• H1N1/Flu Update Overall, our absentee rate due to flu in the school system is quite low, around 1 to 2% of all students. We have held two successful flu clinics so far at Eliot and Hillside, and we will continue to hold clinics under the direction and supervision of the Needham Health Department as the vaccine becomes available. We did learn that nine students at Eliot were among the 47 Needham residents and town employees who inadvertently received the seasonal flu vaccine, but the students are fine and will receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible.

• Commitment to the Community In all our schools, students, staff, and parents reach out regularly to learn more about local and global issues and to help others. Two recent examples come to mind: Eliot capped off their successful Room to Read program by presenting John Wood, author of Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, a check for $4,000 to assist his organization as it builds school libraries in developing countries. As part of the exceptional effort by the Eliot community, our students learned about the countries and students they were supporting and, in the process, read over 250,000 pages of books as part of the project! At Needham High, dozens of seniors have been working during a physical education class to provide physical fitness instruction and guidance to local senior citizens with whom they were paired as "buddies" for the last several weeks. The unique "Senior to Senior" program, supported by a Needham Education Foundation (NEF) grant, paired our students with an older "buddy" to assist them with weight training, walking, running, and overall fitness. It has been an awesome opportunity for younger and older generations to interact, learn from one another, and have fun. Of course, the senior citizens were thrilled to meet and work with our students. Congratulations to all of our students, staff, and parents in each school who consistently demonstrate their commitment to the community.

• Student Award Congratulations to two Needham High School students, Joanna Glanz and Aseem Mehta, who received the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' (MASS) Award presented annually to two outstanding seniors who have demonstrated exemplary academic success in high school. These two young people, both of whom are at the top of their class, clearly represent the finest of our students and their hard work and passion for learning reflects the values of the Needham Public Schools: Scholarship, Citizenship, Community and Personal Growth. Thanks to their teachers for encouraging them and to their parents for supporting them.

Lastly, let me wish you and your families a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving Holiday. I am looking forward to spending time with my three beautiful daughters (Elyse, Claire, and Nora) and loving (and very patient) wife, Karen. I am very thankful for them! I am also thankful to know and to work with a talented staff, committed parents, a supportive community, and extraordinary young people like Joanna and Aseem.