capacity, intellect, and experience to lead Eliot at this time. She is a superb listener and has strong communication skills. Karen does not pretend to have all the answers, but she collaborates with others to ensure she has the information she needs to make good decisions. Karen relishes hard work, and she is very much focused on empowering others—students and adults alike—to grow, learn and achieve. During the upcoming year I am confident that Karen can lead an exceptional Eliot school staff forward on your journey toward excellence. She knows that the teachers at Eliot are smart, dedicated, and caring. Her main job will be to support you in your efforts to improve learning for Eliot's children. Karen is excited to begin work, and I know within the next few weeks and over the summer she will reach out to staff and families as we make plans for a new school year. In fact, I will be honored to introduce Karen next Wednesday, July 12th at 10:00 a.m. to those staff members who can stop by Eliot for a brief welcome on her first day. I recognize this is not a convenient time for everyone; Karen will make sure she provides additional opportunities in the upcoming weeks to connect with teachers and staff. Please join me in welcoming Karen Bourn as the interim principal at the John Eliot Elementary School! Respectfully, Dan

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