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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 Sep '09

28 Sep '09

Dear Parents and Guardians: I hope you enjoyed the weekend! A few brief updates to begin the week: High Rock Dedication We will formally dedicate the newly expanded and renovated High Rock School on Sunday afternoon, October 25th at 2:00 p.m. All are invited for the ceremony, tours, and light refreshments. Newman Renovation Numerous parents and community members have requested information about the planned Newman project. Folks are trying to understand what the project is all about as the town prepares to hear from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) about reimbursement for the proposed renovation. We recently added a new page on the district's website to provide information about the plans: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/newman_renovation_updates/ ]Newman Renovation Information Additionally, the School Committee will vote to recommend an override to support the project at their next meeting, October 6, 2009 at Broadmeadow. 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. 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. Community Education Please check out the new fall classes offered through the Needham Public Schools: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/community_education/Adult%20Education ]Community Education Autumn Classes Fall is a great time to learn new skills and meet new friends and neighbors. We have enjoyed a terrific opening to the school year! I am very impressed with the high level of engagement, creativity, enthusiasm, and learning evident in the classrooms I have been visiting. I am excited for the year to unfold and want you to know how much I appreciate being your superintendent. 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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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 10 Sep '09

10 Sep '09

Dear Parents and Guardians: We have enjoyed a smooth opening of the 2009-10 school year! Please allow me to update you on two items: The Fine and Performing Arts Curriculum Review Committee requests that parents take a brief [ http://www.elisten.com/web30/cgi-bin/qwebautoload.cgi?4F726EC01B2241A58BF3E… ]Online Survey to provide feedback and suggestions to the committee as they continue their work to refine and improve the arts curriculum for Needham's students. The results of the survey and the committee's work will be presented at an upcoming School Committee meeting later this year. Thanks for your help. The planned Newman Renovation Project will be on the agenda at the School Committee's next scheduled meeting September 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the Broadmeadow Performance Center. The School Committee will hear a presentation from the architect about the renovation plan, including design and costs. Members of the community will then be invited to comment on the plan or asks questions during this public presentation and hearing. The School Committee is eager to hear from parents and members of the community about the project and a planned override required to fund the renovation. As always, please contact me if you have a question or comment: dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Have a great weekend. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 31 Aug '09

31 Aug '09

Monday, August 31, 2009 Dear Parents and Guardians: Welcome to the 2009-10 school year! I hope and trust that you and your family enjoyed some time together this summer to rest and relax. I know I appreciated the time I spent with my family visiting relatives, enjoying the beach, and hiking a couple of Maine's beautiful mountains. A quick story: One of my older daughters, who frequently complained about all the hiking the family was "forced" to do while she was growing up, came back from freshman year in college, and one of the first questions out of her mouth was: "Do we get to go mountain climbing this summer?" My wife and I were both stunned and pleased! It's nice to know that as they grow up, our children begin to appreciate and even enjoy some of the things we made them "endure" when they were little. As we prepare for the opening of school on Wednesday, September 2nd, please allow me to share a few updates: 2009 Performance Report has been mailed out and should be in your home within the next several days. 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. High Rock School will open on time for our 6th grade students and staff. The Needham community should be very proud of its willingness to fund and support this wonderful new school that has been constructed on time and under budget! Principal Jessica Downey and the staff have worked throughout the summer to ensure students are welcomed to what will be an amazing opportunity for learning and growth. High Rock parents and 6th graders are invited to an Open House on Tuesday, September 1st at 1:00 p.m. Learn more about [ http://highrock.needham.k12.ma.us/main/ ]High Rock School on the district's website. The Newman Renovation project moves forward. Architects are busily completing a schematic design and costs estimates for a major Newman renovation and preparing to share this with town boards, including the School Committee at its first meeting Tuesday evening, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow. We are working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to secure partial funding of this important project for a likely 2011 construction start. In order for this project to move forward, of course, the entire Needham community will need to pass an override that is presently being planned for December. More information about the Newman project can be found on the district's website: [ http://newman.needham.k12.ma.us/updates/remediationnews.htm ]Newman Remediation Updates H1N1 Updates will be available on the district's website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/ ]H1N1 Flu Update Parents who have questions about the upcoming flu season and any concerns about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) should contact their pediatrician and consult our website for regular updates. Finally, again this year we will strive to integrate the core values of Scholarship, Personal Growth, Citizenship, and Community into all of our work with Needhams students. We believe there is no higher purpose for the community than to ensure our children have an exceptional educational experience that will empower them as learners and citizens. We are looking forward to greeting your child and all the students this week. 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 15 Jul '09

15 Jul '09

Dear Parents and Guardians: The Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) will hold a meeting on Monday, July 27, 2009 at 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. in the Needham Library's community room to share an update on the Newman Elementary School renovation project. The architect, Drummey Roseane Anderson, Inc. (DRA), will present information about the project and the PPBC will provide an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions. DRA is on the fast track to finish a schematic design because we wish to secure an agreement for up to 40% reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) at their September meeting. Of course, the PPBC, the School Committee, and other town boards will need to approve a final design and costs before the entire project goes to the voters sometime late next fall or early winter. This school renovation project will be an important project for the entire community to understand and support as we move forward. I encourage you to attend this meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 27th in the town's library. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 26 Jun '09

26 Jun '09

June 26, 2009 Dear Needham Families: As the school year concludes today, allow me to update you on a few items: Student Creativity Congratulations to all of our students who showcased their efforts in the schools' art shows and performed so well in various concerts and music performances over the last several weeks. It is clear that this community values creativity as evidenced by the skill and talent of our young people and the staff and parents who support them. Graduation 306 members of the Needham High School Class of 2009 received their diplomas on the newly renovated Memorial Field earlier this month during the Graduation Exercises attended by faculty, family, and friends. The graduates beamed throughout the ceremony as each one received his or her diploma from Principal Richards and members of the School Committee. In addition, during the traditional Class Day, over $150,000 in scholarships and honors were awarded to deserving NHS seniors. These scholarships represent the community's continued support and commitment to the young people of Needham High School. Newman Elementary School Update The architectural firm Drummey, Rosane, and Anderson (DRA) has been selected by the Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) and the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to propose a schematic design, including costs, for a renovation of the Newman Elementary School's heating and ventilation infrastructure and other related needs. DRA is on the fast track to finish the schematic design because we wish to secure an agreement for up to 40% reimbursement from the MSBA at their September meeting. Of course, the PPBC, the School Committee, and other town boards will need to approve a final design and costs before the entire project goes to the voters sometime late next fall or early winter. This school renovation project will be an important project for the entire community to understand and support. More information and an opportunity to hear about the project will be available at a public presentation planned for July. I will notify parents with a specific date when it is established. Newman Interim Principal Ms. Rita Bissonnette-Clark has accepted my offer to be the interim principal at the Newman Elementary School for the 2009-10 school year. Ms. Bissonnette-Clark began her career as a teacher in Concord and eventually assumed responsibility as a K-12 Curriculum Coordinator for the Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle School District. In 1999 Rita became the principal of the Nixon School in Sudbury where she served until her retirement in 2006. Rita earned her B.S. in education at Boston University, a Masters in counseling at Fitchburg State College, and she completed her Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in educational administration at Lesley University. Rita has decided to come out of retirement and is extremely eager to work in a school like Newman, which is clearly focused on student learning. She understands and is excited about the opportunity to work with a supportive and active parent community. Please join me in welcoming Rita Bissonnette-Clark to the Needham Public Schools! Finally, please know that I continue to be so impressed with Needham's young people and the work they have accomplished. As I visit the schools and classrooms, 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 the superintendent of schools in this community! Thanks for your guidance and support and enjoy the summer months with your family. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent dan_gutekanst(a)nnedham.k12.ma.us

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Health Services Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 29 May '09

29 May '09

May 29, 2009 Dear Parents and Guardians, In light of recent media attention related to Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) or influenza-like illness and to keep everyone in the school community informed, we are providing an update about the incidence of influenza A and influenza-like illness in the Needham Public Schools. We want to inform you that there are students and staff who are experiencing symptoms of influenza in the district. We learned today that there is one Newman School student who was recently diagnosed with a confirmed case of Swine- Origin Influenza A (H1N1). The student has been out of school since being symptomatic and is recovering well without complication. As with seasonal flu, it should be assumed that influenza-like illness is currently in the community and being exposed is always a possibility. The Needham Public Schools are being vigilant in monitoring student and staff health and enhancing infection control. To that end we are: · Working directly with the Needham Health Department a · n · d · · f · o · l · l · o · w · i · n · g · · t · h · e · · m · o · s · t · · u · p · · t · o · · d · a · t · e · · g · u · i · d · e · l · i · n · e · s · · f · o · r · · s · c · h · o · o · l · s · · b · y · · t · h · e · · M · a · s · s · a · c · h · u · s · e · t · t · s · · D · e · p · a · r · t · m · e · n · t · · o · f · · P · u · b · l · i · c · · H · e · a · l · t · h · . · · · R · e · i · n · f · o · r · c · i · n · g · · w · i · t · h · · s · t · u · d · e · n · t · s · · a · n · d · · s · t · a · f · f · · a · b · o · u · t · · g · e · r · m · · p · r · e · v · e · n · t · i · o · n · · t · h · r · o · u · g · h · · t · h · e · · p · r · a · c · t · i · c · e · · o · f · · g · o · o · d · · h · a · n · d · · w · a · s · h · i · n · g · , · · u · s · e · · o · f · · h · a · n · d · · s · a · n · i · t · i · z · e · r · , · · a · n · d · · p · r · o · p · e · r · · c · o · u · g · h · · e · t · i · q · u · e · t · t · e · · Encouraging routine cleaning of classroom surfaces likely to be contaminated · Dismissing students and staff who are ill with influenza-like illness are from school and advising them to remain home for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner, and those who are still sick after 7 days, are to stay home until at least 24 hours after they have completely recovered Monitoring the patterns of student and staff absence and dismissals due to illness in all grades We ask that all families please review and follow guidelines issued by the MDPH to help you monitor the health of your child and make informed decisions about when it is appropriate to keep them home from school. To minimize the transmission of flu, we reiterate that everyone, children and adults, should protect themselves by · Washing hands frequently Keeping hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes Staying away from people who are sick Covering a cough and sneeze Keeping your child home if he/she is sick. Flu outbreaks evolve in unpredictable ways, thus it is impossible to know whether this one will decrease or grow in the coming weeks. The school nurses and the Needham Health Department are available for any questions. For further updates and information please check the NPS Health Services website [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/ ]http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/. Thank you for your understanding and assistance as we respond to the outbreak of influenza illness and balance health concerns with the educational mission of our schools.

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 28 May '09

28 May '09

May 28, 2009 Dear Parents and Guardians: Allow me to share a few updates about happenings in the Needham Schools: Newman Elementary School Earlier this month Town Meeting approved $450,000 to develop schematic designs for a renovation of the Newman School's heating and ventilation system and related infrastructure. The funds will also be used to help design a relocation plan for Newman's students and staff during the renovation period. As you may know, the School Committee voted recently to use available space at Pollard for Newman's Preschool, Kindergarten, and KASE students during a renovation. Grades 1 through 5 would be located in modular classrooms on the Newman campus during the renovation. The design funds will be used to help develop a specific renovation and relocation plan that can be reviewed and approved by the School Committee and Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC). While we continue to collaborate with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to develop the project's scope and costs, the School Committee and PPBC will need to work on a timeline for the renovation. The Town is also committed to maintaining the existing systems at Newman and responding and repairing as necessary until a renovation project can begin, likely in 2011. So much remains to be done, and there will be ample opportunity for Needham families to assist with the effort as we move forward. High Rock School is on schedule for completion and the anticipated move in later this summer. The new principal, Jessica Downey, and the 6th grade staff are hard at work planning for the arrival of our new students. They will update the School Committee next Tuesday evening, June 2nd, about activities and programs. Needless to say, they are very excited about the school and the opportunity it presents for this community and our young people! Updates may be found at this link on our website: [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/high_rock_info/ ]High Rock School Information Student Art and Music Programs I hope parents have had opportunities to view the exceptional artwork and projects on display at the high school and Pollard over the last week or so. In addition, a variety of student concerts and performances have been scheduled in each of the schools from now until the end of the year. Please check out the [ http://cfweb.smartedu.net/smartcalendar/needham.cfm?myCalendar=71&thisdistr… ]Performing Arts Calendar for specific venues and dates. Superintendent's Blog In an effort to share ideas and information about education and the Needham Public Schools, I invite you to visit my new blog, [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]Superintendent's Blog . I hope to post to the blog at least monthly and hope this will provide an additional way to communicate with you and for us to share ideas with one another. I welcome your input, feedback, and comments. Finally, congratulations to the Needham High School Class of '09 who will graduate Monday evening, June 8 on Memorial Field. They (and their parents!) have worked hard and deserve our warm and hearty congratulations. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me: 781.455.0400, x 203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us We are off to the concluding weeks of school! Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 22 May '09

22 May '09

May 22, 2009 Dear Parents and Guardians: In light of recent media attention related to the Swine- Origin Influenza A (H1N1) or influenza-like illness and to keep everyone in the school community fully informed, we are providing an update about the incidence of influenza A and influenza- like illness in the Needham Public Schools. We want to inform you that there are students and staff who are experiencing symptoms of influenza in the district. We learned today that there is one Needham High School student who was recently diagnosed with a confirmed case of Swine- Origin Influenza A (H1N1). The student has been out of school since being symptomatic and is recovering well without complication. As with seasonal flu, it should be assumed that influenza-like illness is currently in the community and being exposed is always a possibility. The Needham Public Schools are being vigilant in monitoring student and staff health and enhancing infection control. To that end we are: · Working directly with the Needham He· a· l· t· h· · D· e· p· a· r· t· m· e· n· t· · a· n· d· · f· o· l· l· o· w· i· n· g· · t· h· e· · m· o· s· t· · u· p· · t· o· · d· a· t· e· · g· u· i· d· e· l· i· n· e· s· · f· o· r· · s· c· h· o· o· l· s· · b· y· · t· h· e· · M· a· s· s· a· c· h· u· s· e· t· t· s· · D· e· p· a· r· t· m· e· n· t· · o· f· · P· u· b· l· i· c· · H· e· a· l· t· h· .· · · R· e· i· n· f· o· r· c· i· n· g· · w· i· t· h· · s· t· u· d· e· n· t· s· · a· n· d· · s· t· a· f· f· · a· b· o· u· t· · g· e· r· m· · p· r· e· v· e· n· t· i· o· n· · t· h· r· o· u· g· h· · t· h· e· · p· r· a· c· t· i· c· e· · o· f· · g· o· o· d· · h· a· n· d· · w· a· s· h· i· n· g· ,· · u· s· e· · o· f· · h· a· n· d· · s· a· n· i· t· i· z· e· r· ,· · a· n· d· · p· r· o· p· e· r· · c· o· u· g· h· · e· t· i· q· u· e· t· t· e· · Encouraging routine cleaning of classroom surfaces likely to be contaminated · Dismissing students and staff who are ill with influenza-like illness are from school and advising them to remain home for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner, and those who are still sick after 7 days, are to stay home until at least 24 hours after they have completely recovered Monitoring the patterns of student and staff absence and dismissals due to illness in all grades We ask that all families please review and follow guidelines issued by the MDPH to help you monitor the health of your child and make informed decisions about when it is appropriate to keep them home from school. To minimize the transmission of flu, we reiterate that everyone, children and adults, should protect themselves by · Washing hands frequently Keeping hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes Staying away from people who are sick Covering a cough and sneeze Keeping your child home if he/she is sick. Flu outbreaks evolve in unpredictable ways, thus it is impossible to know whether this one will decrease or grow in the coming weeks. The school nurses and the Needham Health Department are available for any questions. For further updates and information please check the NPS Health Services website [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/ ]http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/. Thank you for your understanding and assistance as we respond to the outbreak of influenza illness and balance health concerns with the educational mission of our schools. Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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

11 Apr '09

Dear Parents and Guardians: On Thursday, April 16th at 7:00 p.m. the Needham School Committee will hold a Public Hearing to share information about a potential Newman Elementary School renovation project and receive community input about the project. The meeting will be held at Broadmeadow. The school administration will share information about renovation plans and ideas, potential costs, relocation options for Newman's students and staff during the construction period, and timelines. Engineers and architects working with the Permanent Public Building Committee and involved in preliminary planning will be available to answer questions. The School Committee welcomes parent, staff, and community feedback about this important project as it prepares to request funds at the upcoming Special Town Meeting for a renovation project at Newman. All are welcome! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 23 Mar '09

23 Mar '09

Monday, March 23, 2009 Dear Parents and Guardians: This afternoon a police and fire investigation of a bomb threat at St. Bart's Church in Needham precipitated the need for the Needham Fire Department to order a precautionary evacuation of Needham High School. Fortunately, the school was evacuated precisely at dismissal (2.:35 p.m.) and caused little, if any, disruption to the school day. Only as a precaution, local and state police and fire officials spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening searching the building with trained dogs to determine if there was any threat to the school. This evening, state police concluded that there was no threat to the school or its occupants. As a result, school will resume at Needham High School, and in all the Needham Schools, as scheduled tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25th. The original incident at St. Bart's is still being investigated by police and fire officials. Thanks to Needham's public safety officials who responded quickly to assist with the orderly evacuation of Needham High. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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