Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates: *• Special Town Meeting Monday, November 2nd *A Special Town Meeting (STM) will convene next Monday, November 2nd and consider several community initiatives, including two important school projects: the Needham High School Cafeteria Expansion (Article 11) and Hillside Elementary School property acquisition (Article 13). As you may know, there is a need to expand the high school cafeteria due to enrollment growth, and there is a unique opportunity to purchase property on Central Avenue to build a new Hillside School. Information about the STM can be found here: Needham Special Town Meeting Warrant <http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=4024>. I encourage Needham parents to become familiar with the information and contact your Town Meeting representative with ideas and suggestions so they can make informed decisions that will impact the quality of our schools and community for many years to come. *• Superintendent's Blog* My October post details why the School Committee's decision to select the Central Avenue site for a new Hillside school is the preferred approach and best solution: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ *• 6th Annual High Rock/Pollard Middle School Parent Conference *The conference, featuring keynote speaker Robert Brooks, is entitled *Raising Resilient Adolescents: Tips and Strategies for the Teenage Years, *and will be held at High Rock on Saturday, November 21st beginning at 7:30 a.m. For more information: Middle School Parent Conference <http://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-resilient-adolescents-tips-and-strategies-for-the-middle-school-years-tickets-18663151990> *• NHS Distinguished Career Awards (DCA) *Congratulations to the three NHS alums who were presented today with the DCA at a ceremony with the entire junior class: Amy Brooks (Class of '86), radio personality at WBOS 92.9; Kim Bookman ('94), TV reporter for WHDH/7 News; and Paul Cropper ('85), Director of Sales for Cisco Systems. Amy, Kim, and Paul represent the best of NHS, and they eagerly shared their stories and suggestions with our students as the juniors prepare for their adult lives. Thanks, also, to the Alumni Association and the DCA committee for sponsoring this wonderful tradition and celebration. Happy Halloween! As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or email: dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools