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

17 Oct '15

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• School Committee Conversation* School Committee (SC) Chair Connie Barr and Vice Chair Sue Neckes will make themselves available prior to next week's October 2oth SC meeting from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. for an informal conversation and dialogue about all things school-related. Parents, staff, students, and members of the community are encouraged to come and share ideas, concerns, suggestions, or just ask a question in an informal setting about the schools and school programs. The conversation will be held in the Broadmeadow performance center and is an excellent opportunity to dialogue to the leaders of your School Committee. All are welcome! *• 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.highrockpollardptc.org/index.php?page=calendar&display=652> *• Superintendent's Blog* I try to update my blog monthly. My recent posting can be found here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • * Twitter: Give it a try! * Setting up and managing a Twitter account is simple and will allow you a quick, easy, and fun way to stay connected to school news and events. Please follow me on Twitter for school updates, weather-related school cancellations, information, and photos: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt *• NHS National Merit Semifinalists *Finally, congratulations to eight NHS students who have been identified as National Merit Semifinalists based on their PSAT scores: Neel K Das, Samantha Hung, David S Kirk, Elizabeth D Kulhman, Dianne Lee, Jonathan W Perez-Reyzin, *Benjamin A Sockol, *and Benjamin P Taussig. Our students join 16,000 students nationally who have achieved this recognition from an original pool of over 1.5 million students. Their achievement is a reflection and celebration of one of the District's core values, *Scholarship*, and we congratulate them! Enjoy the fall weather. As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Sep '15

21 Sep '15

Dear Needham Families: *We have enjoyed a superb school opening!* I have had the honor of visiting dozens of classrooms in each of the schools and can share that students are already working hard to grow, learn, and achieve. Please allow me to share the following updates: • * Hillside School Project Public **Hearing* Monday, September 28th the School Committee and Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) will hold a joint public hearing to share the various construction options for the Hillside Elementary School. Community members are encouraged to attend and comment on the developing plans. One or two of the options require the redistricting all of the Needham elementary schools, so it is essential to hear from all parents. For additional information: Hillside Feasibility and Planning <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Hillside_and_Mitchell_Planning/> *• Parent Workshops and Conferences* The Needham Schools and parent groups will sponsor free upcoming workshops and a lecture series: *Needham Talks: 2015-2016 Parent Lecture Series - Promoting Supportive and Healthy Parenting Pra**ctices* Please join us for an exciting free series of talks focused on the promotion of supportive and healthy parenting practices. New York Times bestselling authors and internationally acclaimed speakers will be visiting our community to share their knowledge of (1) how to effectively manage hectic lifestyles and enhance family relationships, (2) strategies for raising authentic and emotionally intelligent girls, (3) the impact of fathers/male role models on children's development, (4) understanding adolescence and how to build a new relationship with your teen/tween, and (5) how to discuss hard or sensitive topics with children. Reserve your seats today for one, two, or all five lectures at needhamtalks.eventbrite.com. Special thank you to Needham Education Foundation (NEF) for funding this lecture series. Questions: please contact Angeline Maughan at needhamtalks2015(a)gmail.com . Speakers & Dates: *October 29, 2015*: Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D. - *Crazybusy: Overbooked, Overworked and About to Snap! How Parents Can Cope in a World Gone ADD*. *December 2, 2015:* Rachel Simmons, M.A. - *Be You: An Interactive Workshop for Girls and Adults (Girls 8-14 years of age)* *February 4, 2016:* Michael Thompson, Ph.D. - *The Importance of Fathers/Male Role Models in Children's Lives (Male-Only Event)* *April 6, 2016:* Joani Geltman, M.S.W. - *The Tween/Teen Years: Understanding Adolescence and How to Build A New Relationship With Your Child* *June 2, 2016:* Jeanine Fitzgerald, M.A. - *The Truth About The Hard or Sensitive Topics* *• **4th Annual Needham Diversity Summit *Needham's 4th Annual Diversity Summit is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th at Pollard from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30. The summit will bring together community leaders, friends, neighbors, and students for an event designed to explore, foster, strengthen, and celebrate Needham's diversity of socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnic identity, age, immigration status, and ability. This annual event aims to create a network of people committed to creating an equitable and welcoming town, and to challenging its residents to think in new ways about our evolving community. The Needham Diversity Summit equips participants with the tools and confidence to actively and thoughtfully promote respect and understanding of others in our community by engaging with each other through open and candid conversation. *• Superintendent's Blog* I try to update my blog monthly. My recent posting can be found here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • * Twitter: Give it a try! * A parent commented to me recently that some folks are reluctant to have a Twitter account because it is one more thing to manage in an already busy and hectic day. I certainly understand. However, setting up and managing a Twitter account is simple and will allow you a quick, easy, and fun way to stay connected to school news and events. *(I know it is easy because even I can do it!) * Please follow me on Twitter for school updates, weather-related school cancellations, information, and photos: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt Finally, a belated Happy New Year to our families observing *Yamim Noraim,* the High Holy Days. Here's to a new school year for all of our students and families filled with learning, wonder, health, and peace! Throughout the year you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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

25 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few items with you as we conclude a successful school year: *• District Goals Report *Last week the School Committee heard an update about the progress of the 2014-15 district goals. To review our progress, please check out our website: School Committee Packet and 2014-15 Goals Report <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/school_committee/documents/sc%20packets/2014-…> *• Full Day Kindergarten Update *The School Committee also heard a report from the Full Day Kindergarten Committee. The report is detailed, comprehensive and helps outline a pathway to full day Kindergarten in Needham: Full Day Kindergarten Presentation <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/FDK_School_Committee_presentat…> If you wish to read a brief FAQ and summary of the report, click here: FAQs About Full Day Kindergarten in the NPS <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/news/documents/Q_&_A_DK.pdf> *• Hillside Feasibility Update *This past week about 60 community members attended an interactive forum to discuss and provide feedback on options for a renovated or new Hillside Elementary School. Ongoing updates will be on our website, and I encourage you to check our ongoing progress: Hillside Feasibility Study Updates <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Hillside_and_Mitchell_Planning/> *•* * Congratulations Retirees! * Recently we honored our retiring staff who represent over 279 years of combined and dedicated service to the children of the Needham Public Schools! The school community wishes the blessings of health and happiness in the many years ahead: *Ann Barysh, Cathy Heller, Chris Early, Judy Tuck, Lauras Kelly, Linda Drew, Margie Mearls, Mary Ann Pierce, Melissa Geib, Merle Berman, Susan Misler, Phyllis Reisner, Renee Bellin, Michele Kaminga, Sue Ellen Schwam*. *• Congratulations NHS Students!* Several NHS students received accolades recently: The Girls' Track relay team (Kaleigh Hughes, Olivia Corkrey, Sarah Armstrong, Margie Cullen) won first place in the New Balance National Championship held in North Carolina last week. Several NHS students participated in the Grand National Speech and Debate Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, and sophomores Ariana Orozco (ranked 8th among 211 nationwide) and Grace Ward (ranked 13th among 221) both reached the quarterfinal rounds because of their stellar performances. The boys' Volleyball team clinched the Division I State Championship at Babson College last week, and on the same evening was honored with the prestigious Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) 2015 Sportsmanship Award! Receiving both the championship trophy and the sportsmanship award is a testament to the strength, discipline, teamwork, and integrity of the boys and their coaches and families. Congratulations to all of our Needham students! Finally, let me take this opportunity to say thank you to our parents, staff, and all of our students for another great year in the Needham Schools. Together we tackled challenges and we managed to keep the focus on the most important work we do: providing an excellent education to the best young people around. Thanks for your ongoing guidance and support. Enjoy the summer months with your family! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Jun '15

16 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following three announcements: • *Full Day Kindergarten Report* The Needham School Committee will hear a report about a pathway to Full Day Kindergarten in the Needham Public Schools at its meeting scheduled for this evening, Tuesday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow. If you can’t attend, please tune in on cable or you may access the presentation on the district website tomorrow morning. • *Hillside Feasibility Planning* The Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) and the School Committee will hold a joint public meeting on Monday, June 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow. The purpose of the meeting is to inform Needham residents and parents about the status of the feasibility study and to allow community members the opportunity to participate in discussions and planning around a possible new school in Needham. • *Honor Teachers! * As the school year draws to a close, honor a special teacher or other important person in your child’s life by making a donation in his/her name to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF). Teacher Appreciation Cards make it simple to show your gratitude, while supporting innovation and excellence in the Needham Public Schools. For more information: http://www.nefneedham.org/ Many thanks for your ongoing support. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Jun '15

12 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: As we conclude a very busy week, including the successful graduation of 387 members of the Needham High School Class of ’15, and we anticipate the last several days of school, I write to share with you the following information. My office has completed its investigation of a complaint regarding the workplace conduct of Dr. Jonathan Pizzi, the former principal of Needham High School. *I want to emphasize that the complaint and allegations did not involve students.* Dr. Pizzi was placed on administrative leave April 29, 2015 after being informed of allegations of unwanted sexual contact made by an adult employee in the district. Dr. Pizzi declined opportunities to be interviewed as part of the district’s formal investigation into the alleged behavior. The school district worked closely with legal counsel and appropriate town officials and authorities during the investigation. Dr. Pizzi resigned as principal on May 2, 2015. My office concluded its investigation on May 22, 2015 and I have determined, given the information available, sufficient evidence exists to support the actions the District has taken in regards to Dr. Pizzi. The school district’s investigation is now closed, and we will have no further comment on the matter. It’s important at this time to reiterate that our attention is on our students’ needs, and we are moving forward as a community to concentrate on a successful conclusion to the school year. Dr. Joseph P. Barnes has been named the interim principal at Needham High School effective July 1st, and he will work closely with students, staff, and families over the summer months and into the fall to ensure a smooth and productive opening of the new academic school year. Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank the high school administration, staff, and faculty for stepping forward over the last several weeks to ensure the needs of our high school students, particularly our recent graduates, have been the focus of their work and attention. As always, should you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at 781.455.0400, x202 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Please take some time this weekend to enjoy the wonderful weather and anticipate the summer days that await us. Sincerely, Daniel Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Jun '15

09 Jun '15

Dear Needham Families: I am excited to announce that Joseph P. Barnes, Ed.D. has accepted my offer to become the interim principal at Needham High School effective July 1, 2015. Dr. Barnes, who retired from the Needham Public Schools as Pollard’s principal in 2006, has most recently served as an interim high school and middle school principal and leader in several districts, including Worcester, Leicester, and Newton. He has remained actively engaged in educational administration, supervision, and policy as an adjunct faculty member at Curry College as well as a member of the Needham School Committee. Dr. Barnes began his career in Watertown and Hopkinton where he taught high school English for several years, supervised teachers, and coached tennis and football. He became an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School and later a principal at the Hopkinton Middle School before being appointed in his hometown as principal of Pollard where he served for seven distinguished years. There he turned around a struggling middle school where he introduced social and emotional learning programs, introduced a Teacher Assistant Team model that focused on the needs of struggling students, and developed a viable student recognition program. Dr. Barnes also worked with Town boards to oversee the installation of additional modular classrooms to meet growing enrollment at Pollard. Dr. Barnes has the capacity, intellect, and perspective to lead Needham High School at this time. Over the years he has developed excellent relationships with students, parents, and staff. His thoughtful and caring relationships are built on trust, integrity, and a unique focus on the needs of students. Dr. Barnes is clearly focused on instruction and regularly asks questions about how decisions will impact the classroom and help a student grow and succeed. He has the unique ability to listen, ask probing, sometimes uncomfortable, questions, and helps set a direction that enables a student, teacher, or administrator to do an excellent job. He does not pretend to have all the answers but collaborates with others to ensure he has the information he needs to make good decisions. Dr. Barnes relishes hard work, and he is smart, intuitive, and very much focused on empowering others—students and adults alike—to grow and achieve. Dr. Barnes possesses tremendous interpersonal skills and his communication skills are excellent. He is a reflective learner and a superb listener. He has the mindset, experience, and energy to help guide learning and support the school’s efforts toward continued growth and excellence. Dr. Joe Barnes is again ready to serve his community in the coming school year, this time as the leader at an amazing high school with talented students and staff. Dr. Barnes will step down from his role on the Needham School Committee where he has served with distinction, dedication, and honor for several years. Dr. Barnes is excited to begin work, and I know within the next few days and over the summer he will reach out to staff, students, and families as we make plans for a new school year. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Joe Barnes as the interim principal at Needham High School beginning on July 1 st! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 26 May '15

26 May '15

Tuesday, May 25, 2015 6:05 p.m. Dear Needham Families: The Needham Police Department is investigating the claim of an Eliot student who reports that on his way home this afternoon from school, a man he does not know stopped his car on Webster St. and asked the boy if he needed a ride. The boy ignored the stranger, ran home, and told his parents who then immediately contacted the police. We are not aware of any other children being involved. Out of an abundance of caution, the Needham Police will step up patrols in and around the schools tomorrow. If you have a question or any information about the situation, please contact the Needham Police Department: 781.455.7570 Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 May '15

14 May '15

Dear Needham Families: Earlier today, we were notified by YCN Transportation, Inc. that one of their van drivers responsible for transporting Needham students to/from their private special education school was arrested for buying drugs in between his morning and afternoon runs this past Tuesday, May 12th. *No students were on the van at the time of the incident nor were any students injured or otherwise involved.* The families of the students who were transported by this driver have been notified by the Needham Public Schools of the situation with the driver. YCN has terminated the driver and a substitute driver has been put in place. Rest assured that we take all matters related to student safety very seriously in the Needham Public Schools. As per our policy, this driver was subject to the appropriate Criminal Offender Record Investigation (CORI), Sexual Offense Record Investigation (SORI), and National Fingerprinting Process and was found to have no criminal activity in his past upon hire. Furthermore, YCN and the Needham Public Schools have strict driving and other safety protocols in place, including random drug testing of school van and bus drivers. We will continue to work with YCN Transportation as well as all of our special education transportation vendors to be certain student safety remains the top priority. Should you have any questions or would like to speak with me directly, please contact me at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781-455-0400 x202. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 May '15

09 May '15

Dear Needham Families: I hope you are enjoying the wonderful spring weather this Mother's Day weekend! By the way... the last day of school is a half day on Wednesday, June 24th. Allow me to share some important updates and information: *• School Transportation 2015-16 *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 and to avoid an increase in the bus fee. If you do not complete an application, your child may not have a seat on the bus next year! 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: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/transportation/ *• Needham Parent Survey 2015* The Needham Department of Public Health is conducting its third Parent Survey. The survey responses enable us to learn about parent and guardian beliefs and perceptions regarding underage drinking and other drug use. A complete description can be found below. 6th-12th grade parents and guardians are asked to complete the survey: http://surveys.ssre.org/s3/NeedhamParentSurvey2015 • *Superintendent's Blog* Here is a link to my most recent post: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • *Congratulations to Staff!* Congratulations to three of our outstanding teachers who recently have been notified of the following accolades: - Middle school music teacher *Aaron Bush* who has received recognition as a Quarterfinalist in the *2015 Grammy Foundation Music Educator Award*. - High school wellness teacher *Sam Martyn* who has been named the *2015 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Alpine Ski Coach of the Year*. - High school Spanish teacher *Keara Eagan *who has been recognized by the*Massachusetts Foreign Language Association for Excellence in Foreign Language Teaching.* The work of these educators reflects the District's core values of *Scholarship, Personal Growth, Citizenship, *and* Community* and represent the best of the NPS faculty. We are proud of them and the work they do with our children each day. *• Needham High School *Despite the news of Dr. Pizzi's resignation as principal of Needham High School, the students and staff enjoyed a busy and productive week. It is clear that the students did not miss a beat with many activities, including Advanced Placement testing, athletic contests, preparation for the weekend's play, art show, and Senior Banquet dominating the agenda. I appreciate the great teamwork exhibited by Acting Principal Jonathan Bourn and the entire staff, all of whom have stepped forward to manage and lead the school and ensure our students are the priority. The care and professionalism of the faculty and staff has been important as we head into end of the year activities and events. I have decided that we will look for an interim principal to begin at Needham High July 1st, and I expect to be able to share a timeline for hiring an interim within the next few weeks. I am mindful parents and the community would like additional information about the circumstances surrounding Dr. Pizzi's resignation. However, I am sure you understand that personnel matters are confidential in order to protect the privacy of all involved. To the degree it is possible, I will share updates and information as appropriate in order that we can all take steps to move forward. In the meantime, know that we have a busy end of the school year ahead for all of Needham's students, and are clear goal is to keep the focus on teaching and learning. Thanks for your patience and understanding. 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, x202. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Information from the Superintendent
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 02 May '15

02 May '15

Saturday, May 2, 2015 Dear Families: Early this morning Dr. Jonathan Pizzi notified me by email that he had resigned his position as principal of Needham High School. On April 29, 2015, following a complaint regarding workplace conduct lodged against Dr. Pizzi, I placed him on administrative leave pending investigation of the allegation. *It is important to note that no students were involved in the allegations.* Dr. Pizzi had been scheduled to be interviewed this coming Wednesday, May 6, 2015, as part of the District's internal investigation regarding the allegation. In investigating the allegation, we worked closely with legal counsel and appropriate Town officials. At this time, on the advice of legal counsel, this remains a confidential personnel matter and we will not have further immediate factual comment. For the sake of our students, the primary concern is to cover the responsibilities of maintaining the day-to-day management of our high school. Therefore, Needham High School Assistant Principal Jonathan Bourn will serve as Acting-Principal and will be supported by the high school staff and my office. I want to emphasize that there is nothing more important to me than the well- being of our students and staff and the families in this community. To that end, please be assured that the faculty and staff will ensure that the school day on Monday and throughout the week will continue to run smoothly and know we will support students and families as necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to my office and not to the staff at Needham High School. My phone number is 781.455.0400, x 202 and my email is dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and ongoing support. Respectfully, Daniel E. Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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