Check out the Diverse Books Section at the Bigelow Library! It includes:
This summer the Bigelow Community will read New Kid, by Jerry Craft. Grade 6 & 7 students will receive the book when getting their belongings in the last week of school. The book should be read by students and parents over the summer. All Bigelow students will complete the same assignment for New Kid. Click for a copy of the assignment.
New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft.
The goal of Bigelow’s One School, One Book Program is to create a more inclusive community through participation in a common reading experience as a whole school. Through discussion and advisory activities, staff and students will share a common experience of reading and learning together. Go to the One School, One Book page, on the Bigelow Library website, to learn more about the book and the program.
This program is supported by the Bigelow PTO thanks to our community’s generous donations.
From the Health Office at Bigelow Middle School –
During these unprecedented times, our schedules have been turned upside down, our lives have changed, and for many of us, coping with life’s new stressors can be challenging. Emergency personnel are responding to more mental health crises and more substance use-related issues. It is incredibly important during this time to check in with one another to make sure everyone has the support and resources they need. Remember it’s ok to reach out if you or someone you care about needs help. We are all in this together. And pay special attention to the most vulnerable among us – children, older adults, people with disabilities – and if you are worried, ask for help on their behalf.
Attached HERE are a few resources to keep handy, including an upcoming virtual suicide prevention training.
If you are interested in joining the collective voice for racial justice, Newton has a strong coalition of Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), a group of diverse Newton families who seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.
Visit the FORJ website to signup for the newsletter and receive more information about upcoming meetings and events.
If you have any questions, please contact Bigelow FORJ representatives:
Madeline McNeely at madeline@conditioningleaders.com
Becca Schulman Havemeyer at beccaschulman@gmail.com
We would like to take this moment of pain and injustice to remind our community of Bigelow PTO’s values:
There is no place for racism, hatred, or intolerance in the Bigelow community, or anywhere. We believe in the goodness of our students and school, and we believe in hope and the power to make change. That’s why we were inspired by President Obama’s call to “Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change.”
Here are some thoughtful messages sent by our school leaders and a poem by a Newton North student:
If you are interested in joining the collective voice for racial justice, Newton has a strong coalition of Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), a group of diverse Newton families who seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.
For anyone with kids (or soon to have kids) at Newton North:
NNHS FORJ Meeting: Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 7 pm, with Principal Henry Turner (please click here to RSVP and receive Zoom meeting link).
For more information, please contact Bigelow FORJ representative: Madeline McNeely at madeline@conditioningleaders.com
Last chance to bid or donate! Since we have a few unsold items from the auction, we decided to reopen online bidding until Friday, June 5 at 11:59pm. Just go to the Auction Catalog and bid!
If you had the winning bid for any items last week and did not receive it yet, please contact Online Auction co-chairs Cheryl Abramson or Alexia Giannakopoulos to arrange a drop off or pick up. Thanks!
And please support our donors and thank you to our sponsors!
Please join us on Tuesday, June 2, at 7pm, as Mr. Harrison updates the community about this school year and as the PTO prepares for next.
On a virtual meeting (link here), we will vote on the proposed slate Board slate and budget. All are invited to attend, including parents and guardians of rising 6th graders.
Please review the proposed slate with the names of parents who have already volunteered. If you are interested in joining us as we work for our students and our community, please take a look at the roles we want to fill. and email us: bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.
Hope to “see” you all there!
Please review the proposed slate for the 2020-2021 school year that will be presented for a vote at the Annual PTO meeting, Tuesday, June 2nd at 7pm. Board members are approved at the Annual Meeting via a vote of present PTO members. Committee chairs are appointed (not subject to vote).
If you are interested in joining the board in any capacity – sharing an executive position or chairing a committee – please contact us @ bigelowbulldog@gmail.com. We are always grateful for parents and guardians who volunteer their time and really make a difference for the PTO!
Executive Board
President – Karen Markson
Vice-President – Joana Canedo
Treasurer – Linda Gillespie
Secretary – Vicki Spetter
Committee Chairs
Directory – Megan Flynn and Gabriela Kroszynski
Communications – Gwen Hautefeuille
CAS – Caryn Izhar
Big Night – Cheryl Abramson and Alexia Giannakopoulos
PoPS Liaison – Krista Chavez
We have partnered with GradCaster by Dynamic Videocasting to create a special virtual graduation ceremony for 8th grade students which will be broadcast on June 18th, 7pm. Although we may be separated by distance this spring, we still plan to have a memorable middle school milestone together. The virtual celebration will be livestreamed online, allowing friends and family from around the world to view this occasion. The recording will also be available to be viewed anytime after that. We will share streaming details as we get closer to June 18th.
8th Grade Families, please read here information regarding how to record student video-clip.
If you would like a lawn sign to celebrate your 8th grader, please order one now at www.bigelowpto.org. They are $10 and need to be ordered by Sunday, May 31st. (If you would like one but cannot pay at this time, please contact your Counselor, and we will get one for you).
You will be notified via email when the signs are ready to be picked up at Signal Graphics, on 441 Centre Street (next to CNN Pizza).