Broadmeadow Families,

The Armed Intruder Drill was completed successfully this morning. Thank you to our amazing faculty for their care and grace handling a hard but necessary protocol. The drill started at 8:35 and was completed by 8:40. Please reach out to us, the classroom teacher, or the counseling team if your child needs additional support or an opportunity to process.

Seed City: If you have been by the playground recently you may have noticed the incredible additions and updates to “Seed City.” We want to take this opportunity to thank Kellie Noonan and Mia Biddick for their hard work (literally digging in the dirt) to make a plan, wrangle volunteers, and tend to the garden. This work was funded by the NEF and supports our work to provide students with engaging real world opportunities to practice skills. Thank you to Kellie, Mia and everyone who made this happen!

Mr. Garlick Update: From October 2nd to 11th, Andy will be in Finland and Estonia on a district-sponsored learning opportunity. This visit is organized by a Massachusetts education group and will provide an opportunity to learn about Finnish and Estonian education and ways to support our students here in Needham. Chanit List and Anne Cline-Scott will be in charge and they’re wonderful. Andy will have an away message up that week to remind folks to reach out to Chanit with urgent school business.

Do good. Be Kind.

PowerSchool Contact and Agreement Updates

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 x0.

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.

CORI FORMS FOR VOLUNTEERS

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.

General Information From the Health Office

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

High School Craft Fair

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.

NEF Fall Grant Applications

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 nef@nefneedham.org for more information.

Needham Youth Basketball League Registration

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 jess.karlin@gmail.com with any questions.

Picture This Session

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 organization.picturethis@gmail.com or send a direct message to @picturethis.organization on Instagram.

Youth Volleyball Clinic

The Needham High School girls volleyball program is offering a special youth volleyball clinic on 10/14

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

Metrowest Basketball Registration

Registration for the 2026-2027 Needham Metrowest Basketball season tryouts is officially open! Tryouts will be held over two weekends—September 19th-20th and September 26th-27th—and are expected to take place at Pollard Middle School (pending permit approvals), with specific times still to be determined. To secure your spot, visit the registration page or head over to their website for more details. For any questions, you can contact needhammetrowest@gmail.com or view the informational flyer.