Dear Needham Families:

Allow me to share the following updates:  

•  "Snow Daze" In the unlikely event winter weather may require the closing or delayed opening of the Needham Public Schools, I will do my level best to make a decision about a cancellation or delay by about 5:30 a.m.  Unless it is abundantly clear what the weather conditions will be, I am often reluctant to call off school the evening before a storm is predicted because New England weather is fickle.  Once a decision is made, alerts will go out via email, phone, and on local TV.  The quickest way to find out is on Twitter where I also post the information. (
For more info:  https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt )

It is important for students to be in classes as scheduled throughout the year, and I don't believe a winter storm should necessarily keep us away from school.  If it is predicted to snow, for instance, four to seven inches I am inclined to hold classes. There are circumstances, however, when the snow is minimal but icy and dangerous roads may prevent a safe school opening or at least require a delay.  Safety for students and staff, of course, will always be my first consideration.  This coming winter parents and students should leave plenty of time to get to school and keep a shovel and galoshes nearby!

• Needham Schools Spotlight  You may view the latest cable show, a conversation with NPS students about their future and the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Strategic Priorities, on local access TV or in this link: Needham Schools Spotlight

•  Superintendent's Blog My latest blog post focuses on the dedication of the new Sunita L. Williams Elementary School:  Superintendent's Blog

•  Needham Education Foundation - Teacher Appreciation Gift Cards

A donation to the Needham Education Foundation is a wonderful way to thank a special teacher in your child’s life. By purchasing NEF Gift for Education Cards, you are showing your gratitude while providing vital support for the funding of teachers' innovative ideas and professional development opportunities through NEF grants. Your gift helps make learning come alive! This year's gift card features the artwork of Lilly Bratschi, 5th grader at Broadmeadow Elementary School.  Cards can be purchased in local stores or online.  More information here: NEF Gift Cards 


•  Student Achievements  Congratulations are in order for the two Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) Academic Excellence Award honorees, Anne Kiely and Eric Xu, both NHS seniors.  Anne and Eric were honored at a recent School Committee meeting for their superb commitment to learning and academic excellence.  They clearly represent our core values around Scholarship and Personal Growth!  At the School Committee meeting both seniors expressed their deep appreciation for their parents' support and to all of the Needham teachers who have guided and assisted them over the years. 

Kudos also to the Girls Volleyball Team on the first ever State Championship for Needham High School!  W
hether on the greens, in the pool, in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage, our students are talented, mature, hardworking, and poised. 
Needham families and the teachers and coaches who  guide them should rightly be proud!

•  Happy Thanksgiving!  We are fortunate to live, work, and learn in an amazing community like Needham that values children, and we are especially blessed to be citizens in a vibrant country that serves, however imperfectly, as a model of democracy, inclusion, and justice to the rest of a sometimes weary world.  I know I am grateful for my family and to work with a talented staff, committed parents, and the exceptional young people of Needham - all of whom inspire civility, peace, and hope.  Happy Thanksgiving!

As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us

Go Rockets!  Beat Wellesley!! 

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools