Mr. Shakur Abdal-Khallaq has been the Coordinator of the Needham High School METCO Program since 2006. He meets regularly with teachers and guidance counselors to promote the academic and social progress of METCO students in grades 9-12 and maintains collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, parents, and community advocates. Shakur is also a counselor at NHS and works collaboratively with the guidance department and student support staff to develop programming and support around social-emotional issues with a focus on the perspective of students and families of color, and families in Boston. as co-chair of the Culture and Climate Committee, he works to create a welcoming and supportive environment for ALL staff and students and helped to develop NHS's One Day, with the above-mentioned goals in mind. He has also developed and facilitates various resources and supports in the district including the African American Studies and Contemporary Issues course and College Bound, a college research and application assistance program.
Contact info: shakur_abdal-khallaq@needham.k12.ma.us
781-455-0800 Ext.22115
Dr. Joanne Allen-Willoughby became the Director of the Needham Public Schools METCO Program in 2009. As a graduate of Needham Public Schools, Dr. Allen-Willoughby brings over twenty years of experience and commitment to the education and social/emotional well being of students in grades K-12. Through her past work as Director of the Victory Generation After School Program, and Founding Partner of the WAVE Institute, she continues to dedicate herself to creating culturally proficient environments, which prepare students for a global society.
Contact info: joanne_allen-willoughby@needham.k12.ma.us
Phone number: 617-640-4640
Ms. Kayla Burroughs: Under Construction...
Contact info: kayla_burroughs@needham.k12.ma.us
Phone number: (781)-455-0800 Ext.22735
Mrs. Marie Nunes is a METCO staff support member at both the Mitchell and Sunita Williams Elementary Schools. She is committed to supporting the Boston students academically in the classroom and socially through weekly lunch groups. She works closely with teachers and counselors in order to find ways to support the students’ needs and implements strategies that will assist them in being successful. Mrs. Nunes is an advocate for the students. She communicates with Boston parents on a regular basis regarding their children. She also coordinates with the METCO Family & Friends members to plan activities and build bridges between the Boston and Needham communities. Her day does not end when the school bell rings, but rather continues as she attends after school and weekend activities that the students are involved in.
Contact info: marie_nunes@needham.k12.ma.us
Mrs. Tamara Peeples-Mbengue has been the Coordinator of the METCO program for the elementary schools since she joined the team in 2007. As the elementary Coordinator, she covers the Eliot, Broadmeadow, and Newman elementary schools. She is known for her enthusiasm and for her commitment to the METCO mission. Tamara grew up in Dorchester, MA and participated in the Weston METCO Program from K-12. Throughout the past 10 years, in addition to her regular duties as the elementary METCO coordinator, she has managed the elementary METCO homework club, established a student incentive program called the A.C.E.S Club (Achievement Celebration for Excellent Students), and coached (as head and assistant) the Needham High School Track & Field team. To date, Tamara also coordinates METCO transportation (grades K-12) and directly oversees all aspects of the Needham METCO Jumpstart Summer Program (including curriculum development, program implementation, and co-teaching).
Contact info: tamara_peeples-mbengue@needham.k12.ma.us
Phone number: (617)-640-8890
Mrs. Leslie Smart is the Coordinator of the METCO program for middle school students. She is dedicated to their developmental needs. In 2012, she spearheaded Common Ground at High Rock to provide students of color with encouragement to achieve their highest potential. She assists in hosting the parent orientation to Middle School. She supports SWAG (Students Working and Growing) at Pollard, including Math and English Language Arts enrichment within a framework that provides our students, particularly students of color, with help in achieving their educational potential. Ms. Smart also works as a team with cluster teachers, student support staff and middle school administrators to ensure and monitor the academic and social/emotional development of the METCO students.
Contact info: leslie_smart@needham.k12.ma.us
Phone Number: 781-455-0455 (High Rock School) and 781-455-0480 (Pollard Middle School)
Mrs. Delmira Teixeira: Under Construction...
Contact info: delmira_teixeira@needham.k12.ma.us