Author Archives: Bigelow PTO

Traffic at Bigelow: The safety of our children is paramount

From the Bigelow Parent Handbook, p. 33

Bigelow Middle School is located on a busy corner.  Please use extra caution when dropping-off and picking-up children by car at the school.  Drive slowly and yield to pedestrians. Do not use your phone while driving. The safety of our children is paramount!

We encourage students to walk or ride a bike to school. 

When transporting children to and from the school by automobile, it is important to obey all traffic signs and parking regulations in the area.  In particular:

  • Please drop-off students in the Blue Zone on the right hand side of Park St, and please pick up students after school on Park St.  Please pull over to the curb and pull as far forward as possible along Park Street. Drivers should not leave their vehicles.
  • Please turn the car engine off. Idling is against the law and car fumes are bad for kids health. Turning the engine off can reduce children’s exposure to pollutants, save money, help the environment, and avoid a fine.
  • Please do NOT park on the left hand side of Park Street to pick-up or drop-off.  It is marked “No Parking.”
  • Please do NOT stop in the middle of the street to drop-off or pick-up students.  This blocks the flow of traffic and is unsafe.
  • Please do NOT block the entrance to driveways or parking lots.  Be respectful of our neighbors’ property and access.
  • Please do NOT park and leave your vehicle in the designated bus pick-up zone on Vernon St.
  • Please respect the speed limits posted in the school zone.
  • Please park in the handicapped parking spots in front of the school only if you have handicapped tags.
  • Please inform all family members and caregivers who pick-up or drop-off children at Bigelow of these procedures.

Park & Walk map provided by Newton Public Schools.

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon is February 6th

The Teacher Appreciation Luncheon is an annual event organized by the PTO in early February. It is a great way to take a moment to thank the amazing teachers and staff at Bigelow for all they do for our children. Bigelow families provide the food, beverages, plastic serving utensils and flowers for this event. The event is held on an Early Release Day, and teachers and staff can enjoy a joyful lunch time. They absolutely love and appreciate every aspect of this day!

In 2020, the Luncheon is on Thursday February 6th. Set up is at 10:30am and clean up is at 2:30pm. If you would like to volunteer your time that day, please note that this is an early release Thursday! To donate or volunteer please sign up HERE.

  • Please send in your favorite lunch food! Salads, sandwiches, entrees – whatever you think our wonderful teachers and staff will enjoy.
  • It is most helpful if items are brought in recyclable containers.
  • All items may be dropped off on the morning of the luncheon in the teacher’s lunchroom (in the library) or put in the refrigerator there. 
  • Please drop off all items no later than 10:30 AM.
  • Items can also be dropped off at Susan St. Pierre’s home, 28 Ballard St., Newton, until 10 PM on the evening of February 5th. 

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Teacher Appreciation Chairs, Susan St. Pierre (sestpierre@gmail.com), Karen Yee (karenmdonahue@gmail.com), or Charlene Gillespie (chargillespie@gmail.com).

Thank you again for helping us show our appreciation for our teachers and staff.

Did you know? – GSA Alliance

The Genders and Sexualities Alliance meets Thursday mornings at 7:30 in Room 203. ‘GSA’ stands for ‘Genders and Sexualities Alliance’. It is a group of students and teachers working to spread the word about LG BTQA+ issues.  Students of all backgrounds and sexualities are welcome to participate. The overarching goal is to make Bigelow a safer and more accepting place for everyone! More information at the GSA Website.

 

February Break: Middle School Media Literacy

This February break Newton middle school students are invited to attend a fun and informative co-ed program, co-sponsored by Newton Health and Human Services and Boys for the Better, a Newton based non-profit dedicated to re-defining masculinity through Media Education. Students in 6 – 8th grade will learn how to:

  • Flip the script on negative media messaging, create their own social media voice, boost self-confidence, and learn how to communicate more effectively with peers, parents, and teachers
  • Form positive social relationships and learn new media literacy skills
  • Identify strategies for better managing time spent on social media and using digital devices, as well as practice healthy ways to manage their stress and emotional development

The program will take place at Newton North High School on February 18th – 21st, from 12pm – 4pm in the cafeteria.Tuition is $100 per student, and scholarships available upon request. (Lunch will not be served, students can bring their own or eat before they come).

To register, parents should visit http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/parks/vacation.asp.

Students will spend time as a whole group learning new skills, and in small, gender specific groups doing hands-on activities and having group discussions. If your student prefers not to identify with one gender, or if you have questions about the curriculum or plans, please feel free to call Quinn Etchie, Director of Youth Services, at (617) 796-1436 or send her an email at qetchie@newtonma.gov. The program is welcoming and accepting of ALL students.

Summer 2020: S.P.A.C.E Camp

S.P.A.C.E. Camp is a four week summer enrichment program run through the Newton Public Schools, for students entering Kindergarten through 9th Grade. S.P.A.C.E. has it all.: music, arts, STEM, performing arts, project based learning, sports and language arts. Dates for summer 2020 are 7/6-7/30.  Please check the program website for more detailed information.

Annual Appeal: we are over 50% of our goal

We need $3,000 more dollars to reach our $7,000 goal.
Please donate by January 31st. Every amount is appreciated.

A Big Bigelow Thank You to those Who have Donated Already!

You can pay online or send a check to: Bigelow PTO at 42 Vernon Street, Newton, MA 02458.

All donations – large or small – are greatly appreciated and will help us achieve all that we set out to do.

$500 | $250 | $100 | $50 | $20 | $10

THANK YOU!

Our Annual Appeal campaign is almost over!

Thank you to everyone who already donated to Bigelow’s Annual Appeal. 

If you have not had a chance to donate yet, it is not too late. Just do it now, or send a check to: Bigelow PTO at 42 Vernon Street, Newton, MA 02458.

All donations – large or small – are greatly appreciated and will help us achieve all that we set out to do.

$500 | $250 | $100 | $50 | $20 | $10

THANK YOU!