Broadmeadow Buzz

Email the Office

School Dismissal Manager

Broadmeadow Families,

Tonight is a special event for Broadmeadow alumni. You are welcome to attend and bring former students to participate in the launch of our new community art project. Please see the flyer above for more information.

Do good. Be kind.

Student photos were sent home last week. Class photos will arrive in late November. Photo retake day will be Monday, November 9th. If you would like to have your student's photo retaken, please fill out this form and be sure to return your original set of photographs with your student on retake day. If you would like a refund or if you have any other questions, please reach out directly to Coffee Pond using the options listed below. Thank you.

Any family with questions (such as about order forms; late orders; missing orders & refunds etc.) should contact Coffee Pond's dedicated Lifeguards:

By phone: 1-508-907-6633
By email: Lifeguards@ coffeepond.com
By US Mail:
Lifeguards Coffee Pond Photography
111 Speen Street, Suite 401
Framingham, MA 01701

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 broadmeadow_office@needham.k12.ma.us.

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: denise_schwerzler@needham.k12.ma.us

Phone: 781-455-0448 ext 51309

Fax: 833-298-1217

Join the Rotary Club of Needham for their Pancake Breakfast Festival on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Newman Elementary School. Bring the whole family to enjoy all you can eat pancakes, kids games, and exciting prizes for children of all ages. You can purchase your tickets in advance by visiting their website or view the flyer for more information, and you may reach out to NeedhamRotary@gmail.com with any inquiries.

Registration for Needham Park and Recreation Fall and Winter Programs is available now! The Town of Needham is partnering with Rec Technologies for registration this season, so please sign up today for classes on the registration portal. You can review the full program brochure or the informational flyer for more details, and you may contact the team directly at parkandrecreation@needhamma.gov for any additional questions.

NHS SAMD presents Freaky Friday at Newman School Auditorium Oct. 23-25. This production is presented by Students Acting to Make a Difference (SAMD) - a student-led theater organization which donates proceeds from an October musical to a local charity, combining drama and impact. SAMD allows students at Needham High School to use their creative talents while learning about and directly supporting a nonprofit, inspiring them to channel their passion towards a greater cause. With a strict no-cuts policy, SAMD emphasizes community involvement and inclusion, with an unspoken motto of "no matter who you are, no matter your skill level, you can make a difference".

Join SEPAC for accessible trick-or-treating in the Brookline and Fairlawn St Needham neighborhood on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. The street will be shut down block party style and neighbors will come to the end of their driveways to hand out candy and treats. Please reply to the evite below if you can attend, and feel free to forward it to any kids or families who you think could benefit from an accessible trick or treating opportunity. You can RSVP directly via the Evite link or contact alisonpremo@gmail.com for more details.

Needham Jr Football and Cheer invites you to the first ever Needham Jr Homecoming on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Needham Memorial Park. Take part in a halftime skills competition to show off your abilities and win great prizes, plus enjoy a free giveaway and refreshments for all participants. If you have any questions, you can contact doug@positioningfox.com or view the event flyer for more information.

The Needham High School Class of 2028 Student Council invites kids ages eleven and under to their Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM on the first floor of Needham High School. Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and explore rooms filled with fun activities like pumpkin painting, a Halloween movie, and a haunted house for an admission fee of ten dollars per child. For more information, please check out the event flyer, visit their website, or contact dys281@student.needham.k12.ma.us.

Register for the Community Center of Needham Gymnastics Varsity Workshop! Fun, pressure free gymnastics classes for boys and girls from preschool age 4 through 5th grade. The classes are taught on Saturday mornings in December and January for only $75 by the gymnasts of the Needham High School Girls Varsity Gymnastics team at the Needham High School B Gym. Registration opens Friday, November 6, 2026! Register early since classes fill quickly. Learn more and register online at www.needhamGymnastics.com or contact gary@needhamGymnastics.com.

Join Needham Open Studios for their Fall Pop Up event on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Congregational Church located at 1154 Great Plain Ave. Come see 15 Needham Open Studios artists at one location, for just one day. Artists will be showing painting, photography, ceramics, printmaking, jewelry, origami, and more, and will be there to talk about their work and answer questions. Get a start on your holiday shopping with unique local art and crafts. For more details, reach out to info@needhamopenstudios.com, visit their website, or view the event flyer.

Get your car professionally cleaned and support the NHS Boys and Girls Soccer teams through the Friends of Needham High School Soccer Scrub a Dub Car Wash Fundraiser running from Tuesday, October 20, 2026, through Friday, November 13, 2026. Buy a $12 Scrub a Dub express wash voucher that will be emailed to you to be used at any Scrub a Dub location within 6 months. Scrub a Dub will donate 50% back to the NHS Boys and Girls Soccer teams. For more information, contact admin@fonhss.org, view the fundraiser flyer, or visit the campaign page.

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 jpaul@ymcaboston.org. 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 needhamcraftfair@gmail.com. You can also view the event flyer and visit their Facebook page for additional details.

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.