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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 03 Apr '15

03 Apr '15

Dear Needham Families: Spring is here! (I think...) As of April 3, 2015, if there are no additional snow or emergency days, the last day of school will be an early release on Wednesday, June 24th. Allow me to share the following updates: *• School Committee Meeting in Boston *In their continuing efforts to engage families and support Boston-resident students, the Needham School Committee will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at Jeremiah Burke High School located at 60 Washington St. in Boston on Tuesday evening, April 7th beginning at 6:30 p.m. The agenda will include updates from high school student groups, budget issues, and a METCO Program update. *• Personalized Learning: 1 to 1 Initiative *Due to the extraordinary efforts of the High Rock staff and strong commitment of High Rock families, we have experienced a successful year integrating the use of an iPad into the learning experience for 6th grade students. Next year these students will bring their iPads to Pollard where teachers are now preparing to implement them in the 7th grade. Eventually a 1 to 1 model of technology and digital learning will be introduced in all grades, 6 through 12. To view a summary of the district's initiative: Technology is a Tool to Enhance Teaching and Personalize Learning <https://drive.google.com/a/needham.k12.ma.us/file/d/0B0SuQPAK7YZDRGlrZWUxOT…> The School Committee has recently decided to provide iPads for all incoming 6th graders who will use the devices throughout their middle school years. Parents who wish to provide their own iPad for 6th graders may continue to do so. The School Committee believes a more sustainable, manageable, and equitable program ensures each child has access to an iPad for use 24/7 and during the summer months. For more information about High Rock's program: High Rock Tech Resources <https://sites.google.com/a/needham.k12.ma.us/hrtechresources/home> *• Hillside Building Project* The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has finally approved an architect to work with the Town to determine the feasibility of renovating or rebuilding Hillside. While a construction project is a couple of years away, we are clearly on a path to a new Hillside Elementary School. For more information about this project, look for periodic updates on the district's website: Hillside and Mitchell Planning <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Hillside_and_Mitchell_Planning/> *• Superintendent's Blog* My latest post, a congratulations to the NEF on the occasion of their 25th anniversary, can be found here: Superintendent's Blog: March 2015 <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Student News! * Several middle and high school students have recently received accolades and awards for musical and artistic accomplishments: – 34 middle and high school students received a total of 54 regional awards in the 2015 Scholastic Art Awards competition, including 29 Honorable Mentions, 17 Silvers, and 8 Gold Awards. – The NHS Symphonic Band received the Gold Medal at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival and will now be performing at Symphony Hall on April 11th at 1:30 p.m. – The Middle School Town Orchestra (Bronze), 8th Grade Girls' Chorus (Silver), Treble Chorus (Silver), and Wind Ensemble (Gold) also were recognized for their hard work and talent. The Wind Ensemble will next be a featured performer at the upcoming National Association of Music Education Eastern Division Conference in Providence. – NHS junior Ali Bartlett has been awarded a national Gold Key in the Scholastic Art Awards, and she has been invited to attend the national recognition ceremony in June at Carnegie Hall. Ali's award-winning work, along with other Gold Key recipients, can be seen in the Globe: Scholastic Art & Writing Awards <http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2015/03/06/the-scholastic-art-writing-award…> Congratulations to our talented and hard working students, their parents who support them, and the teachers who have encouraged them along the way! As always, please feel free to contact me at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Happy Passover and a peaceful Easter to you, your family, and friends! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Mar '15

11 Mar '15

Dear Needham Families: Cross your fingers... Spring is around the corner! Allow me to share some important updates and information: •* No Homework Night March 12th *Tomorrow evening March 12th, the Needham Public Schools will observe *No Homework Night* as part of Needham Unplugged, a month long program sponsored by Needham Youth Services. The goal of *No Homework Night* is to give students, parents, and families an excuse to enjoy some down time and family time together in the evening. I have asked our teachers not to assign homework tomorrow evening, and I hope you will have a chance to catch up and enjoy a family meal or just relax with one another! For more information, about this month's activities: Needham Unplugged <http://www.needhamma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10735> *• S.T.E.A.M Night March 19th at Newman's Science Center *Come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Science Center on Thursday evening, March 19th at Newman. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activities, demonstrations, and hands on projects will provide an evening of fun and learning for all children. For more information please visit our website: Needham Science Center: STEAM Night <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/science_center/> *• Meet & Greet Your School Committee!* The Needham School Committee will hold its spring Open House on Saturday, March 21st from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at Pollard Middle School. The Open House is an informal opportunity for parents and community members to stop by for a cup of coffee and meet School Committee members and share ideas, questions, and concerns. Additionally, several Pollard students will be on hand to share their learning experiences with the iPads that have been introduced there as a pilot program. Please stop by Saturday morning, March 21st to meet your School Committee and learn more about the District's Personalized Learning Initiative. For more information about the use of iPads in the middle school: Personalized Learning Initiative <https://sites.google.com/a/needham.k12.ma.us/hrtechresources/home> *• April 7th School Committee Meeting in Boston *In its continuing efforts to engage families and support Boston-resident students, the Needham School Committee will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at Jeremiah Burke High School in Boston on Tuesday, April 7th beginning at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend the meeting which is open to the public and will be held in the school's library. The agenda will include updates from high school student groups, budget issues, and a METCO Program update. The complete agenda will be posted on the District's website later this month. *• Hillside Project Moves Forward! *Yesterday the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) named Dore and Whittier Architects, Inc. as the designer for the first phase of the Hillside school renovation/construction project. While there are many steps ahead before a construction project can start, naming the designer is an important milestone that moves the community closer to a new school for Hillside. *• Superintendent's Blog *My most recent post can be found here: METCO Cuts Unreasonable! <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• NEF Spelling [?] *The NEF is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a big weekend event, including a pancake breakfast and the bee: NEF Spelling Bee <http://www.nefneedham.org/events/spelling-bee/> *• NHS Ski Team Achieves Top Honor *Congratulations to the NHS Ski Team for receiving the prestigious Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) Winter Sportsmanship Award. The athletes and coaches were honored by the MIAA for their teamwork, sense of fair play, good spirit, and genuine commitment to sportsmanship and mature, intelligent behavior. These fine young men and women bring honor and distinction to the Needham community, and we are very proud of them. As always, please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, or ideas: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x 203. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 Jan '15

28 Jan '15

Dear Needham Families: *The Needham Public Schools will open on time and as scheduled tomorrow, Thursday, January 29th. * A reminder that we have an early release day schedule and no PM Kindergarten tomorrow. Allow me to share some information and a few safety tips for tomorrow's commute to school: • The Town's Departments of Public Works and Facilities have done a great job cleaning up the roads, sidewalks, and schools in preparation for the school opening. The staff has been working all day and will continue to work overnight to plow and shovel snow. • Not all of the sidewalks have been cleared, and high snow piles exist on many street corners, especially near school crossings. Students need to exercise extreme caution walking to school and crossing the street. • Parents and students should leave earlier than usual and take time driving or walking to school. Buses may be late in some cases, so please be patient and bundle up. Thanks for your patience, good spirit, and cooperation as we, together, endure another New England winter! Dan Gutekanst

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School Committee Public Hearing: 2015-16 Budget
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 19 Jan '15

19 Jan '15

Dear Needham Families: On Tuesday evening, January 20th, the School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the 2015-16 (FY16) School Year Budget Plan at Broadmeadow. The School Committee urges parents, community members, and others to attend the Hearing to learn about the budget plan and voice ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. The FY16 budget plan under consideration, a proposed 5.37% increase over the current year, meets contractual obligations and addresses significant increases in PreK-12 special education costs. A small amount of additional funding is proposed to be allocated to the high school to meet growing enrollment and program needs. The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to discuss school needs and ensure resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. Nonetheless, 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. The School Committee encourages public input on the budget process before they vote on a final plan January 27th. You may view the plan and additional information about the budget on our website: FY16 Proposed Budget <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY16%20Budget> or you may check out a recent post in the Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> . If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing, please share your ideas with the School Committee at schoolcommittee(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 16 Jan '15

16 Jan '15

Friday, January 16, 2015 Dear Needham Families: Last evening, Pollard Middle School Principal Tamatha Bibbo emailed the following information to all Pollard families: *Dear Pollard Families, * *This morning it was reported by a grade 7 student that racist graffiti was located on a wall in the boys' locker room. Although we will be undergoing a full investigation and are still finding out facts, I wanted to share our information as soon as possible:* *What we know right now:* *1. This incident occurred between 6:00pm and 9:00pm yesterday evening.* *2. The person(s) used a deodorant stick to complete the graffiti. * *3. The person may or may not be a member of the Pollard community.* *Our action steps:* *1. The Needham Police department has been notified and will be interviewing specific people (including students here and at NHS, if necessary). * *2. We have interviewed a number of students to identify involvement and timing of the incident. * *3. We will be meeting at lunches and after school with our students of color to provide support.* *4. The guidance team has been notified and is ready for students who may want to talk about/ process this incident. * *5. Leslie Smart, our METCO coordinator, in conjunction with our administrative team, is preparing conversation starters to use in classroom advisories as a learning opportunity * *We encourage you to open this conversation with your son/daughter and to process this as a serous racial incident. It is important to note that although this may not have been a Pollard student, we feel strongly that words are used as weapons in situation such as these, and that we continue to actively work towards a school community that does not tolerate any form of hate. * *Once again, it is important to note that this may or may not be a member of the Pollard community; however, we want to emphasize that we care for all of our students and members of our community. We are saddened that we live in a time when these incidents still occur, and we must be sure to respond to this and all incidents with sensitivity, compassion, and strength in the face of these unacceptable incidents.* *In Partnership, * *Tamatha L. BibboPrincipalPollard Middle School* I wanted to share this message with parents and families so that you can be made aware of the incident and know that we take these situations very seriously. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have had to deal with vicious and racist graffiti or situations; sadly, it may not be the last. However, working together as students, parents, and educators we will confront this behavior to ensure we learn and work in a safe environment, one that values all students and their families. I appreciate the work Ms. Bibbo and her staff are doing to assist students understand what happened in this particular situation, and I am thankful that all of Needham's principals, teachers and METCO staff are engaged in work and training to promote respectful and tolerant school communities. In fact, embedded in the District's goals and each School Improvement Plan are specific actions steps we are taking to promote and nurture culturally sensitive and proficient practices in each of Needham's classrooms. I can't guarantee there will never be ugly or racist incidents in the Needham Public Schools. Our efforts are robust but imperfect. I can assure you, however, that we are committed to the work of equity, respect for all, and tolerance. If you have any questions or concerns about this or any situation involving your child, please reach out to your child's teacher, guidance counselor, or principal. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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(Corrected Link) Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Dec '14

21 Dec '14

Dear Needham Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families a peaceful Hanukkah and Christmas season and a Happy New Year! Allow me also to share a few items of interest: • *School Budget Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 5.4% increase in the budget for the 2015-16 school year (FY16). The budget plan addresses significant increases in PreK-12 special education costs and growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding positions at High Rock, Pollard, and the high school. 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 plan and additional information about the budget on our website: FY16 Proposed Budget <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY16%20Budget> The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming* Budget Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 20th at at Broadmeadow *to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. *• New Director of Student Support Services *At a recent School Committee meeting Mary Lammi, who has been serving as the interim director this year, was appointed permanently to the position of Director of Student Support Services for the Needham Public Schools. Ms. Lammi will continue her work with principals and staff to improve special education, guidance, and health services as well as ensure equity and access for our METCO students. Mary will use her energy and experience, as well as her considerable collaboration and communication skills, to promote high expectations and learning for all students. Please join me in congratulating Mary Lammi on her appointment! *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post about School Safety can be found on the district's website: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Enjoy the upcoming vacation with your children! 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 21 Dec '14

21 Dec '14

Dear Needham Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families a peaceful Hanukkah and Christmas season and a Happy New Year! Allow me also to share a few items of interest: • *School Budget Hearing* The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 5.4% increase in the budget for the 2015-16 school year (FY16). The budget plan addresses significant increases in PreK-12 special education costs and growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding positions at High Rock, Pollard, and the high school. 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 plan and additional information about the budget on our website: FY16 Budget Documents <http://wd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY16%20Budget> The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming *Budget Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 20th at at Broadmeadow* to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. *• New Director of Student Support Services *At a recent School Committee meeting Mary Lammi, who has been serving as the interim director this year, was appointed permanently to the position of Director of Student Support Services for the Needham Public Schools. Ms. Lammi will continue her work with principals and staff to improve special education, guidance, and health services as well as ensure equity and access for our METCO students. Mary will use her energy and experience, as well as her considerable collaboration and communication skills, to promote high expectations and learning for all students. Please join me in congratulating Mary Lammi on her appointment! *• Superintendent's Blog* My recent post about School Safety can be found on the district's website: Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> Enjoy the upcoming vacation with your children! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Needham Schools Spotlight (Correction)
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 Nov '14

23 Nov '14

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to update and correct information I shared in the Superintendent's Update I emailed earlier today: *• Needham Schools Spotlight: School Safety* Please check out the latest cable broadcast of Needham Schools Spotlight, a conversation with Police Chief Phil Droney, Fire Chief Paul Buckley, and Mitchell Principal Mike Schwindenabout school and student safety and security in the Needham Public Schools: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/index.htm> The program entitled "Meet New School Leaders" will be broadcast after Thanksgiving! Thanks for your patience. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 Nov '14

23 Nov '14

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share information and updates as we approach the holiday week: *• What is the Town Facilities Master Plan? *Over the last year the Town has engaged the services of an architectural firm, HKT, Inc., to help provide guidance and planning around several Town and School building projects as part of the Facilities Master Planning process approved by Town Meeting. The Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) will hold an important presentation about the developing plan on Monday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the Needham Library. Several critical School and Town projects will be discussed, including Hillside, Mitchell, and Pollard, and I urge parents to become informed about the issues and challenges ahead. *• Winter, Snow, and School Closings *I am hoping the snow won't be flying anytime soon, but if it does I want you to know that I will do my level best to make decisions about delays or school closings by approximately 5:30 in the morning. I will use email, phone, and Twitter to let parents know about weather-related cancellations and delays. Please make sure you have updated your contact information by clicking here: PowerSchool <https://powerschool.needham.k12.ma.us/public/> . And you can follow me on Twitter as well: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt I have been asked in the past by parents and students how much snow does it take for me to cancel school. Here is the clearest answer I can give: * It all depends! *While student safety is always my first consideration, the forecast, road conditions, ice, and snow depth are all factors in my decision making. 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 about three to six inches, I am inclined to hold school, even if it is a delay. Whatever the forecast, I will continue to do my best to make weather-related calls as safely and as soon as I practically can. • *Parents Often Ask About Giving Teacher Gifts *Over the years, Needham parents have proven to be extremely thoughtful and generous when it comes to thanking teachers and staff for their work with their children. Unfortunately, gift giving has become more complicated each year, and now specific state ethics laws prohibit all staff (including teachers, aides, athletic coaches, crossing guards, bus drivers, administrators, etc.) from receiving even small tokens of appreciation without the staff member filing an official disclosure of the gift. The Massachusetts State Ethics Commission allows the following: - A teacher may receive one class gift of up to $150 in value once per year from the class as long as it is clear that the gift is from the entire class and not just a few students in the classroom. Any gift in excess of $150 to the teacher is prohibited by law. - A teacher or staff member may receive a gift of up to $50 in value from an individual student/family who did not contribute to the class gift in the example above as long as the staff member files a disclosure form with the school system. Any gift, including gift cards, jewelry, tickets, clothing, beverages, etc., over $50 in value is prohibited by law. - Staff members may receive perishable items (e.g., food, flowers) up to $50 in value as long as the staff member shares the item(s) with members of the school community. These items do not need to be disclosed by the teacher. Parents may show their appreciation to individual teachers/staff members by making a donation to the school's PTC or to the NEF Teacher Appreciation Cards <http://www.nefneedham.org/support/teacher-appreciation-cards/> program. These organizations have well-established procedures for the distribution of funds to schools and individual classrooms, and such donations are not affected by State Ethics rules. If you make a donation to the PTC or NEF in a staff member's name, that staff member does not need to file a disclosure. This year's deadline for NEF Teacher Appreciation Cards is December 15, 2014. *• Needham Schools Spotlight: Meet New School Leaders* Please check out the latest cable broadcast of Needham Schools Spotlight, a conversation with three new school leaders: Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo, Eliot Principal Rod MacNeal, Jr., and Mary Lammi, Interim Director of Student Support Services: Needham Schools Spotlight <http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/index.htm> *• Congratulations to Superb NHS Students!* Congratulations to the Division I Championship girls' Cross Country Team for winning the state title last weekend, and congratulations to the Boys' Soccer Team for becoming the Division I State Champions after defeating Amherst in a 4-0 shutout last night at WPI. It was a superb and fun game with an amazing and enthusiastic crowd. And a big thank you and kudos to the outstanding cast and crew of *Rent, *performed over the weekend by NHS Students Acting to Make a Difference (SAMD). Over the years, SAMD has wowed audiences with wonderful musical theatre and raised ten of thousands of dollars for charitable causes, including this year's recipient, Cradles to Crayons. Whether they are in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage, our students are talented, mature, hardworking, and poised. Needham families should be rightly proud of them! *Happy Thanksgiving!* Finally, let me wish you and your families a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving Holiday. I am looking forward to picking up our daughters at Logan and South Station later this week so we can spend the holiday together for the first time as a family in two years! Like you, I am *very *grateful for my family! I am also thankful to know and to work with a talented staff, committed parents, a supportive community, and the exceptional young people of Needham. I am honored to be your superintendent, and I appreciate the opportunity you have given me. *Go Rockets! Beat Wellesley!* Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Needham Public Schools 781.455.0400 x203

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 Oct '14

23 Oct '14

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: • Come and Meet Your School Committee at an Open House this Saturday, October 25th The Needham School Committee will hold its fall Open House on Saturday, October 25th at Needham High School. The Open House will be held from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the library and provides an informal opportunity for parents and members of the community to drop by and interact with the School Committee. The high school's Annual Craft Fair will take place on the same day in the gyms, so stop by the fair and then visit the School Committee for coffee and conversation. They are eager to meet you! • What is the Town Facilities Master Plan? Over the last year the Town has engaged the services of an architectural firm, HKT, Inc., to help provide guidance and planning around several Town and School building projects as part of the Facilities Master Planning process approved by Town Meeting. The Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) will hold an important presentation about the developing plan on Monday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the Needham Library. Several critical School and Town projects will be discussed, including Hillside, Mitchell, and Pollard, and I urge parents to attend and become informed about the issues and challenges ahead. • What are the District Goals? The School Committee recently adopted the [ http://Rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/2014-2015DistrictGoa… ]2014-15 District Goals plan. This plan guides the work of the schools, and the administration will share an update with the School Committee about progress later this winter and again in June. Please click on the link to view the goals and actions steps. • Digital Citizenship for our Students The School Committee also adopted a new [ http://Rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/StudentResponsibleUs… ]Responsible Use of Digital Resources Policy to ensure the appropriate use of technology in our schools and to assist students to become responsible digital citizens. Over the coming weeks the school staff will be sharing this policy with students in an age-appropriate way to help students understand their responsibilities regarding the use of technology in the schools. Parents will eventually be asked to acknowledge with a signature that they, too, have read and understand the new policy. • Google Mail Transition On November 4th the Needham Public Schools staff will transition to Google Mail. Staff email addresses will not change and, ideally, parents and community members will not notice anything different about sending or receiving emails to/from school personnel. However, any transition away from one system to another sometimes has unexpected glitches, and I will ask for your patience and understanding as we make this move. Beginning on November 4th, if you experience a problem with sending or receiving school emails, please call the appropriate school office to alert. • Upcoming Parent Workshops and Conferences The Needham Schools and parent groups will sponsor upcoming workshops and a lecture series: - Annual Middle School Conference On Saturday November 22nd, the High Rock-Pollard PTC is hosting its annual half-day Middle School Parenting Conference with strategies for helping your adolescent make smart choices and develop healthy attitudes. Mark your calendar to attend The Glass IS Half Full: Positive Approaches to Your Middle School Parenting Challenges for practical tips from educators, community youth leaders and youth development experts on parenting approaches; helping teens avoid risky behaviors; using technology responsibly; talking about sexuality; and learning about your teen. Registration for the half-day conference at Pollard is now open. Check the PTC website for more information: [ http://www.highrockpollardptc.org/index.php?page=homepage ]High Rock/Pollard PTC Parent Workshop - Needham Talks An exciting free parent lecture series called Needham Talks will be open to all Needham Elementary School parents. The series is funded by a multi-school NEF grant entitled Fostering Resilience and Social-Emotional Wellness in Needham’s Elementary School-Age Children: SY2014-2015 Parent Lecture Series. All five elementary schools will be participating in this bi-monthly parent lecture series. The series will be advertised by the elementary schools through the bulletins and PTC emails. Registration information can be found here: [ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/needham-talks-2014-2015-needham-elementary-sch… ]Needham Talks: Parent Lecture Series Thanks for your ongoing support and for sharing the best students in Massachusetts with us each day! As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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