• Inclement Weather & Remote Learning Days  Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeff Riley has confirmed recently that at this time school districts will not be allowed to hold a remote learning day in lieu of a traditional snow day. In the event of a school cancellation due to inclement weather, we will have a traditional "snow day" and make the day up in June.

Unfortunately, this winter the Town of Needham, like many communities statewide, is struggling to get all the plow operators they have had in the past to clear roadways and sidewalks in a timely fashion.  This could mean that a delay or even a cancellation is more likely if I do not feel the road, sidewalk, or parking conditions are acceptable.  At the same time, all of us will have to be patient as we navigate parking areas and neighborhood sidewalks that might have more snow accumulation than we’d prefer. In some cases, parents may need to drive their children to school rather than allow them to walk on icy sidewalks or roads that have not been cleared. For more information about weather related school delays and cancellations: 2021-22 NPS School Delays and Cancellations

• 2021-22 School Year Budget Proposal  Recently, I shared my preliminary budget proposal for the 2021-22 school year (Fiscal Year 23) with the School Committee.  I believe the budget proposal will provide the resources we need to continue to serve our students and address school and district priorities as outlined in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Strategic Plan.  The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on Tuesday, January 18th at 6:30 p.m. and all community members, parents, and staff are welcome to participate.  Detailed information about the budget plan is available on the district’s website:  FY23 Budget Proposal

• 10 Minutes with Tamatha Bibbo and Jessica Downey  Please check out my latest (quick!) ten minute interview with Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo and High Rock Principal Jessica Downey:  10 Minutes with Our Middle School Principals

•  2022-23 School Calendar Many folks who are planning summer vacations have called to inquire about the status of the school calendar for the next academic year.  The School Committee will consider and vote on a 2022-23 calendar sometime in February.  One thing I can share is that I will most likely recommend that school start before Labor Day given that the holiday is Monday, September 5, 2022.  In that case, classes for students would start no earlier than Wednesday, August 31st.  Stay tuned for a finalized 2022-23 school calendar later this winter.

• News You Need(ham) is an electronic newsletter, which is sent out weekly from the Town of Needham. It includes helpful information that residents rely on. Here is the latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/needhamma/the-news-you-needham-5013794 and a link to subscribe:  https://needhamma.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=713dda0f2d48ad06984d25f79&id=04d5ff000d