[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

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 at needham.k12.ma.us or
781.455.0400, x203.

Enjoy the week.

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent


-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.needham.mec.edu/pipermail/superintendents_update/attachments/20100315/4c09380c/attachment.html