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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Oct '14

01 Oct '14

Dear Needham Families: We have enjoyed a superb school opening! I have had the honor of visiting dozens of classrooms in all of the schools and can share that students are already working hard to grow, learn, and achieve. Today was our first early release professional development day for grades K-8, and teachers and staff were fully engaged in a variety of training and learning opportunities in the afternoon, including: Technology/iPad training, literacy and math assessment development, cultural proficiency, educator evaluation, and team building. It was a packed agenda for our teachers and principals. Please allow me to share the following updates: • 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 opens October 14. Check the PTC website for more information: http://www.highrockpollardptc.org/index.php?page=homepage - 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… ]https://www.eventbrite.com/e/needham-talks-2014-2015-needham-elementary-school-parent-lecture-series-registration-12709523527 • 3rd Annual Needham Diversity Summit Needham's 3rd Annual Diversity Summit (NDS 3.0: Join the Conversation!) is scheduled for October 18th 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 occasion 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. For additional information and registration: [ http://www.needhamdiversitysummit.org/about-us/ ]Needham Diversity Summit • Needham Schools Spotlight: 2014-15 School Committee Priorities Please check out the latest cable broadcast of Needham Schools Spotlight, a conversation with members of the School Committee about communication priorities and initiatives in the year ahead: [ http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/14-15/SchoolCommittee.htm ]Needham Schools Spotlight • School Committee Open House 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 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! • 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 ]https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt 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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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 Sep '14

08 Sep '14

Dear Needham Families: Welcome to the 2014-15 school year! I certainly hope you and your family enjoyed a restful summer break and a smooth transition to the new academic year. Last week we welcomed back over 5,520 students to the Needham Public Schools, and we successfully implemented the new schedule allowing extended time for learning in grades K-8. Many elementary students have already experienced their first Spanish lesson! have visited each school and several classrooms, and I am impressed with the enthusiasm of our students and the hard work of teachers and administrators who spent days and weeks setting up classrooms and preparing for students. You may read my opening day remarks to staff here: [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog As we approach the first full week of school, allow me to share some information and updates: • Needham Youth Services Programs You are likely aware that Needham Youth Services provides outstanding workshops, programs, and opportunities for Needham's families and young people. Please check out their website for information about fall programming: [ http://needhamma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10182 ]Needham Youth Services: Fall 2014 • Emergency and Weather-Related Communication System The school department has deployed a notification system that will allow us to phone and email parents about school emergencies and weather-related school closures. Please make sure you have updated contact information in [ https://powerschool.needham.k12.ma.us/public/ ]PowerSchool to ensure we have the most current information for your student and family. If you have difficulty accessing PowerSchool, please contact your child's school. • School Safety Needham's principals and staff know that attending to student and school safety, security, and wellness is their most important priority. Principals and teachers review safety plans and practice emergency responses and protocols throughout the school year. For example, we have already had fire drills at a couple of the schools. As we begin a new year, know that we will partner with Needham's public safety officials and continue to be vigilant around student safety. Please share ideas, concerns, or questions you may have regarding school safety with your child's principal. • Twitter Please follow me on Twitter for school updates, information, and photos: [ https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt ]https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt Finally, allow me to extend my deep appreciation to the Needham community for supporting last spring's operational override that resulted in additional resources for Needham Schools. We are excited about the new student programming the additional funding provides. This community clearly values education, and your ongoing partnership, guidance, and support allows amazing things to happen for Needham's children. Thank you! Let me take this opportunity to wish each young person a successful school year! As always, please contact me now and throughout the year with questions, comments, and suggestions. I can be reached at 781.455.0400, extension 203 or [ 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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Superintendent's Summer Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Jul '14

21 Jul '14

Dear Needham Families: I hope your family has had an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful New England summer! I typically do not send updates over the summer months, but I am so pleased with several exciting initiatives and activity in the schools, I thought I would share a few brief updates: • Mitchell and Hillside Two major construction initiatives involving our oldest and most crowded elementary schools are underway. Four new Mitchell modular classrooms are under construction and will be ready for students in September. The new classrooms will provide much needed space for the school and help to relieve overcrowding and program constraints. On July 30th, the Massachusetts School Building Authority Board (MSBA) is scheduled to vote to move a Hillside Elementary School renovation/construction project forward into the next phase of planning. This is a significant accomplishment and an important next step required to design an appropriate school facility that will meet the needs of our students. Thanks to Needham's School Committee and the Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) for their incredible leadership around both school projects! • Personalized Learning: iPads for High Rock Since May the High Rock and Needham Public Schools technology staff have been hard at work planning for the implementation of iPads in the 6th grade. We are very excited about the launch of this initiative designed to support student growth, learning, and achievement at High Rock. This summer much work has been accomplished to ensure the school's infrastructure is prepared and teachers have taken their iPads home for the summer to learn more about how they will integrate them into classroom instruction. In August and throughout the coming year, teachers will receive further training and professional development to ensure they can support and provide the best educational experience for High Rock's students. The technology staff is preparing for August when iPads will be distributed and parents will receive information and instructions about the program. Principal Downey and her staff are also outlining and preparing family information sessions for the upcoming school year designed to provide support and assistance to parents and students as we launch this ambitious and exciting learning program. This is the first time we have asked parents to partner with us on such an important learning and technology initiative, and we appreciate your support and patience as we move forward. Updated information about the program can be found here: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/media_and_technology/iPad%20initiative ]iPads for High Rock • Elementary Program and Schedule Each elementary school has completed a new master schedule that incorporates additional instructional time as well as new programming in Wellness, Spanish, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Teachers and directors have been working over the summer to design programs and lessons that will enrich the learning experience for each elementary student. There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm building as we approach a new school year! Click here for new school start times: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/2014-2015SchoolStart… ]2014-15 School Start Times. • Staffing By the end of the summer our Human Resource Director, Dr. Tom Campbell, anticipates we will have hired almost 70 new teachers. New elementary programming and secondary enrollment needs account for about 30 of those positions, and the remainder are folks we will hire to replace retiring teachers and those who have moved out of state or are starting new careers. Dr. Campbell and I are are particularly pleased with the quality of new teachers, including the five new elementary Spanish teachers we have hired. All of the new teachers bring a combination of great experience, solid academic credentials, energy, and a fresh perspective to teaching and learning. I am eager for you to meet our new professional staff in the fall. • Twitter Throughout summer and into the new school year I will periodically "tweet" school news and information. Please follow me on Twitter: [ https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt ]https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt My wife Karen and I look forward to a few more long weekends visiting our daughters in Washington, DC and New York. I hope you, too, will find some time to enjoy family and friends. Thanks for your ongoing support as I lead the Needham Schools. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400, ext. 203

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 20 Jun '14

20 Jun '14

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few items with you as the school year concludes: • District Goals Report This week the School Committee heard an update about the progress of the 2013-14 district goals. Please look under the News section of the NPS website to view the update and learn more about the work of teachers, staff, and students: [ http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ ]http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ • Congratulations Retirees! Recently we honored retiring staff members who represent over 355 years of combined and dedicated service to the children of the Needham Schools. The school community wishes the blessings of good health and happiness in the many years ahead to the following staff: Christine Arren, Robert Baker, Helaine Block, Christine Brumbach, Priscilla Cahn, Arlene Camelio, Mary D’Eon, Carolina Faricelli, Christine Hayes, Coni Hebden, Paula Hildreth, Timothy Kenslea, Robert Lockhart, Kathleen O’Keeffe, Ann Perham, Mary Rizzuto, Jane Shilalie, Char Sidell. • Extended School Schedule & Program Update Principals, directors and teachers have been busy this spring organizing and planning for the new elementary programming and the use of additional time to insure that everything is in place for September. As you may know, elementary special area programming will expand. The breadth of offerings and in some instances the amount of time students are engaged in these classes will increase. Currently, special area programming at the elementary level consists of physical education, art, music, and library. Next year, we will maintain these offerings while adding Spanish (grades one to five), music in Kindergarten, and a nine-week STEAM rotation (technology, engineering, art/music integration in math and science) in grades one, two and three. Time for physical education and health/wellness will also increase significantly. Next year, for the first time, special area programming in all five elementary schools will operate on a common schedule. Rather than having an array of 30, 45, 60 minute classes at various grade levels in each of the special area programs, all programming at grades one through five (except for art at grade 5) will operate on a 40 minute schedule. Through this modification we were able to create a more balanced distribution of program experiences for students while reducing the number of teachers who have to travel between schools. In addition to the extended day bringing us new programming and additional class time, it will also provide teachers with opportunities to collaboratively examine, reflect, adjust, and redesign teaching and learning practices to more effectively address the needs of all students. Successful schools are distinguished by the frequency and extent to which teachers discuss their practice, collaboratively design materials, and inform and critique one another. It is no longer only the time spent in the classroom with students that “counts.” This collaboration time is not auxiliary to their teaching responsibilities—nor is it “released time” for them. It is central to maintaining the quality and currency of curriculum and instruction in our schools. Teachers at the elementary level will have time built into their school day, middle school teachers will have two additional after school meetings each month, and high school teachers will be using every Friday morning for this purpose. As the summer unfolds, principals, directors, teachers, and other staff members will be busy creating and modifying curriculum, finalizing schedules, and developing plans for how collaboration time will be used. I am particularly proud of their excellent work in crafting and implementing a plan that provides more learning opportunities for both students and staff. Specific school schedules can be found here: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/2014-2015SchoolStart… ]2014-15 School Start Times. More information about the plan can be found here: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Extended_Time/ ]Extended Time in the Needham Schools Finally, let me take this opportunity to say thank you to our parents, staff, and our fabulous students for another superb year in the Needham Public Schools. It is clear that students and staff embody the district's core values of Scholarship, Personal Growth, Citizenship, and Community inside and outside the classroom! This year I especially appreciate the support of the community and parents for your willingness to provide new programming for our students and time for our teachers. The Needham community is clearly devoted to its children and schools! It's an honor to serve as your superintendent. Please use your summer vacation to recharge your batteries and spend time with good friends and family. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400, ext. 203

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Apr '14

30 Apr '14

Dear Needham Families: I hope the Passover and Easter holidays and April break were peaceful and restful for your family. Allow me to share some important updates and information: • Thank You, Needham Community! Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to parents and the community for voting to support an extended day beginning next year in the Needham Schools. An expression of thanks and information about the new schedule can be found on my April blog post: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • iPads for High Rock The School Committee recently approved the launch of a new initiative designed to enhance teaching and learning at the secondary level, beginning at High Rock. In partnership with parents, beginning in September 2014, 6th grade students will bring iPads to school on a daily basis for use in the classroom and at home. Our goal in implementing the program is to strengthen student learning, increase student organization and confidence, and ensure that personalized learning experiences become routine–both for struggling students and students who require a more challenging curriculum. With this initiative, Needham will join several other communities, including Weston, Shrewsbury, Natick, Burlington, Wellesley, Millis, Hopkinton, and Bedford, all of whom are integrating the use of iPads or laptops into the educational program to engage students and improve the academic environment. In order for the program to be affordable, sustainable, and lasting over time, we need 85% of incoming 6th graders to bring their own iPad to school or to purchase/lease one from the district. (Families who otherwise can't afford an iPad may borrow one from the district.) Students will continue to use the iPad in the 7th and 8th grades. We are excited about this program and look forward to sharing our work and results with the community in the coming year. For more information about the program, click here: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/media_and_technology/iPad%20initiative ]iPads for High Rock: Enhanced Teaching and Personalized Learning • Congratulations to Staff! Needham High School teachers/coaches Cara O'Connell (Cross Country) and Drew Lawrence (Tennis) have been named 2014 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) State Coach of the Year in their respective sport. Newman's Kerri Smith has been selected as the MA Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) 2014 Teacher of the Year! Clearly these teachers and their peers exemplify the district's core values and commitment to Needham's children, and we are proud of them! • School Transportation 2014-15 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/ ]http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/transportation/ Finally, I had the pleasure of joining several Pollard teachers as one of the chaperones on the recent 8th grade field trip to Washington, DC. We had an outstanding experience visiting, among many different sites and venues, Smithsonian museums, the Capitol, U.S. Holocaust Museum, Mt. Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery. All of the students were polite, enthusiastic, respectful, inquisitive, and flexible when we had to be. They were outstanding ambassadors for Needham and a real pleasure to be with for four days. What can I say? We simply have superb young people in the Needham Public Schools! Thanks for sharing them with us. As always, I can be contacted via email: [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or by phone 781.455.0400, x203. Have a great week! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 19 Mar '14

19 Mar '14

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few updates: • Student Successes! Needham's students continue to shine! The Needham High School dance team placed second at the recent state championships and third in the New England Championship... Dozens of NHS artists recently participated in the annual Beth Shalom Garden Club Art in Bloom program held at Town Hall, the high school, and the Town Library... The Robotics Team recently participated in the state competition, and the girls team won the Promote Award to acknowledge their efforts in video design for the team... and the boys' winter track team was presented the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Sportsmanship Award for their teamwork, good spirit, and sense of fair play. All of these accolades are the result of our students' hard work, their parents' encouragement and support, and the extraordinary efforts of all of our teachers, pre-K through 12. • Interim Director of Student Support Services Last evening the School Committee appointed Ms. Mary Lammi to the position of interim Director of Student Support Services beginning July 1. Ms. Lammi will replace Christine Brumbach who is retiring after 33 successful years in education serving children and their families, most recently as Needham's Director of Student Development and Program Evaluation. In her new role Ms. Lammi will lead the district's Special Education, METCO, Guidance, Health Services, and Needham Community Education programs as well as provide broad support to ensure the learning needs of all students are met. Ms. Lammi has served in the district since 2009, first as the PreK– 5 Director of Special Education and more recently as the PreK– 8 Director of Special Education. In both capacities Mary has worked tirelessly to improve special education services for the youngest and often most vulnerable students in our district. Mary helped envision and now has successfully implemented a special education leadership structure throughout the district that is providing efficiencies and excellent programming for children. Her approach to problem-solving and program development has been excellent and has allowed school and community partnerships to thrive. Over the last few years she has worked very closely and collaboratively with the principals and central office staff to ensure a high level of special education programming. Additionally, her thoughtful and caring relationships with parents are built on trust, integrity, and a unique focus on the needs of individual children. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Mary Lammi! • School Committee Open House The School Committee will host an Open House Saturday morning, March 29th from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. in the Needham Public Library. The purpose of the Open House is to allow parents and community members to discuss ideas, issues, and concerns with the School Committee in an informal and conversational setting. The School Committee looks forward to seeing you! • Superintendent's Blog You may check out my latest post here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ Enjoy the rest of the week. (I think spring arrives in a day or two…) As always, I can be contacted via email: [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or by phone 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools

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Early Release Today, February 13, 2014
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

Dear Needham Families: We will have an early release schedule today, Thursday, February 13 due to the weather forecast. Additionally, there will be no PM Kindergarten or after school activities, including NEDP. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure student's get to and from school safely, and we navigate a rough winter! Enjoy the upcoming February vacation. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 18 Jan '14

18 Jan '14

Dear Needham Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year! Allow me also to share some important updates: • School Budget Hearing Tuesday, January 21st The School Committee is currently considering a budget plan for the 2014-15 school year (FY15). The budget plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding new teachers at the middle schools and the high school. The proposal also includes resources for technology and classroom support in each school. Additionally, the budget plan includes funds to support innovation and an extended day at the elementary and middle school level (See note below). The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure that resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. My recent blog post highlights the budget plan: [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog The School Committee urges you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn more about the budget proposal and share your comments, questions, and concerns. The School Committee wants to hear from parents, especially around the need for providing and innovative program with an extended day at the elementary and middle school levels. It will therefore be critical for parents, students, and the community to weigh in on the budget and offer your perspective and voice. You may view additional information and an outline of the proposed NPS budget on the district's website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY14%20Budget ]FY15 Budget Proposal • Innovation and Extended Learning in the Needham Schools The Needham Schools proposes to provide new programming at the elementary level and extend the learning for all students in grades K through 8. This supplemental proposal outlined as part of the proposed budget will add new programs and restore programs like Spanish that Needham's students participated in several years ago. For more information about the plan to provide for innovation and an extended day in the Needham Schools check out a new page, including links and FAQs, on the district's website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Extended_Time/ ]Innovation and Extended Learning in the Needham Public Schools • PARCC The Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Career is a consortium of states, including Massachusetts, that will pilot the next generation of tests. The PARCC Assessments will ultimately replace most of the MCAS our students take. In the spring a couple of classes in each Needham school will pilot the new PARCC Assessments prior to a planned and complete rollout for all students in 2015. Students and families will receive additional information in the coming weeks. To learn more about PARCC: http://www.parcconline.org/ • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Parents, students, and members of the community are invited to attend Monday's (January 20th) observance of Martin Luther King Day at Needham High School beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the school's auditorium. Please join the Needham Clergy Association, The Town of Needham Human Rights Committee, and the Needham Public Schools as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400 x 203 [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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

17 Dec '13

Dear Needham Families: Due to the weather forecast, the Needham Public Schools has canceled all after school activities, including scheduled athletic contests, practices, and all other student activities for today, Tuesday, December 17th. As a reminder: Please make sure you have updated your emergency contact information in PowerSchool ( http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/powerschool/index.htm ) in the event we must contact you for weather-related information, including school cancellations. Thank you, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few updates as we approach the holiday weekend: • 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 [ http://www.nefneedham.org/donate-trc.php ]NEF: Teacher Appreciation Cards 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 13, 2013. • School Space Several activities have taken place over the last few weeks resulting in two important decisions about Hillside and Mitchell, our oldest and most space-crunched school buildings. Special Town Meeting authorized $2.7 million to design and install four new modular classrooms at Mitchell to relieve the school’s overcrowded classrooms, hallways, and spaces. And last week the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) voted to move five Massachusetts school projects, including Hillside, forward into their construction grant process. This was the first of many steps that must be taken to secure funding from the MSBA and Needham’s voters to construct a new Hillside School. For both schools these are long anticipated and welcome projects! • Weather 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: [ https://powerschool.needham.k12.ma.us/public/ ]PowerSchool . 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. I believe it is important for students to be in school whenever it is possible. If it is projected to snow about three or four 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. • High School Athletics Congratulations to the Division I Championship girls' Cross Country Team for winning the state title last weekend. At the same time, senior Jake Shuman won the individual golf championship title! The girls' soccer and swim teams also received the prestigious Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) 2013 Sportsmanship Awards for displaying fair play, integrity, and good spirit on and off the field/pool. I believe the reason theses teams (and last year football, tennis, and soccer) received this important award is because of the girls' personal character and the hard work of all their coaches and teachers (PreK-12) who have emphasized important social and emotional lessons and skills over the years. They make us all proud! Finally, let me wish you and your families a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving Holiday. For those families celebrating the Festival of Lights, Happy Hanukkah! I am looking forward to picking up one of my daughters at Logan later this evening and driving home so we can join her younger sister and wonderful mom (and wife) for a peaceful holiday weekend. Like you, I am very thankful 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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