Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

Allow me to share the following updates as we conclude another school year:

•  Student Accolades  
 Congratulations to our awesome students  for receiving recognition and accolades this spring:


- In the Tenacity Challenge at Bedford High School, our high school students placed in the top 10 in multiple categories as a result of the efforts of Mackenzie Fuller, Mimi Di Carli, Stephanie Ogbebor, Sebastian Davis, Chidinma Nwodo, and Luis Diaz.  

- National History Day State Finals   First Place Champions were Pollard students Grace Yonchak, Alexandra Goodale, Peter Burdick, and Emily Lucas for their Group Exhibit featuring WWII vet, hero, and conscientious objector Desmind Doss; they went on to compete in Washington, DC!  At the high school level,  First Place in Performance went to Kenneth Crossman and Zachary Sickles for their project on "The Toledo War" and Best Project in Massachusetts History went to Avery Mathias and Kayla Talcoff for their presentation on Boston Busing/Desegregation.

-  Scholastc Art Awards:   Several students, some receiving multiple awards from the 2018 Scholastic Writing and Art Awards, included:

Needham High School

Gold Key winners include Hugh Atkinson, Hannah Cisternelli, Mark Elman, Alice Rufo; Silver Key winners include Chloe Carson,  Hannah Cisternelli, Erin Concannon, Emma Garber, Natalie Lawrence, Rebecca Levitan, Julia Owen, Alex Putprush, Mia Rosengard, Alice Rufo; Honorable Mention to Hugh Atkinson, Grace Cohen, Erin Concannon, Jacob Gorenburg, Grace Li, Avery Mathias, Avery Mathias, Jessica McEvoy, Karen Nie, Julia Ochalla, Julia Owen, Annie Stein, Christina Yang


Pollard Middle School

Silver Key awarded to Maylin Carr, John Kiely,  Chess Paulina Miano, Scarlett Munn; Honorable Mention to Margaret Berkley, Matthew Hua, Rose Ava Jacobs, Celia Lanza


- National Scholastic Art Awards: Two NHS students also received prestigious national awards: Hugh Atkinson, Photography Silver National Award and Alice Rufo, Drawing and Illustration Silver National Award.

- Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Awards:  

Middle School Ensembles
MS Select Choir, Gold Medal
8th Grade Treble Chorus,  Silver Medal
Wind Ensemble,  Silver Medal
8th Grade Band,  Silver Medal
Town Orchestra,  Silver Medal

NHS Ensembles
Symphonic Band,  Gold Medal
Concert Band,  Silver Medal
Concert Choral, Silver Medal
Orchestra,  Silver Medal

- Congratulations to the Needham Speech and Debate Team which came in third place at the State Championship and finished in the top 5 at the Grand National Tournament in Washington, DC.  Out of a huge field of participants, Jackson Segal was named the National Champion in extemporaneous speaking and Shayan Raza and Annie Stein also placed in oratory and declamation.

- NHS Athletics  The new Unified Track Team and the Girls' Rugby Team were both honored with the Massachusetts Interschoalstic Athletic Association's (MIAA) Sportsmanship Award for great spirit, dedication, and integrity.  Last evening in a heartbreaking and close Division I State Championship match the Boys' Volleyball Team lost to Westfield, but what an amazing run they have had all year!  And tomorrow afternoon, the Boys' Baseball Team plays in their first-ever State Championship game vs. St. Peter Marian at Holy Cross College!  Congrats to our student athletes and their coaches.  Go Rockets!!

Congratulations to all of our students who make us proud each day!

•  Progress Report on Equity and Inclusion  We recently shared with the School Committee an update about our work to ensure equity, inclusion, and access in the Needham Public Schools for all students.  The link to the report can be found here:  Progress Report on Equity Audit

•  Needham Schools Spotlight  Please check out the latest Needham Schools Spotlight cable show featuring a discussion about the Portrait of a Needham Graduate work the district has initiated.

•  Superintendent's Blog  My recent post celebrates the NPS retirees we recently honored at the Needham Golf Club:  Superintendent's Blog

•  Much to be Proud of and Celebrate!  Finally, it is clear to me that through the efforts of talented staff and the support of our parents and the community, the District continues to thrive and focus on the growth and development of student learning and programs:  The Equity Audit provides a framework to continue our work to support all students... Full Day Kindergarten planning for an anticipated September 2019 launch is moving forward... Construction projects at the Sunita L. Williams School and NHS are well underway...  And we have launched a major initiative to develop a vision for our students and the District as part of our Portrait of a Needham Graduate work.  It's been a busy and successful year!

Unfortunately, it has also been a year in which we experienced the loss of three high school students, Anaya, Adrienne, and Talia and two of our NPS colleagues, Newman teacher, Jenny Orlando and district IT technician, George Jordan.  The loss of these wonderful and amazing young people and caring colleagues deeply impacted students, the staff, and the Needham community.  We continue to offer our prayers and support for their grieving families even while we celebrate and cherish their lives.  Eleanor Roosevelt once observed:  "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."  I know we will forever treasure memories of their generous spirits, bright smiles, caring friendship, and genuine love.  

Now, after a long year, it's time to enjoy the summer break and have fun with families and friends.  Please know I am proud to serve as your superintendent and value your ongoing collaboration with and dedication to the students and staff of the Needham Public Schools.

Thanks for your ongoing guidance, support, and generous spirit.

Respectfully,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent
Needham Public Schools