Dear Parents and Guardians:

Allow me to share three updates about activities in the Needham Public Schools:

•  Astronaut Suni Williams will be honored later this month in the schools and in the community as part of a welcome home celebration.  Suni grew up in Needham, attended the Hillside Elementary and Newman Middle Schools before graduating from Needham High in 1983.  She then attended the United States Naval Academy, and following graduation reported to Naval Aviation Training Command.  Suni was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support and made overseas deployments in support
of Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort.  NASA selected Commander Williams for the Astronaut program in June 1998.

The town's Suni Williams Celebration will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27th, with a short procession from the Fire/Police Station on Chestnut Street to Town Hall.  Suni will then be congratulated and welcomed by local officials, visiting dignitaries, and most important, the citizens of Needham.  The celebration will include performances by the Needham High School marching band, Pollard Middle School Treble Choir, and the Highland Glee Club singers.  Refreshments will be served as Suni meets and greets with all who attend.  Please plan on welcoming Suni home to Needham on Saturday, October 27th.

•  This evening, the Needham School Committee will hear a presentation about the proposed Needham Public Schools Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals for the 2007-08 school year.  As you may know, the school community has been working over the last year to discuss, shape, and articulate core values and goal statements that reflect our work with students.  You may view the proposed mission, vision, values, and goals document at the NPS website:  http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/pdf_downloads/Proposed_District_Goals.pdf

There will be a Community Forum to present and discuss the proposed values and goals on Thursday evening, November 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow.  Please join us to learn more about the goals and share your feedback and ideas.  I will ask the School Committee to vote on the proposed values and goals at their November 6th meeting.  If you wish to share a comment about the values or goals, please email the School Committee:  schoolcommittee@needham.k12.ma.us 

You may also post a comment online: http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/ssc_school_com_comm.htm   Your input is welcomed and encouraged!

•  In addition, the School Committee will host an informal Open House at Needham High School at 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3rd.  The purpose of the Open House is for interested parents and community members to drop in and chat with School Committee members in an informal setting and share ideas and concerns.  Students will also be available to provide brief tours of the new wing of the high school.  Please join the School Committee for conversation and a cup of coffee.

As always, please let me know if you have a question or comment.  My phone number is 781.455.0400 x203 or you may email me at dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us

As I begin my second year in the Needham Public Schools, please know that I continue to be incredibly impressed with our students and the support you provide them and their teachers each day.

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools