Category Archives: From the PTO

Are you getting PTO communications for the wrong grade?

Please update your list preferences for the 2023-24 school year!

The Bigelow PTO occasionally sends out emails for grade-specific events (e.g., the 6th Grade Potluck!). If you have not yet updated your lists preferences for this school year you may receive PTO communications for the wrong grade.

PTO newsletter and grade-specific communication preferences can be changed through the update your preferences link at the bottom of Bigelow PTO newsletters and emails.

Please note:

  • This list controls PTO communications only (i.e., from bigelowbulldog@gmail.com), not communications from the school.
  • PTO communications are not managed through the PTO directory (membership toolkit). Communication preferences, including grade-level subscriptions, are set when you sign up for the newsletter or through the update your lists preferences link at the bottom of Bigelow PTO newsletters and emails.

Need Help? If you have any questions or need help troubleshooting issues with your Bigelow PTO Newsletter (e.g., duplicate communications, updating preferences, unsubscribing) please email bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

Potluck for 6th Grade Parents & Guardians: Sunday, Oct 1, 6-8 pm

Parents and Guardians of Bigelow 6th graders are warmly invited to a potluck dinner on Sunday October 1st from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. We hope you can join us as we reconnect with old friends and make new ones!

Please use the Signup Genius link to RSVP and let us know what you’ll bring.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Susan St. Pierre (mom of Mia Inada) & Caitlin Cusick (mom of Finn Cusick)

Please Click HERE to Sign Up.

Please note: This is an adult-only event.

Walk Ride & Roll To School Day: Wed. Oct. 4th

Will you walk, roll, bike or ride the bus this year? Choose what works for your family to celebrate International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 4th. Many of our students already walk, bike, or take the bus to school.  Many do so together and find the added time with friends to be a highlight of the day.  You can use the Bigelow PTO online directory at https://bigelowpto.membershiptoolkit.com/ to search by street to find other Bigelow families near you.

Visit www.NewtonSafeRoutes.org for more information about active transportation in Newton and Safe Routes To School | Mass.gov to access educational information.

You can contact Bigelow parent Alex Rolfe arolfe@mit.edu for questions/concerns about walking, biking, or taking the bus to school.

Save the Date! Principal Coston Meet & Greet + First PTO Meeting: Tues. Oct. 10th @ 6:30 pm

Principal Coston and the Bigelow PTO invite you to attend the First PTO Meeting of the 2023-24 school year on Tuesday, October 10th at 6:30 pm. This meeting will take place in person at the Bigelow Middle School library.

All Bigelow parents, guardians, teachers and staff are members of the PTO, and we encourage the participation of all in its activities. Come hear what is planned for this school year and learn how you can become involved!

Please contact us at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com with any questions.

Newton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

WHAT IS THE SEPAC? Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan?  Are you interested in getting support services for your child? Then you need to know about the Newton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) at NewtonSEPAC.org.

We are a volunteer organization of parents and guardians of children receiving special education services from preschool through high school. We run an online forum where families can ask each other about special education programs, issues, policies, and resources both within and outside of the public school system. We work directly with the school administration regarding our children’s special education through our school liaisons and meetings with the Assistant Superintendent of Students, Newton School Committee, and PTOC. We hold monthly board meetings that are open to all families and interested community members whose dates and Zoom links are listed on our website NewtonSEPAC.org under the “Meetings” tab. In the meantime, you can join our “Newton SEPAC” Google Group by clicking on the link on our website. On this online forum, you can post any questions or concerns about anything related to your child with special needs. We also use this group to publicize local/online presentations and conferences as well as DESE policy updates.

For more information, follow this link to our brochure which is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese and Persian – https://newtonpac.org/brochure-and-fliers/

Other ways to contact the SEPAC:
Email: Info@NewtonSEPAC.org
Facebook: Newton Special Education Parents – SEPAC

FUEL Supplemental Food Program

The FUEL Project is a food assistance program offered at Bigelow for the past 5 years, courtesy of volunteers at the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill. To help alleviate food insecurity, FUEL provides weekend food for students in need. Non-perishable food is delivered to the school weekly in unidentifiable paper or plastic bags. 

Each participating child is called down to the nurse’s office individually to maintain confidentiality. If a child is unable and unwilling to bring the food home, the parent is given the opportunity to arrange for a weekly pick up here at school. 

This program is completely voluntary and confidential. The nurse and guidance counselors are the only ones who know who is receiving weekly food bags. Please contact Bigelow’s School Nurse Sue Schy (schys@newton.k12.ma.us), or your child’s school counselor if you are interested.

Newton Community Education (NCE) Classes for Teens

Unlock lifelong skills for your child! Empower your middle or high schooler with essential life skills through our dynamic classes!

Benefits for Your Child:

  • Confidence Building: Develop strong self-esteem and communication skills.
  • Life Skills: Acquire practical knowledge for responsible caregiving and public speaking.
  • Safety: Learn how to handle emergencies and make informed decisions.
  • Certification: Gain valuable certifications for future opportunities

Newton Community Education (NCE) has many after school offerings at Bigelow and other middle schools, including Dungeons & Dragons, Speech Team, Babysitting/CPR, American Sign Language, and much more!

Students do not have to attend the school where the class is offered.

Click HERE to view all classes offered at Bigelow.

Click HERE to view all Kids and Teens Offerings.

Scholarships Available: We want all students to be able to participate in our camps and classes, and we do our best to provide scholarships to as many students as possible. If you need financial assistance, we welcome you to apply for a scholarship.