• School Budget Hearing Tuesday, January 21st The School Committee is currently considering a budget plan for the 2014-15 school year (FY15). The budget plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding new teachers at the middle schools and the high school. The proposal also includes resources for technology and classroom support in each school. Additionally, the budget plan includes funds to support innovation and an extended day at the elementary and middle school level (See note below). The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure that resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. My recent blog post highlights the budget plan: Superintendent's Blog

The School Committee urges you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn more about the budget proposal and share your comments, questions, and concerns. The School Committee wants to hear from parents, especially around the need for providing and innovative program with an extended day at the elementary and middle school levels. It will therefore be critical for parents, students, and the community to weigh in on the budget and offer your perspective and voice. You may view additional information and an outline of the proposed NPS budget on the district's website: FY15 Budget Proposal

• Innovation and Extended Learning in the Needham Schools The Needham Schools proposes to provide new programming at the elementary level and extend the learning for all students in grades K through 8. This supplemental proposal outlined as part of the proposed budget will add new programs and restore programs like Spanish that Needham's students participated in several years ago. For more information about the plan to provide for innovation and an extended day in the Needham Schools check out a new page, including links and FAQs, on the district's website: Innovation and Extended Learning in the Needham Public Schools

• PARCC The Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Career is a consortium of states, including Massachusetts, that will pilot the next generation of tests. The PARCC Assessments will ultimately replace most of the MCAS our students take. In the spring a couple of classes in each Needham school will pilot the new PARCC Assessments prior to a planned and complete rollout for all students in 2015. Students and families will receive additional information in the coming weeks. To learn more about PARCC: http://www.parcconline.org/

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Parents, students, and members of the community are invited to attend Monday's (January 20th) observance of Martin Luther King Day at Needham High School beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the school's auditorium. Please join the Needham Clergy Association, The Town of Needham Human Rights Committee, and the Needham Public Schools as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.