[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Happy
New Year!  Allow me also to share three important updates:

•  Budget Hearing  The School Committee is currently considering a 5.1%
increase in the budget for the 2011-12 school year (FY12).  The budget
plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding new
teachers at Pollard and the high school, and the proposal also provides
funding for increased and mandated special education costs.  The School
Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance
Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure that resources are
available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham
student. However, providing adequate resources for schools has become
increasingly challenging, especially as Federal stimulus dollars are
depleted.  For example, over $500,000 in one time stimulus funds will be
used to balance this budget plan, but these funds will not be available in
subsequent years.  

The School Committee invites you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing
scheduled for Tuesday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn
more about the budget proposal and share your comments, questions, and
concerns.  It will be critical for parents to weigh in on the budget and
offer your perspective and voice.  You may view an outline of the proposed
NPS budget on the district's website: [
http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY12 ]FY12 School Budget Plan
 

 •  Life Threatening Food Allergy Policy  The School Committee recently
adopted a new policy designed to guide practices, procedures, and
decision-making around the management of life threatening food allergies
(LTFA) in our schools.  The intent of the policy is to minimize the risk
of exposure to allergens that pose a threat to students; to educate all
members of the school community about LTFA, and to plan for the individual
needs of students with LFTA.
Key points of the policy for Life-threatening Food Allergy include the
following:

 	-An individualized health care plan including accommodations for
prevention and emergency response is developed for each student with a
LTFA.
	-School programs are not declared as “allergen free” and foods with known
allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, etc.) are not banned.
	-School and classroom programs are food free unless the food is tied to
the curriculum; the use of food as a reward or incentive is prohibited.
   	-Bake sales will not be permitted during the school day at any school
and beyond school hours at the elementary level.
	-Principals, school nurses, and staff will collaborate now and throughout
the winter months to ensure uniform and effective procedures are in place
that address this policy.

For more about the policy, please visit the district's website:  [
http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/health_services/ ]Life Threatening Food
Allergy Policy and Information 

•  Martin Luther King Community Celebration  Parents, students, and
members of the community are invited to attend next Monday's (January
17th) observance of Martin Luther King Day at Needham High School
beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the school's auditorium.  Please join the
Needham Clergy Association, The Town of Needham Human Rights Committee,
and the Needham Public Schools as we "Bring the dream to Needham... and
live the dream together!"

Finally, many thanks for your patience and understanding as we live
through a New England winter and try to balance snow and ice removal with
student safety.  I saw many students at Pollard and the high school today,
and they assured me they spent at least some time studying and reading
over the last couple of days.  (I think you know this, but let me repeat
it:  Needham's young people are superb and a real pleasure to work with!)

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst

Superintendent of Schools
781.455.0400 x 203
dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us 

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