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School Dismissal Manager

Broadmeadow Families,

It is quite an exciting time here at Broadmeadow now that we’ve reached March. Today we had a special all-school meeting that was led by our wonderful first graders and their teachers. The first graders highlighted all the things they do to take care of the spaces in our school and the Broadmeadow Superheroes who help keep us safe, clean, and well-fed. Thanks to the PTC we were able to take a special moment to thank our school crossing guard, the custodial team, and the nutrition team. Once again, thanks to:

• Chuck Hintz - School Crossing Guard

• Our Custodians

  • Rich Franks - Lead Custodian at Broadmeadow since 1999

  • Lucy DePaz Sagastume

  • Jake Reynolds

  • Bill Semechenko

• Nutrition Team

  • Paula Theriault - Broadmeadow Cafeteria since 1995

  • Pam Keohane

  • Elizabeth Kroll

  • Soraya Abreu

  • Jack Lucy

 

As we exit the winter months and venture into Stick Season, it is actually time for us to start getting ready for the next school year. We will be sharing an Optional Parent/Guardian Placement Input Form early in April and it will close on Sunday, April 12th. Keep an eye out for its inclusion in an upcoming Buzz.

Do good. Be kind.

Please note: There is no sign-up for these programs. Events will be held in-person.

Unfortunately we will not be able to record the sessions. Slides from the presentations will be sent out afterwards.

Introduction to High Rock School

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm High Rock School Library

Hosted by Jessica Downey, Principal of High Rock School

This program will give a broad overview of the High Rock School program including:

• The cluster model

• A typical day in 6th grade

• Course selection process

• Transition process

 

Introduction to Special Education at High Rock School*

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6:30 pm High Rock School Library

Hosted by Dina Spiropoulos, Grade 6 Special Education Coordinator

For parents/guardians that currently have students on IEPs in grade 5. This program will give a broad overview of the special education program including:

• Support services and personnel

• How services are delivered

• What is a skills center

• A typical day for a special education student

*All parents/guardians of current 5th grade special education students are strongly encouraged to attend both the March 18/March 24 introductory sessions.

Over the past 11 years, our community has participated in the Kid's Heart Challenge where we jump rope during our PE classes, learn about our heart, and have the option to raise money for the American Heart Association. However, this year we will not be participating in the fund raising aspect. We will still jump rope, learn heart facts PLUS incorporate the principal's challenge in order to be part of the annual "pie in the face" portion of our Field Day at the end of the school year. We would like to thank the community for helping raise money over the past decade or so and we hope you understand that taking a break from raising money does not take away the fact we will still be jumping rope to stay healthy and active during our PE classes!

 

Thank you!

Mrs. Kuz and Mr. Darling

Our hope is to always let students get outside and play. However, there are certainly times when it is not safe to be outside for a longer amount of time. Below are some important winter gear reminders so that all students are prepared for this weather along with how we make the decision to have indoor recess. We use the Child Care Weather Watch pictured above as a guideline for these decisions.

Recess Winter Gear Rules - Be prepared! In order to go outside in the cold weather, students must be wearing the appropriate winter gear. This includes:

• Pants

• Winter Coat

• Hat and Gloves

• Boots (to play on snowy surfaces)

 

Please make sure winter items are labeled so if they go missing, they can be easily returned. We can certainly provide support to families who need access to winter clothing. Please reach out to us and we will help.

Winter Weather Chart - Recess Safety Oversimplified

 

• 20℉ and above - Bundle up and be ready for the kids to go outside.

• 19℉ and below - Bundle up for arrival/dismissal but likely indoor recess.

• Wind chill and “real feel” temperatures impact our decisions to go outside.

• Community members who visit Broadmeadow must enter and exit through the front door. Please ring the bell to your left when you arrive. All visitors must check-in at the office and sign our visitor log.
• After ringing the bell, families who arrive to drop off student materials are asked to label all items with their student’s full name and teacher name and place them in the bin on the office counter. The office will facilitate getting materials to the student’s classroom.
• Families who arrive to pick up students early will be asked to wait outside for their child to exit the building.

Andy Garlick, Principal

Chanit List, Assistant Principal

Sofie Jelden K-2 Guidance

Katie Lizotte, 3-5 Guidance

Jacqui Murphy, Connections Guidance

Any adult who volunteers at a school event will be required to complete the CORI review process at least 4 days in advance of their visit. Completed CORI and Confidentiality forms (linked below) can be dropped off at the office or emailed to Roberta Redpath.

 

• CORI FORM: Please complete both sides of the CORI form being sure to include the last 6 digits of your social security number. A copy of a license or passport is also required order for the CORI to be processed.
• CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT: In addition, please return a copy of a completed confidentiality form with your CORI documents.

In order to assure that you (and/or other adults in your family who do not have an online portal account) are set up to receive these important email communications, we urge you to log into your account on the PowerSchool parent/guardian portal and make sure that all adults who should receive email are set up as “contacts” who receive emails. While adding or reviewing these contacts, please also take the time to add or update cell phone numbers for parents/guardians and anyone else who is identified as an emergency contact. All of these tasks can be accomplished by viewing the instructions provided in this VIDEO or by referring to the following instructions:

1. Log into your account on the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

2. Click on “Forms” in the left-hand margin.

2. Under the “All Forms” tab, click on Student Information

3. Scroll down to the “Enter Contacts” section.

• Review contacts and update information. (click on the blue pencil to edit/update the contact)

• Be sure to add or update emails and cell phone numbers if necessary. IMPORTANT: If you would like the receive all school email communications, please select the option “Receives Mail” when adding an email address

4. New contacts may be added by clicking on the “ADD” button located under the “Enter Contacts” section. IMPORTANT: Please make certain that if the contact wants to receive all email communications, to select the option “Receives Mail.”

Please note that If you have not created a Parent Portal account, or if you have forgotten your login or password, please email Roberta Redpath for assistance.

Several students are absent from 4th grade this week. While I am unaware of why every student is absent, most have a fever and/or vomiting. Please do NOT send your child back to school until:

1. They have been fever free (less than 100 degrees) for more than 24 hours without using tylenol or motrin.

2. They have NOT vomited or had diarrhea in past 24hours.

3. They are eating their usual diet.

4. They have energy to fully participate in the school day.

5. They are sleeping as they usually sleep.

 

If you are unsure if you should send your child to school, please err on the side of caution or contact me for guidance.

REMEMBER:

 

• Snow gear

• Extra clothes in backpack- I have very limited clothing to loan

• Healthly snacks that fuel the brain- NOT simple sugar!

ILLNESS GUIDELINES- please review

 

As always, I am available to discuss your child’s health concerns at any time. My goal is to keep every student in school.

 

Mary Beth Arigo RN, MSN, CPNP

Broadmeadow School Nurse

[email protected]

781-455-0448 Ext. 51309

 

FAX 833-298-1217

The Needham Education Foundation’s online raffle is back – bigger and better than ever! We are offering silent auction items, themed-raffle baskets with items from your favorite Needham shops and restaurants, and a new 50/50 raffle! These items are only available online from February 23rd to March 10th. There will be additional raffle baskets at the NEF Trivia Bee for participating teams. Raffle tickets are $5 each; auction pricing varies. Check it out here. All proceeds from the auction and raffle will go towards supporting innovation in the Needham Public Schools.

Want something else sweet? Stop by Treat Cupcake Bar during the month of March to purchase a Bee-themed cupcake and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the NEF!

Unleash your child's creativity! "Picture This!" is a fun 4-lesson workshop + 1 showcase on Tuesdays (April 28th, May 5th, May 12th, May 19th, May 26th) from 6 PM - 7:30 PM in Needham Center at the Heights, Room 217. Designed for 6-12 year olds, kids will learn to create their very own Choose Your Own Adventure book. Sign up your child by scanning the QR code or clicking here! For questions, email [email protected] or DM @picturethis.organization on Instagram.

The Needham High School Christian Student Union and NHS Clubs are thrilled to invite you to the first-ever Parents' Day Off on March 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Needham High School Cafeteria. Drop your kids (ages 4-12) off for three hours packed with fun, games, and hands-on activities, including exciting experiences with the Needham Police and Fire Departments, plus interactive events hosted by various NHS clubs. While your kids are making memories and trying something new, you can enjoy a relaxing Saturday morning to run errands, grab brunch, or simply take some well-deserved time for yourself! Check out the event flyer and reach out to Brianna Sickmier with any qustions at [email protected]

We are excited to announce that registration for the Needham Community Education (NCE) Summer Explorations program opens on March 1st! This program offers a diverse range of week-long enrichment classes in July for students entering grades 1-9. From visual arts and robotics to science exploration and creative writing, there's something to spark every student's curiosity. Join us for a summer of learning, creativity, and fun – and the best part? It's open to both Needham and out-of-district students, so spread the word to your friends! Don't forget to register here starting March 1st. See the flyer for details!

It’s never too early—or too late—to talk to the young people in your life about relationships. Hosted by Jessica Teperow Consulting and the Needham Domestic Violence Action Committee (DVAC), this important workshop will share strategies to help parents and caregivers foster dialogue, teach kids to articulate and respect boundaries, and think critically about healthy versus unhealthy friendships. Join us at the Rosemary Recreation Complex Multi-Purpose Room for one of two sessions: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (6:00–7:30 PM) OR Thursday, April 2, 2026 (8:45–10:00 AM). Please review the event flyer and RSVP online here. If you have any questions, reach out to Jessica Teperow at [email protected].

In its winter grant cycle, the Needham Education Foundation (NEF) awarded 8 grants totaling $27,971 to benefit students in the Needham Public Schools. The NEF grants that will impact students at Broadmeadow include:

 

Seed City Raised Bed Replacement
Existing garden beds in the Broadmeadow Elementary School garden will be replaced with sustainable, ADA-accessible raised beds to extend the life of the garden and increase accessibility to the often-used space. This is a Repeat grant from Fall 2010.
— Awarded to Kellie Noonan, Parent; Mackenzie Schneyer, 2nd Grade Teacher; Heather McCarthy, 5th Grade Teacher; Elise Morgan, Needham Science Center

Sit, Fidget, Success
Broadmeadow Elementary School grade 3–5 classrooms, specials (Art, Music, Spanish and Media), and the Connections Program will have 75 Bsmaht fidget seats to help students who need movement to focus, regulate, and engage in learning. The Bsmaht seat is a discreet classroom tool with pockets containing fidgets that are clipped in, to allow purposeful fidgeting without disruption, helping students remain seated, attentive, and emotionally regulated during instruction.
— Awarded to Chanit List, Assistant Principal; Dyanna and Matt Cotter, Parents

To learn more about the grant awards and how you can help the NEF support innovative and enriching programs in the Needham schools, please visit nefneedham.org.

Come support our Needham High School student-athletes at the 5th annual Rocket Run on Sunday, March 29, 2026! The race kicks off at 9:00 AM at the NHS Webster Street entrance, with packet pickup and race-day registration beginning at 7:30 AM. DON'T WAIT, REGISTER TODAY! For further information, check out the flyer and reach out to the race coordinators with any questions [email protected] or [email protected].

Join the Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham (SPAN) on March 23, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Center at the Heights (300 Hillside Avenue, Needham, MA) for "Conversations with your Middle Schooler - Why you shouldn't wait to talk about substance use." This event is designed to increase your awareness about underage substance use in Needham, help you practice having tough conversations with your kids, and connect you with other local parents so you can leave equipped with valuable resources. You can register here or view the program flyer. For inquiries, contact Karen Shannon at [email protected].

Join the Needham Community Council and Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham (SPAN) for "The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence with Jessica Lahey" on March 18, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Powers Hall in the Needham Town Hall. In this presentation, Jess will offer evidence-based, effective learning and prevention resources that work, alongside vital information about the negative short- and long-term impact of addictive substances on the adolescent brain. She will also provide scripts adults can use to open discussions about substance use with the kids in their lives and the language to communicate more effectively. Learn more and register here. Please view the flyer or reach out to Cathy Wong ([email protected]) or Christine Weitzel ([email protected]) with any questions.

Gather the whole family for a fun-filled Trivia Night hosted by the Needham High School National Honor Society! Taking place on March 14, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the Needham High School Cafeteria, this event is a wonderful opportunity to test your knowledge while raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information see the event flyer. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Kardelis at [email protected]

The Needham Science Center is hosting monthly volunteer events at the Science Center (located at Newman elementary.) These will take place on the First Wednesday of each month from 3:30-530. Our next event will be this Wednesday, March 4th from 3:30-5:30. We will be making materials for the third and fourth grade kits. Middle and high school students can earn volunteer hours.

Let me know if you might like to attend!

Thank you!

 

Elise Morgan

Elementary Science Curriculum Coordinator

Needham Science Center

781-455-0475

Needham Youth Field Hockey is thrilled to host the world-class team from Leap Hockey for a Leap Academy Clinic on May 2, 2026, from 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM at DeFazio Park. Open to 5th–8th graders, this clinic offers a comprehensive training system known for its elite coaching and skill development. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from leaders in the sport! Click here to register or check out the event flyer. For more info, email [email protected].

Registration for Needham Baseball teen leagues is officially open! Ensure your player is ready for the diamond this spring by registering as soon as possible. Sign up today: https://needhambaseball.com/baseball-registrations/ If you have any questions, please contact Dan Powers at [email protected].

Get ready for a season of fun and competition with Needham Softball! Our Spring season, running from April through June, welcomes all girls from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Whether your athlete is a beginner looking for skill development in our in-town leagues or ready for the challenge of travel teams, we have a place for them in our Rookie, Minor, Major, and Senior Leagues. Pre-season training sessions begin in late February, so don't wait to sign up. For more details and to REGISTER TODAY, visit our website at needhambaseball.com or view our event flyer. For questions, please contact Derek Roy, Vice President of Softball, at [email protected].

Stay informed about the Pollard Middle School Project! Sign up for our mailing list to be notified about upcoming meetings and important updates. You can sign up on the project website, where you will also find future meeting dates, FAQs, project documents and much more:

tinyurl.com/NPSPollardProject