Email the Office

School Dismissal Manager

Broadmeadow Families,

The district is mandating that each family complete the following 3 tasks by September 16th. Please make it a priority to get this done as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the office via email or call 781-455-0448 x0.

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 to access the parent/guardian portal and 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, the District is now requiring that each family review their school handbook and acknowledge their Parent/Guardian/Student agreement with each of the district policies it contains, (which includes the responsible use agreement, 1:1 agreement, and more). 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 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 in writing to [email protected].

Do good. Be Kind.

CoffeePond photographers will be here on Thursday, September 17th to photograph students and take class photos. Weather permitting, all photos will be taken outside. In the event of rain, photos will be taken on Thursday, October 1st, either outside or in the Performance Center.

Orders can be placed online by clicking on this link. If you order online, it is not necessary to send your child with a receipt. Families can also choose to complete a paper order form instead, and send it with their child on or before photo day. Forms will go home in backpacks this week.

Scholarships are available. Please reach out directly to Andy Garlick or Chanit List to request a scholarship.

Beginning Elementary Instrumental Program SY26-27 Information

Needham Public Schools offers an Elementary Instrumental Program that runs before school and is open to all students! There is no fee for participation in this program however families are responsible for renting an instrument. Loaner instruments and scholarships are available for students who need financial assistance. Please indicate the need for a scholarship instrument on the registration form.

The Beginning instrumental program is open to all students in Grades 3-5.

• Music teachers will begin reviewing instrument selection choices the Week of September 8.

• Students in Grade 3 are able to choose a string instrument.

• Students in Grades 4 and 5 are able to choose a Band and/or String instrument.

• Registration is due by September 21.

• Instruction will begin the Week of October 5th

• Please see this letter with more information including a schedule of classes in each building for planning purposes.

A Note Regarding the Advanced Instrumental Program: All students who participated in the Beginning Instrumental Program last year are automatically able to participate in the Advanced Program this school year. Please look for an email from your music teacher to indicate your participation.

Dear Elementary Families,

We are so thrilled to begin a full year of the Elementary Honors Chorus! The Elementary Honors Chorus is open to all students in Fourth and Fifth Grade who want to further develop their love of singing in an after school ensemble. It is a unique opportunity to make music together, with students from all over town. Due to an anticipated high interest and limited number of spaces for students to participate we will be holding a lottery.

Ensemble Information

● Rehearsals will begin on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

● Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 PM at Broadmeadow Elementary School.

● Parents are responsible for transportation to and from rehearsals.

● Concert dates: January 21, 2027 and May 20, 2027 at 6:30pm at Newman Elementary School - attendance is mandatory.

Please make sure students are available for Thursday afternoon rehearsals and the two concert dates!

Participation Fee

As a Fee-Based group, ensemble membership requires a $250.00 per-student participation fee, used for music purchases, supplies, and some transportation to performances as needed.

● If registering more than one child for Honors Ensemble, the first child pays the full fee and subsequent children pay a sibling fee of $56. Scholarships can be requested at the time of registration.

Lottery Process

Please complete the Elementary Honors Chorus Lottery Form to indicate your interest in participating in the Elementary Honors Choir by 8:00 AM Monday September 14, 2026.

● A percentage of interested students will first be selected from school based lotteries and then from a general lottery to fill remaining seats.

● You will receive notification of Ensemble acceptance or placement on the waitlist, along with registration and payment instructions, by Wednesday September 16th.

You can access the Chorus Lottery Form via QR Code or Link: Chorus Lottery Form

*Note: To confirm your child’s interest in participating in this ensemble, we require a Video Submission of your child performing a selection (one verse and chorus only- not the whole song) of their choice. It can be a piece that your child learned in music class at school. This is a required submission on the form.

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

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: Thursday, October 23rd 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

Support the Needham High School Rockets Soccer teams by grabbing some new apparel! The Friends of Needham High School Soccer online gear store is open now through September 9th. Shop for t-shirts, hoodies, zip-ups, jackets, blankets, and more by visiting their online store. For questions, reach out to [email protected] or check out the event flyer.

Registration is officially open for the Plugged In Band Program's fall session, featuring band classes and private lessons for all ages, skill levels, and abilities at 40 Freeman Place in Needham! Classes kick off on September 14, 2026, with bands thoughtfully grouped by age, experience, and genre to ensure a great fit for every musician. To secure your spot, view the event flyer, or learn more about the program, visit www.pluggedinband.org or email [email protected]

The Needham High School Boosters Club’s Annual Sticker Drive fundraiser kicks off the weekend of September 26th and 27th! You can help support the school’s 75 athletic teams and 10 clubs by donating via Venmo. To make a contribution or learn more about the organization, please visit the Boosters website or check out the event flyer. For additional questions, you can reach out to [email protected].