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School Committee Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 Oct '13

28 Oct '13

Dear Needham Families: School Committee Chairman Joe Barnes has requested that I forward the following link so parents can read a letter he sent to the Park and Recreation Commission: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/superintendent/documents/ParkRecreation.pdf ]School Committee Letter to Park and Recreation . Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 [ 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 25 Oct '13

25 Oct '13

Dear Needham Families: We have had a wonderful school opening this fall! I have visited many classrooms in each school and I can assure you the energy is high and the focus clear as students and teachers get to know one another and settle in for a great year of learning. The high school athletic teams are enjoying a successful fall season; Pollard students spent part of a school day this week discussing the impact of bullying and cyber-bullying; and almost 300 young "engineers" at Hillside developed and designed tools and technology as part of that school's engineering extravaganza last weekend. It's a real honor and joy to work with such talented students, teachers, and coaches! Allow me to share a few updates as we conclude the week: • School Committee Open House The Needham School Committee will hold its fall Open House tomorrow, Saturday, October 26th at the Mitchell Elementary School located 187 Brookline Street. The Open House will be held from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. and provides an informal opportunity for the School Committee to hear from parents and community members. Principal Mike Schwinden will also be available to take you on a tour of the building to explain some of the space challenges Mitchell has as the district's enrollment continues to climb. Enjoy a cup of coffee and say hello to your School Committee, ask a question, or make a suggestion. They are eager to meet you! • Committee on Extended Time A committee representing teachers, administrators, and the School Committee met recently to propose an extension of the school day that would provide new programming for elementary students and additional collaboration and planning time for all teachers, K-12. The report is available here as a PDF: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/student_development/documents/CET_SC_101513.p… ]Extended Time in the Needham Public Schools , and I encourage parents to read this important report and provide feedback. • Congratulations Professional Status Staff! Congratulations to our teachers who were honored recently at the Needham Golf Club for achieving Professional Status after three intensive years of mentoring, supervision, and hard work in the Needham Schools: Sarah Cole, Pollard Mary Beth Graham, Pollard Brent Concilio, NHS Peter Alexopoulos, Pollard Rachel Cuddeback, Pollard Manisha Patel, Pollard Patrick Kerr, Eliot Deanna Detorie, NHS Laurie Blakely, Broadmeadow Erica Wright, Pollard Jennifer Person, Eliot Andrew Sgro, NHS Erin McGuire, High Rock Elizabeth Cushing, NHS Kelly Hurley, PreK-6 Stephen Plasko, NHS Jonathan Bourn, NHS Laura Hindermann, Newman We are proud of them and happy they have reached this milestone. • Needham Schools Spotlight The latest program, featuring School Committee Chair Joe Barnes and Vice-Chair Michael Greis, is available on cable or you can watch it here: http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/index.htm • Stay in Touch This Year! You may find the Superintendent's Blog here: [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ And you can follow me on Twitter as well: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt It is my intention to use Twitter as an additional way to announce weather related school closings, so please follow me to stay informed and updated. Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400, x203 [ 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 06 Sep '13

06 Sep '13

Dear Needham Families: Welcome to the 2013-14 school year and Happy Rosh Hashanah to our families celebrating the Jewish New Year! I certainly hope you and your family enjoyed a restful summer break and a smooth transition to the new academic year. This week we welcomed over 5,500 students into the Needham Public Schools and once again this year our enrollment is up. I 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 weekends setting up classrooms and preparing for your children. As we head into the weekend and the first full week of school, allow me to share some information and updates: • 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 know that attending to student and school safety is their first and most important priority. As a district and community we take school security very seriously, and we also collaborate closely with the Needham Police and other public safety and health officials to review plans and procedures to maximize school safety and security. Principals and teachers review, plan, and practice emergency responses and protocols with students and staff throughout the year. As we begin a new year, know that we will continue to be vigilant around student safety. Please share with your child's principal any questions, concerns, or suggestions you might have to ensure your child' experience at school is healthy and secure. • 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://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=79 • Online Fee Payments Parents may now make online fee payments for Transportation, School Lunch, and High School Athletics. For more information: [ https://www1.mcc.net/OneSource/OSPayer/ePayer_Login.aspx?DID=W/omnUnBLYUC0y… ]Needham Public Schools Online Fee Payment • Stay in Touch This Year! You may find the Superintendent's Blog here: [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ And you can follow me on Twitter as well: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt 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 Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 27 Jun '13

27 Jun '13

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a couple items with you as the school year concludes: • 2012-13 Parent/ Staff/ Student Survey We shared with the School Committee last week that we have had an unprecedented response to the spring administration of our survey: Over 52% of our students' parents completed the survey and 85% of the staff participated as well. The student participation rate was over 70%. We are just now compiling the data to share with principals who will, in turn, review the results with staff and parents in the fall. Read my latest blog post to learn more about the survey results: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • District Goals Report Last week the School Committee also heard an update about the progress of the 2012-13 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/ 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! As I visit schools and classrooms, I observe enthusiastic and confident young people who are eager to share their knowledge and help one another grow and achieve. 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! I am honored to serve as your superintendent of schools. Please use your summer vacation to recharge your batteries and spend time with good friends and family. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent 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 06 May '13

06 May '13

Dear Needham Families: • School Security Many thanks to parents who have adjusted to a new procedure in our elementary and middle schools where we now use a buzzer/video recognition system to admit visitors once the school day has begun. So far the new system seems to work well and helps promote school and student safety. The sign in desk at the high school’s main entrance has also helped the staff there to manage and assist school visitors. In our continuing efforts to ensure our elementary schools are safe, beginning next Monday, May 13th we will implement a new protocol after 4:00 p.m. when the school offices close and most students have departed for the day. A few after school programs, including Needham Community Education (NCE) and the Needham Extended Day Program (NEDP), continue to operate in our schools, sometimes into the evening. After 4:00 p.m. the school doors will remain locked and visitors to the schools will only be admitted by the appropriate NCE or NEDP staff. The goal is to ensure the schools are secured, allowing NCE and NEDP staff to concentrate on providing quality after school care for students rather than focusing their attention and efforts on building security. Of course, locked doors may inconvenience some parents who wish to walk right into the building and to a classroom to escort their child to and from an after school program. The staff is aware of the new protocol and will communicate with parents about appropriate pick up and drop off procedures that balance parent access with student safety. We will evaluate the new protocol at the conclusion of school in June to determine what adjustments may be necessary for next year. I appreciate your patience, understanding, and support while we implement this new safety procedure in our elementary schools. • Needham Community Farm The NCF is a local non-profit organization that has partnered over the last few years with the Needham Schools to provide educational experiences for our students both at their site at Newman and at Nike (located off Pine Street). The NCF has many community and educational programs, and I encourage you to learn more about them by visiting their website: http://needhamfarm.org/ • School Transportation 2013-14 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/ • Superintendent's Blog My recent post about my trip to the Daxing School District in Beijing can be found here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ 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 21 Apr '13

21 Apr '13

Sunday, April 21st 8:45 p.m. Dear Needham Families: As we approach the beginning of a new week, let me take this opportunity to reassure you that we are prepared for a full day of classes tomorrow and will be able to provide the support some of our students may need to cope with last week's bombing at the Boston Marathon and its aftermath. Please know that we will be ready to respond to any students who raise questions or who seem to be having any difficulties related to what occurred. Parents who are concerned about their child or whose family has been affected by the tragedies should contact the school so that we can help your child. The following document, entitled A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope, may provide parents and all caring adults with some ideas and age appropriate responses to recent events: [ http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx ]http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx I learned of last week's events while I was traveling with Broadmeadow Principal Emily Gaberman to Beijing, China to visit schools in the Daxing School District where we are working to establish a formal partnership between our schools. Initially our Chinese hosts expressed concern and sympathy for the terror attack and the deaths and injuries. They wanted to make sure we were OK and did we know anyone who might have been directly impacted. We quickly learned, however, that a Chinese graduate student, whose family lives outside Beijing, was one of three bystanders killed. It was our turn to express sympathy to our Chinese hosts and provided an opportunity for all of us to recognize our common humanity and connection to one another even though we were half a world away from a horrific incident that nevertheless hit close to home. Now more than ever let's also work together to ensure that no group, ethnic or religious, is blamed or targeted for the evil and malevolent acts of one or two insidious individuals. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Let us know if we can assist your child or family. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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

24 Mar '13

Dear Needham Families: A couple of quick updates to begin a new week: • School Committee Open House The School Committee will host an Open House this coming Saturday morning, March 30th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the Mitchell Elementary School media center. 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. Parents and community members will also have the opportunity to see Mitchell, one of two elementary schools in need of significant renovation. The School Committee looks forward to seeing you! • Calendar Many folks have inquired recently about the last day of school for Needham's children. Presently, the last day of classes is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26th. However, given the fickle New England weather it seems prudent to wait a couple more weeks before confirming a final school day for the Needham Public Schools. I appreciate your patience. Let me take this opportunity to wish our families a Happy Passover and Easter. Enjoy this season with your family and friends. Have a great week. 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 of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few brief updates as we begin a new week: • School Committee Open House The School Committee will host an Open House on Saturday morning, March 30th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the Mitchell Elementary School media center. 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. Parents and community members will also have the opportunity to see Mitchell, one of two elementary schools in need of significant renovation. The School Committee looks forward to seeing you! • Superintendent's Blog I encourage parents to read my most recent post of the [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog and complete the brief survey included at the end of the blog. Thanks for taking the time to read, comment if you wish, and complete a three question survey! • School Transportation 2013-14 Within the next few weeks applications are being delivered to all Needham Public Schools for students in grades 1-12 offering school bus transportation for the school year 2013-2014. Applications will be sent home with your children. Please review all the information and return completed applications to the Transportation Department at 1330 Highland Avenue by May 15, 2013 to be guaranteed a seat on the bus. 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/ • Les Mis For details about this weekend's performance of the Needham High School musical production of Les Mis click here: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/FPA/NHS%20Musical ]NHS Musical Information Have a great week. As always, I can be contacted via email: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or by phone 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 Mar '13

08 Mar '13

Friday, March 8, 2013 7:20 a.m. Dear Needham Families: Weather reports indicate that the snow will taper off later this morning, so I believe a two-hour delay is appropriate. The Town's road crews are out and about and doing a good job and plowing school walking and drive areas. The Needham bus drivers are prepared to drive and are confident about their buses. Sidewalks may still be covered with snow, so students need to exercise caution. Everyone should take time commuting to school. If you feel the conditions in your neighborhood are unsafe and you would prefer to keep your child home, please know that, of course, I respect your decision. If I feel that the weather conditions will deteriorate further causing us to cancel school, I will notify parents immediately. I appreciate your patience. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Feb '13

10 Feb '13

Sunday, February 10, 2013 Dear Needham Families: There will be a two hour delayed opening in the Needham Public Schools tomorrow, Monday, February 11th. There will be no morning Kindergarten. Let me take this opportunity to urge parents and students to exercise caution, cooperation, and common sense on your way to school tomorrow and throughout the week. Please drive students to school as necessary, leave ample time to navigate congested streets, and carpool with a friend or neighbor. The Town is working overtime to clear streets, lots, and sidewalks of the snowfall. But it will take the better part of a week to clear every pathway and reduce mounds of snow obstructing some intersections. School parking lots have been cleared, but parking spaces have been reduced; this is especially true at the high school where student drivers are urged to carpool or be dropped off this week. Other important information: • Schools will be dismissed at their regular times. • Noon meal will be served at the regular times in all school cafeterias. • Kindergarten a.m. session and Preschool a.m. sessions: canceled • KASE a.m. session: Mitchell, Hillside, and Broadmeadow canceled; Eliot and Newman – 2-hour delay • All KASE p.m. sessions will be held at their regularly scheduled times. • Needham Extended Day Program (NEDP) before-school program will be closed; all after-school programs will be open. Many thanks for your patience, understanding, and assistance. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of the Needham Public Schools

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