Dear Needham Families: Allow me to share the following updates with you: • World Language Survey The district is in the midst of a world language curriculum program review. As part of that review, we want to survey parents about their thoughts, perceptions, and ideas around world language curriculum and instruction in the Needham Public Schools. I will appreciate it if you will take a few minutes to complete the survey and provide much needed feedback. You can access the survey here: http://www.elisten.com/web30/surveys/A69C0A3CBAED47178FE9214ECF0FDB97 We will share the results of the survey when we present the final report to the School Committee next fall. Many thanks for your assistance. • Middle School Community Week The High Rock and Pollard Middle School PTC is organizing its first ever Community Week, April 23-28, 2012. Community Week involves speakers, book discussion groups, and a presentation of a relevant film. Each night will focus on a different topic or theme representing the diversity evident in our community with the goal of making our middle schools more welcoming and inclusive. The week concludes with a “Walk for Respect and Inclusion” at Pollard Middle School. You can find more information and program details here: [ http://pollard.needham.k12.ma.us/main/Community%20Announcements ]Community Week Information • School Transportation  2012-2013  Please return completed bus applications to the Transportation Department at 1330 Highland Avenue by May 1, 2012 to be guaranteed a seat on the bus for the 2012-13 school year.  Applications turned in after May 1st will result in a $50 late fee.  If you do not receive an application or have any questions, please call the Transportation Department at 781-455-0400 x234.   Please also visit our web site to check your school and street for eligibility or to download an application:  [ http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/transportation/ ]http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/transportation/  •  Superintendent's Blog  You may find my latest posting on the NPS website: [ http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/ ]http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/  Finally, the last day of school is scheduled as an early release day for students on Tuesday, June 19th. Enjoy the upcoming April vacation with family and friends! As always, please contact me with questions, comments, and suggestions. I can be reached at 781.455.0400, extension 203 or [ mailto:dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ]dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us Sincerely, Daniel E. Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools