[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

*•  Inclement Weather * In the event of an inclement weather event that may
require students to be sent home early from school, we will use the early
release day schedule and cancel afternoon Kindergarten.  I am reluctant to
send students home early from school and would only do so if, after
consulting with Town and Public Safety officials, it is the safest and most
prudent thing to do.  If I make a decision to send students home early, I
will use this list serve to send an email, the School Messenger
Emergency/Inclement Weather Notification System (email and phone call), and
Twitter
<https://twitter.com/NPS_Supt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.needham.k12.ma.us%2F>.
In addition, principals will send an email to parents/guardians.  If you
need to update contact information, please do so now at this link:
PowerSchool <https://powerschool.needham.k12.ma.us/public/>  Thanks for
your patience and assistance.

*•  School Committee Open House Saturday, March 10th  *Please join members
of the School Committee on Saturday morning, March 10th from 9:00 until
10:30 a.m. at the Needham Library.  This is an ideal opportunity for
parents and members of the community to chat informally with your School
Committee members and superintendent.   Before or after visiting with the
School Committee you can view the amazing Art in Bloom
<http://www.needhamartinbloom.com/> exhibition being held at the same time
at the library.  Art in Bloom is an amazing community/school collaboration
between the Beth Shalom Garden Club and NHS students.  Please stop by and
say hello!

*•  Needham Unplugged*  Once again this year the Needham schools will
support and participate in Needham Youth Services program, Needham Unplugged
<http://www.needhamma.gov/youth/unplugged> during the month of March. On
Thursday, March 15th I will ask teachers to observe "No Homework" night so
students can enjoy the afternoon and evening with their families.

*•  Civic and Spelling Bees  **We take our Bees seriously here in Needham!*
Please consider signing up for or attending the upcoming Needham League of
Women Voters Civics Bee <https://lwv-needham.org/civics-bee/> scheduled for
March 11th at Broadmeadow.  Also, the annual Needham Education Foundation
Spelling Bee <http://www.nefneedham.org/>  is scheduled for March 18th at
Needham High School.  These are two wonderful, fun, and educational
opportunities for the entire community.

*•  Needham Schools Spotlight  *Please check out the latest Needham Schools
Spotlight
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/needham_schools_spotlight> cable
show featuring a discussion with several Pollard and NHS students, all of
whom are new immigrants to this country.  These amazing students, who hail
from Ukraine, Haiti, Iceland, Brazil, Syria, and China, are new to Needham
and have amazing stories to share.  We are fortunate to have these young
people learning and growing in our community.

Finally, congratulations to the cast and crew of the High Rock/Pollard
Middle School production of *Annie!*  Sold out audiences enjoyed the
musical and theatrical energy and abilities of our middle school students.
Thanks to the parent volunteers and school staff who made the production a
reality.

As always, you can be in touch with me via phone (781.455.0400, x203) or
email: dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us
Sincerely,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools
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