August 30, 2013

Dear Newton Community,

I am writing with some very upsetting information regarding one of our teachers. We just learned that Steven Chan, a long time math teacher at Day Middle School was arrested on child pornography charges. We have been told by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office that the investigation does not involve any Newton students. As you can imagine, this news is very difficult for everyone in the Day and the broader community to absorb. It is even more shocking in light of the events at Underwood just a year and a half ago.

We are and will continue to work very closely with our partners in the Newton Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues. As we approach the opening of school, the Day crisis team will be prepared to support students, parents and staff. Day principal Brian Turner will be communicating directly with the Day community regarding more specific plans for next Tuesday. We will work closely with Principal Turner to maintain stability and daily routine during this challenging time.

The news of a Newton teacher’s arrest and arraignment on such serious charges for the second time in a year and a half has a real impact on the entire Newton community. Due to the media attention focused on the matter, we know that students will be talking about information that may make them feel shocked, anxious and angered. While I expect that many of you will speak with your children about the sensitive nature of the allegations, they may need additional support. If this is the case, the staff in our buildings will be well prepared to address their concerns. As the school year begins, we will pay special attention to the social and emotional needs of all of our students and encourage you to share any concerns you may have with our faculty, staff and administrators.

Given the seriousness of this incident and the concerns it raises, we will be holding a community meeting on Tuesday night, September 3rd at 7pm in the Day Auditorium. This meeting will provide an opportunity to ask questions and hear from both law enforcement authorities and mental health experts.

Thank you very much for your understanding. We want to do everything possible to support the Newton community and we will continue to provide information to you as we work together during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

August 30, 2013

Dear Newton Families,

Whether you are new to Newton or returning to our system, welcome to the 2013-14 school year. This is a wonderful time of year for those of us who are privileged to work in the Newton Public Schools because it allows us individual and organizational renewal.

While our school buildings were not filled with students over the past two months, it was an especially busy time for our district. Adding classroom space at the middle and elementary school levels has been a major priority and we are thrilled that we have completed a permanent addition at Day Middle School and added modular classrooms at several elementary schools. As a result of these additions and the teachers that we were able to add through the operating override, many grade levels will begin with some of the most favorable class sizes that Newton has seen in a number of years. I am also pleased to let you know that we have additional technology at all levels of the district, which is especially exciting given the innovative ways it is being used throughout the system.

Summer is also a time for our educators to engage in their own learning and July and August were filled with professional work in areas such as curriculum, assessment, and technology integration. We were also able to complete our very thorough hiring process. On Monday, I had the good fortune of welcoming over 150 dynamic new educators to our system.

It is clear that Newton is a very good school system as measured by a number of indicators, both quantitative and qualitative. From my perspective, the most important indicator of a school system is the degree to which we are openly addressing the areas where we need to improve. Over the summer, I spent significant time with the School Committee updating our system goals, which will be finalized and distributed next month.

Building partnerships with Newton’s families is vital to a successful school experience for our students and we will continue to make this a priority in the coming year. We look forward to keeping you well informed of our goals, challenges and accomplishments. Best wishes for a productive and rewarding school year.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools