Author Archives: Bigelow PTO

Food Assistance: How You Can Help and Seek Assistance

We are collecting gift cards to help provide for Bigelow families in need. If you are able to help, please purchase gift cards for local grocery stores such as Wegmans, Star Market, Target, etc. Please put them in an envelope labeled “Supermarket Gift Card” and drop off or send it in to our main office.

If your family is in need of assistance, please email your student’s school counselor. They will keep requests confidential and coordinate with you to provide support.

8th Grade: Molly Morrow (morrowm@newton.k12.ma.us)

7th Grade: Jessica Pierce (piercej@newton.k12.ma.us)

6th Grade: Erin MacNeil (macneile@newton.k12.ma.us)

You can also donate to or collect food from the following pantries:

Food Pantries Serving in Newton: 

1.Newton Food Pantry (see below for client form link)

  • WEDNESDAYS -By Appointment: 12pm–3pm; Walk-in: 3pm–7pm
  • THURSDAYS – By Appointment Only: 10am–1pm
  • 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton
  • 617-796-1233

2.Centre Street Food Pantry

  • 11 Homer Street, Newton, MA 02459
  • 617-340-9554

Food Pantries in Boston:

1.The Guild Food Pantry – 260 Washington St, Dorchester, MA 02121

  • Saturdays from 11am-3pm
  • Call 877-797-7938 with questions
  • Provides fresh produce

2.Shirley’s Food Pantry – 213 River St, Mattapan, MA 02129

  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am-3pm
  • Call 617-534-2032 with questions

Please let us know if we can be helpful in any way during these uncertain times!

Recap: 7th Grade Creative Arts & Sciences (CAS) Presentation

Yesterday, December 17th, Bigelow 7th graders learned from Dan Perlman, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Brandeis University, about climate change.

Dr. Perlman is a new visitor to Bigelow and presented about the history of temperature change on Earth; future implications of climate change on water availability, wildfires, and flooding; greenhouse gasses and the greenhouse effect – along with many other facets of climate change.

Dr. Perlman has been working with the 7th grade science teachers to ensure this program effectively enriches the curriculum being taught this winter.

There were two interactive presentations in the library, once for each cluster. We are excited about this new program and hope your students enjoyed it. Be sure to ask your 7th graders how it went!

Upcoming: Global Diversity Night

Coming this March, we’ll host the second annual Bigelow Global Diversity Night. In the coming months, families can sign up for a table to share food and traditions with our Bigelow community! Looking forward to a joyful, educational, and delicious evening! More details to come in the New Year!

Bigelow’s Annual Appeal is Underway!

Each year, the PTO runs events and programs that support our students, our teachers, and our school community.  This collective effort enriches the middle school experience for everyone.  To make it happen, the PTO depends on community donations of time, money, and other contributions. 

We launched our annual fundraising drive in November. The Annual Appeal is our biggest fundraiser and covers the bulk of our programming expenses for the year. We are suggesting a gift of $110, which amounts to PTO spending for one student, but a donation amount of any size would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you, as always, for your support!
2025-2026 Bigelow PTO Board

How to Donate:

  • via Venmo @bigelowtreasurer (include your email in the memo to receive a receipt)
  • via the website at bigelowpto.org/donate/
  • write a check and mail to Bigelow Middle School c/o PTO

How Your Donation Works for Bigelow

Please consider adding Bigelow PTO to your company’s annual donation matching program, if applicable. Bigelow Middle School PTO is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID #20-0348453. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

SEPAC Updates

There are plenty of opportunities to engage. Here are some upcoming events hosted by Newton SEPAC:

Newton SEPAC Open Board Meeting 

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 @8pm

https://northeastern.zoom.us/j/94599775846

Community Conversation with Rep. Jake Auchincloss, hosted by Newton SEPAC

December 17 @6:30PM 

Congressman Jake Auchincloss will discuss how federal changes may affect services, protections, and supports for children and adults with disabilities. He will also take questions. Register online here.

Understanding Basic Rights in Special Education, hosted by Newton SEPAC

Guest Speaker: Attorney Alicia Warren 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 @7PM

Register Online

Transition to Newton North High School: Upcoming Events

This week we received our first note from Newton North to welcome the Class of 2030!

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events designed to prepare our current 8th graders and their carers for the transition to Newton North High School:

  • Tuesday, January 13 – 8th Grade Night Part #1 – 6:30pm – NNHS Auditorium
  • Thursday, February 12 – 8th Grade Night Part #2 – Elective Open House – 5pm-8pm
  • Monday, August 24 – First Day of Fall Sports Try-Outs. If your student wants to play a fall sport, they need to be available for fall sports try-outs.
  • Wednesday, September 2 – First Day of School for Students