• School Leadership I am pleased to announce that after three extensive and thoughtful search processes this spring involving many staff, parents, and students, I have appointed three exceptional individuals to the following school leadership positions:

Newman Assistant Principal - Greg Bayse, currently a guidance counselor at Eliot, will become the new assistant principal replacing departing Mark McAneny who was appointed to a principal position in the Arlington Public Schools. Greg has been serving as an “unofficial” assistant principal at Eliot school for some time now, and his extensive background in social and emotional learning, special education, and instruction make him a wonderful addition to the Newman team.

Needham High School Assistant Principal - Alison Coubrough-Argentieri, currently an administrator at Swampscott High School, will become the new assistant principal at NHS. She will replace Tamatha Bibbo who is moving to London with her family. Alison's strong teaching background and her thoughtful and intelligent instructional and organizational leadership in Swampscott helped the interview team recognize her as a clear choice for this important role.

Pollard Principal - Lisa Chen will become the new principal at Pollard Middle School, replacing Glenn Brand who has accepted the position of assistant superintendent in the Sharon Public Schools. Lisa is currently serving as an assistant principal in the Attleborough Public Schools where she has helped shape and lead student achievement efforts and has promoted teamwork and a strong spirit of community at Wamsutta Middle School. Lisa began her teaching career in rural Texas in the Teach for America program. She has received various professional accolades, including the Donald J. White Award for Teaching Excellence at Boston College where she recently earned her doctorate in Educational Administration.

During the interview process it became quite clear that the district's core values of Scholarship, Personal Growth, Community, and Citizenship were consistent with the beliefs and values of Mr. Bayse, Ms. Coubrough-Argentieri, and Dr. Chen. I am very excited to have these talented folks join an already strong and vibrant team of Needham teachers and school administrators. Please join me in welcoming our newest leaders to the Needham Public Schools!

• Massachusetts Department of Education (DESE) Survey The DESE selected Needham to participate in a survey to gauge parent involvement and participation. The DESE invites you to complete an online parent survey which is designed to be shared with the Needham Schools. The DESE wants to know about the efforts made by your child’s school to help you feel welcome as a partner in the planning for your child’s education. You may access the ten-minute survey here: http://www.MAparentsurvey.com

• Substance Abuse Prevention Survey The Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention (NCYSAP) in collaboration with the Needham Public Health Department is surveying parents of 6th 12th graders living in Needham to learn more about their personal beliefs and perceptions regarding underage drinking and substance use in the community. Please take a few minutes to take part in this anonymous online survey and contribute your voice to those of other Needham parents: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NeedhamParentSurvey2011 Results will be shared in the community through the NCYSAP once responses have been tabulated. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Read, Needham Public Health Department at cread@needhamma.gov