Five Things You Need to Know Today, Jan. 9

Here are five things you need to know today:

1) Sunshiney day: It’s always tough to start the work week, but at least we’ll have some sunshine today! According to the National Weather Service, there will be sun with temperatures in the mid-30s.

2) School newsletter: Anyone interested in what the public schools are up to will enjoy the latest newsletter from Supt. Mark Donovan. The newsletter contains articles from all the schools, including student writers. Click here to read it. [Link will take you off of Woburn Patch.]

3) Event spotlight: Have a toddler? Take him or her swimming at the this morning! Toddler Swim is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and is $3 per child/$5 per family.

4) In case you missed it: Every Sunday, we highlight the week in Woburn Police news and reports. Did you miss yesterday’s? Fear not! Click here!

5) The Little … Manatee?: On this day in 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus reports seeing three “mermaids” in the water as he sailed near what is today the Dominican Republic. According to History.com, Columbus said the “mermaids [were] not half as beautiful as they are painted.” Well, Chris, that’s because they were manatees. Many sailors through the years reported seeing mermaids in oceanic waters, but historians believe they were really just manatees, large sea cows with human-like eyes and an affection for people.

To find out what is going on today in Woburn, check out our events listings.