Dear Parents and Guardians:

I hope those families celebrating Passover and Easter enjoyed peaceful holidays this past week.  Please allow me to update you on a few items:

•  When I arrived in Needham this past summer I presented the School Committee with my plan for getting to know both the Needham Public Schools and the Needham community.  I promised them at the time a report about what I learn about the system and to share ideas about areas for growth and improvement. I shared my update to the School Committee at their last meeting and have subsequently posted this report on the Needham Public Schools website in the News section: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/

I am hopeful parents and community members will access the report, review it, and share your ideas and comments with me.  It is my expectation that the report will be a good first step toward identifying appropriate next steps and goals for the Needham Public Schools.  I welcome your feedback.

•  Please tune into the Needham Channel beginning April 12th for the newest broadcast of "Needham Schools Spotlight" and watch a program about student leadership and initiative within the Needham Public Schools.  Nine terrific young people representing the elementary, middle, and high school levels joined me for a discussion about student leadership inside and outside the classroom and why it is so important.  

Please go to the Needham Channel's website for specific broadcast times and information:  http://greisnet.com/tnc.nsf/Page%202!OpenPage

•  Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 10th, is Election Day in Needham.  Remember to vote!

As always, contact me at dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, extension 203 if you have a question or comment.

Sincerely,

Daniel Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools