Dear Parents and Guardians:
Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Happy New Year! Allow me also to share three important updates:
• Budget Hearing The School Committee is currently considering a 5.1% increase in the budget for the 2011-12 school year (FY12). The budget plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding new teachers at Pollard and the high school, and the proposal also provides funding for increased and mandated special education costs. The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure that resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. However, providing adequate resources for schools has become increasingly challenging, especially as Federal stimulus dollars are depleted. For example, over $500,000 in one time stimulus funds will be used to balance this budget plan,
but these funds will not be available in subsequent years.
The School Committee invites you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn more about the budget proposal and share your comments, questions, and concerns. It will be critical for parents to weigh in on the budget and offer your perspective and voice. You may view an outline of the proposed NPS budget on the district's website: FY12 School Budget Plan
• Life Threatening Food Allergy Policy The School Committee recently adopted a new policy designed to guide practices, procedures, and decision-making around the management of life threatening food allergies (LTFA) in our schools. The intent of the policy is to minimize the risk of exposure to allergens that pose a threat to students; to educate all members of the school community about LTFA, and to plan for the individual needs of students with LFTA.
Key points of the policy for Life-threatening Food Allergy include the following:
-An individualized health care plan including accommodations for prevention and emergency response is developed for each student with a LTFA.
-School programs are not declared as “allergen free” and foods with known allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, etc.) are not banned.
-School and classroom programs are food free unless the food is tied to the curriculum; the use of food as a reward or incentive is prohibited.
-Bake sales will not be permitted during the school day at any school and beyond school hours at the elementary level.
-Principals, school nurses, and staff will collaborate now and throughout the winter months to ensure uniform and effective procedures are in place that address this policy.
• Martin Luther King Community Celebration Parents, students, and members of the community are invited to attend next Monday's (January 17th) observance of Martin Luther King Day at Needham High School beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the school's auditorium. Please join the Needham Clergy Association, The Town of Needham Human Rights Committee, and the Needham Public Schools as we "Bring the dream to Needham... and live the dream together!"
Finally, many thanks for your patience and understanding as we live through a New England winter and try to balance snow and ice removal with student safety. I saw many students at Pollard and the high school today, and they assured me they spent at least some time studying and reading over the last couple of days. (I think you know this, but let me repeat it: Needham's young people are superb and a real pleasure to work with!)
As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools
781.455.0400 x 203