•  Focus on School Safety:  ALICE  The School Committee recently heard a report from NPS Director of Human Resources, Dr. Thomas Campbell, about the District's adoption of the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate or ALICE safety protocol.  You may view background information and the presentation here: School Committee ALICE Presentation

In collaboration with Needham's Police Chief, John Schlittler, Dr. Campbell, Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo, and I will host a parent information session focused on school safety and ALICE on Wednesday evening, February 24, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow.  Please join us for an important conversation about school safety.  To view a brief four-minute clip about ALICE, please click here: What is ALICE?

•  School Budget Hearing  The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 5.6% increase in the budget plan for the 2016-17 school year (FY17).  The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student.  However, it will be a challenge to secure all the resources needed to move school programs forward, especially as the Schools and Town balance a variety of important educational and municipal needs.  You may view the plan and additional information about the budget on our website: FY17 Needham Public Schools Budget Information

The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19th at Broadmeadow to learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. 

•  2016 Parent Survey Coming Soon!  The Needham Public Schools conduct a continuous process of planning, acting, evaluating and adjusting - informed by results and feedback from our stakeholders. Your feedback is important to our future plans so I urge you to participate in the 2016 District Survey. This survey builds on survey information gathered since 2001 and compares and contrasts student and staff responses with parent responses. All the data will be aggregated at a school level and results will be shared with parents, staff, and community members.

When last administered in 2013, the District Survey results reflected the thoughtful responses from 52% of the parents/guardians of our students in grades 3 to 12. Click here to review a presentation about the 2013 survey:  NPS 2013 District Survey Results. The 2016 survey will be arriving at your home soon, and this year we are hoping for 100% participation!  Many thanks for your help.

•  Join us for the MLK, Jr. Celebration!  In partnership with the Needham Clergy Association, Needham Human Rights Committee, and Needham Diversity Initiative, the Needham Schools and METCO Program are proud to observe Dr. King's legacy and life on Monday, January 18th beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the high school's auditorium.  Please join us for reflections, song, prayer, dance, and celebration!

•  Superintendent's Blog  Please read my January update about the importance of school safety and security:  Superintendent's Blog

Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year to you and your families!

Dan Gutekanst

Superintendent of Schools

781.455.0400, x203

dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us