Dear Needham Public Schools Families:
As we begin a holiday weekend, allow me to share several updates:
• Addressing Challenging Behavior In recent conversations with school principals, Parks & Recreation staff, and the Needham Police, I have heard troubling reports of poor behavior around town, in parks, and on ballfields of several young Needham adolescents, typically in grades 7-9. Serious vandalism, trash piles, broken glass, and general misbehavior have been observed and reported. For example, on a recent evening after 9:00 p.m. over 50 young people were gathered on Memorial Park Field, several of them consuming alcohol. While the inappropriate actions of a few do not represent the behavior of all, this behavior is unacceptable and must be addressed. I will continue to work with School and Town staff and our School Resource Officers both to hold young people accountable and to help curb this behavior. I also encourage all parents to talk to your children about your expectations for their behavior when they are hanging out with or visiting friends in the community.
• School Committee Open House The Needham School Committee will host an informal Open House for parents and community members on Saturday, October 16th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at Needham High School (Webster St. entrance, under the tent). Please stop by to say hello, ask a question or share an idea.
• Health Attestation Many thanks to our parents and students who continue to complete the daily health attestation procedure at a high rate; in the last several days the rate of completion has been about 94 to 96%. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff. My most recent cable show,
Needham Schools Spotlight, features a conversation about COVID protocols and health information with our school & public health partners:
Health and Safety Remains the Priority in the NPS
• Ten Minutes with... We have launched a new video program entitled, "Ten Minutes with..." featuring brief ten minute interviews with leaders and learners in the Needham Public Schools. The most recent video features two students, Nick Tuchin and Fernanda Pinto Pro who collaborated to advocate for the School Committee to rename the October holiday Indigenous Peoples' Day. Please check out Ten Minutes with Nick and Fernanda when you get the chance.
• Needham's Parent University Needham Community Education launched the NCE Parent University in October 2020 to foster a partnership between the Needham Public Schools and the District’s parents. Our NCE Parent University workshops and seminars, taught by experts throughout the year, are designed to address various parenting challenges and concerns and provide invaluable information and skills. The programs are free but registration is required. In addition, there is a new NCE Adult Fall Catalog featuring an array of virtual and in-person programs that provide joy, social engagement, and intellectual/creative stimulation. If you have questions about the NCE Adult Programs, please contact amy_goldman@needham.k12.ma.us or 781-455-0400 x11214.
• Congratulations! Congratulations to these three Needham High School students for being named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: Samuel Billante, Benjamin Lee, and Drew Winkler. We are proud of these and all of our students who each day demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and growth.
Have a great holiday weekend!