Welcome to the 2012-13 school year! I certainly hope you and your family enjoyed a restful summer break and a smooth transition to the new academic year.

This week we welcomed back almost 5,500 students into the Needham Public Schools, and we successfully re-opened Newman on time and within the planned budget. Please check out the Superintendent's Blog to learn more and see photos of the project. I have visited each school and several classrooms, and I am impressed with the enthusiasm of our students and the hard work of teachers and administrators who spent days and weekends setting up classrooms.

• Needham Youth Services Programs You are likely aware that Needham Youth Services provides outstanding workshops, programs, and opportunities for Needham's families and young people. Please check out their website for information about fall programming: http://www.needhamma.gov/youth/2012fallprograms

• 2012 Performance Report (PR) The 2012 NPS PR has been mailed out and will arrive in your home shortly. The report provides detailed information about Needham's schools, programs, and student achievement. We are very proud of the report and hope you find it valuable and useful.

• Hillside and Mitchell Planning A new information page on the NPS website provides links and updates about planning for renovations and/or construction at Hillside and Mitchell. Please check it out: http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/Hillside_and_Mitchell_Planning/

• Emergency and Weather-Related Communication System The school department has deployed a notification system that will allow us to phone and email parents about school emergencies and weather-related school closures. Please make sure you have updated contact information in PowerSchool to ensure we have the most current information for your student and family. If you have difficulty accessing PowerSchool, please contact your child's school.

• Needham Education Foundation The NEF, which over the years has supported over 400 enrichment grants in our schools, was chosen to be part of the 2012 Chase Community Giving program. As a nominee, the NEF now has the opportunity to win up to $250,000 by getting the most votes on Facebook starting September 6th through September 19th. I encourage you to cast your vote before then at www.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving to help the NEF continue to fund programs that add value to your child’s education in the Needham Public Schools. Chase awards will range from $10,000 to $250,000. It’s a win-win, because all the money that the NEF brings in goes right back out to our students. Please vote today! You can learn more at http://www.nefneedham.org.

As always, please contact me now and throughout the year with questions, comments, and suggestions. I can be reached at 781.455.0400, extension 203 or dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us