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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 30 May '08

30 May '08

May 30, 2008 Dear Parents and Guardians: Allow me to share a few updates about happenings in the Needham Schools: Newman Elementary School Undoubtedly you have heard about the ongoing heating and ventilation (HV) issues at Newman Elementary School. Some staff and students have suffered respiratory symptoms and, while specific causes have not been definitively established, we are concerned that the respiratory issues relate to the HV problems in the school. An engineer's report indicates that in at least a portion of the building significant mechanical and maintenance problems exist with the 48 year-old ventilation system, and, as a precaution, we have had to close the media center, a computer classroom, and relocate three classrooms within the building to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Anxious staff and parents, along with town and school officials, expect that the town and school department will continue to focus time, energy, and resources to ensure student and staff health and safety. Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick, her staff, and the Permanent Public Building Committee have responded quickly, and Town Meeting has appropriated $650,000 to plan for both a temporary and permanent overhaul of the school's HV system. We will work throughout the summer to ensure the building can open next September with a safe and temporary HV system and, at the same time, propose a permanent HV solution to construct at Newman. I am confident that the right resources are being applied and that we will all work together-Town Government, Schools, and the Needham community- to address and solve this problem. We will hold an additional evening parent meeting in June (The specific date has not yet been determined.) to share with the community additional plans and updated information. Leadership Positions Two key school leadership positions have recently been filled: Christine Brumbach has been named the Director of Student Development and will replace Dr. George Johnson who is retiring after an extraordinary career in the Needham Public Schools. Ms. Brumbach has been the Elementary Special Education Director in Needham for the last two years and has worked with a talented staff to ensure that our special education services in all the elementary schools and the preschool are of the highest quality. She has worked especially well interacting with principals, teachers, and parents to plan for appropriate student programming. Prior to her work in the Needham Public Schools, Chris served in a similar role in the Sherborn Schools. She has also taught in the Westwood Public Schools. Prior to public school experience, Chris held various positions at the League School, a 766 approved school for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism. As Director of Education at the League School, she was responsible for program and professional development and developed collaborative relationships with local districts and parents. Ms. Brumbach received a Bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, and a Masters degree in Special Education from Boston University. Emily Gaberman has been appointed the new principal at Broadmeadow and will replace Anne Whittredge, who will retire as that school's principal after serving as its leader for 19 years. Ms. Gaberman, a teacher and administrator at the Runkle School in Brookline for the last 18 years, was the successful candidate after a long and thorough search process. Ms. Gaberman's work as a classroom teacher, math specialist, and more recently as a vice principal at Runkle has provided her with many opportunities to influence, guide, and lead the learning of a talented staff and student body. Ms. Gaberman received a Bachelors degree in English from Cornell University, a Masters degree in Musical Performance from the New England Conservatory, and a Masters degree in Teaching at Simmons. Broadmeadow's teachers, parents, and students are incredibly enthusiastic about Ms. Gaberman coming on board this summer. The Needham Spring Arts Festival. . . Please join the Needham Cultural Council on the Town Common tomorrow, Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Needham's 2nd annual Spring Arts Festival. There will be magic for children at 10 am, performing groups, including the High School Brass Ensemble and teacher Juliet Lloyd. Plugged In Teens and Bongo Love will also perform. A children's crafts table will provide arts activities all day. Enjoy the work of the many visual artists who will be exhibiting. Finally, there will be art demonstrations including painting and jewelry making. For more information, please visit [ http://www.needarts.org ]www.needarts.org. . . .And the 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 district calendar for specific venues and dates: http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/gi_calendars.htm) Hundreds of students, guided by their teachers, are showcasing wonderful talents that reflect our core value around Scholarship and the district's commitment to the fine and performing arts. Finally, congratulations to the Needham High School Class of '08 who will graduate next Monday evening, June 2 at Babson College in Wellesley. 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 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

Dear Parents and Guardians: There are some upcoming opportunities for parents and community members to participate in and learn more about three important discussions taking place in the Needham Public Schools: There will be a Parent Forum on proposed new school bus transportation fees and guidelines at the Eliot School Media Center on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be an opportunity for parents and members of the community to be informed of and ask questions about proposed changes in the school transportation program for the 2008-2009 academic year. The School Committee is scheduled to vote on new guidelines and a fee structure at its April 15th meeting. On Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Broadmeadow media center, parents are invited to meet the candidate for the position of Director of Student Development and Program Evaluation. Dr. George Johnson, the current Director, is retiring at the conclusion of the current school year after providing extraordinary management and leadership for special education, guidance, health services, and the district's METCO programs. The 2007-2008 Parent Survey results will be presented on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Broadmeadow School Performance Center. Dr. Johnson, Director of Student Development and Program Evaluation, will share survey results and answer questions. After the presentation, participants will be asked to take part in small focus groups by school in an attempt to gather more information about parent perceptions of the Needham Schools. I hope you can join us. Thanks, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 12 Mar '08

12 Mar '08

Dear Parents and Guardians: Please join the School Committee at their spring Open House scheduled for this Saturday, March 15th from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. in the Community Room at the Needham Public Library. This is an informal opportunity for parents and members of the community to meet your School Committee members, ask a question, or share an idea. School Committee members are looking forward to your comments and feedback as they work to encourage clear and frequent communication, support school programs, and improve student learning. Please drop in for a few minutes and join them for a cup of coffee and conversation this Saturday morning! With more parents using the district and school websites for information and communication with teachers and schools, we are working to make those vehicles as clear and helpful as possible. So that we can better understand what you would like to be able to access on the websites, we invite you to complete a simple, 3-question survey sometime over the next few days. Click on this link to complete the brief survey: >http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=897204 Thanks in advance for your input. As always, please feel free to contact me at 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us if you have questions, comments, or ideas. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Upate
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Feb '08

15 Feb '08

Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates to conclude the week. The School Committee continues to work closely with the Finance Committee and Selectmen to ensure we have the resources we need to run a high quality program for students in the 2008-09 school year. The School Committee adopted a 4.5% increase, or $1.8 million, for the new school year. While this is a significant amount, the reality is that most of this represents increased costs in contracts and special education programs. And even with this new revenue we will need to reduce our overall staffing by a few staff and ask some administrators to assume additional responsibilities. My sense is, however, that we will still be in very good shape and will provide excellent services to Needham's young people. In anticipation of another extremely tight budget the following year, the School Committee has begun to discuss a request for additional funds from the taxpayers. This request will likely include the funds needed to open High Rock as well as other important needs to prevent further program erosion and to support new programs for Needham students. I urge parents and community members to stay informed about the budget process as it moves forward into the spring and the next school year. On a related note, the school department has sent out a letter to the parents of students who receive free transportation to and from school. State law requires free transportation for students in grades K-6 who live 2.0 miles or more from their school. However, Needham has traditionally offered free transportation for all students grades K-6 who live 1.5 miles or more from their schools. It is my recommendation that the School Committee next year charge those families the transportation fee of $375 to help offset the costs of our transportation program. In an effort to better plan the number of buses required, we are requesting that those families receiving a letter respond to the survey included and send this information back to your child's school. Please refer to the district's website for further information about our [ http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/ss_transportation.htm ]School Transportation Program The Needham Public Schools staff has been busy producing four cable televisions shows highlighting the Needham Schools. Three of the programs, entitled Needham Schools Spotlight, are focused on the district's recently approved goals: Goal One: Advance Standards Based Learning (featuring Broadmeadow's Stephanie Hamel, Pollard's Steve Guerriero, and Needham High's Dan Hudder); Goal Two: Develop the Social and Emotional Skills of All Students (Tom Denton, Guidance Director, Broadmeadow's Angie Morrison, and Pollard Principal Glenn Brand); Goal Three: Promote Active Citizenship (Tom Denton, Needham High Principal Paul Richards, and students Matt Barnes and Dan Antoszyk). The fourth program, featuring six of our high school METCO students (Ronald Sisco, Guillermo Caballero, Vanisa Jenkins, Diego Huezo-Rosales, Chanise Parks, Terniece Lee) reflecting on their experiences in the Needham schools, is a thoughtful and candid conversation about the successes, challenges, aspirations and even fears of our Boston students. The programs have been or will soon be broadcast on [ http://www.greisnet.com/tnc.nsf/Page%203!OpenPage ]The Needham Channel . Please tune in! All of us were horrified this morning to learn about the shootings at Northern Illinois University. This terrible crime is another tragic reminder that while we can't guarantee student and school safety, we must be vigilant in our efforts to anticipate, plan for, and respond to school emergencies. The principals, staff, central office administrators, and town emergency officials will continue the planning and collaboration we believe is critical to ensure each child is safe to, during, and from school. I am impressed with the proactive way in which the Needham Public Schools and the Town of Needham work together to ensure safe, healthy, and secure schools for our children. If you have a suggestion, comment, or idea about your child's school and safety, I encourage you to contact the principal. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this senseless tragedy. Finally, I continue to enjoy my visits to the schools and classrooms. The teaching and learning I observe, along with the recent efforts of all the students and staff who made the high school musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, a success, and the young scientists at Pollard who competed in this week's Science Fair reflect the district's core values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth. A talented staff appreciates your ongoing partnership and support! As always, please don't hesitate to contact me: 781.455.0400, x 203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Enjoy the February break with family and friends. Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update: Snow
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

Monday, January 14th 8:01 p.m. Dear Parents and Guardians: Once again this winter the Needham Department of Public Works (DPW) has worked hard to plow roads and clear school driveways and parking lots of snow in preparation for the opening of school. Schools will open on time tomorrow, Tuesday, January 15th. However, I have been advised by the DPW staff that not all sidewalks may be entirely clear in time for the morning commute. If your children walk to school, please remind them to take extra time and be careful, especially as they cross intersections. Caution your children not to walk in the street but to stay on the walkways. The DPW should have remaining sidewalks cleared by the end of the school day. Winter in New England is always a challenge! Thanks to the school custodians and DPW staff for making our way to school a safe one. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 14 Jan '08

14 Jan '08

Dear Parents and Guardians: Two reminders as we begin a new week: Please consider attending a series of new Parent Workshops entitled: Responsive Classroom Meets Responsive Parenting: Bringing Out the Best in Your Child. The four part program, designed for the parents of preschoolers - 3rd graders, will highlight the Responsive Classroom approach integrated into the Needham elementary school program. January 24 Using Encouraging and Empowering Language February 28 Fostering Positive Discipline and Self-Control March 13 Building Independence and Responsibility March 27 Book Discussion of Madeline Levine's The Price of Privilege Please call Needham Community Education at 781.455.0400, x235 for more information and to register. The Needham School Committee will hold the Public Hearing on the Proposed FY09 Needham Public Schools Budget tomorrow, Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow. Community members, parents, students, and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed 2008-09 school year budget and comment on the preliminary proposal as well as suggested areas for reduction. It is important that community members be well informed and offer ideas and feedback to members of the School Committee as they review and prioritized budget requests. More information about the school budget can be found on the district's website: http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/fin_budget.htm As always, please let me know if you have a question or comment. I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Friday, December 21, 2007 Dear Parents and Guardians: As the flakes fly and students look anxiously out the window anticipating next week's vacation, let me take this opportunity to wish each of you a restful and peaceful holiday. Now in my second year as superintendent, I have had additional opportunities to see and understand more clearly the wonderful work the teachers and staff do with our students each day. I continue to be impressed with the level of dedication, creativity, and professionalism they bring to each school and classroom. It is a real honor for me to work within the Needham Public Schools. I am very pleased that the School Committee adopted this fall the four core values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth and three goals to support these values and what we fundamentally believe to be our work in the schools. As the school year continues to unfold, teachers and staff will work together with the School Committee, parents, and the community to ensure we have a common understanding of these goals and how they might be implemented throughout the system. This will be challenging but, I think, very exciting and enriching work. We will also work with the town to ensure we have the resources we need to achieve these goals and nurture the close connection and relationship that exists between each child and teacher in every classroom. Unquestionably, the budget for the 2008-09 school year will be extremely tight, and we will need to be creative and make thoughtful decisions about what we can afford and how we can deliver the best possible educational program with available resources. I encourage parents to follow the budget discussions that will take place throughout January and into the winter months. I also encourage parents and students to enjoy New Year's Eve in Needham: Join the community for a celebration of art, music, dance and magic on December 31st from noon to 10:00 p.m. Check out the schedule of events at [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001lpYAE8mFiQWmFMxErGgliDyhtry4QQeD4k33OOsFWJJ5Fzof… ] www.needarts.org Your $5 button admits you to all events at venues throughout town. Buttons may be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office, Needham Public Library, the Selectmen's Office, Taylor Stationery, Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, YMCA Charles River Branch or online at [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001lpYAE8mFiQUix7_-Qj2EahqJcHhmbVaZMbswvlmyDi2Yz1wI… ]www.mktix.com As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Dear Parent and Guardians: A few updates: The Needham Public Schools seeks your input about school programs through your participation in an online survey that will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The information received will help us gain a better understanding of what is most important to our parent community in the areas of Student Learning and Growth, Parent Satisfaction, Educational Planning, Staff Expectations, Financial Performance, Student Services, and Curriculum. The results of this survey will be included in the 2008 Needham Public Schools annual Performance Report. Please complete the survey by December 21, 2007. If you have questions about the survey or the procedures, you may contact me. Here is the link to the survey: http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=811691 Tomorrow evening I will present my preliminary budget recommendation to the School Committee. I believe the budget details the resources we need to move our schools forward and provides each child with an opportunity to grow and learn. I look forward to the budget presentation and the subsequent conversation with the School Committee and other town boards and officials about the needs of our students and schools. There is no question, however, that this will be a challenging year for the town and school budgets, especially as we look to provide the same level of service for students while balancing, for example, increased energy and health benefit costs. The work ahead for the School Committee will be difficult, and I urge you to participate in the process and communicate your concerns and ideas in the weeks and months ahead. Let me take this opportunity to thank the Town Manager, Selectmen, Finance Committee, and the School Committee for their guidance and advice as we work together on behalf of the schools and the community. Let me also take this opportunity to wish our families who are celebrating Hanukkah a peaceful and joyful holiday with your family! As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us if you have a question or concern. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates to begin the Holiday weekend: Last evening the School Committee approved the 2008-09 academic calendar. The calendar includes additional time for professional development for the staff and places the full professional development day (no school for students) on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008 (instead of the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend). The calendar includes two, two hour delayed opening days and nine early release days for staff professional development, all on Tuesdays during the school year. Please review the calendar carefully when making family vacation plans. You may view and print a copy of the 2008-09 calendar at the district's website: http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/gi_calendar_pupil_08_09.htm A recent conversation with Police Chief Tom Leary about a St. Joe's student who reported to the police that a stranger in a car passing by the student was acting strangely has prompted me to remind parents: Make sure you gently remind your children about the importance of their personal safety walking to and from school and around town. While we are not aware of any dangerous or suspicious activity, it is always a good idea to check in with children about riding alone with strangers and sharing with them your expectations for communicating with you, a teacher, or the police in the event of an emergency or unsafe situation. The tragic events of Friday, November 2nd have also prompted me and the principals to think carefully about ways to improve our communication strategies and efforts. Congratulations to two Needham High School students, Jessica Yao and Kevin Potterton, who last evening 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 reflect 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 work with a talented staff, committed parents, a supportive community, and extraordinary young people just like Jess and Kevin. I have a great job in a great town, and I appreciate the opportunity you have given me. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Needham Public 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 02 Nov '07

02 Nov '07

Friday evening, November 2, 2007 Dear Parents and Guardians: Please allow me to share with you how pleased and proud I am of our staff and students who reacted so quickly and calmly this afternoon during the lockdown of our schools. All of our students were safe and everyone got home as quickly and safely as possible after dismissals began. As you may know by now, Police Chief Tom Leary contacted me in the afternoon to notify me that the police were investigating a homicide near Great Plain and Elmwood. The suspect, apparently, had fled the scene on foot, and the chief and I decided it was necessary to institute a schoolwide lockdown so the police could search the area. We did not want students leaving school and being caught up in what was quickly becoming a major incident and manhunt. Shortly after we implemented the lockdown, a second incident involving a different suspect in the center of town resulted in the Needham and state police responding on two fronts. Each principal was notified quickly, and with great skill and purpose they implemented the appropriate lockdown procedures. Staff and teachers performed at an exceptional level as they followed the protocol and ensured the safety and security of our students. (My lockdown instructions to Hillside and Eliot resulted in a minor miscommunication, but all Needham Public Schools students were safe and the buildings were secured.) At approximately 4:00 p.m. Chief Leary contacted me to tell me that both suspects had been apprehended and it was safe to end the lockdown and proceed with dismissal. While there was additional traffic at the schools by this time, the buses did make their rounds and all students got home as quickly as possible. The principals, central office staff, and police chief met this evening to debrief and review our lockdown and communication procedures. Additionally, Town Manger Kate Fitzpatrick, her staff, and I met throughout the afternoon to coordinate efforts. The schools will be ready on Monday to provide support students may need to cope with this tragedy. We are particularly mindful of any families and students from the Broadmeadow neighborhood who may know the family or friends involved. Our goal on Monday will be to have a routine school day, but we will provide whatever support may be appropriate and necessary. If you have a specific concern about your child's response to the incident or the lockdown, please notify the principal or your child's guidance counselor. The school administration and staff, in close collaboration with the town's emergency services, will continue to review our practices and procedures to ensure student safety and security. We will continue to ensure a thoughtful, coordinated, and responsive plan is in place for school safety and then hope that we never have to implement it again. Many, many thanks to Chief Leary, the Needham Police, the Town Manager's administrative staff, and the teaching, clerical, support, and administrative staff of the Needham Public Schools who are incredibly caring professionals dedicated to the town and our students. Thanks also to parents who helped out and very patiently awaited news and information during a long, anxious afternoon. Finally, please know that your sons and daughters were simply terrific. All of the principals were impressed with the respectful, calm, and patient demeanor they exhibited. No small task on a late Friday afternoon! One high school student waved to me and said: "It was a breeze. We knew what to do." Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victims. Thank you. Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools

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