[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update, August 28, 2024

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

Welcome back to a new school year!  We have been excited to welcome back
over 5,600 students today.

In anticipation of the new school year allow me to share important
information and ways for you to stay connected and informed:

*• Annual Parent Letter *This parent and family letter
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hJn_yiUZrJ8kTVXwTMhlEB6w4d7dM5gJzvgM22wkD50/edit?usp=sharing>
provides detailed information on school resources, policies, and programs
that impact your child.  Please review its contents!

*• Cell Phones/Watches in School *Please note that students in grades K-8
are prohibited from bringing personal electronics to school, including cell
phones, wearable watches (e.g., AppleWatch, etc.)  These devices belong at
home and will be taken from children as necessary and returned later.
Students in grades 9-12 may bring a phone, but it must be stored in a phone
hotel
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KHfhOhceiHq1ZWteadMNbWg4zQwYQPg-HGioQzPa-Y4/edit?usp=sharing>
during
class.  For more information about what we are thinking about in regards to
phones and student wellbeing in the schools: Generation Distracted or
Connected? <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>

•  *X (formerly Twitter) *One way to stay in touch about the latest school
news, *including weather-related school closings* or other important
information, is on *X* (formerly Twitter).  Go to:
https://twitter.com/@NPS_Supt  to sign up. I look forward to sharing with
you and hearing from you in the school year ahead.

*• 10 Minutes with...    *Every five weeks or so I film a brief and ten
minute video featuring the students, staff, and community members who lead
and contribute to the success of the Needham Public Schools.  The brief
videos provide insight and perspective about our work in the schools.  You
can find an archive of videos here, including a recent conversation with
two of our retiring teachers: 10 Minutes with...
<https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/news/what_s_new/10_minutes_with____>

*• Superintendent's Blog  *I post to my blog monthly, and I encourage you
to check it out: Superintendent's Blog
<https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>

*• Stay in Touch with Your School Committee!  *Needham is fortunate to have
a seven member elected board
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tM22__mTEnQLQIlGuYcQgcJ5u9lAGTpNR3igTPfftmA/edit?usp=sharing>
who
want to hear from you.  You can attend public meetings or email the
Committee: schoolcommittee at needham.k12.ma.us  More information about the
School Committee's roles and responsibilities can be found on the
district's website: Needham School Committee
<https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee>

Here's to a superb school year for the students, staff and all the families
of the Needham Public Schools!

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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