Email the Office

School Dismissal Manager

Broadmeadow Families,

Curriculum Night, Tomorrow, October 1, 2026: We’re excited to welcome you to our school and to share important updates about the year ahead. Please remember that parking is tricky and we encourage you to walk to school if you’re able. If you do drive, please make sure you adhere to parking signs as the Needham Police are likely to monitor.

Broadmeadow Curriculum Night

Thursday, October 1, 2026

6:00-6:45

Grade 3 in Classrooms

Grade 4 in Classrooms

Grade 5 in Performance Center

Early Dismissal Day on Wednesday, October 7th: Please remember to update School Dismissal Manager.

MCAS Update: Soon, the district will mail individual MCAS reports to current Broadmeadow families in grades 4 and 5.

We want to share a brief overview with the whole school community about the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and explain how the results help inform our instructional planning here at Broadmeadow. In order to do this somewhat succinctly I’m going to use the data framework from Street Data by Jamila Dugan and Shane Safir. They outline student learning and instruction data in three tiers: satellite, map and street.

• Satellite data is a look at our work from 30,000 feet. It includes state achievement data, district-level performance and how our school performed on the testing.

  • Example: For the 2026 reporting period, Broadmeadow is classified in the 93rd accountability percentile, indicating very high performance relative to schools serving similar grades.

  • Example: According to 2026 data, Needham is ranked #3 in the commonwealth for accountability. We are the #1 K-12 district.

• Map data is a closer look at how our school or a specific grade-level performed on a specific subject of testing and may include comparisons to other schools in the district or similar schools in the state.

  • Example: Grade 3 ELA scores indicate that 78% of students met or exceeded expectations, including 9% exceeding targets.

• Street data is more specific to individual students, their experience with the curriculum throughout the year, or a detailed look at a classroom’s progress towards a standard.

  • Example: An individual student in grade 4 who struggles with anxiety worked hard throughout the year and achieved a growth percentile of 78% in math and 64% in ELA.

All of this data work with the MCAS falls into the broader work we do as a school to consider multiple data points, including formative and summative assessments, to refine our practice in pursuit of high achievement for all students.

MCAS data is publicly available online through the DESE website and some helpful links are included below:

• 2024 Broadmeadow Report Card

• 2025 Broadmeadow Accountability Report

• 2026 Broadmeadow Accountability Report

• Broadmeadow MCAS Achievement Data

• District-Level MCAS Achievement Overview

• Understanding Your Child’s Growth - MCAS Reference Document

We’ll see you at Curriculum Night tomorrow!

Do good. Be kind.

The following tasks are required by the district at the start of each school year. Last Wednesday was the deadline for submitting this information. We are still waiting for 70 families to complete these forms. If you have any questions, please contact the office via email or call 781-455-0448 ext. 0.

1. Update Student Contact Information

Our school uses the information located in PowerSchool to contact families, send school communications via email, and ensure accurate records for all students. It is important for you to ensure that this information is accurate and up to date. Click on the links below for directions on how to review and update your child’s contact information using your Parent/Guardian portal account:

Link to the Powerschool Parent/Guardian Portal

Updating Parent Portal Contacts

2. Submit Your Electronic Signature and Agreements

At the start of each school year, families are provided with their student's school handbook. Families are asked to acknowledge that they have read and agree that their student will adhere to the terms of the handbook, which covers district policies and procedures such as the Student Responsible Use of Technology and the 1:1 Technology Device Agreement. Click on the link below for directions on how to submit your electronic signature and agreements:

Electronic Signature & Agreements

If you wish to have a paper version of the Student Family Handbook, contact the Main Office. Only one parent/guardian must electronically sign off that they have read and reviewed these documents.

3. Contact the School Office In Writing to Opt Out of Student Photo/Directory Release

The Needham Public Schools sometimes publicizes school events and student accomplishments through both print and electronic media, including newspapers, television, social media, and our school website. In doing so, we may publish your child's name and individual photographs. If you wish to withhold permission to release your child’s photograph, please forward your request to [email protected].

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.

Andy Garlick, Principal

Chanit List, Assistant Principal

Anne Cline-Scott, Special Education Coordinator

Katie Lizotte, 3-5 Guidance

Jacqui Murphy, Connections Guidance

 

COMMUNICATION

• Urgent information- always call the main office and inform the staff and they will notify the nurse

• Non-urgent information- email or phone call to the nurse

• The nurse will inform a parent when a medication is given (if OTC permission for this year has been given in the student's health portal) but the child may not need dismissal. This will help to inform you of when to administer the next dose if indicated (tylenol, ibuprofen, inhaler)

• The nurse typically will NOT inform a parent of health visits unless vital information needs to be shared

 

Please KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF: (exceptions to some- only after discussion with the nurse)

• Fever greater than 99.9 degrees within the past 24 hours; student should be fever free for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of fever reducers-no exception

• Vomiting within the past 24 hours

• Uncontrollable diarrhea within the past 24 hours -no exception

• Unable to tolerate usual diet

• Unable to sustain concentration for full school day

• Uncontrollable coughing that interrupts sleep and/or disturbs usual activity

• ER visit in past 24 hours

• Narcotic or benadryl use in past 24 hours-no exception

• Unable to manage secretions (sneezing, runny nose)

• Rash- new

• Pink eye with discharge-no exception

• Not “themself”

• Illness Guidelines

INJURIES

Please let the nurse know about:

• injuries including stitches, sprains, strains, concussions, broken bones, anything requiring a splint, boot, crutches or cast, exclusion from physical education and/or recess.

• A note from your child’s provider (MD, NP, DO, PA but not RN) is required if he/she needs exclusion from physical education or needs any accommodation (elevator, limits at recess, quiet rest in health office)

• A note from the provider is also required when limitations are lifted.

MEDICATION

Over-the-counter medications (Advil, Tylenol, Tums, etc.)

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may only be administered during the school day after a parent or guardian has completed the OTC Permission section in the student's SNAP Health Record under the Medication section. If it is not listed, we will need a provider order and parent authorization form.

• For your child's OTC health portal medications, parent/guardian permission must be renewed at the beginning of each new school year. For detailed instructions on accessing your child's school SNAP medical portal, please visit:

  • SNAP Parent Portal Log in and Annual Update

  • For quick OTC instruction info: Quick SNAP OTC permissions.

• Medication Reminder: Every medication (outside of the OTCs listed in the student health portal) to be administered needs a doctor’s order and parent permission form including lotions, sunscreen, eye drops, bug spray, etc.

Please let the nurse know if:

• Your child takes a daily medication at home

• Your child needs his/her medication administered during the school day and nurse will direct you to the required forms which are on the Needham Public School website.

• You gave your child a pain reliever OR asthma medication before school

• Medication Policy

PLEASE DO NOT:

• Send medication into school in your child’s backpack- excludes epipens and inhalers with notification to the nurse

REQUIRED

• Copy of physical exam within the past 13 months before school entrance
• Copy of physical exam at grade 4, but sending any other time is appreciated
• Immunizations up to date unless medical or religious exemption (yearly documentation required)

 

SCREENINGS~ starting Mid September

School Health Screenings Massachusetts public schools are required by state law (M.G.L. c. 71, § 57 and 105 CMR 200.000) to provide routine health screenings for students. These screenings may include vision, hearing, height and weight (BMI), and postural screenings at designated grade levels, as well as verbal substance use screenings for middle and high school students.

• Parents/guardians may opt their child out of any or all required health screenings by completing the Broadmeadow Health Screening Opt-Out Form for 2026-27 school year.

• For more information about the required health screenings and the rationale behind them, please refer to the 26-27 Information Regarding Massachusetts School Health Screenings

 

Health Office Contact Information:

School Nurse: Denise Schwerzler

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 781-455-0448 ext 51309

Fax: 833-298-1217

The 13th Annual Jog Your Memory 5K Run and 1.5 Mile Walk for Alzheimer's kicks off on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 9:00 am. Starting and finishing at the Mitchell School located at 187 Brookline Street, this is a family friendly event that brings the community together against an important cause. Both virtual and in person options are available. For additional questions, email Jess Rice at [email protected], and you can view the race flyer or visit the event website to register and donate.

Do you need guidance and support to help your child with school related anxiety? The Mindful Community invites you to join Dr. Ben Lovett of Columbia University on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, for an interactive workshop specifically designed to help families best support their children. The session is offered online in the morning from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, and in person at Powers Hall in the Needham Town Hall from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. For more details, reach out to Cathy Wong at [email protected] or email [email protected], and be sure to view the first event flyer and sign up here: https://bit.ly/MindfulOct7

Calling all kindergarten through fifth grade dancers interested in a fun filled afternoon! Join the Needham High School Girls Varsity Dance Team for a half day clinic on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, starting at 12:45 pm in the A Gym. Participants will enjoy pizza, dancing, lunch, and a great time. For more information, you can contact Caren Pearlman at [email protected]. You can view the event flyer or register online to secure your spot.

Looking to keep your child active during the winter months? Join the Charles River YMCA for the Jr. Celtics Basketball League running each week on Saturdays from Saturday, November 14, 2026, through Saturday, February 13, 2027. Open to ages 3 to 10 years old. For question, please call 781-444-6400 or by emailing Jaehmar Paul at [email protected]. Please check out the promotional flyer for details and register for the league online.

Join the Needham High School PTC for the Needham High School Craft Fair and Bake Sale on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Needham High School, located at 609 Webster Street in Needham. Come shop from over 100 vendors selling high quality handcrafted items and enjoy a wonderful bake sale featuring treats from local food vendors and community bakers. All proceeds will support the Needham High School PTC. For more information or questions, please contact the organizers at [email protected]. You can also view the event flyer and visit their Facebook page for additional details.

Bring your ideas to life! The Needham Education Foundation is accepting Fall 2025 grant applications through October 16, 2026. They are accepting applications for small grants up to $5,000 and large grants up to $15,000 to fund innovative or enriching programs in the Needham Public Schools. To learn more about the grant process, see past funded projects, and apply online, please visit the NEF website or check out the informational flyer. Please contact Sarah Winig at [email protected] for more information.

The NCE Elementary after school catalog was mailed to Needham households last week.

Enrollment is open from September 20th through November 3rd. Click the button below to view the catalog.

Sign up for the 2026 through 2027 Needham Youth Basketball League season with registration open from September 1 to October 4, 2026. This recreational league is focused on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and most importantly, having fun for boys and girls in third through eighth grade. Players of all experience levels from beginners to more experienced athletes are welcome to join. Visit the NYBL website to register or check out the league flyer for more details, and email [email protected] with any questions.

Unleash your child’s creativity with the Picture This Fall 2026 Session where kids aged six through twelve will learn to create their very own Choose Your Own Adventure book. This fun four lesson workshop runs on Tuesdays including October 13, October 20, October 27, and November 3 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Needham Center at the Heights in Room 217, followed by a showcase. Sign up your child by filling out the registration form or by viewing the event flyer. For questions, please email [email protected] or send a direct message to @picturethis.organization on Instagram.

Calling all soccer players in grades one through eight to Train with NHS Varsity on September 30, 2026, from 7:15 PM to 8:30 PM at the Defazio Park Turf Fields. Join the Friends of Needham High School Soccer to train with the Needham High Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer teams for a cost of $25. Register online at the Needham Soccer Club website and view the event flyer for more details. Contact [email protected] for further inquiries.

The Friends of the Needham Public Library will host their Fall Book Sale at the library on Friday, October 2 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday, October 4 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sunday is bargain day, making it a great deal for teachers! For more information, please visit www.friendsneedhamlibrary.org.

 

 

The Needham High School girls volleyball program is offering a special youth volleyball clinic on 10/14
Who: Needham public school students grades 4-8, no experience required.
What: Fun clinic to improve passing, setting, hitting, and serving skills with friends.
When: Wednesday, October 14th from 3:15-4:45pm. Doors open at 3pm
Where: Needham High School Gym
Why: Support our Needham High School girls volleyball program
Cost: $30

 

 

https://tinyurl.com/NHS-Cinic-Signup