Needham High School
Encyclopedia
Needham High School is a public high school in Needham
, Massachusetts
, USA, educating grades 9 through 12. Its principal is Dr. Johnathan Pizzi, who was previously the Assistant Academic Superintendent in the Boston Public Schools System. Its two assistant principals are Mr. Jonathan Bourn and Ms. Alison Coubrough Argentieri.
As of 2010, it has over 1400 students and over 90 part-time and full-time instructional staff members, plus support staff employees. Needham High School was awarded a national Silver Medal by US News and World Report for its academic excellence.
, additions were opened in 1955 (B and C Buildings) and in 1967 (D and E Buildings). These newer additions were demolished in 2008 due to renovation of the school. A new wing was opened in the fall of 2006 and another smaller wing opened in the fall of 2007. The renovated high school offers laboratory facilities, computer equipment, and Smart Boards throughout the school.
Needham High School is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
. The reaccreditation report issued in 1998 states, "Needham High School is an excellent school. Through student achievements and a positive environment for learning, Needham High School has consistently demonstrated outstanding and rigorous achievement. The dedicated highly able, and talented faculty and staff ensure that the needs of students are met in ways that exceed the expectations of the community. Needham High School is a source of pride to the community largely due to its rich history of accomplishment from previous and current students and to its large record of achievement."
Other governing bodies:
s. The school continues to participate in the oldest public high school rivalry in the nation, between Needham, Massachusetts
and Wellesley
. The game is played every Thanksgiving
and began its tradition in 1882 when Wellesley player Arthur Judson Oldman challenged the Needham team. The game was played at Wellesley's Morton Field and had little in common with modern football
. The rivalry has continued uninterrupted since the event, with Wellesley maintaining the slight edge, 59-56-9. The last meeting in Thanksgiving of 2011 resulted in the Rockets winning against the Raiders in a 42-18 game.
Another performing arts group at Needham High School is the Dance Team. The Dance Team is in its sixth year, and was only recently recognized as a Varsity Sport as opposed to a Club team. The team performs at football
and basketball
home games during halftime. In 2003 they came in first place at a National Competition in Orlando, Florida
, and got to perform their routine before the Outback Bowl
in front of 17,000 people. In 2009, the Dance Team won the state title, beating out fellow Bay State Conference rival Braintree
. The Dance Team recently took home 1st place in both the 2011 Bay State conference as well as the 2011 State competition, once again beating out fellow rival Braintree. (Led by captains Jacqueline Santamaria, Kendra O'Connor, and Savanna Simpson).
. The speech and debate team has produced winners at local and national tournaments and competition. Needham High School's extracurricular organizations are coordinated by faculty advisors although they have student-elected officials and are largely run by students.
. The foreign language program offers beginning courses in all the languages as well as logical continuation sequences from the middle school language programs. French, Spanish, and Mandarin courses extend from introductory levels to Advanced Placement courses. A program called INDEX, short for independent exploration, allows high-ability and highly motivated students to pursue languages or levels which are not offered.
in ninth grade, physics
in tenth grade, chemistry
in eleventh grade, and Advanced Placement and elective courses in the twelfth grade. AP courses
are offered in chemistry
, biology
, and physics
. Science elective courses offered at Needham High School include Environmental Science, 20th Century Physics, Marine Biology, Introduction to Astronomy, and Anatomy and Physiology.
and Sociology
, Economics
, the World Since 1945, American Legal System, and Chinese Traditions. The department offers two advanced placement
courses: AP United States History
and AP United States Government.
BC and AP Statistics
. Previously, there was an Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)
program offered through junior year. In addition, Computer Science courses are offered at the introductory and AP
levels.
and Chorus
. Certain music courses at Needham High Schools, such as Concert Chorale and Jazz Ensemble
require an audition and have practices and rehearsals after school; additionally, there is an after-school chorus course for students who are not able to take chorus during the day. The Fine and Performing Arts department offers two Advanced Placement courses: AP Music Theory
and AP Studio Art
. Certain courses (particularly the second, third, and fourth-year courses) in the art sequence, as well as the AP Music Theory course, are weighted into a student's GPA. As a graduation requirement, Needham High School requires that students complete the equivalent of two full year art courses.
, which allows inner-city Boston
students to attend the school.
Needham, Massachusetts
Needham is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. A suburb of Boston, its population was 28,886 at the 2010 census.- History :...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, USA, educating grades 9 through 12. Its principal is Dr. Johnathan Pizzi, who was previously the Assistant Academic Superintendent in the Boston Public Schools System. Its two assistant principals are Mr. Jonathan Bourn and Ms. Alison Coubrough Argentieri.
As of 2010, it has over 1400 students and over 90 part-time and full-time instructional staff members, plus support staff employees. Needham High School was awarded a national Silver Medal by US News and World Report for its academic excellence.
History
Needham High School is situated on a hill overlooking Memorial Park, and is located at approximately the geographical center of town. The original building (now A Building) was dedicated in 1930. As a result of the town's rapid growth following World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, additions were opened in 1955 (B and C Buildings) and in 1967 (D and E Buildings). These newer additions were demolished in 2008 due to renovation of the school. A new wing was opened in the fall of 2006 and another smaller wing opened in the fall of 2007. The renovated high school offers laboratory facilities, computer equipment, and Smart Boards throughout the school.
Needham High School is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. is the U.S. regional accreditation association providing educational accreditation for all levels of education, from pre-kindergarten to the doctoral level, in the six-state New England region. It also provides accreditation for some...
. The reaccreditation report issued in 1998 states, "Needham High School is an excellent school. Through student achievements and a positive environment for learning, Needham High School has consistently demonstrated outstanding and rigorous achievement. The dedicated highly able, and talented faculty and staff ensure that the needs of students are met in ways that exceed the expectations of the community. Needham High School is a source of pride to the community largely due to its rich history of accomplishment from previous and current students and to its large record of achievement."
Governing bodies
Each year the four classes hold elections to determine class president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and three class representatives. The collective term for these positions is Student Council, and each class's Student Council is responsible for community and fundraising activities for the class, including bake sales, semi formal dances, and charity donations.Other governing bodies:
- Teachers: Advisory Board
- Legislative: School Council
- District Wide: School Committee
Sports
Students in Needham participate in athletic activities throughout the school year. Needham High School is a member of the Bay State Conference of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and Needham competes with other towns in the state. The schools colors are gold, navy blue and white. The Needham High School mascot is a rocket, chosen in the 1950s based on cold war tensions. Prior to that, the school's mascot was a pansy, based on the town flower.Fall sports
- Football (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Boys and girls soccer (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Field hockey (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Girls volleyball (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Girls swimming (Varsity)
- Cross country (Varsity, JV)
- Cheerleading (Varsity)
- Golf (Varsity, JV)
- Dance Team (Varsity)
Winter sports
- Hockey (Varsity, JV)
- Boy's swimming (Varsity)
- Winter track
- Downhill skiing (Varsity, JV)
- Basketball (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Cheerleading (Varsity)
- Gymnastics (Varsity, JV)
- Wrestling (Varsity, JV)
- Dance Team (Varsity)
Spring Sports
- Lacrosse (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Baseball (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Softball (Varsity, JV, Freshman)
- Tennis (Varsity, JV)
- Spring Track
- Boys Volleyball (Varsity, JV)
Club Sports
The Ultimate Team was founded in 2001. It was ranked 9th in the country in 2004, 7th in 2007, and again 7th in 2010. The team beat Amherst Regional High School March 24, 2007, ending ARHS' 4 year long win streak dating back to April 2003. The State Finals of Needham vs. ARHS was named by the Ultimate Players Association as the best State Finals ever played. The team has reached the UPA High School Eastern Championships in 2007(T-3), 2009(T-7), 2010 (2nd) and 2011 (T-7). The team is coached by alumni from the 2004 team (Dan Hourigan and Jim Foster), but throughout the fall and pre-spring seasons it is largely student run and directed. There is also a B-team which plays locally and Girls Team formed in the spring of 2009.- Rugby (boys and girls). The girls rugby squad has dwindled due to lack of participation, but the Boys Squad has had some success, and in 2010 they competed in Division 1 of the NERFU Tournament, and finished in second place at the Massachusetts Youth Rugby Organization Tournament. The Head Coaches are Physical Education teachers Diana Parkhurst and Peter Arsenault.
Football and Thanksgiving Rivalry
The football team is known as the RocketRocket
A rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle which obtains thrust from a rocket engine. In all rockets, the exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use. Rocket engines work by action and reaction...
s. The school continues to participate in the oldest public high school rivalry in the nation, between Needham, Massachusetts
Needham, Massachusetts
Needham is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. A suburb of Boston, its population was 28,886 at the 2010 census.- History :...
and Wellesley
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Wellesley is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of Greater Boston. The population was 27,982 at the time of the 2010 census.It is best known as the home of Wellesley College and Babson College...
. The game is played every Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the same day as Columbus Day in the...
and began its tradition in 1882 when Wellesley player Arthur Judson Oldman challenged the Needham team. The game was played at Wellesley's Morton Field and had little in common with modern football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
. The rivalry has continued uninterrupted since the event, with Wellesley maintaining the slight edge, 59-56-9. The last meeting in Thanksgiving of 2011 resulted in the Rockets winning against the Raiders in a 42-18 game.
Performing arts
The Needham High School's Performing Arts department was run by director J. Scott Brumit until his retirement after the 2007 musical. In 2006 the musical West Side Story was sold out in the week before the show.Another performing arts group at Needham High School is the Dance Team. The Dance Team is in its sixth year, and was only recently recognized as a Varsity Sport as opposed to a Club team. The team performs at football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
and basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
home games during halftime. In 2003 they came in first place at a National Competition in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
, and got to perform their routine before the Outback Bowl
Outback Bowl
The Outback Bowl is an annual New Year's Day college football bowl game played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The event was originally called the Hall of Fame Bowl from 1986 to 1994 until being renamed in 1995 for its new title sponsor, Outback Steakhouse...
in front of 17,000 people. In 2009, the Dance Team won the state title, beating out fellow Bay State Conference rival Braintree
Braintree, Massachusetts
The Town of Braintree is a suburban city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Although officially known as a town, Braintree adopted a municipal charter, effective 2008, with a mayor-council form of government and is considered a city under Massachusetts law. The population was 35,744...
. The Dance Team recently took home 1st place in both the 2011 Bay State conference as well as the 2011 State competition, once again beating out fellow rival Braintree. (Led by captains Jacqueline Santamaria, Kendra O'Connor, and Savanna Simpson).
Other clubs and teams
The school has over thirty extracurricular clubs and activities including a marching band, a Latin club, a speech and debate team, a math team, a mock trial team, an academic bowl team, a model congress team, a Spanish club, a robotics team, and a gay-straight allianceGay-straight alliance
Gay–straight alliances are student organizations, found primarily in North American high schools and universities, that are intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and their straight allies .-Goal:The goal of most, if not all,...
. The speech and debate team has produced winners at local and national tournaments and competition. Needham High School's extracurricular organizations are coordinated by faculty advisors although they have student-elected officials and are largely run by students.
Foreign languages
Classes are offered in French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and LatinLatin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
. The foreign language program offers beginning courses in all the languages as well as logical continuation sequences from the middle school language programs. French, Spanish, and Mandarin courses extend from introductory levels to Advanced Placement courses. A program called INDEX, short for independent exploration, allows high-ability and highly motivated students to pursue languages or levels which are not offered.
Science
The science department offers a laboratory-based science curriculum. The departmental sequence in science consists of biologyBiology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
in ninth grade, physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
in tenth grade, chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
in eleventh grade, and Advanced Placement and elective courses in the twelfth grade. AP courses
Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement program is a curriculum in the United States and Canada sponsored by the College Board which offers standardized courses to high school students that are generally recognized to be equivalent to undergraduate courses in college...
are offered in chemistry
AP Chemistry
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a course and examination offered by the College Board as a part of the Advanced Placement Program to give American and Canadian high school students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and earn college-level credit.-The course:AP Chemistry is a course...
, biology
AP Biology
In the United States, Advanced Placement Biology , is a course and examination offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn placement credit for a college-level biology course....
, and physics
AP Physics C
Part of the College Board's Advanced Placement Program, consisting of two separate courses:*AP Physics C: Mechanics*AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism...
. Science elective courses offered at Needham High School include Environmental Science, 20th Century Physics, Marine Biology, Introduction to Astronomy, and Anatomy and Physiology.
Social studies
The social studies department requires students to complete a three year sequence including World History (9th grade), World and American History (10th grade), and an American History course (11th grade). The social studies department also offers a several elective majors, available for junior and senior students. These include PsychologyPsychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
and Sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
, Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
, the World Since 1945, American Legal System, and Chinese Traditions. The department offers two advanced placement
Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement program is a curriculum in the United States and Canada sponsored by the College Board which offers standardized courses to high school students that are generally recognized to be equivalent to undergraduate courses in college...
courses: AP United States History
AP United States History
Advanced Placement United States History is a course and examination offered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement Program...
and AP United States Government.
Mathematics
Standard mathematics classes are offered through AP CalculusAP Calculus
Advanced Placement Calculus is used to indicate one of two distinct Advanced Placement courses and examinations offered by the College Board, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC....
BC and AP Statistics
AP Statistics
Advanced Placement Statistics is a college-level high school statistics course offered in the United States through the College Board's Advanced Placement program...
. Previously, there was an Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)
Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)
The Interactive Mathematics Program is a four-year, problem-based mathematics curriculum for high schools, designed to meet the needs of both college-bound and non-college-bound students. It was one of several curricula funded by the National Science Foundation and designed around the 1989 ...
program offered through junior year. In addition, Computer Science courses are offered at the introductory and AP
AP Computer Science
Advanced Placement Computer Science is the name of two distinct Advanced Placement courses and examinations offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn college credit for a college-level computer science course...
levels.
Fine and performing arts
Along with elective fine arts courses in architectural design, graphic design, ceramics, photography, production printing, the school offers a four year art sequence. Additionally, the school offers several courses in the performing arts, such as OrchestraOrchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
and Chorus
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
. Certain music courses at Needham High Schools, such as Concert Chorale and Jazz Ensemble
Jazz band
A jazz band is a musical ensemble that plays jazz music. Jazz bands usually consist of a rhythm section and a horn section, in the early days often trumpet, trombone, and clarinet with rhythm section of piano, banjo, bass or tuba, and drums.-Eras:SwingDuring the swing era in the mid-twentieth...
require an audition and have practices and rehearsals after school; additionally, there is an after-school chorus course for students who are not able to take chorus during the day. The Fine and Performing Arts department offers two Advanced Placement courses: AP Music Theory
AP Music Theory
Advanced Placement Music Theory is a course and examination offered in the United States by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement Program to high school students who wish to earn credit for a college level music theory course.-The course:Some of the material covered in the course...
and AP Studio Art
AP Studio Art
AP Studio Art is a series of Advanced Placement Courses divided into three different categories: AP Studio Art Drawing, AP Studio Art 2D, and AP Studio Art 3D.-The portfolio:...
. Certain courses (particularly the second, third, and fourth-year courses) in the art sequence, as well as the AP Music Theory course, are weighted into a student's GPA. As a graduation requirement, Needham High School requires that students complete the equivalent of two full year art courses.
Community classroom
As a graduation requirement, students must earn two community classroom credits. Students may earn one credit by either completing thirty hours of community service or alternatively by at least twelve hours of work per week for one semester during the school year. Community service opportunities include volunteer service as well as internships. Only one credit may be earned through work experience.METCO Program
Needham is a member of the METCO ProgramMETCO
METCO stands for the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity. Founded in 1966 in Boston, Massachusetts, METCO is the longest continuously running voluntary school desegregation program in the country and a national model for the few other voluntary desegregation busing programs currently...
, which allows inner-city Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
students to attend the school.
Notable alumni and teachers
- James S. GraceyJames S. GraceyJames Steele Gracey is a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 17th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1982 to 1986....
, Commandant of the Coast Guard - Eric Johnson, NFL tight end who is a free agent.
- Mike TannenbaumMike TannenbaumMike Tannenbaum is a professional American football executive, currently serving as the general manager for the New York Jets of the National Football League.-Cleveland Browns:...
, NFL New York Jets General Manager - Bert and John Jacobs, founders of the 'Life is Good' t-shirt company
- Robbie FtorekRobbie FtorekRobert Brian Ftorek is a former NHL player and coach. He was enshrined as member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991...
, NHL coach, born and raised in Needham(Class of 1970) - Karl RavechKarl RavechKarl Ravech is an American journalist who currently works as the primary Baseball Tonight host for ESPN.-Education and career:Ravech was born in Needham, Massachusetts. He attended and graduated from Needham High School...
, ESPN Baseball Tonight anchor, born and raised in Needham - Sarah SaltzbergSarah SaltzbergSarah Saltzberg is an American actress and singer. She most recently starred in and produced the improv and sketch comedy show Don't Quit Your Night Job at the Ha! Comedy Club in New York. Also she recently appeared in the movie City Island as the Casting Director...
, actress/singer, star of Broadway'sBroadway theatreBroadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
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, founder of Monster.com - Sunita WilliamsSunita WilliamsSunita Williams is a United States Naval officer and a NASA astronaut. She was assigned to the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 14 and then joined Expedition 15...
graduated from Needham High School in 1983, U.S. Naval Academy graduate, currently a NASANASAThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
astronaut - Lee EisenbergLee EisenbergLee Eisenberg is a film and television writer. He usually works with Gene Stupnitsky.-Life and career:In television, he wrote for the NBC comedy series The Office from seasons 2 to 6, and served as a co-executive producer and directed two episodes with Stupnitsky, "Michael Scott Paper Company" and...
, film and television writer (Year One, The Office) - Charles D. BakerCharles D. Baker, Jr.Charles Duane "Charlie" Baker, Jr. , is an American businessman and politician from Massachusetts. He was a cabinet official under two Massachusetts governors, spent ten years as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and was the Republican candidate in the 2010 Massachusetts gubernatorial...
, RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
candidate in the 2010 Massachusetts gubernatorial electionMassachusetts gubernatorial election, 2010The Massachusetts gubernatorial election of 2010 was held on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Democratic Governor Deval Patrick was re-elected to a second term. Also competing were the Republican Party nominee, businessman Charlie Baker; independent candidate and State Treasurer Tim Cahill; and...
. - Alexandra RaismanAlexandra RaismanAlexandra Raisman is an American artistic gymnast who is a three-year member of the U.S. national gymnastics team. Raisman trains at Brestyan's Gymnastics with Alicia Sacramone and has similar skills and physique...
, gymnast