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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 07 Feb '13

07 Feb '13

Thursday, February 7th 3:11 p.m. Dear Needham Families: Due to the timing and nature of the approaching snowstorm, I am scheduling an early release day for tomorrow, Friday, February 8th. There will be no PM Kindergarten classes as well. Please also note the following: 1. All Friday afternoon and evening activities, practices, games, events are canceled. The schools will be closed after students and staff safely depart. 2. All Saturday and Sunday school activities are canceled. The schools will be closed over the weekend to give the maintenance staff time and space to clear walkways, driveways, parking areas, etc. The goal here is to ensure that roads, sidewalks, and schools are ready for students on Monday morning. In the event the weather pattern changes or conditions deteriorate earlier than presently anticipated, I will cancel school for the day and alert families as early in the morning as possible. However, my preference is to have at least a reduced day of classes tomorrow if we can do so safely. Many thanks for your cooperation and patience. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

Dear Needham Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year! Allow me also to share two important updates: • School Budget Hearing Tuesday, January 15th The School Committee is currently considering a 6.48% increase in the budget for the 2013-14 school year (FY14). 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 provides funding to strengthen math instruction at the elementary level and includes additional resources for technology and classroom support. 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. However, providing adequate resources for the schools has become increasingly challenging, especially when local, state, and Federal revenues are uncertain. My blog posting shares some of the challenges we are facing this budget season: [ 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 additional classroom teachers and whether or not the School Committee should increase school bus transportation fees due to rising costs for bus service. It will 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 ]FY14 School Budget Proposal • High School Parent Conference It's not too late to sign up for what promises to be an outstanding parent conference scheduled for this Saturday, January 12th at Needham High School. A sneak preview: Keynote- "Befriending Fear: Building Resilience to deal with Teenage Anxiety" Dr. Ron Siegel, Clinical Psychologist, Harvard Medical School. Adolescence is a time of many transitions, and transitions often cause anxiety. Learning to address fears can help our children successfully navigate the often choppy waters of the teenage years. This presentation will offer an alternative to traditional strategies such as avoidance, distraction, perfectionism and self-medication. After the Keynote Address, parents can choose from 3 of 12 parent workshops. Register now: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2471040950 Link for detailed description of the Keynote and each workshop: https://sites.google.com/site/needhamhighschoolptc/parenting-conference 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 21 Dec '12

21 Dec '12

Dear Needham Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Allow me also to share two items of interest: • School Budget Hearing The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 6.48% increase in the budget for the 2013-14 school year (FY14). The budget plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding teachers at High Rock, Pollard, and the high school, and the proposal also provides funding to maintain existing programs throughout the district. 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 we require to move school programs forward, especially in a difficult economic climate. You may view the plan and additional information about the budget on our website: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY14%20Budget The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. • Superintendent's Blog My post for December can be found on the district's website: 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 14 Dec '12

14 Dec '12

Dear Needham Families: I am at a loss for words this evening as I write to express both grief and outrage over the tragic and senseless loss of innocent children and the adults who cared for them in Newtown, Connecticut. Like you, I am in shock over this abominable crime, especially knowing it occurred during what should be a peaceful, joyful, and holy season for so many of our families. Needham's principals and I met late this afternoon to check in with one another and discuss appropriate plans for the return of students to classes next Monday morning and throughout the week. I would like to share the following information: • The principals will meet with their entire faculty and staff early on Monday morning and before students arrive to discuss how to be prepared for students. Each teacher will receive information and a script about what to do and/or say in the event a student raises a concern or questions about the tragedy. • Guidance counselors, nurses, and others will be available and accessible in each building to respond to children's concerns and needs as necessary and appropriate. • The principals will email parents over the next few days and as necessary to share information and updates about the school's response and any concerns. • The principals suggest 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 today's events: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx Finally, let me take this opportunity to reassure parents that we take school safety and security very seriously in the Needham Public Schools. Of course we can never guarantee that nothing would ever happen in one of our schools or in the community. What we can do is be planful, vigilant, and proactive, particularly when it comes to our children's safety. We review, plan, and practice emergency responses and protocols with students and staff throughout the year. We collaborate closely with the Needham Police and other public safety and health officials to review plans and procedures to maximize school safety and security. The principals know that attending to student and school safety is their first and most important priority. Over the next several days and many months to come, the heartwrenching details and pictures will emerge as all of us try and wrap our heads around and comprehend the depths of this terror. For now all we can do is pray for the victims, their families, and the parents who are grieving tonight over the loss of a beautiful little boy or girl. Tonight let's also make sure we hug and kiss our own children and reassure them they are safe and that we love them. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400, x 203

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 Nov '12

25 Nov '12

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few updates as we conclude the Thanksgiving Holiday and begin a new week: • NEF Symposium I am encouraging Needham parents to attend a unique conversation and discussion to be held at Newman. This week the Needham Education Foundation (NEF) is sponsoring a symposium entitled: Flipped Classrooms and Broken Silos: Education Trends in Needham and Beyond on Wednesday evening, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Newman. Educators, business leaders, and students will participate in a discussion about 21st Century trends in education. Robert Martello (Olin College), Mark Somerville (Olin College), Kirby Salerno (Co-founder Classroom Window), Mark Chang (Director of Product edX), and Leah Alpert (NHS alum and MIT student) will all participate on a panel discussion followed by a dessert reception. The program will provide a great opportunity to learn more about and discuss some of the ideas, issues, and trends we see as important in Needham's classrooms. For more information and to register: http://www.nefneedham.org/ • District Goals The School Committee recently approved ambitious goals for the school year. You may download the goals statement by clicking on the appropriate link under the "News" section of the district's homepage: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ • A Conversation for Parents of Teens Needham Youth Services presents a discussion entitled: “What a parent needs to know about teen risk taking behaviors” and is scheduled for Tuesday, December 4th. This program runs from 5:30 – 7:30 pm and a light dinner will be served. This interactive program is limited to nine (9) parents a night where participants hear/share stories and receive feedback in a comfortable and confidential setting. Registration information can be found online at [ http://www.needhamma.gov/youth/2012fallprograms ]www.needhamma.gov/youth/2012fallprograms (see page #5). Learn more about this program and other upcoming nights and topics at: www.needhamma.gov/youth/aconversation • Soccer and West Side Story Congratulations to the NHS boys' soccer team for winning the Division I State Championship at Worcester State University. Our young men won the game with great skill, athleticism, and sportsmanship, the very same qualities they exhibited all season. Kudos also to the NHS cast and crew of West Side Story which played to sold out houses last weekend and raised thousands of dollars for the It Gets Better Foundation, an organization devoted to supporting gay and lesbian youth. Have a great week at work and school! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 8:01 p.m. Dear Needham Families: It is my expectation that the Needham Public Schools will open on time tomorrow, Wednesday, October 31st. This evening I attended a meeting with Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick and Needham's public safety officials to review plans for continuing tree, power line, and debris clean up. Town, utility, and public safety officials are working very hard to restore power to isolated areas in Needham, and they are focused on having roads ready for the morning commute. • All schools have power and will be ready for classes tomorrow. • Crews will continue to work throughout the day to continue their repair and clean up efforts. • Students and all commuters must take extra time to get to school/work and be careful at those few intersections where power is still out or tree limbs remain on the side of the road or are blocking the sidewalk. In some cases wet leaves may cover branches or wires that have been cut and are not live; students walking to school should take their time, watch where they are stepping, and be alert. • Buses will likely be delayed, and the drivers have been encouraged to take their time to ensure safety. • Students, staff, and parents should be careful and plan extra time to get to school. A few parents have told me they do not wish to be contacted by phone early in the morning in the event of a weather-related school cancellation. If you wish to opt out of our weather-related school cancellation notification system please follow the instructions posted on the district's website: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ Under Hot Topics on the left side of the page, click No School/Two Hour Delay to download a PDF detailing instructions. Finally, my most recent blog post can be found here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ I appreciate everyone's patience and look forward to a full day of classes tomorrow. Take your time and be safe. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:21 a.m. Dear Needham Families: As you may know by now, school has been canceled in Needham today, Tuesday, October 30th. I made the decision after driving around town early this morning and after consulting with public safety folks. While most of the town is safe and has power, there are isolated areas of no power, including one or two key intersections. In addition, downed lines on a couple of elementary school sidewalks and near High Rock and Pollard will make some, part, or all of those campuses inaccessible until work crews take care of limbs and lines. When I was at the scene of these downed lines at 4:00 this morning, there were no signs of any utility trucks working, so I have assumed they will not be working in time for a safe, orderly, and trouble free morning commute. Like you, I am very disappointed we are not having school today, but I had to act with an abundance of caution. I hope our students will take every opportunity to catch up on schoolwork and spend some time reading today in preparation for a full day of classes tomorrow. Stay safe and warm. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

Dear Needham Families: Two quick reminders: • Newman Homecoming Parent and members of the community are invited to attend an open house and "Homecoming" celebration at Newman tomorrow, Thursday, October 18th from 3:30 until 5:00 p.m. Please stop by and see the renovated building and classrooms! • School Committee Open House The Needham School Committee will hold its fall Open House this Saturday, October 20th at the Hillside Elementary School located at 28 Glen Gary Road. 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. 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! Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D. 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 06 Sep '12

06 Sep '12

Dear Needham Families: Welcome to the 2012-13 school 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 back almost 5,500 students into the Needham Public Schools, and we successfully re-opened Newman on time and within the planned budget. Please check out the [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog to learn more and see photos of the project. 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. 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://www.needhamma.gov/youth/2012fallprograms • 2012 Performance Report (PR) The 2012 NPS PR has been mailed out and will arrive in your home shortly. The report provides detailed information about Needham's schools, programs, and student achievement. We are very proud of the report and hope you find it valuable and useful. • Hillside and Mitchell Planning A new information page on the NPS website provides links and updates about planning for renovations and/or construction at Hillside and Mitchell. Please check it out: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Hillside_and_Mitchell_Planning/ • 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. • Needham Education Foundation The NEF, which over the years has supported over 400 enrichment grants in our schools, was chosen to be part of the 2012 Chase Community Giving program. As a nominee, the NEF now has the opportunity to win up to $250,000 by getting the most votes on Facebook starting September 6th through September 19th. I encourage you to cast your vote before then at [ http://www.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving ]www.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving to help the NEF continue to fund programs that add value to your child’s education in the Needham Public Schools. Chase awards will range from $10,000 to $250,000. It’s a win-win, because all the money that the NEF brings in goes right back out to our students. Please vote today! You can learn more at [ http://www.nefneedham.org ]http://www.nefneedham.org. 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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Invitation from the Town of Needham
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Dear Needham Families: The Town of Needham invites interested families to watch U.S. Olympian and recent Needham High School graduate Aly Raisman perform in the all around woman's gymnastic competition tomorrow, Thursday, August 2 at 11:30 a.m. on the big screen at Town Hall (Powers Hall, 2nd floor). Attendance is limited to the first 300 people and the doors open at 10:45 a.m. Come and cheer Aly on as she competes in the all-around competition. Congratulations to Aly and best wishes to her and her family. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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