Five Things You Need to Know Today: Aug. 13

1. School Committee. The School Committee will meet this morning at 8 a.m. to discuss the superintendent evaluation. The meeting will be held in the . 

2. Board of Aldermen. The Newton Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at 7:45 p.m. in the chamber at . The board will potentially vote on a number of items including planned expansion at the Four Corners and in Newton Highlands. 

3. Group bike rides. Bike Newton hosts a  Monday evenings at 6 p.m. that starts from the  and visits a number of scenic points around the city. The ride, which will be between 7-10 miles, is open to cyclists of all ages. Today's ride will feature a tour of . Children must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone with questions can email nathan.aronow@verizon.net.

4. Have you donated to Backpacks to Share? The Village Bank has teamed up again with the city's Dept. of Health and Human Services for the . This program helps provide school supplies and backpacks to deserving Newton students. Donation drop-offs are available at and all Newton Village Bank locations. Remember, when you're out doing your back-to-school shopping this summer, "buy two, share one."

5. Economic Development Commission. The Commission will meet jointly with the Board of Aldermen tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the chamber at . During the meeting, aldermen and members of the EDC will discuss the final report of the Economic Development Self Assessment Tool (EdSAT) from Northeastern University. The EdSAT assessment of Newton will help show the city's potential to bring in new development and help guide the EDC and elected officials on how to responsibly expand and attract businesses.