Five Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 25

1. Remembering Alderman Merrill. If you have . Also, we've put together a photo gallery remembering Alderman Merrill and you are welcome to add your own pictures.

2. Go Tigers! The Newton North girls' varsity basketball team will face Dedham tonight in a home match at 6:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the boys' varsity team will head to Dedham for an away game at 6:30 p.m.

3. Enter the Environmental Art Contest. Sponsored by Green Decade Newton, this year's theme is "How our schools can help the environment." Contestants can enter as individual or in team of two students; limited to 2D posters - 12”x18” max; recycled collage materials may be used; entry form needs to be attached to back of poster. See Green Decade Newton's website for more contest rules. Entries are due by March 1 and can be dropped off at the Newton Cultural Center, the Mayor's Office, the New Art Center or Green Planet Kids.

4. Arcade night. The Newton South High School Habitat for Humanity club will host an Arcade Night tonight in the Student Center starting at 7 p.m. The fundraiser offers kids a chance to play a variety of video games.

5. Principal meeting. Superintendent David Fleishman will hold an informational meeting with Countryside Elementary School parents this morning regarding the new principal search for the school. Current Countryside Principal Emily Ostrower announced earlier this month she plans to retire at the end of the year. Today's meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. in the Countryside Library.