The Bigelow PTO Family Directory is hosted online at Membership Toolkit. The access is free and it can be used by all Bigelow families. The directory is run and funded by the PTO thanks to your support!

The online platform is a secure and easy to use tool that organizes contact information from all Bigelow families unless they specifically opt out.  It is a convenient, environmentally conscious system, that can be updated throughout the school year.

If you are unfamiliar with the platform, if you have forgotten your directory access login, or if you are unsure about whether or not you are in it, please email us with your name and your child’s name(s) at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

The success of the system is dependent on every family logging in and updating their information. Families can edit their name, address, and phone numbers, and each family can decide which pieces of information will be available for others to view through the privacy settings.

Have great ideas for what friends will bid on? 

Join us in planning the Bigelow Big Nights Online Auction Committee! A relaxed group of Bigelow parents looking to plan the largest funding event of the school year! 

We need your thoughts! 

Please reach out to Julie Landesman (madamelandesman@gmail.com) or Alexia Giannakopolous (alexiag5@yahoo.com) with your ideas.

A big thank you to all who participated in Bigelow Family Trivia Night!  We battled it out with questions ranging across music, sports, literature, pop culture, history, and Bigelow factoids.  A special thank you to the very competitive teachers team and Principal Coston for joining in such a fun evening!  And thank you to all who showed their Bigelow spirit!  We hope to do it again next year but in person!  

First Place: Bigelow Blizzards

2nd place: Straight Outta Pencils

Bigelow Spirit Award: Mega Minds

Bigelow Counseling presents a family educational session entitled, “Understanding the mind of a middle schooler”. The virtual event will take place Friday, 2/11 from 9-10am.

The Newton Public Schools is shifting its testing strategy away from pooled testing (PCR) and toward at-home weekly rapid antigen tests. This new weekly at-home rapid antigen test is for ALL students PreK-12+ (vaccinated and unvaccinated.)

We expect the new testing program to be implemented the week of February 7, 2022. Below is specific information you will need in order for your student to participate in the new at-home testing program:

• All families need to “opt-in” to this new testing program. The previous consent form will NOT apply. 
  • Access the Opt-in form through Aspen parent/guardian account: Aspen 
  • Follow these instructions once you are logged into Aspen

• An at-home rapid antigen tests kit will be distributed at school every other week. Each kit will contain two tests.

• NPS recommends that all families conduct a rapid test on TUESDAY of each week. 

• Here are printed instructions for conducting the test at home. Here is a video tutorial on conducting the test. Translations are included.

• Here is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document with answers to your most common questions.

All testing information can be found on our website here: NPS COVID Testing Webpage.

The Spring Musical will be on May 12th, 13th, and 14th! The big reveal on the musical name will be Monday afternoon February 7th for kids after school 2:45 – 3:30 PM. There is a LOT of excitement around it from the students.

There will be a parent info session on Monday, February 7th at 7:30 PM – please join via zoom here – https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/2830156482.

There’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothing! Show your New England resilience by joining classmates and students across Massachusetts in celebrating Winter Walk, Roll, Bike and Bus Day on Wednesday, February the 2nd.

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/NewtonSafeRoutes
Website: www.NewtonSafeRoutes.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewtonSafe/status/1483866693810204673

All ski trips are cancelled. Refunds will be issued. Expect an email from Meghan Litten with more information shortly.

Student info meeting after school Friday February 4, 2:45-3:30

Parent info meeting on Zoom Monday February 7, 7:30: https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/2830156482
All information will also be posted on the drama website, www.bigelowdrama.weebly.com

From the NPS COVID Testing Team:

The Newton Public Schools is shifting its testing strategy away from pooled testing (PCR) and toward at-home weekly rapid antigen tests. This new weekly at-home rapid antigen test is for ALL students PreK-12+ (vaccinated and unvaccinated.)

We expect the new testing program to be implemented the week of February 7, 2022. Below is specific information you will need in order for your student to participate in the new at-home testing program:

• All families need to “opt-in” to this new testing program. The previous consent form will not apply. 
  • Access the Opt-in form through Aspen parent/guardian account: Aspen 
  • Follow these instructions (link) once you are logged into Aspen
• An at-home rapid antigen tests kit will be distributed at school every other week. Each kit will contain two tests.
• NPS recommends that all families conduct a rapid test on TUESDAY of each week. 
• Here are printed instructions (link) for conducting the test at home. Here is a video tutorial (link) on conducting the test. Translations are included.
• Only positive results need to be reported to the school. You will complete this form (link) to report a positive result. Nurses will provide follow up information to families, including the date for return to school, following a positive test.

In addition to the weekly at-home rapid antigen testing program, we will continue in-school symptomatic testing for students and staff that develop symptoms during the school day. We will discontinue the Test and Stay testing program and contact tracing. Please be vigilant in checking your student for symptoms, conducting the daily health assessment (link), and staying home when sick.

All testing information can be found here: NPS COVID Testing Webpage.