DOGE in the Needham Public Schools

No, no, no... Not THAT DOGE!!

I mean Developing Opportunity, Growth, & Excellence in the Needham Public Schools through the renewal and implementation of the district’s strategic vision and plan - also known as the Portrait of a Needham Graduate - is our collective commitment to students. We are not cutting back or reducing our commitment to students, we are doubling down!

Let me provide additional context.  Over these past six months we have been engaged in a process to update our strategic plan for the next five years.  Over 60 folks representing students, staff, families, community leaders, higher ed, and business convened in the fall to review our current plan, consider future trends, and suggest new ideas and opportunities for the 2026-2030 plan based on our district’s vision.  We shared an update to the School Committee in December and have since shared draft plans with district staff for their feedback.

One of the highlights of our work has been a review of the five competencies that we expect all Needham Public Schools students to demonstrate before they graduate from high school.  The newest version maintains the core competencies and also clarifies and strengthens the expectations we have for our students and one another.  Please take a look at the existing and proposed new Portrait of a Needham Graduate (PONG) competencies here:  Draft PONG

The School Committee will review a draft of both the Portrait competencies and strategic plan at their next meeting on April 1st, and I encourage the community to listen in and provide feedback to the School Committee on this important roadmap for our schools and students. You may comment to the School Committee directly at schoolcommittee@needham.k12.ma.us or send ideas and suggestions to me: dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us

Developing Opportunity, Growth, & Excellence in the Needham Public Schools through a new strategic plan will allow us to strengthen the education for each student in a way that celebrates and respects their unique skills and abilities, diverse backgrounds, and joyful energy. We look forward to your feedback and partnership!