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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Jul '12

16 Jul '12

Dear Needham Families: I hope you and your children are enjoying the summer weather! Allow me to share three brief updates: • Hillside and Mitchell The architects recently completed a prefeasibility study to review and consider options for renovating and/or replacing the Hillside and Mitchell elementary schools. You may download the final report shared with the School Committee last week by looking under the "News" section of the district's website: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ • Newman As a reminder, the Newman campus is closed this summer while the modular classrooms are removed and the school site is readied in preparation for the new school year. If you need to contact the Newman office, you may call: 781-455-0416 • Superintendent's Blog My recent posting is a salute to the Class of 2012: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ Enjoy the weeks ahead, 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 20 Jun '12

20 Jun '12

Dear Needham Families: Now that the school year has concluded and summer is upon us, allow me to update you on a few items: • District Goals Report Last evening, the School Committee heard an update about the progress of the 2011-12 district goals. Please look under the News section of the NPS website to view the update and learn more about the work of our teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members as we collaborate to support the Needham Schools: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ • Student Leadership and Service Recently, several Needham High School students were featured on the [ http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/TV-nps/index.htm ]Needham Schools Spotlight Cable Show discussing their leadership and community service within the high school and community. I encourage you to take the time to watch and learn about the exceptional work of our students. • Newman Update The Newman renovation and repair project is moving forward on schedule and will be ready for students in the fall. Today, just one day after students and staff left the building, the modular classrooms are already being dismantled and the driveway and parking lots rebuilt! It has been a very long and often tedious process for the students, staff, and parents as we worked with the Town to renovate the building and replace the heating and ventilation systems there. I appreciate the tremendous teamwork, resilience, patience, and good humor of the Newman community as this project has unfolded over the last four years. The entire Newman campus and school is closed for the summer due to construction and we ask community members to avoid the site while final work is underway. The Ms. Peterson, Mr. Bayse, and the Newman office staff will be temporarily located at the Eliot School this summer. • New Assistant Special Education Director (PreK-8) I am pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Tzovolos has accepted my offer to be Needham's Assistant Special Education Director in grades PreK-8. Paul is currently the assistant principal at the Goode School in Middleborough where he also worked as a special education facilitator and teacher. Paul has experience as a middle school special education teacher in Walpole and West Roxbury, and he received both his BA and M.Ed. at Boston College. More recently, Paul earned his CAGS in Educational Administration at Bridgewater State College. Paul brings with him many strengths tailor-made for this new position: superb communication, organizational, and data-driven decision-making skills as well as a quiet but strong passion for student learning and growth. Paul is smart, eager to learn, and keen to make an impact on student achievement and special education service delivery in our classrooms and schools. Paul has a strong work ethic, and he is ready to begin a new chapter in his career in the Needham Public Schools working with the staff and as part of our new PreK-8 Special Education Director's team. • Congratulations Boys' Tennis! Last week the NHS boys' tennis team, under the careful guidance of math teacher and Coach Drew Lawrence, won another Division I State Championship, again versus St. John's (Shrewsbury)! Additionally, at the outset of the championship match, the coach and tennis team were honored to receive from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) the prestigious 2012 Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded to only one team in the state. It is a huge accolade and a real testament to the integrity, honor, fair play, and sportsmanship our athletes displayed throughout the season. Congratulations to the outstanding young men on our tennis team! They represent the best of our students! • Superintendent's Blog You may find my latest posting (a salute to volunteers in the Needham Schools) here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ Finally, please know that I continue to be so impressed with Needham's young people and the work they have accomplished. Of course, we recognize that parents are their first and most important teachers, and we appreciate all you do to support our efforts in the classroom and schoolhouse. As I visit the schools, I observe enthusiastic and confident students who are eager to share their knowledge and help one another. It is clear that they embody the district's values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth inside and outside of the classroom. I am very proud to be your superintendent of schools! Best wishes for a safe and healthy summer with your family and friends. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D Superintendent dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400, x203

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 29 May '12

29 May '12

Dear Needham Families: As the year draws to a close, please allow me to share some important information and updates: • World Language Program Review--Parent Focus Group This year the Needham Public Schools, as part of its regular curriculum review cycle, is examining the World Language program. We are very interested in learning what parents think about world language instruction in general as well as in their perceptions about their child's experiences in the program. Responses to our parent survey last month yielded a wealth of information but also raised a few questions that we would like to explore further within a focus group setting. On May 31, 2012, we will be holding a parent focus group from 7:30 PM-8:15 p.m. The group will meet in the second floor conference room at the school administration building and will be facilitated by an outside evaluator who is assisting with the program review. Debbie Watters, our Director of World Languages, will be available after the session to meet with participants for questions or further discussion. If you are interested in helping with the World Language program review by participating in this focus group, please email Corinne MacDonald in the Office of Program Development by Tuesday, May 29, 2012 (corinne_macdonald(a)needham.k12.ma.us) Include your name, your child's grade level, and language studied. We will confirm your participation by May 30, 2012 via email and provide you with logistical details. We encourage you to consider attending this session. The collective voices of our parents, students, teachers, and administrators will help guide the course of World Language instruction and program development in the district for the next five to ten years. • Hillside/Mitchell Prefeasibility Study The School Committee and Permanent Public Building Committee have engaged an architect to study options for the renovation and/or replacement of the Hillside and Mitchell elementary schools. The architect will present a final draft report to the School Committee on June 5th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow, and parents and members of the community are encouraged to attend or tune in and listen to the presentation. My recent blog post details some of the ideas and thinking around options for both schools: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ • Congratulations to our Retiring Staff! Last week we celebrated the retirements of several colleagues who will leave us at the conclusion of this school year after a combined 164 years of service to the children of Needham: Margaret Crowley (Hillside), Betty Morgan and Dale Jovin (Eliot), Joel Neiditz (High Rock), Dorothy Furgason and Paula Martin (Pollard), Jacques Bignet, David Cournoyer, Susan Klingerman, and Christine Mirabile (Needham High School) Please join us as we congratulate our staff and wish them well as they pursue new adventures. Enjoy the week ahead. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates with you: • World Language Survey The district is in the midst of a world language curriculum program review. As part of that review, we want to survey parents about their thoughts, perceptions, and ideas around world language curriculum and instruction in the Needham Public Schools. I will appreciate it if you will take a few minutes to complete the survey and provide much needed feedback. You can access the survey here: http://www.elisten.com/web30/surveys/A69C0A3CBAED47178FE9214ECF0FDB97 We will share the results of the survey when we present the final report to the School Committee next fall. Many thanks for your assistance. • Middle School Community Week The High Rock and Pollard Middle School PTC is organizing its first ever Community Week, April 23-28, 2012. Community Week involves speakers, book discussion groups, and a presentation of a relevant film. Each night will focus on a different topic or theme representing the diversity evident in our community with the goal of making our middle schools more welcoming and inclusive. The week concludes with a “Walk for Respect and Inclusion” at Pollard Middle School. You can find more information and program details here: [ http://pollard.needham.k12.ma.us/main/Community%20Announcements ]Community Week Information • School Transportation 2012-2013 Please return completed bus applications to the Transportation Department at 1330 Highland Avenue by May 1, 2012 to be guaranteed a seat on the bus for the 2012-13 school year. Applications turned in after May 1st will result in a $50 late fee. If you do not receive an application or have any questions, please call the Transportation Department at 781-455-0400 x234. 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 You may find my latest posting on the NPS website: [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ Finally, the last day of school is scheduled as an early release day for students on Tuesday, June 19th. Enjoy the upcoming April vacation with family and friends! As always, please contact me 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 21 Mar '12

21 Mar '12

Dear Needham Families: Please allow me to share a few updates on this perfect spring day: • School Committee Open House The School Committee will hold its annual spring Open House in the Needham Library from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012. This is an informal opportunity for parents, community members, students, and staff to meet members of the School Committee and share ideas, concerns, and ask questions. Please stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your School Committee! • School Transportation 2012-2013 Within the next two weeks applications are being delivered to all Needham Public Schools for students in grades 1-12 offering school bus transportation for the school year 2012-2013. 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 1, 2011 to be guaranteed a seat on the bus. Applications turned in after May 1st will result in a $50 late fee. If you do not receive an application or have any questions, please call the Transportation Department at 781-455-0400 x234. 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/ • Staff News and Recognition Let me take this opportunity to offer congratulations to several folks in the Needham Schools who have earned significant and unique recognitions recently and bring honor to our community: - Kudos and congratulations to our lunch professionals in the cafeterias, especially the High Rock school and kitchen staff and Food Services Director Ruth Griffin who were presented with the first ever Healthier US School Challenge Gold with Distinction Award last week at a ceremony at High Rock sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. High Rock is the first school in Massachusetts to be so honored! Several folks were involved in making the award happen at High Rock, including: Cafeteria Manager Barbara Buckley, and her staff, Karen Langille, Lisa Butera, Cathy Pulster, Elizabeth Harris; Wellness Director Kathy Pinkham; teachers Jon Grant, Guy Enoch, and Principal Jessica Downey. You can read more about the award here: [ http://needham.patch.com/articles/high-rock-school-first-in-ma-to-receive-p… ]High Rock School First in Massachusetts To Receive Prestigious Health Award - Congratulations to NPS Finance Director Anne Gulati whose efforts around a clear and transparent budget have once again resulted in the Meritorious Award for Excellence in Budget Presentation offered by the Association of School Business Officers International. Needham is one of a 123 school districts (out of over 14,000 nationally) receiving this prestigious award. - Mitchell teacher Seth Evans will be flown out to California where he will be honored by Stanford University. One of Seth's former students has been selected as a recipient of the Terman Engineering Scholastic Award for distinguished academic performance at Stanford. Terman Awards are presented to only the top five percent of each year's senior engineering class. Each recipient invites the pre-college teacher who was most influential in guiding them during the formative stages of their academic career. Congratulations, Mr. Evans! - Best wishes and congratulations are also in order for NHS librarian Ann Perham who was recently notified that she will receive the Goldin Award for Excellence in Education later this spring. For more information about this prestigious award and to learn more about Ann's work in the Needham Schools: http://www.goldinfoundation.org/ Allow me to extend my appreciation and best wishes to all of our teachers and administrators who through their quiet and humble work are witnesses to our core values and make the Needham Public Schools one of the finest school systems in the Commonwealth. • Congratulations! The cast and crew of the high school's production of the musical The Drowsy Chaperone should take a bow for outstanding performances over this past weekend. The students were superb, and they were led by several enthusiastic and committed teachers and parent volunteers who devoted countless hours to the show's success. Congratulations are also in order for the NHS Dance Team which has again won the State Dance Championship! This is the team's third title in four years! The dancers and Coach Paula Callanan deserve our praise for this unprecedented accomplishment. The talent, creativity, and dedication evident in our students is a compliment to their parents and families who support, guide, and love them. Thanks for sharing them with us each day. As always, I can be reached at [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Jan '12

10 Jan '12

Dear Needham Families: Let me take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year! Allow me also to share two important updates: • Budget Hearing The School Committee is currently considering a 5.7% increase in the budget for the 2012-13 school year (FY13). The budget plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding new teachers at High Rock, Pollard and the high school, and the proposal also provides funding to maintain existing programs. 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 schools has become increasingly challenging, especially as Federal stimulus dollars are depleted and local and state 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 encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 17th 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 significantly 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 ]FY13 Proposed School Budget • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Parents, students, and members of the community are invited to attend next Monday's (January 16th) 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 "Bring the dream to Needham... and live the dream together!" As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools 781.455.0400 x 203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 11 Dec '11

11 Dec '11

Dear Needham Families: I have received some inquiries from parents about holiday gifts to teachers and staff and thought it would be helpful to remind you of guidelines I sent last year at this time. Over the years, Needham parents have proven to be extremely thoughtful and generous when it comes to thanking teachers and other staff for their work with their children. Unfortunately, gift giving has become more complicated each year, and now specific state ethics laws, policies, and regulations 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 even to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF). In turn the PTC may provide funds for an educational gift to the classroom, and the NEF provides funds for innovative educational programs. These organizations have well-established procedures for the distribution of funds to schools and individual classrooms, and such donations are not affected by either School Committee policy or the State Ethics Commission 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. Rules and policy aside, it should be noted that the generosity of some individuals and groups has also raised questions as to the appropriateness of holiday and end-of-year gifts to staff. While saying thank you to a teacher or school employee who has had a profound influence on a child is commendable, I am concerned that there may be an expectation that staff gifts are required at certain times of the school year. That is certainly not the case, and I want to be very clear on this point. While I believe expressions of appreciation and letters or notes thanking people are highly treasured by the staff, no family or individual should feel obligated or pressured to do anything more for a school employee. I am not attempting to discourage gift giving or saying thank you to a special employee. Rather, my purpose is to point out the state law and enlist voluntary compliance with these requirements. Parents with questions are encouraged to speak with the principal or call me directly. Many thanks for your help, cooperation, and good spirit! Sincerely, Dan 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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Needham Public Schools Open October 31, 2011
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 31 Oct '11

31 Oct '11

Dear Needham Families: The power is back on at all of our schools and we will be open today, Monday, October 31st. Some sidewalks may have downed limbs, so please advise your children to walk carefully to school. Thank you, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 Oct '11

30 Oct '11

Sunday, October 30, 2011 Dear Needham Families: Please allow me to update you on weather-related conditions in the Needham Schools and community. As of this evening at 6:45 p.m. two of our schools, Broadmeadow and Mitchell are without power (although Broadmeadow is operating some systems on its emergency generator). Those neighborhoods are also affected by power outages. Additionally, some streets in Town still have a few downed limbs and power lines. We are still planning to have school as scheduled tomorrow, Monday, October 31st. However, if the power does not return to the affected schools in sufficient time to open the schools safely and with adequate heat, we will cancel school. Town public safety officials are working very hard with the utilities to restore power and ensure we can travel to school safely tomorrow. In the event a cancellation is necessary, I will send a message out as soon as I can through email and phone using our communication system, School Messenger. Many thanks for your patience and understanding. Travel safely tomorrow, Dan Gutekanst

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Oct '11

04 Oct '11

Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share two updates: • NEF Symposium The Needham Education Foundation (NEF) is sponsoring a symposium entitled: Expanding the Dialog: What Do Kids Need to Succeed in the 21st Century? on Tuesday, October 11th at Olin College from 7:30 until 9:30 p.m. In partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education project, Pathways to Prosperity, the NEF will explore the following questions and more: Is a traditional, four-year college education always the best path for a student? As college drop out rates rise and the young adult unemployment reaches new levels, what are alternatives for young adults? The program is free but space limited. Please visit http://www.nefneedham.org/ for more information and to RSVP. • School Committee Open House November 5th The Needham School Committee will hold its fall Open House, this year on Saturday, November 5th in the Needham High School cafeteria during the annual [ http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=3694 ]Needham Rotary Club Pancake Scholarship Breakfast. The Open House will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and provides an informal opportunity for the School Committee to hear from parents and community members. Grab a stack of pancakes and stop by to 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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