- Superintendents_update - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 Jan '25

08 Jan '25

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am writing to let you know that on January 7th the district was informed by PowerSchool <https://www.powerschool.com/>, our student information system application, that on December 28, 2024, PowerSchool became aware of a potential cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain information through one of its community-focused customer support portals, PowerSource. PowerSchool has indicated an unauthorized party gained access to certain PowerSchool Student Information System (“SIS”) customer data using a compromised credential, and that District data was accessed. Specifically, PowerSchool reported that it: “Believe[s] the export data manager tool was used to extract only student and teacher tables. These tables primarily include contact information with data elements such as name and address information. For a subset of the customers, these tables may also include Social Security Number (SSN), other Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and some medical and grades information for current and former students depending on the specific school district.” PowerSchool has reported to the District that it “engaged our cybersecurity response protocols and mobilized a cross-functional response team, including senior leadership and third-party cybersecurity experts. We have also informed law enforcement.” PowerSchool further reported that: “Importantly, the incident is contained, and we have no evidence of malware or continued unauthorized activity in the PowerSchool environment.” It further stated: “We have also deactivated the compromised credential and restricted all access to the affected portal. Lastly, we have conducted a full password reset and further tightened password and access control for all PowerSource customer support portal accounts.” Finally, PowerSchool has indicated that: “We do not anticipate the data being shared or made public, and we believe it has been deleted without any further replication or dissemination. . . .We have a video confirming deletion and are actively searching the dark web to confirm.” The Needham Public Schools has not collected social security information from staff or families through PowerSchool for many years, but PowerSchool has indicated that it will be providing credit monitoring to affected adults and identity protection services to affected minors in accordance with regulatory and contractual obligations. The Needham Public Schools does not have direct confirmation that it was impacted in any way by this breach. We are following up with PowerSchool to find out more information on how the District may have been affected and for more details on the incident. As we receive more information, and as appropriate, we will relay this to families and the community and to any specific individuals impacted. The District is also reviewing what occurred internally and whether we need to take additional security measures on our end. I'll be sure to keep you updated with any relevant and new information. Thanks, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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

19 Dec '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families and Staff: It came to my attention this morning that a recent exchange on Facebook from the "Needham Parents" group shared disparaging comments about the staff at one of our schools, the Sunita Williams Elementary School. Additionally, and even more distressing, one comment was racist and targeted at the school's principal. I have shared before with the community in an open blog post <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/2023/12/facebook-is-awful.html> why I believe Facebook, which allows anonymous and cowardly individuals to come forward to make inaccurate, inappropriate, and ugly comments, can be a marketplace and cesspool of disinformation and claptrap. If you have not read my post, I encourage you to read it now. I am immensely disheartened that any individual, including one of our principals, would be the subject of a racist remark. Our district has a clear statement and protocol that deals with how we will respond to bias <https://docs.google.com/document/d/14s82oeNmVwhAuf7DUUOIrRsQkDLolT12Pphvs_U…> at school. While the focus of this protocol is to protect students, it is not exclusively so. Part of the response is to call out harmful acts and let the broader community know we do not condone language that demeans another or is racist in nature. Let me be clear: I stand in support and solidarity with the wonderful staff of the Sunita Williams Elementary School and the school's principal, Ms. Kiana Brunson. Our entire community is stronger because of the work that the Sunita Williams staff and their principal do each day to support the amazing young people who are learning and growing there. On the eve of a festive holiday week when we will spend time with family and friends, it is my hope that we can use this unfortunate opportunity to remember that our community - and our schools - are stronger when we act with curiosity, model civil and empathetic language, and ultimately support one another - and not tear others down. Respectfully, and on behalf of the principals of the Needham Public Schools, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share the following brief updates and information: *• Who are you voting for this November? *My most recent post is available here: Superintendent's Blog <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Academic Accolades* Congratulations to Needham High School students: *- Commended Students* Several Needham High School seniors have been notified by the College Board that they are being recognized for their performance on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: <https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=405> *Commended Students: CLAIRE AUFFERMANN, AARAV BATRA, AVIVA BERNSTEIN, ANTHONY BORRELLI, RYLAN DEPHOURE, XAVIER EUDARIC, JULIA GENDIN, LIAM KING, JOSHUA LEE, SOFIA MARTINEZ, LACHLAN MCQUIVEY, VICTORIA MEYERSON, NORAH MULLEN, CLAYTON PACHUS, ASHTON PEREZ-REYZIN, ANANYA PHATAK, ANIKA RAY, CLARA RIPIN, ELI SCHWARTZ, MAX SCOTT, CORBIN SEIDEL, RICHARD SHEN, ARVIN VENKAT, LEAH WANG* *- National Honor Society *Congratulations to the 140 members of the Needham High School Chapter of the National Honor Society who were inducted recently at a special ceremony at the high school. You can check out the names of the newly inducted members here: 2024 NHS <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZlsIZtDukQdbwalLceq_uRE1yubyUnmt/view?usp=…> Congratulations to all of our students for pursuing academic excellence! • *It's too early for **inclement weather information... But Here it is! *In the unlikely event the upcoming winter weather 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 <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt> where I also post the information. For more information on school cancellations and delayed openings: Inclement Weather Information <https://cdnsm5-ss13.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Dis…> . As always, please stay in touch with a question or comment. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 02 Oct '24

02 Oct '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share the following brief updates and information: *• Academic Accolades* Once again this year, Needham High School seniors have been notified by the College Board that they are being recognized for their performance on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: <https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=405> *Semi Finalists:* Samuel Cooperman, Benjamin Fogler, Ryan McCarthy, Lilly, Meyi, Anaya Sharma, and Arlan Zbarsky. Also, kudos to Needham High School students who took part in this year's National History Day Competition <https://nhd.org/en/> in Washington DC in June. Dean Mostafa, Lincoln Maxwell and Jacob Heckman finished in the top ten projects nationally and won a Massachusetts Outstanding Entry Award for their website on the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. Additionally, Chloe Crable, Josephine Calzada and Emma Hua were interviewed by PBS NewsHour about their documentary <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6gMDB5b-3I> on the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. *• 10 Minutes with...* One year after our first conversation, *Rabbi Jay Perlman* & *Dr. Huma Farid*, both members of the Needham Clergy Association, join me to discuss how we can continue to support our Muslim and Jewish students & families during a time of war and unrest in the Mideast. Watch the “10 Minutes with…” video here: https://tinyurl.com/sns7ec2h or access the Podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/568v5u5x *• Needham School Committee* I am often asked where one can learn more about the role and responsibilities of the School Committee. Please check out the district's website for information: Needham School Committee FAQ <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee> Finally, to our students, families, and staff celebrating Rosh Hashanah, *Shana Tova! * Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Sep '24

12 Sep '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I hope the start of the school year has gone smoothly for you and your children! Allow me to share the following updates: *• 2024 Performance Report Video* For a quick video preview of the 2024 Performance Report as seen on the district's website, click here <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/>. The district's 2024 Performance Report <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aBNwAZHbniDgb8F1UOgxPSDu0HtVCP5X/view?usp=…> is being mailed home this week to all NPS families in Needham and Boston. We welcome your feedback! *• Meet Your School Committee! *Please attend the Needham Harvest Fair <https://crrc.charlesriverchamber.com/events/Details/needham-harvest-fair-11….> at Greene's Field on Saturday, September 29th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and meet your School Committee members who will be present for informal conversation and questions. *• Strategic Planning * This fall the district will kick off a process to discuss and develop a draft and new Strategic Plan for the next five or so years. We will be looking for 50-60 staff, parents, students, and community members to participate in this important process. If you are interested in learning more about or participating in the strategic planning process, more information can be found here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QLc0BV2Y7nHaaK_8K8S4kROzC_3jaXiNmi1uEDM…> . *• Superintendent's Blog* My September blog post, which includes excerpts from my message to the staff as we returned to a new school year, can be found here: And Laugh Often. <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Have a great weekend, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Re: [Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update, August 28, 2024
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 Aug '24

28 Aug '24

Thanks for reaching out. I was not clear in my email and Dr. Downey will clarify in her next family update. Phones can remain in backpacks at High Rock. Sorry for the confusion! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок. On Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 7:03 PM Deborah Toffler <deborahtoffler(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hello, > Great first day for my kids today - thank you! > > I’m looking for clarification on the cell phone policy. I read below that > cell phones are not allowed at school (other than the high school) and must > be left at home. The High Rock policy indicates that phones must be off and > in backpacks in lockers. > > Thanks in advance for your help in clarifying whether students can store > their devices in their lockers during the school day. > > Take care, > Deborah Toffler > > > > On Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 4:36 PM Needham Public Schools Superintendent's > Update <superintendents_update(a)lists.needham.k12.ma.us> wrote: > >> Dear Needham Public Schools Families: >> >> Welcome back to a new school year! We have been excited to welcome back >> over 5,600 students today. >> >> In anticipation of the new school year allow me to share important >> information and ways for you to stay connected and informed: >> >> *• Annual Parent Letter *This parent and family letter >> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hJn_yiUZrJ8kTVXwTMhlEB6w4d7dM5gJzvgM22w…> >> provides detailed information on school resources, policies, and programs >> that impact your child. Please review its contents! >> >> *• Cell Phones/Watches in School *Please note that students in grades >> K-8 are prohibited from bringing personal electronics to school, >> including cell phones, wearable watches (e.g., AppleWatch, etc.) These >> devices belong at home and will be taken from children as necessary and >> returned later. Students in grades 9-12 may bring a phone, but it must be >> stored in a phone hotel >> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KHfhOhceiHq1ZWteadMNbWg4zQwYQPg-HGioQzP…> during >> class. For more information about what we are thinking about in regards to >> phones and student wellbeing in the schools: Generation Distracted or >> Connected? <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> >> >> • *X (formerly Twitter) *One way to stay in touch about the latest >> school news, *including weather-related school closings* or other >> important information, is on *X* (formerly Twitter). Go to: >> https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt to sign up. I look forward to sharing >> with you and hearing from you in the school year ahead. >> >> *• 10 Minutes with... *Every five weeks or so I film a brief and ten >> minute video featuring the students, staff, and community members who lead >> and contribute to the success of the Needham Public Schools. The brief >> videos provide insight and perspective about our work in the schools. You >> can find an archive of videos here, including a recent conversation with >> two of our retiring teachers: 10 Minutes with... >> <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/10_minutes_with____> >> >> *• Superintendent's Blog *I post to my blog monthly, and I encourage >> you to check it out: Superintendent's Blog >> <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> >> >> *• Stay in Touch with Your School Committee! *Needham is fortunate to >> have a seven member elected board >> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tM22__mTEnQLQIlGuYcQgcJ5u9lAGTpNR3igTPf…> who >> want to hear from you. You can attend public meetings or email the >> Committee: schoolcommittee(a)needham.k12.ma.us More information about the >> School Committee's roles and responsibilities can be found on the >> district's website: Needham School Committee >> <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee> >> >> Here's to a superb school year for the students, staff and all the >> families of the Needham Public Schools! >> >> Dan Gutekanst >> Superintendent of Schools >> Needham Public Schools >> 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 >> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1330+Highland+Avenue,+Needham,+MA+02492?…> >> *He/His/Him* >> 781-455-0400 x11203 >> dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us >> >> ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language >> assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your >> child’s school for assistance. >> >> Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 >> >> Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay >> servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela >> de su hijo para asistencia. >> >> Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас >> доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью >> в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок. >> _______________________________________________ >> Superintendents_update mailing list >> To unsubscribe to this list please click the link below. >> >> https://lists.needham.k12.ma.us/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/superintendents_up… >> >

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Superintendent's Update, August 28, 2024
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 Aug '24

28 Aug '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Welcome back to a new school year! We have been excited to welcome back over 5,600 students today. In anticipation of the new school year allow me to share important information and ways for you to stay connected and informed: *• Annual Parent Letter *This parent and family letter <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hJn_yiUZrJ8kTVXwTMhlEB6w4d7dM5gJzvgM22w…> provides detailed information on school resources, policies, and programs that impact your child. Please review its contents! *• Cell Phones/Watches in School *Please note that students in grades K-8 are prohibited from bringing personal electronics to school, including cell phones, wearable watches (e.g., AppleWatch, etc.) These devices belong at home and will be taken from children as necessary and returned later. Students in grades 9-12 may bring a phone, but it must be stored in a phone hotel <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KHfhOhceiHq1ZWteadMNbWg4zQwYQPg-HGioQzP…> during class. For more information about what we are thinking about in regards to phones and student wellbeing in the schools: Generation Distracted or Connected? <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> • *X (formerly Twitter) *One way to stay in touch about the latest school news, *including weather-related school closings* or other important information, is on *X* (formerly Twitter). Go to: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt to sign up. I look forward to sharing with you and hearing from you in the school year ahead. *• 10 Minutes with... *Every five weeks or so I film a brief and ten minute video featuring the students, staff, and community members who lead and contribute to the success of the Needham Public Schools. The brief videos provide insight and perspective about our work in the schools. You can find an archive of videos here, including a recent conversation with two of our retiring teachers: 10 Minutes with... <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/10_minutes_with____> *• Superintendent's Blog *I post to my blog monthly, and I encourage you to check it out: Superintendent's Blog <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Stay in Touch with Your School Committee! *Needham is fortunate to have a seven member elected board <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tM22__mTEnQLQIlGuYcQgcJ5u9lAGTpNR3igTPf…> who want to hear from you. You can attend public meetings or email the Committee: schoolcommittee(a)needham.k12.ma.us More information about the School Committee's roles and responsibilities can be found on the district's website: Needham School Committee <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee> Here's to a superb school year for the students, staff and all the families of the Needham Public Schools! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Important Information on New Payment Portal for Meal Purchasing: LINQ Connect
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Aug '24

12 Aug '24

Dear NPS Families: The 2024-2025 School Year is almost here! The Nutrition Services department is excited to continue to provide healthy, delicious meals to our students. In order for your child to participate in the lunch program and for you to provide funds for your child to purchase additional lunch items, *you must read this information <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vHAYGDAWFm7wrvR25oYaJS2H0L87hQnc/view?usp=…>and sign on to our new payment portal.* *Please do this before the start of the school year so your child enjoys meals without interruption.* Many thanks and enjoy the last few days of summer. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Jun '24

13 Jun '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we conclude a busy and productive school year, allow me to share the following updates: *• Congratulations, Retirees! *Join me and congratulate 17 teachers and staff who are retiring this year. We celebrated them at the Needham Golf Course recently and you will find information about our retirees in the event program <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K6-lX-M9mfxP5-bZQ6Pd2vdfIFalNDUl/view?usp=…> . *• 10 Minutes with Monica Staley and Linda Burke* I had the privilege to interview two of our exceptional teachers, kindergarten teacher Monica Staley and high school art teacher Linda Burke.It’s a wonderful conversation and I hope you can watch the brief Ten Minutes With video <https://youtu.be/f9NiUSx8KSM?feature=shared>. *• No More Empty Seats in School! *The end of a school year is not the best time to talk about students missing classes, but nevertheless I encourage parents to read my most recent Superintendent's Blog <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>which focuses on the very real problem of student absenteeism and chronic absenteeism. Next September brings a fresh opportunity for staff and parents to work together to assist students who struggle with high rates of absenteeism. *• Congratulations to Students and Staff!* Kudos to Broadmeadow teacher Jacqui Murphy who received an Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award from the National Association of Special Education Teachers. Jacqui was one of 13 teachers nationwide and one of only two people in Massachusetts to be recognized. You can read more about Jacqui here. <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zbR9VBe02gzyOibl0TzqOLO6RB60Ckpa/view?usp=…> Awesome teachers empower incredible students! Three NHS junior scholars, Jessica Brayer, Molly Perlman, and Alexandra Weiss had their National History Day project <https://nhd.org/en/2024/06/05/national-history-day-celebrates-student-proje…> on display this week in the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington. It’s a great academic honor to have our students recognized in this way! Finally, congratulations to the 421 members of the Needham High School Class of '24 who graduated this past week on Memorial Field. We are proud of them and wish them continued success as their futures unfold. Let me also take this opportunity to thank our teachers, staff, parents and families for working together to help nurture our students' development and learning. We understand that you have entrusted us with your children, and we hope to always focus on their wellbeing, growth, and success. Here's to a safe and restful summer! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 May '24

06 May '24

Dear Needham Public schools Families: Two important items: • Last Day of School Due to the one “snow day” we had, the last day of school will be Thursday, June 13th. It will be a half-day for students. • Family Survey The Needham Public Schools values your feedback! Starting today, Monday, May 6th, we are conducting the annual district survey for parents/guardians of all our students in grades Pre-K through 12. Click here for the survey: 2024 Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/family24> The survey will provide data to help measure progress on the District priorities and allow each school to celebrate strengths, monitor trends, and respond to areas of challenge. I anticipate sharing the topline results with the community in mid-June. The district has partnered with Panorama Education to administer this survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses confidential. The survey takes no more than a few minutes to complete and will be a valuable resource of information as we plan for next school year. If you have students in more than one school, you will have the opportunity to complete more than one survey. We will keep the survey open through May 17th as we aim for 100% participation! Many thanks for your feedback and partnership. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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