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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 May '16

09 May '16

Dear Needham Families: I hope you are (finally!) enjoying some spring weather. By the way... the last day of school is a half day on Friday, June 17th. Allow me to share important updates and information: *• School Transportation 2016-17 *If your child requires bus transportation next school year, be sure to complete the application by May 15th to be guaranteed a seat on the bus. *If you do not complete an application, your child will not have a seat on the bus next year! This is the case whether or not you must pay a bus fee. *Please call the Transportation Department at 781-455-0400 x234 with your questions. Please also visit our web site to check your school and street for eligibility or to download an application: School Transportation <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/transportation/> *• Full Day Kindergarten Presentation & Public Hearing* On Tuesday, May 17th at 7 p.m. at Broadmeadow the School Committee will share a presentation about a possible pathway to Full Day Kindergarten and ask parents and members of the community to weigh in with comments, questions, and suggestions. More information about Full Day Kindergarten can be found here: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• 2016 Parent/Staff/Student Survey *Thanks to 55% - a record number - of our parents who took the time to complete the 2016 survey. While we are in the process of analyzing the data down to the school level, we are prepared to share the districtwide results with the School Committee at their next meeting. Overall, the data reveal a positive story about the Needham Public Schools and suggest there are several areas to celebrate. There are also challenges and areas in which we can grow and improve. Parents may get a preview by clicking this link: 2016 NPS Survey Results <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/2016districtsurveyre…> As always, please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. My email address is dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us and my phone is 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Apr '16

14 Apr '16

Dear Needham Families: At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning, the Needham High School received an automated "robocall" bomb threat. The high school administration followed our established protocols and immediately began working with Needham police and fire officers who, in turn, worked with state public safety officials to assess the situation. It was determined fairly quickly that this was a low level threat. Approximately 12 other school districts received a similar call this morning. Students remained in classes and carried on with their regular schedule. Within an hour, and after over a dozen public safety officers and school administrators swept the campus, the police determined that the building was safe and classes and the school day could continue to proceed as normal. A few Needham police officers will remain on campus today to provide a presence and reassure students and staff. Thanks to the police and fire departments for their swift and exceptional efforts, action, and guidance this morning. The school district's ongoing and collaborative efforts with Needham Police and Fire around student safety certainly paid off today. We are always in capable hands when Needham's public safety officials are involved. Thanks also to Dr. Barnes, the high school administration, clerical staff, teachers, and other staff members who responded quickly and calmly to the situation. The district's Human Resource Director Tom Campbell and I assisted the high school staff, and we were both incredibly impressed with the demeanor, poise, and good spirit of teachers and students who seemed annoyed that anything would disrupt their day. Clearly, a strong, vibrant, and resilient culture exists at NHS! Thanks for your ongoing support and, as always, let me know if you have a question or comment. I can be reached at: 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 02 Mar '16

02 Mar '16

March 2, 2016 Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share three updates: *• Mitchell Principal *I am happy to announce that Greg Bayse, currently the assistant principal at Newman, has enthusiastically accepted my offer to become the next principal at Mitchell beginning July 1st. Mr. Bayse is genuinely humbled by the appointment, and he is eager to work with staff and families to nurture and build on Mitchell’s many traditions of academic growth, sense of community and caring, and deep love of learning and play. Mr. Bayse earned his BA at Houghton College in New York and subsequently received his MSW in Social Work from Boston College and a MEd in Educational Administration at Endicott College. Prior to his work as an assistant principal at Newman, Mr. Bayse was a guidance counselor at Eliot and served as a residential school director at the Walker School in Needham. At Newman, Mr. Bayse has focused significant time and attention to support and guide classroom teachers who eagerly expressed their appreciation for his efforts on their behalf. Mr. Bayse was one of eight candidates interviewed for the principal’s position out of 16 original applicants. He became one of two finalists, both of whom subsequently met with teachers, students, administrators, and parents as part of the lengthy interview process. Those members of the Mitchell community and Needham Public Schools who interacted with Mr. Bayse provided consistently strong feedback in their oral and written responses when asked about his candidacy and readiness for this important role. A site visit to Newman by members of the interview team was incredibly impressive. Students, parents, and staff were excited about his leadership potential, and they described his ability to connect with Newman’s students and their families in a way that is caring, responsive, and genuine. Staff praised Mr. Bayse for his organizational ability, problem solving, energy, and capacity to support teachers. The 4th and 5th grade students we met explained that Mr. Bayse develops positive relationships with students and encourages them, as one student put it, “to be our best selves every day.” Throughout the process it was abundantly clear that Mr. Bayse has developed warm and nurturing relationships with students and their families. Additional reference checking and a review of his portfolio demonstrated that Mr. Bayse works collaboratively with teachers, encourages a high degree of ownership in student learning and achievement, and he has exceptional expectations for himself. Mr. Bayse’s values are consistent with the Needham Public Schools core values of Scholarship, Community, Citizenship, and Personal Growth. It is equally clear that Mr. Bayse is deeply committed to the Needham community. Many, many thanks to those staff and community members who attended afternoon and evening forums, provided written feedback, and participated in this important process. Fianlly, let me also take this opportunity to extend my deep appreciation to and affection for Dr. Mike Schwinden who has led Mitchell as principal for 15 years. Dr. Schwinden’s influence goes well beyond the walls of the Mitchell School—indeed it extends to all the schools in the district and even to elementary schools as far away as Beijing. His advocacy for children, his intellect and perspective, his willingness to try new ideas and programs, and his focus on details, data, and doing the right thing are among the reasons he has been a successful, reliable, and exceptional principal, educational leader, and friend. We all wish him the best in retirement! Please join me in congratulating Greg Bayse in his new role at Mitchell! • *Olin College: Beyond Measure Screening* (Additional Information) Olin College invites Needham faculty and community members to attend a special screening and discussion of award-winning director Vicki Abeles latest film, *Beyond Measure *on Thursday, March 10th at 6:30 at Olin College. The film describes schools around the country that are taking matters into their own hands and finding ways to innovate and put students at the center of the learning experience. The film was partially shot at Olin College, and features Olin’s collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion, moderated by Olin faculty member Zhenya Zastavker, and including former Bennington College President Elizabeth Coleman, director Vicki Abeles, Needham High teacher Hans Batra, and a student each from Needham High and Olin. If you are planning to attend, click the link and register: Register <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-measure-presented-by-olin-college-of-en…> *• School Committee/Superintendent's Open House *Please join members of the School Committee and Superintendent Dan Gutekanst on Saturday morning, March 19th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the Pollard Middle School Library for informal conversation and coffee. This will be a good opportunity to meet your School Committee and Superintendent and ask questions or share ideas and concerns. Please stop by and say hello. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Mar '16

01 Mar '16

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• Last Call: 2016 Parent Survey* Over the past month, parents with students in grades 3 to 12 received an envelope from their principal that included a copy of the 2016 District Survey. Parent feedback is important to our future plans.* If you have not completed the survey, I urge you to do so online no later than Monday, March 7th.* We will aggregate the data, compare and contrast the responses, look at historical trends from survey data gathered since 2001, and then share the results with parents, staff, and community members. Please use the appropriate ink below, choosing either the Elementary, Middle School or High School Parent Survey. If you have children in more than one school, simply complete the survey with your oldest child in mind. *https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-ElementaryPARENTSURVEY2016 <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-ElementaryPARENTSURVEY2016>* *https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-MiddleSchoolPARENTSURVEY2016 <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-MiddleSchoolPARENTSURVEY2016>* *https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-HighSchoolPARENTSURVEY2016 <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPS-HighSchoolPARENTSURVEY2016>* We’re hoping for 100% participation. Many thanks for your help! *• Civics Bee* The Needham League of Women Voters (LWV) will sponsor the 3rd Annual Civics Bee at Broadmeadow next Sunday, March 6th at 2:00 p.m. Students, teachers, and community members are encouraged to participate or attend! For more information: http://www.lwv-needham.org/ *• Olin College: Beyond Measure Screening* Olin College invites Needham faculty and community members to attend a special screening and discussion of award-winnning director Vicki Abeles latest film, *Beyond Measure *on Thursday, March 10th at 6:30 at Olin College. The film describes schools around the country that are taking matters into their own hands and finding ways to innovate and put students at the center of the learning experience. The film was partially shot at Olin College, and features Olin’s collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion, moderated by Olin faculty member Zhenya Zastavker, and including former Bennington College President Elizabeth Coleman, director Vicki Abeles, Needham High teacher Hans Batra, and a student each from Needham High and Olin. *• Superintendent's Blog* My latest post, entitled *Most Likely to Succeed*, shares information about another important learning event being sponsored by the NEF and each school's PTC on Thursday, March 24th beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Newman. Please check it out here: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Finally, congratulations are in order for several successes students have experienced recently: Recently the Hillside Lego League Team was honored by the Needham Selectmen for their unique robotics and service learning trash recycling plan, and the NHS Robotics Team will compete at a national competition later this month in Philadelphia*. . .* 55 Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards were received by middle and high school students, including 12 Gold Keys, an impressive accomplishment by any measure*. . . *The NHS Boys and Girls Winter Track teams each won the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 2 State Championship over the February vacation, and the Boys' Wrestling Team was honored with the prestigious MIAA Sportsmanship Award for their teamwork, great spirit, gamesmanship, and ability to act as mature and respectful role models and athletes*. . . * And best wishes to Pollard student Anthony Walsh who has qualified for the state Geography Bee to be held on April 1st! These are just some of the successes our talented students have achieved with the support of superb teachers, staff, coaches, and parents. Congratulations! As always, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Feb '16

21 Feb '16

Dear Needham Families: I hope the February break provided an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy some time together and rest! A few updates as we begin the week: *• School Safety Presentation* Please join school administrators and public safety folks at Broadmeadow on Wednesday, February 24th at 7:00 p.m. for a conversation about school safety and the district's adoption of the ALICE protocol (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) in all schools. There will be an opportunity to learn about ALICE and ask questions. For more information about ALICE: January 2016 Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Needham Unplugged* Once again this year the Needham schools will support and participate in Needham Youth Services program, Needham Unplugged <http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=113> during the month of March. On Thursday, March 10th I have asked teachers to observe "No Homework" night so students can enjoy the afternoon and evening with their families. *• School Committee/Superintendent's Open House *Please join members of the School Committee and Superintendent Dan Gutekanst on Saturday morning, March 19th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the Pollard Middle School Library for informal conversation and coffee. This will be a good opportunity to meet your School Committee and Superintendent and ask questions or share ideas and concerns. Please stop by and say hello. Have a great week, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400 (x203)

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

February 1, 2016 Dear Needham Families: After an extensive and thoughtful search process, I am happy to announce that Needham High School Assistant Principal Aaron Sicotte has enthusiastically accepted my offer to become the next principal at Needham High School beginning July 1st. Mr. Sicotte is humbled by the appointment and excited to work with a talented staff to lead the high school community. He is eager to work with students, staff, and parents to nurture a tradition of academic excellence in a school environment that values innovation, social and emotional wellness, diversity, and achievement for all learners. Mr. Sicotte earned his BA in English at Union College where he also subsequently received his MA in Teaching. Mr. Sicotte continued his studies at the College of St. Rose in New York where he earned his educational leadership certification. Prior to his work as an administrator in Needham, Mr. Sicotte served as a teacher and assistant principal at Guilderland High School in New York where he also taught English, and along the way he earned the incredibly rigorous National Board Certification as an English Language Arts instructor. Before that he began his career teaching English in the Framingham (MA) Public Schools. Mr. Sicotte has strong classroom experience, and he has provided consistent building leadership both in Needham and at Guilderland High School. Mr. Sicotte was one of six candidates interviewed for the principal’s position out of 23 original applicants. He became one of two finalists, both of whom subsequently met with teachers, students, administrators, and parents as part of the lengthy interview process. Those members of the Needham Public Schools and Needham community who interacted with Mr. Sicotte provided exceptionally consistent and strong feedback in their oral and written responses when asked about his candidacy and readiness for this important role. A “site visit” to Needham High School by members of the interview team was quite impressive. Students, parents, and staff were excited about his leadership potential, and they described his incredible ability to connect with students and their families in a way that is caring and sets high expectations for their learning and growth. Staff praised Mr. Sicotte for his organizational ability, problem solving, energy, and capacity to build strong and positive relationships between and among staff, students, and parents. One of his colleagues stated, “Aaron has demonstrated strong leadership, a knack for balancing demands, and a sense of humor.” Another teacher observed: “I’ve always felt that Aaron was being straight up and honest with me—he tells the truth and can have a difficult conversation.” Throughout the process it was abundantly clear that Mr. Sicotte has developed warm and nurturing relationships with students. Additional reference checking and a review of his portfolio demonstrated that Mr. Sicotte works collaboratively with teachers, encourages a high degree of ownership in student learning and achievement, and he has exceptional expectations for himself. It is equally clear that Mr. Sicotte’s values are consistent with the Needham Public Schools core values of Scholarship, Community, Citizenship, and Personal Growth. Mr. Sicotte is very excited to lead Needham High School and believes he will continue to learn a great deal from Needham’s teachers, students, parents, and administrators who daily demonstrate a commitment to their learning and to one another. Many, many thanks to those staff and community members who attended afternoon and evening forums, provided written feedback, and participated in this important process. Special thanks to staff members, parents, and students who were on the interview team: Needham High School students Zerinee Depina, Sonia Raja, and Tim Andre; school staff Jill Krajewski, Patrick Gallagher, Linda Burke, Jimmy Odierna, Johnny Cole, and Tom Denton: Parents Jennifer Sexton and Stu Schmill; School administrators Mary Lammi, Tamatha Bibbo, and Tom Campbell; and Needham Youth Services Director, Jon Mattleman. Over the coming months Mr. Sicotte will continue to attend to and focus on his current responsibilities at NHS even while he begins a transition to the position of principal. He will develop a specific transition plan that will allow him to connect with and listen to as many members of the school community as possible so that he can build on his understanding of the needs and aspirations of students, faculty, and parents. Please join me in congratulating Aaron Sicotte in his new role at Needham High School. Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Jan '16

12 Jan '16

Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Dear Needham Families: Allow me to provide the following updates as we begin 2016: *• Focus on School Safety: ALICE *The School Committee recently heard a report from NPS Director of Human Resources, Dr. Thomas Campbell, about the District's adoption of the *Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate* or *ALICE *safety protocol. You may view background information and the presentation here: School Committee ALICE Presentation <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/ALICE.pdf> In collaboration with Needham's Police Chief, John Schlittler, Dr. Campbell, Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo, and I will host a parent information session focused on school safety and ALICE on Wednesday evening, February 24, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow. Please join us for an important conversation about school safety. To view a brief four-minute clip about ALICE, please click here: What is ALICE? <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/14-15/AboutALICE.htm> • *School Budget Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 5.6% increase in the budget plan for the 2016-17 school year (FY17). 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 educational and municipal needs. You may view the plan and additional information about the budget on our website: FY17 Needham Public Schools Budget Information <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY17> The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19th at Broadmeadow to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. *• 2016 Parent Survey Coming Soon!* The Needham Public Schools conduct a continuous process of planning, acting, evaluating and adjusting - informed by results and feedback from our stakeholders. Your feedback is important to our future plans so I urge you to participate in the 2016 District Survey. This survey builds on survey information gathered since 2001 and compares and contrasts student and staff responses with parent responses. All the data will be aggregated at a school level and results will be shared with parents, staff, and community members. When last administered in 2013, the District Survey results reflected the thoughtful responses from 52% of the parents/guardians of our students in grades 3 to 12. Click here to review a presentation about the 2013 survey: NPS 2013 District Survey Results <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/student_development/documents/2013/2013%20Dis…>. The 2016 survey will be arriving at your home soon, and this year we are hoping for 100% participation! Many thanks for your help. *• Join us for the MLK, Jr. Celebration! *In partnership with the Needham Clergy Association, Needham Human Rights Committee, and Needham Diversity Initiative, the Needham Schools and METCO Program are proud to observe Dr. King's legacy and life on Monday, January 18th beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the high school's auditorium. Please join us for reflections, song, prayer, dance, and celebration! *• Superintendent's Blog * Please read my January update about the importance of school safety and security: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year to you and your families! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Dec '15

13 Dec '15

December 13, 2015 Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few items of interest: • *School Budget Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 5.6% increase in the budget for the 2016-17 school year (FY17). 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 the link: Superintendent's Proposed FY17 Budget Presentation to the School Committee <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/FY17%20Budget%20Request%2012-1…> You can also review detailed budget information available on the school department's website: FY17 Budget Documents <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY17> The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming *Budget Hearing *scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 19th at 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 and Needham Clergy Association to celebrate the life and meaning of Dr. King. Please plan on joining us at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 18, 2016 at Needham High School for reflections, poetry, music, and more. *• Superintendent's Blog* My post addresses recent international, national, and local events and can be found on the district's website: 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 Enjoy the upcoming vacation with your children! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 Nov '15

25 Nov '15

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates and information as we begin a holiday weekend: *• Snow Daze* Inevitably, a New England storm will interfere with one of our school days, and when it does I want you to know I will do my level best to make decisions about delays or cancellations by approximately 5:30 a.m. the morning of a storm or inclement weather event, and I'll use email, phone, television, and Twitter to alert families. For more information about weather-related cancellations/delays: NPS: School Closing Information <http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/documents/No%20school-2%20hour%20delay.pdf> The fastest way to learn if there is a cancellation or delay is through Twitter. (You can sign on to Twitter here: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt ) If it is practical to make a decision the night before, I'll certainly do that. It is important for students to be in classes whenever it is possible, and I don't believe a winter storm should necessarily keep us away from school. If it is projected to snow three to six inches, for example, I am inclined to hold classes. Safety for students and staff, of course, will always be my first consideration. So pray for sunny days, *but break out the galoshes just in case!* *•* * MCAS 2.0* You may have heard about the State Board of Education's decision to create a new assessment, dubbed *MCAS 2.0*, for implementation in the spring of 2017. Needham will continue to implement the MCAS this spring, and we will also start to learn about and prepare for the more robust and computer-based MCAS 2.0 assessment that will follow in 2019. It will be important to ensure our students are ready to demonstrate their learning on the MCAS 2.0, especially since we have worked so hard to integrate the Common Core into our curriculum and classroom instruction. It is, of course, important to focus on areas of improvement and growth in ELA, math, and science/technology as assessed by MCAS; and it is equally essential to remember our students should not simply become good standardized test takers but innovative and excited learners as well. Striking a sensible balance will be our goal as teachers and administrators collaborate to improve the growth and achievement of all students. For more information about the Board's recent decision, click here: Massachusetts Board of Education <http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx?id=21314> *• 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/support/teacher-appreciation-cards-2/> *Student Achievements *Congratulations are in order for the two Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) Academic Excellence Award honorees, Dianne Lee and Lucas Goldman, both NHS seniors. Lucas was honored at a recent School Committee meeting and Dianne will be honored in December. Both seniors have expressed their deep appreciation for their parents' support and to all of the Needham teachers who have guided and assisted them over the years. Congratulations, Lucas and Dianne! Kudos also to the Needham High Division I Championship girls' Cross Country Team for winning their *third consecutive state title *last weekend, and congratulations to the Girls Soccer Team for becoming the Division I State Champions after defeating Algonquin on Saturday. Whether 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!* Finally, let me wish you and your families a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving holiday. Given the tragedies in Lebanon, France, and Mali that have dominated the international news in recent days, it is understandable that uncertainty and anxiety might cast a pall over the upcoming holidays. A few years ago I wrote in a message to the community: *The English writer G.K. Chesterton called hope “unreasonable and indispensable.” Hope is bright, stubborn, unyielding—hope never gives up, and we are nothing without it. We find ourselves in such a season of hope. * *It is a childlike, youthful hope. The kind of hope that glimmers in our students’ eyes and shines in their curiosity, creativity, and resilience. This youthful hope allows even the most cynical and tired among us to endure difficult times, to persist, and to move forward even when the evidence suggests otherwise. The bubbling energy and courage of young people reminds us why we do this work, why we care so deeply. * *This youthful, unreasonable, and indispensable hope inspires us to carry on and, working together, build a better, more just, and loving world.* Let's continue to be thankful for friends, family, and our young people, especially during challenging times. I know I am grateful to work with a talented staff, committed parents, a supportive community, and the exceptional young people of Needham - all of whom bring hope to a world hungry for peace, civility, and justice. I am honored to serve the community as your superintendent. Happy Thanksgiving and *Go Rockets!!!* Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Oct '15

30 Oct '15

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• Special Town Meeting Monday, November 2nd *A Special Town Meeting (STM) will convene next Monday, November 2nd and consider several community initiatives, including two important school projects: the Needham High School Cafeteria Expansion (Article 11) and Hillside Elementary School property acquisition (Article 13). As you may know, there is a need to expand the high school cafeteria due to enrollment growth, and there is a unique opportunity to purchase property on Central Avenue to build a new Hillside School. Information about the STM can be found here: Needham Special Town Meeting Warrant <http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=4024>. I encourage Needham parents to become familiar with the information and contact your Town Meeting representative with ideas and suggestions so they can make informed decisions that will impact the quality of our schools and community for many years to come. *• Superintendent's Blog* My October post details why the School Committee's decision to select the Central Avenue site for a new Hillside school is the preferred approach and best solution: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ *• 6th Annual High Rock/Pollard Middle School Parent Conference *The conference, featuring keynote speaker Robert Brooks, is entitled *Raising Resilient Adolescents: Tips and Strategies for the Teenage Years, *and will be held at High Rock on Saturday, November 21st beginning at 7:30 a.m. For more information: Middle School Parent Conference <http://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-resilient-adolescents-tips-and-strategi…> *• NHS Distinguished Career Awards (DCA) *Congratulations to the three NHS alums who were presented today with the DCA at a ceremony with the entire junior class: Amy Brooks (Class of '86), radio personality at WBOS 92.9; Kim Bookman ('94), TV reporter for WHDH/7 News; and Paul Cropper ('85), Director of Sales for Cisco Systems. Amy, Kim, and Paul represent the best of NHS, and they eagerly shared their stories and suggestions with our students as the juniors prepare for their adult lives. Thanks, also, to the Alumni Association and the DCA committee for sponsoring this wonderful tradition and celebration. Happy Halloween! 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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