June 26, 2009 Dear Needham Families: As the school year concludes today, allow me to update you on a few items: Student Creativity Congratulations to all of our students who showcased their efforts in the schools' art shows and performed so well in various concerts and music performances over the last several weeks. It is clear that this community values creativity as evidenced by the skill and talent of our young people and the staff and parents who support them. Graduation 306 members of the Needham High School Class of 2009 received their diplomas on the newly renovated Memorial Field earlier this month 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, during the traditional Class Day, over $150,000 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. Newman Elementary School Update The architectural firm Drummey, Rosane, and Anderson (DRA) has been selected by the Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) and the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to propose a schematic design, including costs, for a renovation of the Newman Elementary School's heating and ventilation infrastructure and other related needs. DRA is on the fast track to finish the schematic design because we wish to secure an agreement for up to 40% reimbursement from the MSBA at their September meeting. Of course, the PPBC, the School Committee, and other town boards will need to approve a final design and costs before the entire project goes to the voters sometime late next fall or early winter. This school renovation project will be an important project for the entire community to understand and support. More information and an opportunity to hear about the project will be available at a public presentation planned for July. I will notify parents with a specific date when it is established. Newman Interim Principal Ms. Rita Bissonnette-Clark has accepted my offer to be the interim principal at the Newman Elementary School for the 2009-10 school year. Ms. Bissonnette-Clark began her career as a teacher in Concord and eventually assumed responsibility as a K-12 Curriculum Coordinator for the Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle School District. In 1999 Rita became the principal of the Nixon School in Sudbury where she served until her retirement in 2006. Rita earned her B.S. in education at Boston University, a Masters in counseling at Fitchburg State College, and she completed her Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in educational administration at Lesley University. Rita has decided to come out of retirement and is extremely eager to work in a school like Newman, which is clearly focused on student learning. She understands and is excited about the opportunity to work with a supportive and active parent community. Please join me in welcoming Rita Bissonnette-Clark to the Needham Public Schools! Finally, please know that I continue to be so impressed with Needham's young people and the work they have accomplished. As I visit the schools and classrooms, I observe enthusiastic and confident students who are eager to share their knowledge and help one another. It is clear that they embody the district's values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth inside and outside of the classroom. I am very proud to be the superintendent of schools in this community! Thanks for your guidance and support and enjoy the summer months with your family. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent dan_gutekanst@nnedham.k12.ma.us