Dear Needham Families: I hope the February break provided an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy some time together and rest! A few updates as we begin the week: *• School Safety Presentation* Please join school administrators and public safety folks at Broadmeadow on Wednesday, February 24th at 7:00 p.m. for a conversation about school safety and the district's adoption of the ALICE protocol (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) in all schools. There will be an opportunity to learn about ALICE and ask questions. For more information about ALICE: January 2016 Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> *• Needham Unplugged* Once again this year the Needham schools will support and participate in Needham Youth Services program, Needham Unplugged <http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=113> during the month of March. On Thursday, March 10th I have asked teachers to observe "No Homework" night so students can enjoy the afternoon and evening with their families. *• School Committee/Superintendent's Open House *Please join members of the School Committee and Superintendent Dan Gutekanst on Saturday morning, March 19th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the Pollard Middle School Library for informal conversation and coffee. This will be a good opportunity to meet your School Committee and Superintendent and ask questions or share ideas and concerns. Please stop by and say hello. Have a great week, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us 781.455.0400 (x203)