[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

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 at needham.k12.ma.us
]dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us  or by phone 781.455.0400, x203.

Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst	
Superintendent 
Needham Public Schools



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