Dear Parents and Guardians:

•  330 members of the Needham High School Class of 2007 received their diplomas at Babson College this past week 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, last Sunday during the traditional Class Day, over $180,000 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.  It was a warm, touching, and spirited celebration for the finest young people around.  Please check out Graduation photos and speeches at the Needham High School website:  http://nhs.needham.k12.ma.us/graduation/graduation2007/graduation2007.html

•  Faculty members, students, and parents have recently participated in an exercise designed to stimulate thinking around the district's values and vision.  At several recent PTC meetings, for example, parents were asked to brainstorm key words and phrases that best describe what is most important in the Needham Public Schools experience.  The District Leadership Team, comprised of principals, directors, and central office administrators, has reviewed the lists of hundreds of words and ideas and determined that the following key themes include:  
        -academic excellence
        -reflective and compassionate learning
        -global citizenship
        -social and emotional competence
        -integrity
        -student-centered learning and growth
        -risk-taking
        -high expectations with high support
        -sense of community and service

Over the next several weeks, I will work with the School Committee and staff to refine and focus these ideas so that we may determine which three or four core values are most meaningful and reflect our work in the Needham Public Schools.  In the summer and the fall I will ask the principals to engage teachers and staff in the development of goal statements and objectives that reflect the core values. Ultimately, it will be the School Committee's responsibility to review and support these core values and the district goals.  It is my expectation that the goals will guide the work of our schools and staff over the next year or two.  I will certainly keep you posted as this important work evolves.  (I had previously provided a link to the NPS website to learn more about the key issues facing the school system and this process:  http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/pdf_downloads/EntryPlanUpdate.pdf )

As summer draws near and the school year concludes, please know that I continue to be so impressed with Needham's young people and the work they have accomplished.  Thanks for your guidance and support as I lead the Needham Public Schools!

As always, I welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent
dan_gutekanst@nnedham.k12.ma.us