As part of the Newton Public Schools effort to expand its 1:1 Device Pilot Program, starting next year all incoming students to the high school will receive a district issued Chromebook (Model: Lenovo 300e). A chromebook is a paired down laptop that allows students to access websites and web-based applications for completing schoolwork including but not limited to Schoology, Google Drive, and Aspen. The device will be part of the standard school-issued materials (similar to a textbook) needed for learning at the high schools. More information will be sent by the high school to current 8th grade families as we get closer to September including information regarding device handout, Chromebook Loan agreement, and an optional insurance policy covering loss or damage to the device. For now, we encourage you to visit NPS High School 1:1 Laptop Initiative website to learn more information.

The Jazz Band Concert has been changed.  Instead of May 2, the new date for the Jazz Band Concert is Tuesday, June 4, 7pm.  The Jazz Band and Orchestra will perform at 7pm on this evening, and then the Chorus will perform at 8pm.

Please, update your calendar or sinc it with the Bigelow Calendar. 

If you want to do something special for your child’s teacher or other staff this year, consider the Newton Schools Foundation’s Honor Thy Teacher program. Make a donation to the foundation in the name of one or more teachers. Notifications will be sent to each teacher honored, as well as to Principals and the Superintendent. Their names will appear in a special announcement on the NSF website and in the Newton TAB.  Look for a flyer in your child’s backpack or in your mailbox if you have children in the upper grades. Visit our website to donate online and to find out more about the programs NSF funds. Your tax-deductible donation will support NSF-funded projects encompassing: art; civics; math; music; science; social and cultural studies; literature and writing instruction; and social-emotional learning.

Yo yo yo, deadline to order your yearbook has been extended to Monday, April, 29th!  Don’t miss out!

• All-color pages 
• Durable hard cover with original design by 8th grade artists
• Price: $25
• Order deadline: April 29th
• Payments: ONLINE, cash or check 

Order today at https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob (Bigelow’s Yearbook ID Code: 1945919)If you would rather pay by cash or check (payable to: Bigelow Middle School), please place payment in a sealed envelope with the student’s name and homeroom written on the front. Your student should give the envelope to his/her homeroom teacher. For more information, please contact Ms. Rice: Sheryl_Rice@newton.k12.ma.us

At Newton North Model United Nations (MUN) 2019, students from Newton High and Middles schools will gather to simulate the UN, represent countries, and attempt to find solutions to pressing global issues. The conference is mostly for high school students, but there will have a separate middle school committee as well. Students will learn the basics of Model UN and experience their first UN simulation, on the Syrian Refugee Crisis.

Saturday, May 11, at Newton North. 

Middle school students: REGISTER HERE!

MCAS testing will begin this week.  Students will take the English Language Arts (ELA) MCAS on April 23-May 1. The schedule for each grade is in the Bigelow School and PTO calendars. You can also download it here. 

Tips from Mr. Harrison:

“Words of encouragement to your child are especially helpful before the assessments and on the day of it. Please make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep prior to each test, a healthy breakfast on the morning of each test, and that he or she arrives to school on time. Bringing a water bottle from home is also recommended.”