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Superintendent's Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 13 Oct '23

13 Oct '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: This afternoon we mark the end of a busy and productive, yet challenging week of teaching and learning in the Needham Public Schools. While students at every level have been engaged in their academic lessons, athletic competitions, social time with friends, or playing music - all under the caring and watchful eyes of their teachers, coaches, and administrators - there existed for many students, particularly at the secondary level, a pall of fear, disbelief, and anxiety at the unfolding and astonishing news of the terrorism and war in Israel and Gaza. For many of our young people there was a dissonance in their lives this week: Math homework and lunch chatter contrasted with chilling social media reports and casualty counts. Violence, terror, and hate interrupted and interfered with the ability of some of our students to focus; and some students’ emotions boiled over. For sure, the depravity and immorality of the murders and terror shock us all. However, despite the horrors of the terrorist attacks in Israel, the unknown fate of innocent Jewish families and hostages, or the plight of the Palestinian civilians swept up in the war, our students and the staff of the Needham Public Schools kept learning alive and ensured students were safe and secure: - Middle and high school teachers used social studies classrooms and/or advisory to respond to students' questions about the events unfolding in Israel and Gaza. - The Needham High School Jewish Student Union shared a somber message of solidarity with Israel during an advisory period with the entire high school community and, along with High Rock and Pollard students, led a moment of silence to remember the victims of the attacks. - Administrative and counseling staff connected with individual students or groups of students, including Jewish and Muslim students, who were experiencing loss, discomfort, or distress over the last several days. - Throughout the Needham Public Schools, teachers and staff supported one another, helped to identify students or families who needed extra support, and ensured the focus was on providing a stable and consistent learning environment for all students. In the days ahead, we will continue to provide an excellent educational program for our students, and we will support those students who may continue to struggle. I am deeply committed to ensuring our schools remain safe places for our students, and we will continue to be crystal clear that all students are entitled to learn and grow in a school environment that is free of racism, bias, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. Thank you to parents and caregivers who have expressed questions, concerns, and support to our principals and staff as we guide your children. There is no good playbook for this; no best way to react or respond when terror rips the world apart. The collective efforts of dedicated staff, caring families, and our amazing young people will always be imperfect, but I have faith and hope in this community. Next week the staff will be at it again, doing the thing that we all love and cherish: guiding, teaching, and leading your children as they grow and develop to become active, contributing, and caring citizens. This is our responsibility, and despite its complexities, this work gives me no greater joy. 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 12 Oct '23

12 Oct '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: It has come to our attention that information has been circulating regarding possible demonstrations in the United States that may occur Friday, October 13, 2023. Needham Police Chief John Schlittler and I continue to collaborate to prioritize school security in and around our schools. Out of an abundance of caution, the police will take appropriate steps tomorrow to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the students and staff of the Needham Public Schools. 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 09 Oct '23

09 Oct '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Like you, I am reminded this weekend that sometimes events that seem so far away can impact some of our students and families in ways we don't necessarily expect. Worldwide events, such as the earthquake in Afghanistan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and now the war in Israel affect family members and loved ones of several Needham students. Our schools stand ready to support all of our students, especially those who have relatives and friends in areas of violence and conflict including Ukraine and Israel: • In the coming days if your child needs support in school to process the events of the weekend, please reach out to the school counselor. • Elementary classroom teachers will not initiate conversations about war and conflict, but they will guide and respond to students in developmentally appropriate ways, understanding that not every child is aware of or knowledgeable about the violence. At the secondary level, student inquiry and curiosity, particularly in social studies classes, will guide any classroom discussion. • One source of information for parents is from UNICEF: How to talk to your children about war and conflict <https://www.unicef.org/parenting/how-talk-your-children-about-conflict-and-….> . As we begin a new week of learning in the NPS, let's remember that our collective role as parents and educators is to ensure our students develop the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to lead fulfilling lives and to envision and build a prosperous, peaceful, and just world. 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 Sep '23

04 Sep '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Happy Labor Day Weekend! Attached, please find an important letter which details information regarding federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures: Parent Letter 2023-24 <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snqtE9rGcgNNPu6tmx2VTELMOICtvA2ua6BWXX-…> I hope this letter provides you with the information you need to support your child(ren) this school year. 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 26 Aug '23

26 Aug '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited and prepared to greet our students next week on Wednesday, August 30th. In anticipation of the new year allow me to share some ways for you to stay connected and informed throughout the school year: *• Superintendent's Blog *I post to my blog monthly, and I encourage you to read the latest entry, Hey, Parents, We Got You! <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• 10 Minutes with... *Every five weeks or so I film a brief and ten minute video featuring the students, staff, and community members who lead and contribute to the success of the Needham Public Schools. The brief videos provide insight and perspective about our work in the schools. You can find an archive of videos here, including a recent conversation with the Massachusetts Secretary of Education, Dr. Tutwiler: 10 Minutes with... <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/10_minutes_with____> • *X (formerly Twitter) *One way to stay in touch about the latest school news, including weather-related school closings or other important information, is on *X* (formerly Twitter). Go to: https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt to sign up. I look forward to sharing with you and hearing from you in the school year ahead. *• Stay in Touch with Your School Committee! *Needham is fortunate to have a seven member elected board <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tM22__mTEnQLQIlGuYcQgcJ5u9lAGTpNR3igTPf…> who want to hear from you. You can attend public meetings or email the Committee: schoolcommittee(a)needham.k12.ma.us More information about the School Committee's roles and responsibilities can be found on the district's website: Needham School Committee <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee> Here's to a superb school year for the students, staff and all the families of the Needham Public Schools! 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 12 Jun '23

12 Jun '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we wind down a busy and productive school year, allow me to share the following updates: *• Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley *both visited Kindergarten classrooms at Mitchell and Broadmeadow this past week to learn about our new program and see how we are incorporating the Portrait of a Needham Graduate competencies into our instruction. Both leaders were immensely impressed with what they experienced, and it was an honor to have them here in the district! Secretary Tutwiler and I filmed a brief interview which you can view here: 10 Minutes with Secretary of Education, Dr. Patrick Tutwiler <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrmIaeLVqdk>. *• Congratulations, Retirees! * We recently honored 20 staff members at the Needham Golf Club who are retiring this year. To learn more about our retirees and to view photos from the event, please check out the Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>. *• Let's Get REAL! *The latest edition of the district's newsletter, Let's Get REAL <https://drive.google.com/file/d/14nDcjdR1SvplEAlO4L08xI1cGEKfR5AU/view?usp=…> is available now and highlights our work around equity, inclusion, and antiracism. Please take a few minutes to learn more about district efforts to improve the conditions for learning for all students. *• The Power of Instructional Coaching* Check out a recent 10 Minutes with... video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh3fwzZyTRI> featuring two of our amazing teachers: Eliot Kindergarten Teacher Juliet Slotnick and Eliot Instructional Coach Jacqueline Benevides who share their work, experience and ideas around the instructional coaching model in the district. Finally, congratulations to the 380 members of the Needham High School Class of '23 who graduated this past week on Memorial Field. We are proud of them and wish them continued success as their futures unfold. Let me also take this opportunity to thank our teachers, staff, parents and families for working together to help nurture our students' development and learning. We understand that you have entrusted us with your children, and we hope to always focus on their wellbeing, growth, and success. Here's to a safe and restful summer! 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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Last call!
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 18 May '23

18 May '23

Needham Public Schools Families: *Last call to include your voice!* Today is the last day to complete the 2023 Family Survey <https://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/family23/surveys?language=en>. Please click on the link now to complete the brief and confidential survey. Your voice matters, and we will share the results before the end of the school year. With gratitude, 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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Family Survey!
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 May '23

15 May '23

Needham Public Schools Families: There is still time to complete the brief 2023 Family Survey <http://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/family23> if you have not done so yet! The survey will provide data to help measure progress on the District priorities and allow each school to celebrate strengths, monitor trends, and respond to areas of challenge in our equity work. I anticipate sharing the results to the community in June. Click here for the survey: 2023 Family Survey <http://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/family23> Thank you! 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 May '23

01 May '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: The Needham Public Schools values your feedback! Starting on Monday, May 1st we are conducting the district survey for parents/guardians of all our students in grades Pre-K through 12. Click here for the survey: 2023 Family Survey <http://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/family23> The survey will provide data to help measure progress on the District priorities and allow each school to celebrate strengths, monitor trends, and respond to areas of challenge in our equity work. I anticipate sharing the results to the community in June. The district has partnered with Panorama Education to administer this survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses confidential. The survey takes no more than a few minutes to complete and will be a valuable resource of information as we plan for next school year. Here is the survey link. http://surveys.panoramaed.com/needham/family23 *If you have students in more than one school, you will have the opportunity to complete more than one survey if you wish.* We will keep the survey open through May 15th as we aim for 100% participation! Many thanks for your participation and partnership! 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 Apr '23

04 Apr '23

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Allow me to share some brief updates: *• Student Accolades* Recently, students from the Middle and High School Performing Ensembles participated in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival with great success! GOLD Medals were awarded to the: NHS Chamber Orchestra, NHS Chorale, NHS Chorus, the Middle School Select Choir. SILVER Medals were awarded to the 8th Grade Band, MS Wind Ensemble, Town Orchestra, NHS Symphonic Band, NHS Concert Band, and NHS String Orchestra. Congratulations to our talented middle and high school students and the music teachers, K-12, who support and guide them! *• Bus Registration is Happening Now!* If you want your child(ren) to have a seat on the bus next year, you must register before May 19th. For more information: 2023-24 School Bus Registration <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/transportati…> *• "10 Minutes with..." *Please check out my latest ten minute video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoDG8anaMG4> featuring NHS senior Jeniyah Joseph, one of the high school recipients of the Needham Exchange Club Youth of the Month Award. *• Superintendent's Blog: *My latest post highlights our efforts to keep our schools and students safe and secure: Focus on School Safety <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Family/Parent Survey *Once again this year the district will seek input and feedback from parents and caregivers about your experience and the experience of your child(ren) in the Needham Public Schools. We use the survey results to guide our planning and programming, and we hope as many parents as possible can participate when I send the survey out after the upcoming April vacation. Please reference the 2022 survey report <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oNRcnLuY4hhBtpbFHgCLXp64cC5tZyTl/ed…> presented to the School Committee for additional context and information. *• Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent* On Monday, May 22nd at 7:00 p.m., I will host the next Virtual Coffee for families and parents. The link for the meeting is here: * Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent 05/22/23 at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86594471427?pwd=aTRuUXp6bmVnSkV6ckpQUzh…> *I will share brief school updates and then provide time for open and direct conversation, comments, and questions from participants. The zoom meeting will last 45 minutes and will not be recordedI look forward to seeing you at this last meeting of the year. Finally, for those celebrating Passover and Easter, I wish you, your families, and friends a joyful and peaceful holiday. 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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