Don’t Forget to Vote Yes Yes Yes in March 12 Special Election

On March 12, Newton voters will weigh in on an override proposal that is critical to the future of Newton and particularly to Newton’s schools.  The 3-question override package includes $4.5 million dollars to address dramatic student enrollment growth, plus funding to renovate or rebuild and expand Newton’s oldest and severely crowded schools.

In the past decade, Newton’s student population has increased by about 1,000 students and 850+ more are projected over the next five years.  Schools are bursting at the seams.  Question 1 on the March 12 ballot will provide funding to renovate/rebuild and expand the Zervas School, provide modulars for Bowen, Burr, Horace Mann and Mason Rice, and hire additional teachers for the growing student population at all grade levels throughout the district. 

Questions 2 and 3 on the ballot will provide funding to enable the rebuilding/renovation and expansion of the antiquated and overcrowded Angier and Cabot—Newton’s oldest school buildings—which the Massachusetts School Building Authority has named among the 30 worst in the state for building condition. Money currently lost on high energy costs and major repairs from these schools can be diverted to other schools.  In addition, the expansion of the centrally located Angier, Cabot and Zervas schools will ease the population pressure on surrounding schools throughout Newton. If the overrides pass, Newton stands to receive about $27 million in state reimbursement for the projects.

If you plan to be out of town on the March 12, you can vote before Election Day at the Newton Election Commission, 1^st floor of City Hall.  Mark your calendars and don’t forget to vote YES YES YES on March 12.

Volunteers needed

Bigelow’s Election Day Bake Sale

Tuesday, March 12!

100 bakers needed!

When: Tuesday, March 12, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (or as long as the baked goods last!)

Where: hallway outside Bigelow Gym

Here are three ways you can support this important fundraiser for the Bigelow PTO.

1. Bake and package delicious home-baked items to sell
2. Staff the bake sale (2-hour shifts are preferred but anything you can do is helpful)
3. Buy baked goods

To bake and/or volunteer, email Julie Bourgoin at jbourgoin@comcast.net. She will send you instructions.

To buy, come by anytime. Students may purchase baked goods BEFORE and AFTER school.

Can’t bake? We can also sell store-bought individually wrapped snacks, bottled water, bananas, and apples.

We are sorry if you could not make this year’s event. However, it is not too late to do one ‘last bid’ for the LIBRARY COMPUTERS. Every dollar counts, big or small will help us reach our goal.

Click here:  www.bigelowpto.org and click on the Donate to the Bigelow Tech Drive paypal button.

Thank you so much for your support of our school.

The BIG Night Committee

This workshop from the Multi-service Eating Disorders Assoc., will offer techniques and strategies to help parents of students ages 10-14 foster the development of  positive body image and a healthy relationship with food. Free event for adults only. 

When: Tue March 12 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: Day Middle School, 21 Minot Pl., Newton,

Mayor Warren has asked Newton voters to support an $11.4 million tax override on March 12, 2013.  With surging school enrollments and decaying infrastructure, the override enables us to keep class sizes reasonable and fix three outdated schools, a dilapidated fire station, and crumbling roads and sidewalks.

Come on March 10^th to hear more about this critical election and why you should vote ‘Yes’ for all three questions on March 12th.

We hope you can join us!!!

Hosted By:  Ellen and Nate Gibson

When:  Sunday, March 10, 2013 from  3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Where:  41 Vernon Street, Newton, MA

RSVP requested but not required to Egibson701@comcast.net  or 617-905-2319

 If you can’t make it and want to help, please contact Ellen at egibson701@comcast.net

Attending will be:  Scott Lennon, President of the Board of Aldermen, Geoff Epstein, School Committee Member, Charles Rudnick, Sally Rizzo, Diane Sakakini-Rao, and Sharon Stout

Election Day is only 9 days away (March 12th) – that’s right, 9 days!  I know everyone is busy, but if you could help by signing up for a shift or two (or more?!) during the next  9 days it would be a big help.  What we need to help the override pass: 

1.  City-wide visibilities:  Groups of volunteers will be holding signs in key locations across the city.  The time commitment for this activity is anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours. We have many different times and locations available.  Please follow this link to sign up – http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4DACAE292-visibilities

2.  Door hanger walks:  We will be hanging door hangers in key Wards and Precincts across the city next weekend, on March 9th and 10th.  This is fun and easy – no need to actually knock on any doors.  Just hang the door hanger and on to the next house!  This is a great activity to do with kids.  Drop by for an hour, or stay for four.  Whatever works with your schedule.  Please follow this link to sign up – http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4DACAE292-door

3. Election day visibilities:  We will hold signs outside every polling location throughout the day – from 7-9am, 5-7pm, and 12-1pm at elementary school polling locations.  Please follow this link to sign up – http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4DACAE292-election

Thank you so much – we’re at the home stretch!