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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 18 Sep '11

18 Sep '11

Dear Needham Families: Welcome to the 2011-12 school year! I certainly hope you and your family enjoyed a restful summer break and a smooth transition to the new academic year. We have welcomed almost 5,500 students into the Needham Public Schools over the last few weeks, and we successfully opened a satellite campus for Newman's Preschoolers and Kindergartners at Pollard. The logistics have been challenging, and we still need to improve the efficiency of our transportation plans for our Newman families (who have been exceptionally patient and gracious throughout!). Overall, 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. I am especially grateful to the Pollard and Newman school communities for enduring last minutes delays and schedule disruptions as we prepared for the opening of school. As we approach the third week of school, allow me to share some information and updates: • Coordinated Program Review The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently completed a Coordinated Program Review (CPR) of our district's Special Education, English Language Learner, and Title I programs as well as a Civil Rights compliance audit. If you would like to access and read the report and the district's plan to address DESE recommendations, click onto the [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/special_education/ ]NPS Special Education Webpage and you will find the reports on the left under Parent Resources. Additionally, the School Committee will discuss the DESE reports at its meeting on September 20th. • 2011 Performance Report has been mailed out and should have arrived in your home within the last couple of weeks. 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. • 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/ ]Power School to ensure we have the most current information for your student and family. • Superintendent's Blog You may find my latest posting (my challenge to the staff in a new school year) on the NPS website: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ 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 30 Jun '11

30 Jun '11

Dear Needham Families: As we prepare for the 4th of July Holiday and a huge weekend of Tercentennial activities sponsored by the [ http://www.needham300.org/ ]Needham 300 Committee and the [ http://needhamexchangeclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=647136&modul… ]Needham Exchange Club may I take this opportunity to share my latest post on the [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog My post shares news about the wonderful work accomplished this past school year by staff, students, parents, School Committee, and community members as we work together to ensure a great educational program for Needham's young people. Enjoy the Holiday weekend! 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 17 Jun '11

17 Jun '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: As the year concludes, allow me to update you on a few items: Newman/Pollard Repairs We will undertake a major renovation of the Newman Elementary School this summer and into next year. The first of 38 modular classrooms arrived this week and will soon be placed in the school's parking lot to create sufficient space for Newman's 1st through 5th grade students and staff while the main school building is renovated and repaired. Newman's preschoolers and Kindergartners will be located at Pollard for one year. A new Pollard roof, modular renovations, and parking improvements on that campus are also planned for this summer. The Newman and Pollard campuses will be squeezed for space next year, but when the repairs are complete, both schools will be improved. Plans for additional building improvements/renovations at Pollard, Hillside, and Mitchell will be shared with the School Committee next week. For complete information about the planned renovation at Newman: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/newman_renovation_updates/ Substance Abuse Prevention Survey The Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention (NCYSAP) in collaboration with the Needham Public Health Department is surveying parents of 6th 12th graders living in Needham to learn more about their personal beliefs and perceptions regarding underage drinking and substance use in the community. Please take a few minutes to take part in this anonymous online survey and contribute your voice to those of other Needham parents: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NeedhamParentSurvey2011 Results will be shared in the community through the NCYSAP once responses have been tabulated. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Read, Needham Public Health Department at cread(a)needhamma.gov Congratulations Retiring Staff! At a recent retirement celebration we acknowledged the combined 177 years of service of eight of our teachers and staff members in the Needham Public Schools: Darlene Fisk, Margie Margolis, Vonnie Fernandes, Joyce Silberman, Doug Levy, Susan Abrahamson, Robin Kirsch, and Ruth Morini. As our retiring teachers and staff conclude their years of service to Needham's students, we wish them the blessings of good health and happiness in the years ahead. Student Scholarship and Learning Congratulations to the 320 members of the NHS Class of '11 who received their diplomas under a cloudless sky June 6th on Memorial Field. We wish our graduates well as they head off to college and new adventures. A special word of thanks and congratulations to Jonathan VanderWoude and the NHS chorus for their performance under the direction of Keith Lockhart at last weekend's Boston Pops Concert. Our students performed brilliantly to a sellout crowd of over 2,000 as part of the Town's Tercentennial celebration. The story and photos here: [ http://needham.patch.com/articles/needham-enjoys-a-night-at-the-pops#photo-… ]Needham Patch: NHS Chorus Celebrates 300th at the Pops Boys Tennis State Champs! The NHS boys' tennis team won their first Division I title yesterday in Northboro beating St. John's (Shrewsbury) 5-0. Not only are these young men outstanding athletes, they are exceptional students and first class gentlemen. Thanks also to Coach Drew Lawrence for leading them throughout the season. Finally, like you, I continue to be so impressed with Needham's young people and the work they have accomplished this year. 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 schools. 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 they embody the district's values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth inside and outside of the classroom. I am very proud and honored 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 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 27 May '11

27 May '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: Allow me to share a few updates as we conclude the week and prepare for the upcoming holiday: School Leadership I am pleased to announce that after three extensive and thoughtful search processes this spring involving many staff, parents, and students, I have appointed three exceptional individuals to the following school leadership positions: Newman Assistant Principal - Greg Bayse, currently a guidance counselor at Eliot, will become the new assistant principal replacing departing Mark McAneny who was appointed to a principal position in the Arlington Public Schools. Greg has been serving as an unofficial assistant principal at Eliot school for some time now, and his extensive background in social and emotional learning, special education, and instruction make him a wonderful addition to the Newman team. Needham High School Assistant Principal - Alison Coubrough-Argentieri, currently an administrator at Swampscott High School, will become the new assistant principal at NHS. She will replace Tamatha Bibbo who is moving to London with her family. Alison's strong teaching background and her thoughtful and intelligent instructional and organizational leadership in Swampscott helped the interview team recognize her as a clear choice for this important role. Pollard Principal - Lisa Chen will become the new principal at Pollard Middle School, replacing Glenn Brand who has accepted the position of assistant superintendent in the Sharon Public Schools. Lisa is currently serving as an assistant principal in the Attleborough Public Schools where she has helped shape and lead student achievement efforts and has promoted teamwork and a strong spirit of community at Wamsutta Middle School. Lisa began her teaching career in rural Texas in the Teach for America program. She has received various professional accolades, including the Donald J. White Award for Teaching Excellence at Boston College where she recently earned her doctorate in Educational Administration. During the interview process it became quite clear that the district's core values of Scholarship, Personal Growth, Community, and Citizenship were consistent with the beliefs and values of Mr. Bayse, Ms. Coubrough-Argentieri, and Dr. Chen. I am very excited to have these talented folks join an already strong and vibrant team of Needham teachers and school administrators. Please join me in welcoming our newest leaders to the Needham Public Schools! Massachusetts Department of Education (DESE) Survey The DESE selected Needham to participate in a survey to gauge parent involvement and participation. The DESE invites you to complete an online parent survey which is designed to be shared with the Needham Schools. The DESE wants to know about the efforts made by your childs school to help you feel welcome as a partner in the planning for your childs education. You may access the ten-minute survey here: [ http://www.maparentsurvey.com ]http://www.MAparentsurvey.com Substance Abuse Prevention Survey The Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention (NCYSAP) in collaboration with the Needham Public Health Department is surveying parents of 6th 12th graders living in Needham to learn more about their personal beliefs and perceptions regarding underage drinking and substance use in the community. Please take a few minutes to take part in this anonymous online survey and contribute your voice to those of other Needham parents: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NeedhamParentSurvey2011 Results will be shared in the community through the NCYSAP once responses have been tabulated. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Read, Needham Public Health Department at cread(a)needhamma.gov Please enjoy a great weekend with your families! 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 23 Mar '11

23 Mar '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: Please allow me to share a few updates: School Committee Open House The School Committee will hold its annual spring Open House in the library at High Rock School from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011. 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! Bullying Prevention Website We were recently informed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that the bullying prevention plan the Needham Schools submitted this past December has met all of the department's requirements. We have created a resource for parents, students, and families on the district's website that we hope will provide additional information about the district's efforts to prevent and respond to bullying. To learn more, please go to: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/student_development/Bullying_Prevention Sex Education Curriculum The Needham Public Schools Wellness Department, in collaboration with parents, community members, and the School Committee, has been working to update the district's sex education curriculum and program. I encourage parents to visit the district's website to learn more about the planned curriculum: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/wellness/Sexuality Parents will find useful resources here, including a slideshow outlining recent parent presentations, curriculum goals by grade levels, parent resources, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide that details many parent questions and concerns. I am immensely proud of the thoughtful work that has gone into the development of this program, and, like any good program, it remains a work in progress. Your feedback and partnership will be welcome as we continue to refine and improve our curriculum. School Transportation 2011-2012 During the last two weeks of March applications are being delivered to all Needham Public Schools for students in grades 1-12 offering school bus transportation for the school year 2011-2012. 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. 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/ As always, I can be reached at 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 11 Mar '11

11 Mar '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: Two additional updates to conclude the week: Race to Nowhere The Needham Education Foundation, in cooperation with the Needham Public Schools and Needham Youth Services, will host a screening of the new documentary, [ http://www.racetonowhere.com/ ]Race to Nowhere, on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Needham High School auditorium. The film is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion involving local students, educators, and community members who will discuss the film, its message, and implications for Needham's students. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advanced and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, please visit: [ http://rtnnefneedham.eventbrite.com/ ]rtnnefneedham.eventbrite.com Robotics Tourney In my update earlier this week I neglected to mention that for the first time ever, several Needham High School students will participate this weekend in the [ http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/default.aspx?id=968 ]FIRST Tech Challenge State Robotics Competition on Saturday in Palmer, MA. Motivated by high school math teacher Hans Batra and several enthusiastic parent and community volunteers, our students will compete against the best in the state. To watch a Youtube video of the team, please visit: [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_zGIa3Ch5A ]Youtube: NHS Robotics Have a great weekend! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: Please allow me to share a few updates: Community Substance Abuse Prevention Forum The Needham Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention will host a panel presentation and discussion on substance abuse, decision making, and the adolescent brain. The forum will feature Marissa Silveri, Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School and Needham educators, leaders, and students who will share ideas, insights, and concerns about risky youth behaviors. The forum will begin tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Broadmeadow. For more information: http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=2489 School Committee Open House The School Committee will hold its annual spring Open House in the library at High Rock School from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011. 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! Needham High School Presents My Fair Lady Join over 100 high school students the weekend of March 18th for their performance of this classic musical. For more information, please check out the district's website: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/fpa/ Finally, best wishes to the NHS boys' hockey team as they compete in the Super 8 Tournament and to the dance team as they compete in the State Championship this weekend! As always, I can be reached at 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 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

February 2, 2011 7:45 p.m. Dear Parents and Guardians: It is my expectation that the Needham Schools will open on time tomorrow, Thursday, February 3rd for a full day of classes. Needham's Pubic Works crews have been clearing roads and parking lots throughout the day, and school custodians have also been busy shoveling school entrances, walks, and, as necessary, roofs. However, the icy and snowy conditions will mean another challenging commute to school for the next day or so, and I am encouraging parents and students to plan accordingly as you head off to school and leave in the afternoon for home. Road and sidewalk conditions may vary depending on your neighborhood, and it will be important for students walking to school to be cautious as they navigate snow banks and narrow street crossings. Many thanks for your patience and good spirit as we contend with another New England winter. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Feb '11

01 Feb '11

February 1, 2011 Dear Parents and Guardians: We will end school at the regularly scheduled time today, however, we will send the High Rock and Pollard buses out on their routes 25 minutes earlier so the drivers can take their time driving this afternoon. If parents wish to bring a child home earlier today, you may do so by signing the child out at the school's main office. Additionally, all afternoon and evening activities are canceled today. Thank you. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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

30 Jan '11

Dear Parents and Guardians: A couple of updates to begin the week: Middle School Musical/Concerts As I am sure you know, Needham's students are exceptional theatrical and musical performers. Beginning February 3rd , Pollard students kick off a new season of musical theater in the Needham Schools with three performances of the musical, Working. For ticket information and a calendar of other school musical performances, please go to the Fine and Performing Arts website: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/FPA/ Weather Related School Delays/Cancellations As you may recall, I notified parents this past fall that the school district implemented a new phone and email messaging system that would alert NPS parents in the event of a weather related school cancellation or school emergency. We also continue to use the district's website and local media outlets to alert parents and students about [ http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district/no_school_info.htm ]NPS Weather related school closing information. (The Town of Needham has a separate emergency notification system for town-wide emergencies. For more information about the town's system, please click this link: http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=1249) I have received feedback from parents who wish not to receive automated phone messages notifying families about weather related school cancellations/delays but who do wish to receive automated messages about school emergencies. If you would like to opt out of the weather related school cancellation/delays and not receive these messages: 1. Please log onto [ http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/powerschool/index.htm ]PowerSchool and click on Update Information. 2. On the Student Data Update page ensure all personal/family contact information is correct, then click submit to continue. 3. On both Parent/Guardian pages, verify information and click submit to continue. 4. On the Emergency Contact page verify information and click submit to continue. 5. On the Copy Student Data page follow the on screen instructions. 6. On the next page titled "Other" your home phone appears in the box, and you simply have to delete it and no calls will be made for weather related school cancellations/delays. Click submit to continue. You will receive calls for other school emergencies. Alternatively, you may change the number in that box to a phone number more convenient to you and your family. 7. Contact the school secretary if you have a question or problem with your PowerSchool account. If you want to continue to receive automated messages about weather related school cancellations/delays, you do not need to do anything. All families will continue to receive automated phone messages and emails in the event of a school emergency. Finally, some parents have suggested that the automated phone messages should arrive earlier in the morning and some suggested they arrive later. It takes the system about 45 minutes to make all of the calls, so I will continue to send out the message between 6 and 7:00 a.m. knowing that some families may receive it after 6:00 a.m. and some before 7:00 a.m. New England winters are tricky, and this one is no exception! Please know that I will continue to make decisions about school cancellations/delays that are based on the best weather information available and only after consulting with public works/safety officials. Whenever possible, I want us to hold school unless I believe it would be unsafe or dangerous to do so. The upcoming Newman School repair project does not impact my decisions around whether or not there will be a school cancellation. We have five "snow days" built into the [ http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/calendars/index.htm ]NPS 2010-11 School Calendar but if we needed to do so, we could extend a day or two beyond that. Like you, though, I am praying for the arrival of an early spring! Many thanks for your support and patience. 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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