Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates to begin the week: • Summer Programs If you have not already planned a summer program for your children, please consider one of the many Summer Explorations programs available in Needham. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Needham Community Education’s (NCE) Summer Explorations, the program consists of 70+ enrichment classes for students entering grades 1-9. The half-day, weeklong classes are offered from 7/6-7/30, and most are taught by Needham Public Schools staff. To view a Sneak Peek of the wide variety of Summer Explorations offerings, please go to: [ http://www.neeedham.k12.ma.us ]www.neeedham.k12.ma.us click on "Beyond the Day" and then "Summer Programs." The catalogue will be online and going home in backpacks beginning March 11. One important note: the Summer Explorations classes originally planned for Mitchell School will be relocated to the Hillside School. NCE also has summer offerings for high school students and adults. A College Tour program is offered to students entering grades 10-12. High School students may also want to consider one of Community Education's summer SAT prep classes or Driver's Education. For adults, Summer on the Hill will be returning this July with Adult Education Classes at Needham High School. Musicians should consider joining the Community Concert Band for an old-time summer band experience. The group is directed by Fine and Performing Arts Director, David Neves. Information can be found on the Community Education website. • School Committee Open House The Needham School Committee will host an Open House at the Town’s library on Saturday morning, April 3rd from 8:30 until 10:00 a.m. This is an informal opportunity for parents and members of the community to meet your School Committee representatives and ask questions, make suggestions, or share ideas. You can visit for five minutes or for however long you would like. Please stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your School Committee. • Town's Emergency Notification System A fire evacuation at Pollard last week prompts me to remind parents and community members to make sure you have added up to four phone lines on the [ http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=1249 ]Town's reverse 911 emergency call system (Listed Needham home phone numbers are already in the system.) In the event of a Town-wide emergency, the system will be activated by the Fire or Police Chief and automated calls will notify all residents of the nature of the emergency and provide directions/updates as appropriate. Because the Town’s emergency notification system is not set up to notify specific schools, neighborhoods, or businesses in town, the School Department may consider an additional system to assist us with communicating specific school emergencies, weather-related cancellations, and other school notifications. Please visit the Needham Fire Department’s website for more information: [ http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=63 ]http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=63 • Congratulations! Finally, congratulations to the cast and crew of the high school musical, “Kiss Me Kate” which played to enthusiastic crowds this past weekend. The music. dancing, and performances were a real treat for the audiences. And thanks to all the teachers, Science Center staff, parents, municipal staff, students (including several Olin College students), and community volunteers who organized another successful science night program last Thursday at Newman. This year’s technology exhibits, demonstrations, and hands on experiments were well received by hundreds of students and family members. The musical and Science Night are both reminders of the traditions of creativity, talent, and learning that are integral to the Needham Public School experience. Thanks for your continued support of the teachers and staff who work with the best students around! As always, I can be reached at dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x203. Enjoy the week. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent