Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share a few updates: • Student Successes! Needham's students continue to shine! The Needham High School dance team placed second at the recent state championships and third in the New England Championship... Dozens of NHS artists recently participated in the annual Beth Shalom Garden Club Art in Bloom program held at Town Hall, the high school, and the Town Library... The Robotics Team recently participated in the state competition, and the girls team won the Promote Award to acknowledge their efforts in video design for the team... and the boys' winter track team was presented the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Sportsmanship Award for their teamwork, good spirit, and sense of fair play. All of these accolades are the result of our students' hard work, their parents' encouragement and support, and the extraordinary efforts of all of our teachers, pre-K through 12. • Interim Director of Student Support Services Last evening the School Committee appointed Ms. Mary Lammi to the position of interim Director of Student Support Services beginning July 1.  Ms. Lammi will replace Christine Brumbach who is retiring after 33 successful years in education serving children and their families, most recently as Needham's Director of Student Development and Program Evaluation. In her new role Ms. Lammi will lead the district's Special Education, METCO, Guidance, Health Services, and Needham Community Education programs as well as provide broad support to ensure the learning needs of all students are met. Ms. Lammi has served in the district since 2009, first as the PreK– 5 Director of Special Education and more recently as the PreK– 8 Director of Special Education.  In both capacities Mary has worked tirelessly to improve special education services for the youngest and often most vulnerable students in our district.  Mary helped envision and now has successfully implemented a special education leadership structure throughout the district that is providing efficiencies and excellent programming for children.   Her approach to problem-solving and program development has been excellent and has allowed school and community partnerships to thrive. Over the last few years she has worked very closely and collaboratively with the principals and central office staff to ensure a high level of special education programming. Additionally, her thoughtful and caring relationships with parents are built on trust, integrity, and a unique focus on the needs of individual children.  Please join me in congratulating Ms. Mary Lammi! •  School Committee Open House  The School Committee will host an Open House Saturday morning, March 29th from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. in the Needham Public Library. The purpose of the Open House is to allow parents and community members to discuss ideas, issues, and concerns with the School Committee in an informal and conversational setting.  The School Committee looks forward to seeing you! • Superintendent's Blog You may check out my latest post here: http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ Enjoy the rest of the week. (I think spring arrives in a day or two…) As always, I can be contacted via email:  [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us  or by phone 781.455.0400, x203. Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools