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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 May '10

25 May '10

May 25, 2010 Dear Parents and Guardians: Two brief updates: Teacher Gifts I have received a few inquiries from parents and principals about the appropriateness of giving presents and gifts to teachers to thank them for their work with your children. Under the States Conflict of Interest Law, public employees, including school teachers and staff, are prohibited from receiving a personal gift valued at $50 or more from anyone with whom they have a professional relationship. Gifts can include money, gift cards, free or discounted items or services, meals, entertainment event tickets, travel expenses and the like. This law applies to teachers, coaches, and administrators who often receive holiday or end-of-year gifts from students and their families. The Massachusetts State Ethics Commission has provided recent clarification about whether the $50 rule also applies to class or team gifts comprised of individual contributions equal to or less than $50. The Ethics Commission has confirmed that the prohibition applies equally to gifts given by a class or team, which are comprised of smaller contributions, if the aggregate value equals $50 or more. In other words, it is not appropriate to bundle together several individual gifts valued under $50 and present them as one large gift if the total values exceeds $50. The $50 rule does not apply, however, to gifts presented for the purpose of purchasing materials for a classroom, school, or team. Since these gifts are not for the personal benefit of the teacher or coach, the limitation does not apply in those circumstances. All gifts given for educational purposes must be reported to the Principal, or in the case of money, turned over to the Principal, who then makes a recommendation for acceptance to the School Committee. Under State law, the School Committee must vote to accept all gifts given for educational purposes, before they may be used or expended within the School System. The School Committee reserves the right to reject any gift or donation, when it deems acceptance to be inappropriate. You may learn more about state laws governing ethics at www.mass.gov or by clicking on this link: [ http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ethsubtopic&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Laws%2c+Regulations+… ]State Ethics Laws: Gifts to Public Employees By the way, one way to thank teachers and staff is to make a donation in their name to the Needham Education Foundation (NEF). The NEF provides grants and funds to enrich the classroom experience for children in Needham. Your gift on behalf of a teacher is meaningful and will go a long way for Needham's students and schools. Newman Renovation This Thursday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. there will be an informational meeting and workshop about the upcoming Newman renovation and repair project. The architect and contractor will provide an overview of the project and allow parents and community members to ask questions and offer input into the plans. The meeting will be held in the school's media center. My latest post to the [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog is available on the district's website. And, as always, I welcome your feedback, advice, and comments: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend with your families! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 16 Apr '10

16 Apr '10

Friday, April 16, 2010 Dear Parents and Guardians: Allow me to share a few brief updates to conclude the week: Calendar Assuming there will be no more snow flying in New England causing us to cancel school, the last day of classes will be Thursday, June 17th. As a reminder, the first day of school for the 2010-11 school year is Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Walk to School Day Students (and parents!) are invited to participate in Walk to School Day on May 5th. This is a great opportunity for students to enjoy a brisk walk to school with friends and allow for at least one day, perhaps, of reduced traffic congestion and pollution. For more information, try these links: http://wiki.greenneedham.org/gnc/index.php/Schools/Projects/Walking OR http://www.needhaminmotion.com/page/calendar-view Elementary Math Curriculum On Thursday, May 6, parents are invited to attend an information session about Everyday Math and Think Math!, the two elementary math programs under consideration for adoption by the Needham Public Schools. Laurie Levin, Elementary Math Curriculum Leader and Emily Gaberman, Broadmeadow Principal, will share highlights of both programs and provide time for questions and exploration of the materials at the end of the session. This will take place from 7-8 PM at the Broadmeadow School Media Center. Parent participation and input is encouraged! Parent Program As we head into the spring and our high school students begin preparing for proms and graduation parties, I am reminded that our young people need our continued guidance, advice, and support so they can make appropriate and safe decisions about alcohol and drugs. Too many teens have disrupted, ruined, or lost their lives due to the use/abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs, and caring adults and parents must do whatever we can, especially when our children are younger, to provide them with the strategies and information they need to avoid tragic circumstances. The Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse and Prevention will host a parent program entitled, How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents featuring Joseph Califano Jr., the Former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare on May 11th. This program is for all parents, regardless of your child's age. More information and a flier detailing the program can be found on the Needham Health Department's website: http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=2539 Please enjoy the upcoming April vacation with your family and friends! As always, contact me with questions or comments: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x 203 . Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Mar '10

15 Mar '10

Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates to begin the week: Summer Programs If you have not already planned a summer program for your children, please consider one of the many Summer Explorations programs available in Needham. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Needham Community Educations (NCE) Summer Explorations, the program consists of 70+ enrichment classes for students entering grades 1-9. The half-day, weeklong classes are offered from 7/6-7/30, and most are taught by Needham Public Schools staff. To view a Sneak Peek of the wide variety of Summer Explorations offerings, please go to: [ http://www.neeedham.k12.ma.us ]www.neeedham.k12.ma.us click on "Beyond the Day" and then "Summer Programs." The catalogue will be online and going home in backpacks beginning March 11. One important note: the Summer Explorations classes originally planned for Mitchell School will be relocated to the Hillside School. NCE also has summer offerings for high school students and adults. A College Tour program is offered to students entering grades 10-12. High School students may also want to consider one of Community Education's summer SAT prep classes or Driver's Education. For adults, Summer on the Hill will be returning this July with Adult Education Classes at Needham High School. Musicians should consider joining the Community Concert Band for an old-time summer band experience. The group is directed by Fine and Performing Arts Director, David Neves. Information can be found on the Community Education website. School Committee Open House The Needham School Committee will host an Open House at the Towns library on Saturday morning, April 3rd from 8:30 until 10:00 a.m. This is an informal opportunity for parents and members of the community to meet your School Committee representatives and ask questions, make suggestions, or share ideas. You can visit for five minutes or for however long you would like. Please stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your School Committee. Town's Emergency Notification System A fire evacuation at Pollard last week prompts me to remind parents and community members to make sure you have added up to four phone lines on the [ http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=1249 ]Town's reverse 911 emergency call system (Listed Needham home phone numbers are already in the system.) In the event of a Town-wide emergency, the system will be activated by the Fire or Police Chief and automated calls will notify all residents of the nature of the emergency and provide directions/updates as appropriate. Because the Towns emergency notification system is not set up to notify specific schools, neighborhoods, or businesses in town, the School Department may consider an additional system to assist us with communicating specific school emergencies, weather-related cancellations, and other school notifications. Please visit the Needham Fire Departments website for more information: [ http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=63 ]http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=63 Congratulations! Finally, congratulations to the cast and crew of the high school musical, Kiss Me Kate which played to enthusiastic crowds this past weekend. The music. dancing, and performances were a real treat for the audiences. And thanks to all the teachers, Science Center staff, parents, municipal staff, students (including several Olin College students), and community volunteers who organized another successful science night program last Thursday at Newman. This years technology exhibits, demonstrations, and hands on experiments were well received by hundreds of students and family members. The musical and Science Night are both reminders of the traditions of creativity, talent, and learning that are integral to the Needham Public School experience. Thanks for your continued support of the teachers and staff who work with the best students around! As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Enjoy the week. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 09 Feb '10

09 Feb '10

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 10:35 p.m. Dear Parents and Guardians: Due to the winter storm forecast, the Needham Public Schools will have an early dismissal from school tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10, 2010. We will dismiss schools on the same schedule we used for today's early dismissal schedule, and there will be no PM Kindergarten classes. Additionally, all after school and evening activities and meetings have been canceled. Please drive carefully! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 Jan '10

28 Jan '10

January 28, 2010 Dear Parents and Guardians: Two updates to conclude the week: Parent Survey Don't forget to complete the Needham Public Schools' Parent Survey. To date about 15% of our Needham families have completed the survey, and we would like to see at least 20% contribute their perspective and ideas. It is important that we hear from as many parents as possible so that our educational planning can reflect the input of a variety of constituents in Needham. The results of the survey will be shared at an upcoming School Committee meetings and in the annual Performance Report. Your feedback is important to us and we thank you in advance for taking the time to share your opinions and comments. Please submit your survey by February 1. You can access the survey at the following URL: http://www.elisten.com/web30/surveys/77E0127C2182442795D5278E341E805F Budget Update At its meeting this past Tuesday evening, the School Committee approved a budget plan totaling $46,059,078 for the 2010-11 school year (FY11), a 1.49% increase, or $676,193, over the current year. You may access budget information on the school department's website by clicking here: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget ]FY11 Budget Information While the budget plan preserves the programs that the community values, there are several painful reductions in the budget due to increased costs and limited new sources of revenue. I want to commend the School Committee for tackling an extremely difficult and complicated budget. Your School Committee members have invested countless hours, early in the morning, late into the evening, and on many weekends studying the funding requests, making suggestions for balancing the funding plan, and collaborating with the Finance Committee to ensure our students receive the best possible level of resources. I appreciate their tireless work and energy and the wisdom and perspective they bring to their role in this community. It is an honor to work with a great School Committee! For additional thoughts about the budget and next steps, please read my blog: [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments: 781.455.0400 (x203) or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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

10 Jan '10

Dear Parents and Guardians: Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Happy New Year! Allow me also to share two important updates: Budget Proposal As you may have heard, the budget picture for the Needham Public Schools this year is extremely difficult, and the preliminary budget I shared with the School Committee in December details several areas of reductions, including classroom teaching positions at all levels. The poor national and local economic climate, decreased state and local funding, and increasing contractual and special education costs have created the need to reduce teachers, administrative support, and classroom supplies. In fact, this will be the first year in recent memory where we propose to have fewer teachers working with our students next year than we have this year, despite growing enrollment. Key 2010-11 (Fiscal Year '11) Preliminary Budget Highlights: - Reduction of 3.0 elementary classroom teachers, resulting in larger class sizes at the 4th grade level in all schools; - Reduction of 2.0 Pollard classroom teachers. resulting in larger class sizes and/or a reorganization - Reduction of 2.0 high school teachers resulting in decreased program offerings and higher class sizes; - Reduction of administrative support and teaching assistants; - Reductions in professional development, support services, educational and athletic supplies The School Committee is currently considering a 1% increase in the budget for next year when, in reality, we need close to a 5% increase just to maintain a current level of services for the 2010-11 school year. Unfortunately, we face additional reductions for the 2011-12 school year due to the significant decrease in state and local revenue and aid. The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure that student and school programs are minimally affected, but it is a significant challenge, and one that all communities are facing this year and next. The Needham School Committee invites you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 20th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn about the budget proposal and share your comments, questions, and concerns. It will be critical for parents to weigh in on the budget and offer your perspective and voice. You may view an outline of the NPS FY11 Preliminary Budget at the district's website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY11 ]NPS FY 11 Budget Proposal Parent Survey Below you will find a link that will take you to a survey that seeks your opinions and comments regarding the performance of the Needham Public Schools. We administer this survey every two years so that we can consider parent input as we plan and implement improvements to our educational programs. A summary of the results of this survey will be shared at a School Committee Meeting in March and will also be posted on the Needham Public Schools Student Development website at that time. You may find the 15 minute survey link here: [ http://www.elisten.com/web30/surveys/77E0127C2182442795D5278E341E805F ]2010 NPS Parent Survey The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete and I ask that you complete it by February 1, 2010. If you have questions about the survey or the procedures, you may contact me at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 25 Nov '09

25 Nov '09

Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates to begin the Holiday weekend: H1N1/Flu Update Overall, our absentee rate due to flu in the school system is quite low, around 1 to 2% of all students. We have held two successful flu clinics so far at Eliot and Hillside, and we will continue to hold clinics under the direction and supervision of the Needham Health Department as the vaccine becomes available. We did learn that nine students at Eliot were among the 47 Needham residents and town employees who inadvertently received the seasonal flu vaccine, but the students are fine and will receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible. Commitment to the Community In all our schools, students, staff, and parents reach out regularly to learn more about local and global issues and to help others. Two recent examples come to mind: Eliot capped off their successful [ http://www.roomtoread.org/Page.aspx?pid=261 ]Room to Read program by presenting John Wood, author of Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, a check for $4,000 to assist his organization as it builds school libraries in developing countries. As part of the exceptional effort by the Eliot community, our students learned about the countries and students they were supporting and, in the process, read over 250,000 pages of books as part of the project! At Needham High, dozens of seniors have been working during a physical education class to provide physical fitness instruction and guidance to local senior citizens with whom they were paired as "buddies" for the last several weeks. The unique "Senior to Senior" program, supported by a Needham Education Foundation (NEF) grant, paired our students with an older "buddy" to assist them with weight training, walking, running, and overall fitness. It has been an awesome opportunity for younger and older generations to interact, learn from one another, and have fun. Of course, the senior citizens were thrilled to meet and work with our students. Congratulations to all of our students, staff, and parents in each school who consistently demonstrate their commitment to the community. Student Award Congratulations to two Needham High School students, Joanna Glanz and Aseem Mehta, who received the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' (MASS) Award presented annually to two outstanding seniors who have demonstrated exemplary academic success in high school. These two young people, both of whom are at the top of their class, clearly represent the finest of our students and their hard work and passion for learning reflects the values of the Needham Public Schools: Scholarship, Citizenship, Community and Personal Growth. Thanks to their teachers for encouraging them and to their parents for supporting them. Lastly, let me wish you and your families a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving Holiday. I am looking forward to spending time with my three beautiful daughters (Elyse, Claire, and Nora) and loving (and very patient) wife, Karen. I am very thankful for them! I am also thankful to know and to work with a talented staff, committed parents, a supportive community, and extraordinary young people like Joanna and Aseem. I am honored to be your superintendent, and I appreciate the opportunity you have given me. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Needham Public Schools 781.455.0400 x203 dan_gutekanst(a)nnedham.k12.ma.us

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Superintendent's Update (Revised)
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 Nov '09

06 Nov '09

REVISED AND UPDATED! Dear Parents and Guardians: Two quick updates to conclude the week: Flu Update Currently, about 4% of students and faculty/staff in the Needham Public Schools are experiencing symptoms of the H1N1 influenza. Daily surveillance is monitoring the incidence of student and staff absences and influenza like illness. Your cooperation with keeping ill children home and not giving them fever reducing medications prior to school is very important in preventing the spread of flu germs among classmates and adults. We encourage healthy children to continue attending school during this flu outbreak. In an effort to prevent widespread disease from the H1N1 flu in the school community, the Needham Health Department is planning to administer the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Injectable Vaccine to children in grades K-12 with parent consent. The vaccination clinics will be held during the school day and staffed by school and town medical staff and volunteers. If you did not receive information about the vaccination clinics and a consent form, please contact the school nurse immediately. All vaccine consent forms must be submitted by Monday November 9, 2009. If you have not completely filled out and returned the vaccine consent form to school, your child will not be vaccinated. The first flu vaccine clinic held at Eliot this past week was successful and the children tolerated the vaccination with resilience and smiles. Plans for flu clinics to be held in each of the schools are being prepared and will be implemented as soon an adequate vaccine supply is available. Since delivery of the vaccine is arriving in unpredictable and limited quantities, the scheduling of the clinics may occur with a few days notice for schools and parents. You will be informed prior to the day your child is scheduled to receive the vaccination. Vaccine consent forms and information about the H1N1 Flu and vaccine is posted on the[ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/ ]NPS Health Services website. Newman Renovation Parents and members of the community continue to ask if there will be additional opportunities to learn more about the proposed Newman renovation project. I have been invited to speak at a few upcoming events that you are welcome to attend: -Monday, November 9th Citizens for Needham Schools (CNS) is sponsoring an informational program about the project at the Needham Historical Society. Selectmen, School Committee members, and I will present an overview of the plans and answer questions. -Thursday, November 12th the Newman PTC has invited me to update parents about the proposed renovation. -Thursday, November 19th the Mitchell PTC has invited to join them for a conversation about the plans. A 20 minute cable show highlighting the planned renovation will also broadcast beginning this weekend according to the following schedule: Channels 3, 26, and 31: Sunday at 10:00 p.m., Monday at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Check out the [ http://greisnet.com/tnc.nsf/Main?Openpage ]The Needham Channel website for more information. We will also have it available online next week. Folks may also visit the school department's website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/newman_renovation_updates/ ]Newman Renovation Updates to learn about the project. 2009-10 District Goals The Needham School Committee recently approved goals for the school district. The goals will guide the NPS staff as we work together to improve our schools and student learning this year and beyond. Please visit the school department's website and click on the link on the front page to download a pdf: [ http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ ]http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ Enjoy the weekend! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 06 Nov '09

06 Nov '09

Dear Parents and Guardians: Two quick updates to conclude the week: Flu Update Currently, about 4% of students and faculty/staff in the Needham Public Schools are experiencing symptoms of the H1N1 influenza. Daily surveillance is monitoring the incidence of student and staff absences and influenza like illness. Your cooperation with keeping ill children home and not giving them fever reducing medications prior to school is very important in preventing the spread of flu germs among classmates and adults. We encourage healthy children to continue attending school during this flu outbreak. In an effort to prevent widespread disease from the H1N1 flu in the school community, the Needham Health Department is planning to administer the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Injectable Vaccine to children in grades K-12 with parent consent. The vaccination clinics will be held during the school day and staffed by school and town medical staff and volunteers. If you did not receive information about the vaccination clinics and a consent form, please contact the school nurse immediately. All vaccine consent forms must be submitted by Monday November 9, 2009. If you have not completely filled out and returned the vaccine consent form to school, your child will not be vaccinated. The first flu vaccine clinic held at Eliot this past week was successful and the children tolerated the vaccination with resilience and smiles. Plans for flu clinics to be held in each of the schools are being prepared and will be implemented as soon an adequate vaccine supply is available. Since delivery of the vaccine is arriving in unpredictable and limited quantities, the scheduling of the clinics may occur with a few days notice for schools and parents. You will be informed prior to the day your child is scheduled to receive the vaccination. Vaccine consent forms and information about the H1N1 Flu and vaccine is posted on the[ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/ ]NPS Health Services website. Newman Renovation Parents and members of the community continue to ask if there will be additional opportunities to learn more about the proposed Newman renovation project. I have been invited to speak at a few upcoming events that you are welcome to attend: -Monday, November 9th Citizens for Needham Schools (CNS) is sponsoring an informational program about the project at the Needham Historical Society. Selectmen, School Committee members, and I will present an overview of the plans and answer questions. -Thursday, November 12th the Newman PTC has invited me to update parents about the proposed renovation. -Thursday, November 19th the Mitchell PTC has invited to join them for a conversation about the plans. Folks may also visit the school department's website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/newman_renovation_updates/ ]Newman Renovation Updates to learn about the project. 2009-10 District Goals The Needham School Committee recently approved goals for the school district. The goals will guide the NPS staff as we work together to improve our schools and student learning this year and beyond. Please visit the school department's website and click on the link on the front page to download a pdf: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ Enjoy the weekend! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

October 15, 2009 Dear Parents and Guardians: A few brief updates to conclude the week: School Committee Open House The Needham School Committee will hold its annual Open House on Saturday, October 17th, this year at Newman during the annual [ http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/Home/eventitem.asp?cid=3694&iid=85039&rtp=/CP… ]Rotary Scholarship Pancake Breakfast in the cafeteria. 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! Please note: The pancake breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m. High Rock Dedication Please join the High Rock community at the dedication of the Town's newest school on Sunday afternoon, October 25th at 2:00 p.m. All are invited for the ceremony, tours, and light refreshments. Newman Renovation Community Meeting As you may know, the School Committee and Selectmen have voted to place an override ballot question before voters on December 8, 2009 to support the renovation and repairs at the Newman Elementary School. Numerous parents and community members have requested information about the planned Newman project. Therefore, parents, community members, and Town Meeting members are invited to learn more about the project at a Newman Renovation Information Meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the Newman auditorium. Because Newman plays a critical role in the Needham community as the town's largest elementary school, KASE and NEDP site, Science Center home, Parks and Recreation gym facility, community theatre, and Town Meeting venue, I encourage all parents to learn about this important school and community renovation project. Folks can find additional information about the plans on the district's website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/newman_renovation_updates/ ]Newman Renovation Information As always, please contact me at 781.455.0400, x 203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us if you have a comment, question, or concern. Thanks! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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