- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 18 Jun '17

18 Jun '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates as we conclude another busy and successful school year: *• Congratulations to our Retirees! *At our recent Retirement Reception we honored several NPS staff retiring at year's end. Together they represent over 225 years of service to our students and the profession: *Nancy Broadley*, *Mitchell*, *Charles Connor*, *Preschool*, *Janet Fasano, Margo Fisher-Martin, Wayne Heike, Estelle McCarthy, Yu-Wen Wang, **High School*, *Deb Gammerman*, *Technology Director, **Robin Lagace*, *Eliot*, *David Neves*, *Fine & Performing Arts Director*, *Anne Marie Normant*, *KASE*, *Joanne Noumi,* *Mitchell*, *Catherine Prout,**Broadmeadow*, *Mary Grace Summergrad* , *Community Education.* We wish them well and thank them for their service! *• NEF Thank you Cards* As the school year draws to a close, honor a special teacher, coach or staff person by making a donation in his or her name to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF). NEF Teacher Appreciation Cards make it simple to show your gratitude, while supporting innovation and excellence in the Needham Public Schools. P urchase cards at Taylor’s Stationery, Sudbury Farms, Roche Brothers or Volante Farms. If you have questions, please contact Maureen Callahan at mcallahan(a)nefneedham.org. *• New School Name *Recently the School Committee voted unanimously to name the school that will replace Hillside the *Sunita L. Williams Elementary School.* Sunita, who attended school in Needham beginning in Kindergarten at Hillside and was also a 1983 NHS graduate, is a Navy Captain and NASA astronaut who has flown two missions on the International Space Station. We are all extremely excited about the school's new name, and we look forward to welcoming Captain Williams home for the school's dedication in about two years! The Needham Times has a nice story about the new school's name: School Committee Names New School <http://needham.wickedlocal.com/news/20170614/new-needham-school-to-be-named…> *• NHS Student Achievements *Supported by dedicated teachers and coaches, many NPS students have recently enjoyed success in and outside the classroom: 118 NHS students were notified that they have been recognized for their world language proficiency in Spanish, Latin, and French. These students competed in national exams, resulting in the 118 awards, including 20 gold medals! Sophomore Noah Schwartz earned a perfect score on the Latin exam. A perfect score of 40/40 on the National Latin Exam is such a remarkable achievement that in 2017 only 813 students, out of over 135,000 students who participated in the US and 16 other countries, attained this distinction. That's about 0.6%! At the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Louisville, three NHS students ranked among the top performers out of hundreds of schools competing. Boys' Lacrosse and Boys' Volleyball enjoyed incredible seasons, each competing in state tournaments. Junior Davonte Burnett ran a time of 10.48 and captured 1st place in the 100M at the New England Track Championship. And the Girls' Lacrosse team captured the Division I State Championship at Boston University over the weekend, the first time in over 15 years!. *Go Rockets!!* Congratulations to all of our students who make us proud each day! *• 6th Graders Offer Advice to Graduates *Read my recent blog post to learn what graduation advice High Rock students have for the Class of 2017: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Spoiler Alert: 6th graders are pretty smart! Finally, let me take this opportunity to say thank you to our parents, staff, and all of our students for another successful year in the Needham Schools. Together we kept the focus on the important work: Providing an excellent education to the very best young people around. Thanks for your ongoing guidance, support, and generous spirit. It is an exceptional honor for me to serve as your superintendent. Enjoy the summer months with your family! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superinetndent Needham Public Schools

1 0

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

01 Jun '17

Dear Needham Families: The Needham Police and State Police are currently investigating the death of a women found in her apartment on Linden Street, directly across the street from the High Rock School's play fields. The police do not believe there is any other threat to that area, or any other area in Needham, and school will proceed as scheduled today. As a sign of support with the schools and due to the increased media presence in town, the Police Chief will provide additional police patrols at all the schools this morning. Thanks for your ongoing support and cooperation. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

1 0

Substance Abuse Prevention Alliance Survey
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 24 May '17

24 May '17

Dear Needham Families: Please take a few moments to read this important message from the Needham Public Health Department. Thank you, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools *YOUR OPINIONS MATTER! NEEDHAM PARENT SURVEY 2017* The Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham (SPAN) in collaboration with the Needham Public Health Department is surveying parents of 6th -12th graders living in Needham to learn more about their personal beliefs and perceptions regarding underage drinking and substance use among youth. We would very much appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete this *anonymous* survey and contribute your voice to those of other Needham parents. Your feedback will help to inform the direction of our Coalition prevention initiatives. Please answer all questions with your *oldest child* in mind. *Please click on this link to take the brief survey: http://surveys.ssre.org/s3/NeedhamParent2017 <http://surveys.ssre.org/s3/NeedhamParent2017> * Results will be shared in the community through SPAN once responses have been collected. If you have any questions please contact Catherine Delano, Substance Use Prevention Coordinator- Needham Public Health Department at 781.844.7029 or cdelano(a)needhamma.gov

1 0

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Apr '17

13 Apr '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share several updates: *• K-12 Fine and Performing Arts Director *I am pleased to announce that Ms. LeeAnn Sutton has accepted my offer to be the new K-12 Director of Fine & Performing Arts beginning July 1, 2017. LeeAnn is currently completing the School Leadership Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she was named a James Bryant Conant Fellow for her academic and professional achievements. Prior to her time at Harvard, LeeAnn has had diverse experiences as a Music Teacher including positions with the Cambridge Public Schools, The Longy School of Music of Bard College, The New England Conservatory Prep School and Ithaca City School District (NY). As a Music Teacher, she has undertaken a wide range of leadership roles at the school, district, and community level that have prepared her to step into the Director’s position. She is an experienced program and curriculum developer, has served as a teacher coach, organized and facilitated discussions and professional development activities, produced school and district events, and collaborated with community organizations to promote arts education. In May, LeeAnn will earn her Master of Education degree in School Leadership from Harvard University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Music from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her undergraduate degree is in Music Education and Performance from Ithaca College (NY). With her background and experience, LeeAnn brings a breadth of knowledge in teaching students of diverse backgrounds as well as in developing curriculum, promoting professional growth, developing and facilitating professional learning experiences for teachers, strategic planning, and collaborating with the community to enhance the learning opportunities for students. Throughout the interview process, she continually demonstrated thoughtfulness, intelligence, grace, and humor. LeeAnn is enormously impressed with the Needham Public Schools and is looking forward to becoming part of the dynamic and student-centered communities at each of our schools. She is excited to be able to join the teachers, students, and administrators who daily demonstrate a commitment to learning and personal growth. Let me take this opportunity to thank the many teachers, staff, and parents who participated in the interviews, attended forums to meet the candidates, joined us on site visits, and provided incredibly helpful feedback throughout the process. Please join me in welcoming LeeAnn Sutton to the Needham Public Schools in her new role as the K-12 Director of Fine & Performing Arts! *• Needham High Benefit Concert *Several NHS a cappella singing groups, including Fermata Nowhere, Subway Dwarves, and Treble Rebels, will join other area high school singing groups on Saturday, April 29th at 7:30 p.m. at Needham High School to host a concert to benefit the *Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights at Boston Medical Center. *For ticket information: NHS Friends of Music Benefit Concert Information <https://sites.google.com/a/nhsfriendsofmusic.org/nhs-friends-of-music/home> . *• Needham Schools Spotlight* The latest cable broadcast, featuring an update on the Needham High School feasibility study, is available this evening on local TV and online at this link: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/index.htm> *• Happy Passover and Easter!* I wish you, your family, and friends a joyful and blessed holiday. Please also enjoy the upcoming April vacation, and if you are traveling, be safe. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

1 0

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Mar '17

30 Mar '17

Dear Needham Families: As we conclude the week, allow me to share two quick updates: *• MCAS *We will soon begin administration of the MCAS for students in grades 3 - 8. We use the MCAS results, and the results of many other assessments, to learn more about our students and our academic programs; the data assist us to consider and plan improvements in teaching and learning. This year, all students in grades 4 and 8 will take a computer-based MCAS in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Because the computer-based MCAS test and experience is new for our students, we have been busy testing equipment, integrating keyboard skills into technology lessons, and preparing students with practice questions using laptops and chrome books. We are ready for the test administration and anticipate a smooth experience for all students. We also believe the ideal preparation for students is for them to get plenty of rest the night before and enjoy a good breakfast the morning of the test. Information about the MCAS can be found here: Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education: MCAS Information <http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parents/>. If you wish to learn more about Needham's 2016 MCAS results and how we use this information, please check out this link: 2016 MCAS Presentation to the School Committee <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/2016MCASPresentation…> . *• Superintendent's Blog *My most recent post shares information about Needham High School's growing enrollment and the need for additional classroom space: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ As always, thanks for your ongoing support and partnership. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

1 0

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

22 Mar '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• School Committee Open House this Saturday, March 25th *Please join members of the School Committee on Saturday morning, March 25th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at Needham High School in the Da Vinci Workshop <https://www.facebook.com/DaVinciWorkshopNHS/?ref=page_internal> for an informal *technology showcase, featuring students and staff technology demonstrations*. This is also an ideal opportunity for parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School Committee members and superintendent. Please stop by and say hello! *• Needham High School Classroom Feasibility *The Town has undertaken a comprehensive feasibility study to analyze the need for additional classroom space at Needham High School and to propose options to meet those needs. A recent presentation to the School Committee about the project can be found here: NHS Feasibility Update <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/NeedhamHighSchoolFeasibilityUp…> As many parents, high school students, and staff are aware, Needham High School's growing enrollment exceeds the existing capacity of the building, and the need for additional space has become critical. A phase one expansion of the high school's cafeteria to accommodate the large number of students enrolled at NHS was completed this past summer. Now it is time for the School Committee to hear from parents and the community about a possible phase two classroom expansion. To learn more about this project and provide input, please join the School Committee at a public hearing at the Needham Free Public Library at 6:30 p.m. next Monday evening, March 27th. Community members will hear a brief presentation about the classroom options and then have an opportunity to provide feedback and comments. Later that evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the School Committee and the Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) will meet to vote on an option to present as a possible project to May Town Meeting. Your participation is important. You may also contact the School Committee via email: schoolcommittee(a)needham.k2.ma.us . *• Student Achievements* Finally, congratulations to several student groups for recent performances and accomplishments... Kudos to the Needham High School cast and crew of Pirates of Penzance who took the stage over this past weekend and shared their song, dance, laughter, and talents with the community. It was an awesome show! Congrats, as well, to several winter athletes and teams: The NHS Cheerleaders made it to the State Tournament. . . the undefeated Boys' Swim Team and Senior Jack Higgins won the state title in the 100 Breaststroke. . . Sophomore Nordic Ski Team member Rok Gundaker captured the State's Individual Boys Title. . . Senior wrestlers Brady Liss and David Kurker each won individual Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) State Titles. . . NHS boys' basketball and girls' hockey teams both competed in state athletic tournaments in the last week. For the first time in school history, the boys secured the MIAA South Sectional Championship, and the girls, after an undefeated season, played in the Division I MIAA Hockey Championship. While the girls came up short and lost to Woburn, their season - and the boys as well - was characterized by hard work, athleticism, great spirit, and sportsmanship. Lastly, a big thank you to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF) for sponsoring last weekend's Spelling Bee! The NEF is our strong and consistent partner in educational innovation, and we appreciate their incredible support and enthusiasm for our students and staff. I am proud to share a photo of the winning elementary team from Eliot, the *Queen Bees* , Talia Feeney, Taylor Chen, and Danielle Sockol. *Congratulations, girls!* *[image: Inline image 1]* As always, thank you for your support and feedback. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

1 0

Wednesday, March 14, 2017
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Mar '17

14 Mar '17

Tuesday, March 13th 8:50 p.m. Dear Needham Families: As of this evening I anticipate we will have a regular school opening tomorrow morning, Wednesday, March 15th. I know the DPW and Building crews have been hard at work today clearing roads, driveways, and parking lots. However, if after I check out the conditions tomorrow morning in Needham and determine with our Public Safety folks that a delay is instead in order, I will send out a notification no later than 6:00 a.m. (The fastest way to find out is through Twitter: NPS Superintendent <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc^tfw>) Please take your time and care coming to school tomorrow, especially navigating icy side and cross walks. Hope you had a good (and last snow) day! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

1 0

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following important updates: *• 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 9th I have asked teachers to observe "No Homework" night so students can enjoy the afternoon and evening with their families. *• Screenagers – Growing up in the Digital Age **Screenagers* is a film focused on a pervasive parenting issue in the digital age and provides sensible advice on how to best navigate the digital world with your tweens and teens. To view the trailer, click here: Screenagers Trailer <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQx2X0BXgZg> Sponsored by the Needham PTCs, Needham Youth Services, and Needham Public Schools, we invite you to attend this screening and panel discussion on March 29, 2017 at the Newman Elementary School. Tickets are $5.00, doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the film will start at 7 p.m. For more info and to order tickets: Screenagers Tickets and Info <https://impactflow.com/event/presented-by-needham-school-district-1661> *• Name That (New) School! *The Needham School Committee recently formed and charged the School Naming Sub-committee with recommending possible names for the new elementary school to be built on Central Avenue. Since the current Hillside School will remain in operation for a number of years as swing space for other town projects, the name is not available to move with the students and staff. The Sub-committee welcomes ideas for names from the community. If you have a suggestion for a name for the new school please submit your idea and a rationale by email to schoolcommittee(a)needham.k12.ma.us by March 24th. *• School Committee Open House March 25th *Please join members of the School Committee on Saturday morning, March 25th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at Needham High School for an informal technology showcase, featuring students and staff technology demonstrations. This is also an ideal opportunity for parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School Committee members and superintendent. Please stop by and say hello! *• Needham Diversity Initiative *The Needham Diversity Initiative will sponsor a conversation about gender on Tuesday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. For more information: Needham Diversity Initiative <http://www.needhamdiversity.org/> *• Needham Schools Spotlight* The latest cable broadcast, featuring middle school student leaders, is now available on local TV and online at this link: Needham Schools Spotlight: Student Leadership <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/16-17/StudentLeaders.htm> *• Superintendent's Blog* My latest post, entitled *Needham Students Achieve Success*, shares information about academic, artistic, athletic, and other student accolades and achievements at Needham High. Please check it out here: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Finally, congrats to several middle school students who have been selected to participate in the state Geography Bee and to NHS Boys' Basketball and Girls' Hockey teams who are competing in state tournaments this week. We wish them all well! (Thanks for sharing the best students in Massachusetts with us - It's a privilege!) Have a great rest of the week, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400 (x203)

1 0

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 26 Feb '17

26 Feb '17

*Dear Needham Families:* *I sent the following email to all Needham High School students this evening, and I encourage you to read and share with your younger children as appropriate.* *Thanks,* *Dan Gutekanst* *Superintendent* February 26, 2017 Dear Needham High School Students: Welcome back from February break! As you return to classes this week, allow me to share something I have been thinking about recently. In the last several days and weeks there has been a lot of news about stopping people from certain Muslim majority countries from entering the U.S., deporting an increased number of undocumented immigrants, and halting Federal support for transgender student rights in the nation’s schools. While these actions may not directly affect each Needham student or community member, collectively these actions and pronouncements impact us all by sending a message that an individual is not welcome or wanted. And when any one individual is humiliated or demeaned, our entire sense of community, inclusion, and respect is fractured and makes us all vulnerable and less safe. And that is simply unacceptable. At a time when it seems easy to target and marginalize certain people, I want to share a personal story. As a young boy I once accompanied my dad to work in downtown Chicago. He had a lot to do, but he said I could go with him as long as I didn’t bother him or get in the way. My father, a very serious, conservative, and busy executive, never slowed down and was always walking and working *fast*. So to be able to spend some time with him taking the train into the city; clinging to his side as we rushed down a packed sidewalk; observing the hustle and bustle of a colorful and chaotic urban scene dwarfed by skyscrapers… well, that was pretty thrilling to a little kid like me! As we careened down the sidewalk toward his building, my dad suddenly halted in mid-step, causing me to stumble, and I observed him lean into a tattered beggar who was propped against a wall with his thin and dirty hand extended. Dad whispered something into the man’s ears and pressed a bill into his fingers. Before I knew what was happening, my father grabbed my hand, practically yanked me off my feet and then we were on our way, darting between taxis, cops, and delivery trucks on our way to his office. I was shocked my dad talked to a stranger *and* gave him money! My dad, who was serious, short on words, and self reliant—a man who brought us up to take care of ourselves, be wary of strangers, and mind one’s own business—my busy dad paused on his way to work and engaged, however briefly, a man down on his luck. I was amazed! He didn’t talk about it; we went to his office, and I had a great day with my dad. Later that evening on my way to bed and still wondering about the encounter with the stranger, I approached dad with his head buried in the newspaper and asked him what he said to the man, how much money did he give him, and why did he even do that? Wasn’t he scared, I asked? My father put down the newspaper, looked me straight in the eye, paused, and then simply said, “Everyone matters.” It took me a long time to completely realize what Dad meant that day. Eventually I understood the many lessons my parents offered me and my siblings about caring for others, being a good citizen and neighbor, and recognizing that all of us are connected and all are a meaningful part of the broader community—no matter who we are—because *everyone matters*. My father never told me what he whispered to that stranger, but it really didn’t matter because his simple action impressed upon me the human need to be respected and included. I want transgender students, students and their families whose immigrant status is unclear, or any student who feels marginalized and targeted because of skin color, religious belief, disability, or gender identity to know that the Needham Public Schools has your back, and we are here to support you. We will not condone discrimination and if you or a classmate ever feels the need to ask for help, I encourage you to talk to your teachers and administrators. A Federal order designed to keep certain immigrant groups out of the country or the dismantling of Federal protections for transgender youth impact real people and are clearly at odds with Needham’s core values of community, respect, and tolerance. While Federal officials may roll back certain protections, the Needham Public Schools will uphold our values and abide by Massachusetts laws which provide additional and greater protections to ensure *all* of Needham’s youth—not just some—can attend school and access an education in an inclusive and safe environment. The recent actions taken at the Federal level will have no impact on how we continue to support transgender students. We will support you and your families because we believe in you and know that our school community is enriched by the contribution of each extraordinary young person. We also know that even if only one of us is hurting, if only one of us feels unsafe, all of us have a responsibility to stand up and take care. Because we know and we believe… *Everyone Matters*. I look forward to seeing you around school in the days and weeks ahead. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

1 0

2 Hour Delay Friday, February 10th
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Feb '17

10 Feb '17

Dear Needham Families: There will be a 2 hour delay today, Friday, February 10th and no morning Kindergarten. Please take your time getting to school this morning and bundle up. Thanks, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

1 0