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The June 18 School Committee meeting included the recognition of the KASE program, an update from the Race, Equity, Access, and Leadership (REAL) Coalition and the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. Download packet > Watch meeting > School Committee Comments Sunita Williams is 93%+ completed per Project Manager. Furniture to be delivered by end of June early July. School will be ready for teachers to coming on August 19. Project is under budget. Superintendent Comments Confirmed June 19 is officially the last day of school. Visited Pollard today. School power out because of a transformer malfunction. Modules were delivered and installed at Mitchell. School will be ready for full day Kindergarten in the fall. Kindergarten After School Enrichment Program Recognition Connie Leonard, Director of KASE shared some highlights and reflections of the program and expressed her gratitude to the Committee for their ongoing support throughout the years. Superintendent Gutekanst recognized the service provided by KASE, during the 26+ years in operation that impacted the 7,500 children that benefitted from the program. REAL Coalition Update No. 2 Mary Lammi, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services introduced Stephen Plasko, NHS Social Studies Department Chair, Guilia Rozzo, Needham Graduate 2019 and Chris Giancola, Middle School parent who shared their experiences about being part of the REAL Coalition. Mr. Plasko remarks focused on creating a cultural responsive curriculum. Ms. Rozzo talked about her experience with SAFE (Students Advocating for Equity) and CORE (Courageous Conversations on Race), two student groups created to foster dialogue and reflection about race and equity. During Q&A Alexandra McNeil, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources reported the creation of MALANA (a group Multi-Race, African-American, Latinx, Asian, and Native American) to support employees of color. Dr. Gutekanst announced the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Police Chief and the Superintendent related to cultural proficiency training between the School Resource Officer and interaction with all the students on and off campus. Conversations about race and equity have prompted conversations that transcend race (e.g. women, LGBTQ, differently abled people). Portrait of a Graduate Update Dr. Gutekanst reported on four FY20 priority actions: Goal: Every student engaged in student-centered learning with choice and voice in how they learn. Action: Collect data and assess current practices. Goal: Interdisciplinary learning at all levels and every student experiencing integrative teaching and learning. Action: Assess current interdisciplinary learning. Develop a framework for integrative teaching and learning. Goal: Flexible spaces and schedules for full engagement within school, and learning enhanced outside with local and global community and in partnership with families. Action: Develop plan for providing adaptable environments. Provide family education on Portrait. Goal: Have supports in place to make Portrait Plan a reality. Action: Develop and implement plan for funding. Build capacity for Portrait implementation. Action Item Superintendent Gutekanst made individual motions to approve the following: • Contracts for Legal Services • FY20 Revolving Fund Budgets • Change in Signature Authority • Non-Union FY20 COLA (cost of living increase) • Pollard Student Trip to Costa Rica Michael Greis sought a motion to increase Superintendent Gutekanst’s salary by 3.5% and grant a merit award of .5%. Board approved motions unanimously. #Equity #Portrait

Discussion items at the 6/4/19 meeting included the High Rock Improvement Plan and the Superintendent's Evaluation. Download packet > Watch meeting > #HighRock

Discussion items at the 5/21/19 meeting included the Eliot School Improvement Plan and a presentation by SEPAC, plus a presentation of awards to eleven students. Download packet > Watch meeting > Superintendent’s Comments Superintendent Dan Gutekanst presented awards to eleven students for representing the districts core values: Scholarship, Citizenship, Community & Personal Growth. Eliot School Improvement Plan Principal Karen Bourn, along with math and literacy coaches and students, presented Eliot's School Improvement Plan. Highlights include: Increased professional development for teachers to incorporate additional skills in areas such as alleviating stress and anxiety around literacy. Enhancing curriculum night by adding an additional night thereby allowing parents to meet more teachers and specialists. Ensuring that the library is equitable and representative of all cultures. Providing better communication to parents about how math is taught with the implementation of a math night. Eliot received a three year grant to roll out a Spacial Temporal Math program to all grades and to provide a language based disabilities classroom SEPAC Update SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) co-chairs Mira Tamir Spiegel and Christianne Bayliss presented information on a successful school year and their future goals. Currently approximately 1000 children and their families are part of the district's special education community. SEPAC provides education, input and networking opportunities through their website, newsletter, public and private FB pages, and meetings. Their goal is to make meetings specialized but useful to all parents interested in topics such as social opportunities, stress and anxiety management. SEPAC’s focus during the 2018/2019 school year was to increase outreach: they attended the Needham Diversity Summit, provided a workshop at the middle school parent conference, and also met with NEF and Parks & Recreation. SEPAC goals for the next year include: create “Friends of Needham SEPAC" entity that will be a registered 501(c)3 organization to fundSEPAC events and speakers create a recreation subcommittee create an additional factsheet on Extended School Year (ESY) services promote equity, inclusion, and acceptance for students with special needs strengthen their relationship with NEF and have SEPAC representation on the board Action Item Based on the Superintendent's recommendation, the board unanimously voted to appoint Dan Gutekanst as School Committee Representative to ACCEPT Education Collaborative Board of Directors School Committee Comments Aaron Pressman advised that, based on a student initiative, compostable lunch trays will be implemented throughout the district. Michael Greis and Dan Gutekanst attended a celebration of KASE in which present and former community members came together the celebrate the wonderful program. NEF recognized this year's grant recipients at a reception on Monday. To date the NEF has awarded over $3 million in grants. #Eliot #SEPAC #Awards

The May 7 School Committee meeting included a presentation from the NHS Advisory to School Committee and Needham's three State Legislative Representatives. Download packet > Watch meeting > School Committee Comments Outgoing Chair Aaron Pressman was recognized and thanked for his year of service. Superintendent's Comments Town Meeting approved the 2019-20 School Budget, including funding for Full Day Kindergarten. Two Hillside 5th graders were recognized with honorable mentions in NPR's Student Podcast Challenge for their pieces “Clowning” and “Stop Touching My Hair.” Needham High School Student Advisory to School Committee Report Representatives spoke about various events and activities that their classes are sponsoring. The senior class gift will honor the two students killed last year. The four bulletin boards have been installed and are being used by each class. There will be no all night graduation party for the first time due to low attendance. Superintendent's Evaluation Process Dr. Gutekanst has submitted his goals for the year, and will shortly submit his assessment and reflection in about two weeks. The school committee will reach out to speak with administrators and principals during the evaluation, which should be completed by June. Legislative Update State Senator Michael Rush, State Senator Rebecca Rausch, and State Representative Denise Garlick spoke about the Chapter 70 Educational funding and the formula used to determine the money a town/city will spend on a student in school. It looks to provide adequacy, equity and progressivity for all students. There are four areas that need to be re-evaluated because schools with students in certain high-need categories require more money allocated for them than towns/cities are currently being given: Low income Special education English language learners students needing health insurance There are bills on Beacon Hill that could help provide more money for these students if they pass, which will then impact Needham's school budget. Action Items: Portrait of a Needham Graduate was approved 7-0-0 Extension of Yellow Bus Contract 9/2019-6/2021 was approved 7-0-0. Extension of Special Education Transportation (Van Pool) contract 9/2019-8/2021 was approved 7-0-0. Freshman Trip to Prague/Czech Republic was approved 7-0-0.

On Wednesday, April 24, Needham Public Schools hosted a community forum at Needham High School on racial equity. Members of the community were invited to hear an update on the district's equity work from members of the REAL Coalition (Race, Equity, Access, Leadership), and to ask questions and share feedback. After opening remarks by Superintendent Dan Gutekanst, attendees were led in a framing exercise by Leslie Smart (Middle School METCO Coordinator), and Johnny Cole (NHS Assistant Principal). Smart and Cole are both trained as IDEAS Facilitators, and have helped lead discussions about race and equity among staff in the district. Dr. Joanne Allen-Willoughby, METCO Director moderated a panel of REAL Coalition members: George Goneconto, Hillside Teacher Leslie Smart, Middle School METCO Coordinator Greg Bayse, Mitchell Principal Johnny Cole, High School Assistant Principal Chris Ginacola, parent Giulia Rozzo, High School student Mary Lammi, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Steve Plasko, High School History & Social Sciences Department Chair After sharing why they were each interested and committed to the district's equity work, panelists addressed questions regarding the different elements of their work to date. Main ideas and initiatives discussed included: Professional development for teachers at all levels to celebrate diversity, be culturally responsive, and navigate difficult conversations Assessing and revamping curriculum to reflect a wider range of cultures and experiences Recruiting and retaining more diverse staff Student-created groups at the high school to support conversations around race and equity The REAL Coalition plans to host more forums in the next school year, and invites community members to send questions or comments to Mary Lammi (mary_lammi@needham.k12.ma.us, 781-455-0400 x11213). Detailed information about the REAL Coalition's equity work can be found on the NPS website: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/equity #equity

Discussion items at the 4/23/19 meeting included NEF Spring Grant awards, The Mitchell School Improvement Plan, and discussion of Portrait of a Needham Graduate. Download packet > Watch meeting > School Committee Updates SC Officers were elected for the upcoming year: Michael Greis will serve as Chair and Andrea Longo Carter as Vice-Chair. The Mitchell Modular project is on schedule with site preparation underway. Superintendent’s Comments Superintendent Gutekanst highlighted international trips by students and staff over the April break to Quebec, Spain, China, Puerto Rico. Trip Advisor was recognized for their funding of scholarships for which allow students to participate white might not otherwise be able to. On April 24th, 6-8pm, NPS will host an interactive forum on Equity led by the REAL (Race Equity Access and Leadership) Coalition. Needham Education Foundation (NEF) Spring Grant Awards NEF Board members presented 10 grants for approval. The grants are diverse, written by teachers, specialists, parents and administrators, and representing six schools in Needham. This cycle NEF issued 10 grants for $31,000, which brings the total grant funding for this school year (over three cycles) to $127,885.32. Many recent grants cover the design and cost of flexible seating and learning spaces to support variety of learning needs of students. Four of the 10 grants are for professional development. The NEF has a history of funding projects that leave a lasting impact on the public schools in Needham. All of this could not be made possible without the generosity of the Needham Community. NEF Spring Grants: Smithsonian American Art Museum Summer Institute 2019 (Needham High) Audiobooks and Digital Books to Support Differentiation in the ELA Classroom (Pollard) Exploring Robotics (High Rock) Hispanic Literary Expansion (High Rock) Cultural Conversations Through Community Book Studies (Newman) How Many Elephants? Engaging Kindergartners and Their Families in Engineering Design Challenges (Hillside) Professional Development in Mindfulness and Resiliency Training (Hillside) A Twenty-First Century Bookroom (Hillside) Modeling the 21st Century Elementary Media Center (Mitchell) Understanding Student Differences Through Film and Speaker Series (Community) Mitchell School Improvement Plan Principal Gregory Bayse, dined by parents, teachers, and students, presented the Mitchell School Improvement Plan (available in the SC packet). The focus of their presentation was on the Inclusive Practice Academy: 3-year endeavor, 10 participants meeting monthly, developing needs assessment derived from MCAS, other assessments, and softer markers such as rate of psychosomatic complaints at nurse’s office. Key findings: academic performance of boys tends to lag behind girls. Girls perform above average when compared to other girls in Needham elementary schools, while boys perform average. They hope to examine that gender gap and address it through professional development and structural change in coming years. Academic and social-emotional performance of students of colors lags behind white counterparts (not uncommon, corresponds to a national achievement gap.) The same is true for students who have been determined to be “high needs” by the state. IPA is particularly interested in social-emotional gap, believing that addressing that gap will cause academic improvement to follow. Second year the bulk of professional development will be focused on “universal design learning” which has not been commonly used at Mitchell to meet academic and culturally responsive needs of students. This means that teachers will tailor their lessons and classrooms based on the students in the classroom rather than the structures that they have been familiar with over time. [See Dr. Zaretta Hammond’s book, “Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain”] Third year focus will be on structural change at Mitchell. Specifically they will address the lack of clarity around entrance and exit to additional services (aka referrals.) Mitchell 5th grade students reported on (and demonstrated!) their yoga project (funded by NEF grant). Mitchell Review of Homework Policy Last year the school spent a fair amount of time reviewing the variety of ways in which homework was given to students at Mitchell. Mitchell chose to emphasize reading as homework in kindergarten – 4th grade which came out of much research and involvement with the school community. Traditional homework at Mitchell now begins in 5th grade. In addition, 5th grade workload was reduced by at least two thirds. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The change increased the amount of time students have to read at home. Teachers found they now have more time to provide fuller feedback on writing lessons. Heidi Black commented on physical aspect of Mitchell School: School Committee is aware that Mitchell is due for some kind of renovation, not immediately but at some point in the future. And it’s important to note that ongoing improvements have been happening in order to ensure that Mitchell is the best building it can be for learning until such time that a more comprehensive renovation can take place. A brief discussion around equity followed the presentation, as currently there is no support for transportation for students from Boston who want to participate in new Mitchell afterschool “clubs” such as the Homework Club or Crazy Eights Math Club. Students must rely on parent transportation if they want to participate. Newman Elementary is currently piloting before-the-day transportation for Boston students to enable them to participate in the music ensembles that occur before the school day. With Mitchell, the school committee would like to address this going forward to support equity (equal access). Portrait of a Needham Graduate Dan Gutenkanst presented the vision of the Portrait of Needham Graduate, including a video overview. Portrait of a Needham Graduate is a shared vision for the future of our students, and was the culmination of a year’s work of meetings, research and feedback. In addition to the future and student-focused vision, are four key priorities that will enable Needham to make the vision a reality for all children. The portrait will enable the community and the schools to align work in a way that will strengthen education and education outcomes for all children. The kindergarteners next year will graduate in 2032. What do we know about what the world will be like in 2032 and how can we prepare them for that future? The Portrait of a Needham Graduate working group developed a framework to help us think about what we care about and how the schools can deliver on the promise of educating our children and preparing them best in a way that is relevant to what the future holds. 53 people participated in the group, facilitated by Diane Simmons. In addition, 430 Faculty and Staff representing all schools contributed. Synthesis of the data collected throughout the process informed a draft that was then refined through survey feedback. The group conducted research, interviews and determined about 200 competencies which were narrowed down to five themes: Creative Thinkers and Problem Solvers — that raise questions driven by curiosity Communicators and Collaborators — that listen effectively, interact productively and respectfully Socially and Culturally Responsive Contributors — that understand and respect diversity and act with empathy and courage to ensure equity to all the students around them Responsible and Resilient Individuals — that make healthy choices to achieve physical and emotional wellbeing, and are able to self-advocate Empowered Learners — that engage in self-directed learning The group used a data collection process known as a past-present-future model (McKinsey) that encouraged stakeholders to reflect across three time horizons. Below are just a few examples/highlights that were born from the time horizon framework: Valuing the PRESENT: current work that supports the portrait Student- driven: growth-mindset, clubs, leadership Learning Experiences: co-teaching, interdisciplinary and project-based learning Environment: collaboration spaces, buddy classes, outside-the-classroom Infrastructure: caring staff, diverse talent Abandoning the PAST: what interferes with or detracts from our vision? Student- driven: limits to student choice, not connecting learning w/real world, life skills, singular focus on college-grad path Learning Experiences: prioritizing breadth over depth, learning in silos, focus on memorizing over applying. Environment: rows of desks, large class sizes, need for more unstructured time, limits of software designed on historical modes of education (Pearson Powerschool) encourages parents to focus on grades rather than encouraging students to self-assess and self-reflect on personal growth. Infrastructure: lack of diversity, sub shortfall, implicit bias, building issues, etc. Envisioning the FUTURE: New practices/programs needed Student- driven: more career exploration, opportunities for student-voice/activism, students in their own IEP meetings. Learning Experiences: extend breadth and depth of project-based learning Environment: An innovation hub, maker spaces within the schools, flex seating/walls, learning outside, internships for credit, more travel opportunities for kids Infrastructure: Hiring more diverse staff, professional development New Version of District Vision: Preparing ALL Needham Public School students to be: creative thinkers and problem solvers; communicators and collaborators; socially and culturally responsive contributors; responsible and resilient individuals; and empowered learners. New District Priorities (which will replace current District Goals): 1. All students are drivers of their own learning 2. All students experience integrative teaching & learning 3. All students learn and grow within adaptable environments 4. Infrastructure supports needs of all students For each priority, there are multiple strategic objectives over the next five years. For each strategic objective there are actions items developed annually to drive the achievement of these new goals. Next Steps: The full and final report will be presented for School Committee vote in May 7. Action steps for the next school year will be presented with annual district plan at the June school committee meaning. Over the next year, principals will align school improvement plans to align around the portrait. Comprehensive training plan for all staff. Action Items Approved 2019-2020 Elementary, Middle School, and Needham High School Handbook Changes Awarded Early Childcare Program Lease Contract to Congregational Church for one year 2019-2020, may be extended through 2022. Awarded Contract for Washington DC Student Trip to EF Explore America #NEF #Mitchell #Portrait

Discussion items at the 4/2/19 meeting included a presentation by Principal Tamatha Bibbo and members of Pollard Middle School Council on the school’s 2018-2021 Improvement Plan. The School Committee also heard from Principal Aaron Sicotte on the proposed changes to the elementary, middle school and high school handbooks. Download packet > Watch meeting > School Committee Updates The School Committee invites members of the Needham community to an Open House on Saturday, April 6th from 9 am to 10:30 am at the Pollard Middle School library. The purpose of the Open House is to encourage the community to interact informally with the School Committee, particularly with regard to the draft of the “Portrait of a Needham Graduate” competencies. A  formal presentation of the “Portrait of a Needham Graduate” competencies will be made on Tuesday, April 23rd. Superintendent’s Comments Superintendent Gutekanst offered congratulations to several NHS and Pollard students who received accolades from Scholastic for their writing. Bus registration for the 2019-2020 school year is now open on the Needham Public Schools website. The deadline for registration is May 15th, but spots fill up early. The superintendent encouraged families to register as soon as possible to ensure their child(ren) receive(s) transportation. NHS Senior Julia Cuddy was presented with the Prudential Spirit of Community Award for founding the Boston chapter of The Shoebox Project, which provides personal care items to women experiencing homelessness in the Boston area. Pollard Middle School School Improvement Plan Principal Tamatha Bibbo and members of the Pollard School Council presented highlights of the 2018-2021 School Improvement Plan. Among the issues discussed were: The transition of the curriculum to meet the 2018 Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework The audit of the current Middle School mathematics program The school’s ongoing work with cultural proficiency and culturally responsive practices The development of a new schedule which will reflect student population growth as well as the ideals and competencies generated in “Portrait of a Needham Graduate” Proposed 2019-2020 Elementary, Middle School, and High School Handbook Changes NHS Principal Aaron Sicotte commented on changes to the various school handbooks, with particular focus on middle and high school dress codes, and the transition from a weighted to a non-weighted grade point average for Needham High School students beginning with the Class of 2023. Action Items: The School Committee voted unanimously to not participate in the School Choice Program  for the 2019-2020 school year due to programmatic and space limitations. School Committee Comments: SC members highlighted a number of upcoming events: Tuesday, April 9th -- Townwide Election. Please VOTE! Tuesday, April 9th -- SEPAC presentation on student stress (Broadmeadow, 7pm) Tuesday, April 23rd -- Fundraiser for Needham Steps Up, a 15-year old program in NHS that mentors students through the college application process. This organization is predominantly funded by community contributions. For more information, visit www.needhamstepsup.org. Wednesday, April 24th -- The REAL Coalition Forum on Racial Equity will provide an update on their progress in the hopes of engaging community partners in their work. (NHS, 6-8pm) #Pollard #Policies #Portrait

In late March, Dr. Gutekanst provided an update on the district's Portrait of a Needham Graduate work, which includes a 2-sided information sheet and a short video. The School Committee is hosting an Open House on Saturday, April 6, 9-10:30am to hear questions and comments about the work. A formal presentation of the work will be presented to School Committee on April 23. Download Info Sheet > Watch Video > PORTRAIT OF A NEEDHAM GRADUATE SHARED VISION OF THE FUTURE FOR OUR PRE-K TO 12 STUDENTS Preparing All Needham Public Schools Students To Be ... Creative Thinkers And Problem Solvers Raise questions driven by curiosity; Analyze relevant information; Express creativity; Design and innovate solutions Communicators And Collaborators Listen effectively; Articulate ideas using a variety of communication strategies and skills; Interact with others respectfully and productively; Contribute to teamwork Socially And Culturally Responsive Contributors Understand and respect diversity; Act with empathy and courage to ensure equity, access, and an anti-racist culture; Address local and global issues through civic and community engagement Responsible And Resilient Individuals Take responsibility for actions; Make healthy choices to achieve physical and emotional well-being; Self advocate; Persist to overcome personal challenges; Adapt to change Empowered Learners Discover and integrate content from multiple disciplines; Engage in self-directed learning; Use technology to support learning and navigate a digital world #Portrait

At the 3/19/19 School Committee meeting, discussion items included an open hearing on school choice; a presentation on Needham’s English Language Learner Program; a report from the NHS Student Advisory; a vote to approve two revised policies: 1) JFABC Assignment of Elementary Students to Schools, and 2) IKE Promotion and Retention of Elementary Students; and a vote to rescind the policy entitled JECBB Admission of Interdistrict Transfer Students. Download packet > Watch meeting > School Committee Updates Vice Chair Michael Greis acknowledged that the SC’s team won the NEF Spelling Bee this year by correctly spelling “kakistocracy.” The Smaht Spellahs from Broadmeadow Elementary won the elementary round. Superintendent’s Comments Superintendent Gutekanst noted the upcoming School Committee Open House on Saturday, April 6th from 9am to 10:30am at Pollard Middle School Library. The purpose of the Open House is to invite the community to interact informally with the School Committee, particularly with regard to the draft of the “Portrait of a Needham Graduate” competencies. The superintendent announced a formal presentation of the competencies will be made on Tuesday, April 23rd. The superintendent also congratulated Pollard’s National History Day Team for its first place finish at the Boston National History Day Regional Competition. The team will now advance to the State Finals on Saturday, April 6th. Public Hearing on School Choice Chair Aaron Pressman invited members of the community to offer their comments on the School Choice Program, which allows non-residents to attend the Needham public school of their choosing (if the School Committee determines there is space available). A resident inquired as to whether neighboring districts were required to offer reciprocity if one of their residents attended Needham Public Schools. The superintendent was not aware of any such expectation or practice. Presentation: English Language Learner Program Jamie Singelais, ELL Coordinator for Needham Public Schools, gave an overview of the successful program and its participants within Town schools. Approximately 2.7% of the student population (157 students) currently qualify for participation, most of whom were born in the U.S., but speak another language at home. The highest concentration of participants attend the elementary schools. Six students then spoke about how their ELL experiences positively impacted their education here in Needham and later answered questions from Committee members. Report from the NHS Student Advisory Class representatives from the NHS Student Council reported on upcoming spring fundraisers, events (including the Underclassmen Semiformal, the Junior Harbor Cruise, and the Senior Prom and BBQ) and April elections. Students noted the need for additional transgender safe restrooms and are working with NHS administration to determine how to meet that need. Students representatives also offered their thoughts on prevailing opinions regarding the high school’s transition to a non-weighted GPA. Action Items: Based on the superintendent’s recommendations, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the JFABC Assignment of Elementary Students to Schools and the IKE Promotion and Retention of Elementary Students. Likewise, JECBB Admission of Interdistrict Transfer Students was unanimously rescinded. #HighSchool #ELL

The 3/5 School Committee meeting included the 2018-2019 Newman School Improvement Plan and an update about the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School. There was also a second reading on two items: The JFABC Assignment of Elementary Students to Schools and the IKE Promotion and Retention of Elementary Students. Download packet > Watch meeting > Newman School Improvement Plan There was a presentation by Jessica Peterson and other Newman staff about how Newman is meeting the needs of it's students who fall into the high needs category or who are not making benchmark in math and literacy.  Overall, the number of students not meeting benchmark gets better as students rise from grade to grade. Some supports in place to help struggling students in literacy are: Lexia - online phonics program that students can access before and during school (other schools in Needham are piloting this program) Co-Taught teaching program - now in first, second and third grade (teachers talked about the benefits of this model - 2 teachers, better student to teacher ratio, workshop teaching and learning model) Professional Development for staff in in reading and writing Math growth has not been as significant as reading for kids who are below benchmark.  To address this, the school has looked at: Adding an additional math coach (Dan G. commented that he would support this in the next budget because of school size) Professional development in math for staff Changing homework practices so they are more in alignment with curriculum Looking at current curriculum Engage New York - intervention program In the area of Social, Emotional, Wellness, and Citizenship, there are many supports in place to help teachers and students be successful citizens at Newman: CARE Team in place to discuss kids with challenging behavior - help teachers with strategies Quarterly meetings with specialists to support students Responsive Classroom trained teachers Two teachers at Newman are now certified to teach and train teachers in Responsive Classroom sibling support group Newman mentor program - adults to students peer mentorships ELC sibling support group is moving to Sunita L. Williams Professional Development has focused on racial identity in predominantly white schools.  Staff has watched the documentary American Promise and done a series of workshops on this topic. Also, a recent graduate of Needham High School, Steven DeMayo, came back to run a faculty meeting at Newman and talk about his experiences in the Needham schools and how they shaped who he is today. Sunita L. Williams School Hillside Principal Michael Kascak and Senior Project Manager Henry Haff provided an update on construction of the new Sunita L. Williams School. The building is scheduled to open on time and under-budget in June 2019. The building has features that will conserve water, lighting, and energy.  Elements were carefully chosen in all three of these areas.  Special education spaces are located throughout the building and are not confined to one area or floor.  Subtle colors were used on the inside of the building to allow student artwork to stand out in the hallways and classrooms.  Tile will line the hallways and the windows will enhance lighting without allowing solar glare to disrupt teaching and learning.  Special care was taken in the planning of the outside grounds of the school as well for teaching and learning. Photos/presentation > School Committee Policies Second Reading: Changes that were made to JFABC Assignment of Elementary Students to Schools and IKE Promotion and Retention of Elementary Students were pointed out.  A few minor tweaks to pronoun use were made.  It will be brought back to the table for a vote. Action Items The committee voted unanimously on two action items: Approve 2019-2020 Needham High School Program of Studies Approve Student Trip to Prague, Czech Republic #Newman #SchoolImprovementPlan #SunitaWilliams

At the 3/5 School Committee Meeting, Michael Kascak and Henry Haff shared an update on the progress of the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School. The building is scheduled to open on time and under-budget in June 2019. The building has features that will conserve water, lighting, and energy. Elements were carefully chosen in all three of these areas.  Special education spaces are located throughout the building and are not confined to one area or floor (highlighted in pink on the floor plans). Subtle colors were used on the inside of the building to allow student artwork to stand out in the hallways and classrooms. Tile will line the hallways and the windows will enhance lighting without allowing solar glare to disrupt teaching and learning. Special care was taken in the planning of the outside grounds of the school as well for teaching and learning. Sunita L. Williams presentation starts at 50:30 #SunitaWilliams

The 2/26 SC meeting was held in Boston at the Jeremiah E. Burke High School. The majority of the meeting was devoted to the High School: school improvement plan, program of studies, and achievement highlights. In addition, the NEF submitted their winter grant awards for approval. Download packet > Watch meeting > Superintendent's Comments Dr. Gutekanst provided a list of five competencies to SC members developed through Portrait of a Needham Graduate work. The competencies will be made publicly available in approximately two weeks. Dr. Gutekanst also congratulated five National Merit Scholar finalists, and noted an upcoming meeting on math for Boston-resident families on Thursday, 2/28. Needham Education Foundation (NEF) Winter Grants In the second of three grant cycles for the year, the NEF awarded nine grants for a total of $28,992. SC members remarked on the number of grants related to wellness, mental health, and creating alternative learning environments, and thanked the NEF for their continued support of innovative and impactful programs in the schools. NEF Winter Grants: Planet Box (Pollard) 8th Grade Experiential Education: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Equipment (Pollard) Pollard Low-Ropes Challenge Course (Pollard) Differentiated Learning Station (Pollard) Sensory Pathways (Broadmeadow) Strategies to Prevent Bullying Responsive Classroom PD (Hillside) Author Visit: Gloria Respress-Churchwell (Hillside) Literacy Lounge (Eliot) Sensory Toolkit (Eliot) Also of note: several of the programs highlighted in the following discussion of the High School were funding by previous NEF grants, including: Sons of Serendip Residency Differentiated Learning Spaces @ NHS Library Creating Virtual Reality (VR Goggles) The Greater Boston Project / Interdisciplinary Learning Needham High School - School Improvement Plan Principal Aaron Sicotte was joined by NHS Council co-chair Lucy Rufo to provide an update on the 2016-19 School Improvement Plan (available in the SC packet). Highlights and discussion items included: Successful 1 to 1 implementation for grades 9 and 10, with each student having their own school-provided device Virtual Reality carts being used well in classrooms All-school read of the book The Hate U Give and the event "One Day," which included 40 break-out sessions around the theme of "Finding the Power in Your Voice" Good use being made of new space at the HS, especially collaboration spaces in hallways X block, which was piloted last year, will be part of 2019-20 schedule. Further possible schedule changes will be assessed after that. More off-campus opportunities for seniors are still being explored, though the current rotating schedule presents challenges. Mr. Sicotte also mentioned two proposed policy changes which will come before the SC soon: Move to unweighted GPA A study of comparable towns who have already changed to an unweighted GPA revealed that it does NOT reduce student stress as hoped, but is also does not seem to have a detrimental affect on college acceptances. The HS feels moving to the unweighted GPA is an important statement of values. Revised Dress Code The current dress code is outdated and rarely enforced. Of more concern, it disproportionately targets the dress of female students. The revised code will address these issues. Needham High School - Program of Studies Principal Aaron Sicotte was joined by Assistant principal Alison Coubrough-Argentieri to discuss changes to the 2019-20 Program of Studies, including a new Core Value Statement, inclusion of new reading material to represent more diverse experiences, and several new courses: AP Capstone Seminar History, Politics, and Popular Music Courageous Conversations on Race Storytelling with Numbers Braver Newer World Chamber Strings Chamber Orchestra Guitar Ensemble Piano Lab 2 The full program of studies, with changes highlighted, can be found in the SC packet Needham High School - Achievement Report Needham students continue to perform well on standardized tests: above state and national averages, and in the middle when ranked against comparable towns. While the report contained a lot of data on standardized test scores, Mr. Sicotte and SC members preferred to focus on many of the non-academic achievements in the areas of fine and performing arts, robotics, community service, and more. #HighSchool #schoolimprovementplan #NEF #Equity #Portrait