Dear Needham Public Schools Families: As we prepare for the holiday break, allow me to share the following updates: *• School Emergencies/Weather-related Information* Many families complained that they had not received a phone call alerting them to the 12/18 "shelter in place" notification. I apologize for any oversight or miscommunication at my end! I will take this opportunity to ask parents to update contact information in PowerSchool: Instructions to update parent/emergency contacts <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KNLR5cZpj2habJJdbdsUK0YeQrET_qHBN67cNp_SRTU/edit?usp=sharing> *• Apple Distinguished Award* Congratulations to High Rock and Pollard for being recognized by Apple for a commitment to continuous innovation using technology in the classroom! You can read more about the award here: Apple Distinguished Award <https://sites.google.com/needham.k12.ma.us/media-digital-learning-nps/apple-distinguished-schools> *• Grades 6-12 Science and the Portrait of a Needham Graduate *At a recent School Committee meeting school staff, including Mark Healey (6-8 Science Dept. Chair) and Jen Regrut (NHS Science Dept. Chair) accompanied by several students shared how their work in science is aligned to the competencies in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xdECAY1Gv8517Zoww8DQs7oQPePSIuK2LkiDY_oJuaQ/edit?usp=sharing>. I appreciate their thoughtful work and the conversation with the School Committee! Additional presentations in the spring, including in English and English Language Arts and Math, will be shared. *• 2024-25 School Calendar* The School Committee voted to approve a calendar for the 2024-25 school year. You may view it here: 2024-25 NPS Calendar <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vkzkay5ZxWfoy6l3xx3t1B0SA8xa1fRF/view?usp=sharing> (Please note that the 2nd page of the document lists the holidays, cultural celebrations, and other religious events marked by families in the community.) *• FY25 Proposed Budget *Last week I presented my proposed FY25 (2024-25 School Year) Budget to the School Committee for their consideration. You may view my presentation here: FY25 Budget Presentation <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PnQgt-IiiXt9XG4kwSIbHHuEda4ZP9vqK11xe3Nt8Jg/edit?usp=sharing> and view all budget documents here: NPS Budget Documents <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/business_office/budgets_and_financial_documents> The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Broadmeadow, and families, staff, and students are welcome to share comments or feedback on the proposal. *• Superintendent's Blog *My latest post is available here: Facebook is Awful... <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> For those of you celebrating the peace and joy of the holiday, Merry Christmas! Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst@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.