Dear Parent and Guardians:

A few updates:

•  The Needham Public Schools seeks your input about school programs through your participation in an online survey that will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.  The information received will help us gain a better understanding of what is most important to our parent community in the areas of Student Learning and Growth, Parent Satisfaction, Educational Planning, Staff Expectations, Financial Performance, Student Services, and Curriculum. The results of this survey will be included in the 2008 Needham Public Schools’ annual Performance Report.

Please complete the survey by December 21, 2007. If you have questions about the survey or the procedures, you may contact me.  Here is the link to the survey:   http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=811691

•  Tomorrow evening I will present my preliminary budget recommendation to the School Committee. I believe the budget details the resources we need to move our schools forward and provides each child with an opportunity to grow and learn. I look forward to the budget presentation and the subsequent conversation with the School Committee and other town boards and officials about the needs of our students and schools.  There is no question, however, that this will be a challenging year for the town and school budgets, especially as we look to provide the same level of service for students while balancing, for example, increased energy and health benefit costs. The work ahead for the School Committee will be difficult, and I urge you to participate in the process and communicate your concerns and ideas in the weeks and months ahead.  Let me take this opportunity to thank the Town Manager, Selectmen, Finance Committee, and the School Committee for their guidance and advice as we work together on behalf of the schools and the community.

•  Let me also take this opportunity to wish our families who are celebrating Hanukkah a peaceful and joyful holiday with your family!

As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us if you have a question or concern.

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools