Friday, April 16, 2010 Dear Parents and Guardians: Allow me to share a few brief updates to conclude the week: • Calendar Assuming there will be no more snow flying in New England causing us to cancel school, the last day of classes will be Thursday, June 17th. As a reminder, the first day of school for the 2010-11 school year is Wednesday, September 1, 2010. • Walk to School Day Students (and parents!) are invited to participate in Walk to School Day on May 5th. This is a great opportunity for students to enjoy a brisk walk to school with friends and allow for at least one day, perhaps, of reduced traffic congestion and pollution. For more information, try these links: http://wiki.greenneedham.org/gnc/index.php/Schools/Projects/Walking OR http://www.needhaminmotion.com/page/calendar-view • Elementary Math Curriculum On Thursday, May 6, parents are invited to attend an information session about Everyday Math and Think Math!, the two elementary math programs under consideration for adoption by the Needham Public Schools. Laurie Levin, Elementary Math Curriculum Leader and Emily Gaberman, Broadmeadow Principal, will share highlights of both programs and provide time for questions and exploration of the materials at the end of the session. This will take place from 7-8 PM at the Broadmeadow School Media Center. Parent participation and input is encouraged! • Parent Program As we head into the spring and our high school students begin preparing for proms and graduation parties, I am reminded that our young people need our continued guidance, advice, and support so they can make appropriate and safe decisions about alcohol and drugs. Too many teens have disrupted, ruined, or lost their lives due to the use/abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs, and caring adults and parents must do whatever we can, especially when our children are younger, to provide them with the strategies and information they need to avoid tragic circumstances. The Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse and Prevention will host a parent program entitled, How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents featuring Joseph Califano Jr., the Former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare on May 11th. This program is for all parents, regardless of your child's age. More information and a flier detailing the program can be found on the Needham Health Department's website: http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=2539 Please enjoy the upcoming April vacation with your family and friends! As always, contact me with questions or comments: dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us or 781.455.0400, x 203 . Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools