[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

Allow me to share the following updates:

*• Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent*  On Monday, December 5th at 6:30
p.m. I will host the next Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent for
families and parents.  The link to the meeting is here:  12/5/22 Virtual
Coffee 6:30 p.m.
<https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/88684367791?pwd=R05TakppcUJyRWJLK0lyZ3BpMWNnUT09>
During
this meeting I will highlight efforts the district is making to promote
school and student safety and then I will open up the conversation to
general questions and comments from participants. The zoom meeting will
last 45 minutes and will not be recorded; additional and planned dates
include:  January 9, February 13, March 20, April 10 and May 22. I look
forward to seeing you!

*• Early Release Student Behavior *Police Chief John Schlittler and I met
with several local business leaders recently to discuss ideas and
strategies to encourage more appropriate and respectful middle and high
school student behavior within the community, especially on early release
days.  Business owners expressed gratitude for the majority of students who
frequent restaurants and stores on early release days and are good
customers and well behaved. But they expressed concern and frustration with
some young people who, when they are crowded together into a small store or
aisle, inevitably disrupt and disturb other customers and the operation of
the business.  In some cases, there is vandalism and litter which impacts
the business and sometimes causes other customers to leave. Shop owners
have experienced theft due to a few young people daring each other to steal
candy.

I am requesting that parents and guardians, particularly those of middle
school students, talk to your children about their plans for visiting local
businesses on early release days.  Please share with them your expectations
for their behavior while dining or patronizing a local business.

There is an early release day this coming Wednesday, December 7th, so it is
a great opportunity - and there is a real need - for families to discuss
respectful, careful, and safe behavior within the community. Many thanks
for your help!

*• Superintendent's Blog  *My latest post can be found here:  The Elephant
in the Room <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>.

*• Weather Related Information  *As we brace for another New England
winter, please review information on weather related school closures, 2
hour delays or emergency closure: Inclement Weather Information
<https://cdn5-ss13.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/No%20school-2%20hour%20delay%20parent%20%202022-23%20%20.pdf>
on
the NPS website. The quickest way to get weather related school closings or
other important information is to sign up for Twitter.  For school updates
and weather related school cancellations, go to
https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt

*• Student Accolades  *The Needham High School SALSA Club
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ5AC4oELkA> has been awarded the 2022
Norfolk County Peer Leadership Award for raising awareness about youth
substance use prevention.  The students were awarded $1,500 for
their perfect score in the year-long "Team Rival" competition.  This year
marks the 7th straight year the Needham High School has won this award.
Congratulations to the students for their efforts and advocacy!

Enjoy the weekend and the week ahead!

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools
Needham Public Schools
1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492
*He/His/Him*
781-455-0400 x11203
dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us

ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance
services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school
for assistance.

Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子 的学校联系。

Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay
servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela
de su hijo para asistencia.

Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас
доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью
в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.
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