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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Apr '24

12 Apr '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share a few updates as we conclude the week and anticipate the April break: *• COVID Guidance *The CDC has recently changed its COVID isolation guidance for those who have been ill, and the MA Department of Public Health will now follow this guidance as will the Needham Public Schools. Details here: NPS COVID Guidance <https://docs.google.com/document/d/11u-Htq76vr1mkPXs9zdWp2K-Xi35o5_UZLaBtoN…> *• School Committee Open House *Please join the School Committee at its spring Open House to be held at Pollard on Saturday, April 27th from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. This is an informal opportunity to interact with School Committee members and ask questions or share ideas. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the plan to work with the town and state to renovate Pollard Middle School <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m9SaJrOceKhex2pFsN49x9VsoZsozQYM/edit?u…>. Students and staff will be available for tours. *• Courageous Conversation on Race *The Town of Needham plans a series of conversations about how race impacts our community. The first conversation will be led by Needham High school students on Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30 p.m. <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PsEwr3aEw3t8dzjg8azAQZHRVZv9L2sj/view?usp=…>at the Center at the Heights, located at 300 Hillside Avenue. Please attend and hear our students talk about the work they are doing to make our schools inclusive and welcoming for all. *• Superintendent's Blog * My most recent post is available: The MCAS: An Imperfect but Important Tool <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• 10 Minutes with AI *My latest 10 minute video features a conversation with Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation Chris Gosselin about the challenges and possibilities of AI in the schoolhouse: 10 Minutes with AI <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRsEL9ZGRo8> Enjoy the April vacation with your families! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Mar '24

10 Mar '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: First, congratulations to the cast and crew of this weekend's sold out performances of Les Miserables! Allow me to share a few updates as we begin a new week of learning: *• Academic Excellence and Student Growth: Portrait of a Needham Graduate *Watch video clips of School Committee presentations in which staff and students highlight the instructional work and programs that make the Portrait of a Needham Graduate come alive for all students: Portrait of a Needham Grad Video Clips <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rz27iV5eYQGcRWV8NANxu8DDz0qnTqVCw4dESfK…> • *Student Achievements and Excellence * Needham High School students, with the support of their teachers and families, continue to distinguish themselves academically, artistically, and athletically. To read more: Student Accolades <https://docs.google.com/document/d/13EZHMXWDJLqS-Lvp9U2k_ZDpkSYg3c8XVCer25b…> *• COVID Guidance *While the CDC has recently changed its COVID isolation guidance for those who have been ill, the MA Department of Public Health has opted at this time not to change the current 5 day isolation protocol. Read more here: NPS COVID Guidance <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NdyqyVm2qpIn6KEN3bBjMpB8XabmKkolkr7uNBi…> *• Superintendent's Blog * My most recent post is available: Don't Forget to Thank the Mentors in Your Life <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• 10 Minutes with Sunita Williams *My latest 10 minute video features a conversation with Astronaut Suni Williams who recently visited Needham and the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School community. She is an extraordinary person! Watch it here: 10 Minutes with Sunita Williams <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_D-KBAPVd4> *• School Committee Open House *The Needham School Committee will host an informal Spring Open House at Pollard on Saturday, April 27th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. This will be an opportunity to chat informally with your School Committee and to learn more about the upcoming Pollard construction project <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dQJvMyq6ITKkew5VIluiFv8iIU3xC-0-vFI…> . As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments about our work with your children. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Feb '24

04 Feb '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share a few updates as we begin a new week of learning: *• Virtual Check in with the Superintendent* Tomorrow, Monday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. I will host a Virtual meeting for families and parents. The link to the meeting is here: 02/05/24 Virtual Meeting with Superintendent at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/84701594759?pwd=L29leDg1NnNTd0NKeXI0VGh…> During this meeting I will briefly highlight key efforts in our district's strategic plan, and then I will open up the conversation to general questions and comments about any school topic from participants. The zoom meeting will last about 50 minutes and will not be recorded. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you! *• Director of Instructional Technology &* *Innovation *Congratulations are in order to Mr. Chris Gosselin whom I have appointed to the permanent position of Director of Instructional Technology & Innovation. Chris has been serving in an interim capacity since last July, and after a thorough search and interview process, he was recommended to move forward. You can read all about Chris here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fGTmhfJGTF4nqJGU4kdmPzaw9mlz07vplrcpadb…> . *• 10 Minutes with...* I was honored to be interviewed by two sharp Pollard students recently. If you want to learn more about what I think about snow days, wombats, and Mohandas Gandhi... check it out: "10 Minutes with..." <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqgByq-LyRg> Have a great week! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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No after school activities in the NPS today, Tuesday, January 16th
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Jan '24

16 Jan '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Due to the weather conditions, all after school and evening activities (including NCE, NEDP, and athletics) in the NPS will be canceled today, Tuesday, January 16th, and there will be no late buses. Tonight's School Committee (SC) meeting remains scheduled as planned and in person at 6:30 p.m. at Broadmeadow. However, depending on road conditions, a final determination about whether or not the entire meeting will be conducted virtually will be made around 4:00 p.m. If the decision is to hold the meeting virtually, this information will be posted on the district's website. The agenda, including the link to the meeting for those who wish to attend virtually, is included here: School Committee Agenda January 16, 2024 <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=DLRkN…> Many thanks for your patience and good spirit! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Jan '24

15 Jan '24

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Let me first take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy New Year! Allow me to share a few of updates: • 2024-25 School Year Budget Public Hearing Tuesday, January 16th Recently, I shared my preliminary budget proposal for the 2024-25 school year <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PnQgt-IiiXt9XG4kwSIbHHuEda4ZP9vqK11…> (Fiscal Year 25) with the School Committee. The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget tomorrow evening, Tuesday, January 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Broadmeadow (also via zoom <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AA7iPQmRvn0MNS8Gm59rl8OwJQ1LPac9/view?usp=…> and cable television) and all community members, parents, students, and staff are welcome to participate. Detailed information about the budget plan is available on the district’s website: FY25 Budget Proposal <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/business_off…> *• Pollard Middle School* Recently we learned that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has invited Needham <https://www.massschoolbuildings.org/sites/default/files/edit-contentfiles/A…> into its process to explore the possibility of receiving funding from the state for a renovation and expansion of Pollard into a grades 6-8 middle school. I encourage all families, particularly those who have or will have children in grades Preschool through five, to learn more about this important and ambitious project <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdKFuW-HJgJdSx5Xt1SHV3l0VzZcvgavJBL0p4n…>. Stay tuned in future updates for more information. *• Virtual Check in with the Superintendent* On Monday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. I will host a Virtual meeting for families and parents. The link to the meeting is here: 02/05/24 Virtual Meeting with Superintendent at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/84701594759?pwd=L29leDg1NnNTd0NKeXI0VGh…> During this meeting I will briefly highlight key efforts in our district's strategic plan, and then I will open up the conversation to general questions and comments about any school topic from participants. The zoom meeting will last about 50 minutes and will not be recorded. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you! *• Superintendent's Blog* My most recent post, Resolutions for a New Year! <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>, is available. Here's to a new week of learning! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 20 Dec '23

20 Dec '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we prepare for the holiday break, allow me to share the following updates: *• School Emergencies/Weather-related Information* Many families complained that they had not received a phone call alerting them to the 12/18 "shelter in place" notification. I apologize for any oversight or miscommunication at my end! I will take this opportunity to ask parents to update contact information in PowerSchool: Instructions to update parent/emergency contacts <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KNLR5cZpj2habJJdbdsUK0YeQrET_qHBN67cNp_…> *• Apple Distinguished Award* Congratulations to High Rock and Pollard for being recognized by Apple for a commitment to continuous innovation using technology in the classroom! You can read more about the award here: Apple Distinguished Award <https://sites.google.com/needham.k12.ma.us/media-digital-learning-nps/apple…> *• Grades 6-12 Science and the Portrait of a Needham Graduate *At a recent School Committee meeting school staff, including Mark Healey (6-8 Science Dept. Chair) and Jen Regrut (NHS Science Dept. Chair) accompanied by several students shared how their work in science is aligned to the competencies in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xdECAY1Gv8517Zoww8DQs7oQPePSIuK2Lki…>. I appreciate their thoughtful work and the conversation with the School Committee! Additional presentations in the spring, including in English and English Language Arts and Math, will be shared. *• 2024-25 School Calendar* The School Committee voted to approve a calendar for the 2024-25 school year. You may view it here: 2024-25 NPS Calendar <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vkzkay5ZxWfoy6l3xx3t1B0SA8xa1fRF/view?usp=…> (Please note that the 2nd page of the document lists the holidays, cultural celebrations, and other religious events marked by families in the community.) *• FY25 Proposed Budget *Last week I presented my proposed FY25 (2024-25 School Year) Budget to the School Committee for their consideration. You may view my presentation here: FY25 Budget Presentation <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PnQgt-IiiXt9XG4kwSIbHHuEda4ZP9vqK11…> and view all budget documents here: NPS Budget Documents <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/business_off…> The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Broadmeadow, and families, staff, and students are welcome to share comments or feedback on the proposal. *• Superintendent's Blog *My latest post is available here: Facebook is Awful... <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> For those of you celebrating the peace and joy of the holiday, Merry Christmas! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 01 Dec '23

01 Dec '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: On this first day of December and as we conclude a busy and productive week of teaching and learning, I want to share with you an interview <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8> I was fortunate to have with two community leaders: Rabbi Jay Perlman and Dr. Huma Farid. Rabbi Perlman is a Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, and Dr. Farid is a local physician and Muslim community leader who has two children in the Needham Public Schools. Both our members of the Needham Clergy Association. I brought them together to discuss how we can best support students, their families, and one another in this moment of fear, anxiety, and war. They are both very special people whom I am sure you will appreciate listening to on this brief 20 minute video. I encourage you to take the time this weekend or next week to watch and listen to their messages which are aligned to our district's values and Portrait of a Needham Graduate <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eJTJHT4jANFXuL6FcfJFtciRlinL1z9B/view?usp=…> competencies. Sometimes educators and parents struggle with how to best guide and advise our young people and their families, especially at times of trauma and strife. I know I am not always sure what to do. We are truly fortunate to have two amazing faith and community leaders right here in Needham who are clearly partners with us as we support our students, neighbors, and one another. Here is the link to the video: 10 Minutes with Dr. Farid and Rabbi Perlman <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0alSSreT7E8> Enjoy the weekend, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Nov '23

21 Nov '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we head into the holiday break, allow me to share a few updates: • *Inclement Weather Information *In the unlikely event winter weather may require the closing or delayed opening of the Needham Public Schools, I will do my level best to make a decision about a cancellation or delay by about 5:30 a.m. Unless it is abundantly clear what the weather conditions will be, I am often reluctant to call off school the evening before a storm is predicted because New England weather is fickle. Once a decision is made, alerts will go out via email, phone, and on local TV. The quickest way to find out is on Twitter <https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt> where I also post the information. For more information on school cancellations and delayed openings: 2023 Inclement weather information <https://cdnsm5-ss13.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/Dis…> . It is important for students to be in classes as scheduled throughout the year, and I don't believe a winter storm should necessarily keep us away from school. If it is predicted to snow, for instance, four to five inches I am inclined to hold classes. There are circumstances, however, when the snow is minimal but icy and dangerous roads may prevent a safe school opening or at least require a delay. Safety for students and staff, of course, will always be my first consideration. This coming winter parents and students should leave plenty of time to get to school and keep a shovel and galoshes nearby! *• Student Accolades * Needham students continue to distinguish themselves in several ways: *- National Honor Society *Congratulations to the 149 members of the Needham High School Chapter of the National Honor Society <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WgB_9WyJoFzqHqnOYLgy1jFhu7rOy5K2/view?usp=…> who were inducted recently at a special ceremony at the high school. *- National Chinese Honor Society *Also, congratulations to the following juniors who were recently inducted into the Needham High School Chapter of the National Chinese Honor society: Adonai Baptista, Xavier Eudaric, Adrienne Giancola, Becky Hwang, Jasmine Lee, Evelyn Wright, and Julian Yuh. *- NHS Girls' Swim & Dive Team *Congratulations to the Needham High School Girls' Swim and Dive Team which finished 9-1 on the season and then captured the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division I State Championship, the first ever for the team! Go Rockets! Finally, Happy Thanksgiving! We are fortunate to live, work, and learn in an amazing community like Needham that values children, and we are especially blessed to be citizens in a vibrant country that serves, however imperfectly, as a model of democracy, inclusion, and justice to the rest of a sometimes weary world. I know I am grateful for my family and to work with a talented staff, committed parents, and the exceptional young people of Needham - all of whom inspire civility, peace, and hope. *Happy Thanksgiving!* Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 29 Oct '23

29 Oct '23

Sunday, October 29, 2023 8:46 p.m. Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Over the weekend I contacted a Needham resident who reported on FaceBook that dozens of high school aged young people were gathered on his street Saturday evening, apparently seeking entry to a house party of a neighbor who is of high school age but who is not enrolled at Needham High School. He explained that as they left the street a few in the crowd were heard to yell antisemitic slurs, including, “I love Hitler!” The person who posted this on FaceBook did not report the incident to the neighbors or Needham Police who I have subsequently confirmed have not received any reports of such an incident but are now aware of it. While we do not know exactly what happened or who was involved this past Saturday evening in a Needham neighborhood, it is necessary to be clear: Any use of antisemitic, racist, or hateful speech directed at any person at anytime in any venue is never condoned and will always be condemned by the Needham Public Schools. Vile and hateful slurs go against the values of the schools and are clearly in stark contrast to the values of the Needham community. Regardless of who the young people were, their hateful and antisemitic slurs have now reverberated through social media causing anxiety and fear in the Needham community. The administration of Needham High School and the Needham Public Schools work hard to instill the values of respect, belonging, and human dignity during the school day. However, we can’t possibly police or control the behavior and language of students outside of school; there are appropriate limits to what we can and should do. Parents, caregivers and adults have the responsibility of guiding and directing young people at home and in the larger community. School staff, parents, and other caring adults must collaborate and work together to call out behavior that is below the standards and expectations of this community; and we must do this for each child, regardless of school affiliation. As your superintendent for 18 years, I have watched your children grow and learn in the Needham Public Schools, and, like you, I am immensely proud of them. They are amazing, respectful, and generous young people. It is uncommon behavior for our students to use hateful and repugnant speech; but it can happen and when it does, we must call it out, hold responsible individuals to account, and work to repair any harm that has been caused. In this case, we must acknowledge the contemptible speech and hope that parents, in collaboration with the schools, faith communities, and other caring adults, speak to their children about the impact of the words they use, especially when they are caught up in a moment of adolescent exuberance or rowdiness. The schools will continue to reinforce the expectations for appropriate and respectful behavior that I know the adults in this wonderful and caring community have for all of its children. Finally, please know that if your child has heard about this incident or is impacted by it, our school staff, including our teachers, administrators, and counselors stand ready to support them. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 Oct '23

23 Oct '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we begin a new week of learning, allow me to share the following brief updates and information: *• Academic Accolades* Once again this year, several Needham High School seniors have been notified by the College Board that they are being recognized for their performance on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: <https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=405> *Semi Finalists:* Aden Garf, Yasu Patel. *Commended:* Caroline Clark, Ruby Gibson, Fedor Goryanyy, Isabella Kuang, Alex Lee, Alex Lundquist, Lucy Mackey, Henry McCue, Aadam Mulla, Alec Purrington, Aidan Railton, Jack Rixner, Elsie Sachs, Leo Shraybman, Jake Sieczkowski, Eleanor Slosser, Nevan Sujit, Amiya Tess, James Young. Also, kudos to senior Aadam Mulla for winning the Best Essay in the Secondary School Division of the MA Foreign Language Association <https://mafla.org/> annual contest. Congratulations to our students! *• 2023 Family Survey Results* We recently shared last spring's family survey results with the School Committee. Please view the presentation here: 2023 Family Survey Results <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13ll1EpkkCgypA4jTiJ9qmAXRe2OgcV57/ed…> *• 10 Minutes with...* A brief video conversation <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXY74gr65wI> with Needham School Committee Chair Andrea Longo Carter and Vice Chair Liz Lee. This ten minute video highlights major goals and initiatives of the School Committee this year. *• Superintendent's Blog *A few parents requested I share a recent letter I wrote to students in grades 7-12. I have posted it here: Dear Students... <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> As always, please stay in touch with questions, concerns, or ideas! My email address is: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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