The Bigelow Family Directory is going to print tomorrow (9/17)! Please confirm or update your information now. Families that do not update their data will be displayed as entered or might not be included. To order a paper copy of the Directory login to MySchoolAnywhere and go to “Our Store”. Prepaid Directories will be distributed on Back to School Night (10/4) or a limited supply will be available for $20 cash. More information HERE.

Come meet 6A & 6B teachers and other 6th grade parents.
Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be served at the Bigelow Cafeteria.

Monday, September 17
8:35am-9:15am

Laps at Lunch is back! This is a great program designed by Bigelow to give students a daily opportunity to get outside for movement and fresh air. It allows students to walk laps around the inside perimeter of Burr Park once they’re done with their lunches in the cafeteria. Would you like to help? If interested please contact Mary Fitzgerald (physical education teacher) at: Mary_Fitzgerald@newton.k12.ma.us. More about the program here.

Three new NCE classes will take place at Bigelow in the fall:

From Sue Shy, Bigelow Nurse

Get the flu vaccine at school, not the flu!
Seasonal flu vaccination clinics will be held during the school day at the Newton Public Schools beginning in late September. Students in Kindergarten through grade 12 may receive vaccine.

The BIGELOW clinic will be on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Each student to be vaccinated must have a parent/guardian complete two forms:
1. Consent/Screening form
2. Vaccine administration record/Insurance form.

Forms are available in the school nurse’s office (if needed in a different language, please ask your school nurse). They may also be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu. You may electronically complete the form, print, sign and return. Forms are due to the school nurse by Monday, October 22, 2018.

Only the flu shot (no nasal spray) will be offered at school this year. The Vaccine Information Statement about the flu shot, and additional information for families including tips on preparing kids for a shot is available at www.newtonma.gov/flu or in the school nurse’s office. There is no cost to receive the vaccine, but insurance information is requested. All students, regardless of insurance status, are invited to receive vaccine with parent permission.

Students are not required to receive flu vaccine, however the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccine for all people age 6 months and up. There are many places to get a flu vaccine including at school, your primary health care provider or community clinics. For additional clinic dates for the whole family, visit www.newtonma.gov/flu.

In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette by washing hands often; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the arm; and staying home when sick.

For more flu prevention tips, talk to the school nurse or check out these websites: www.newtonma.gov/flu and www.cdc.gov/flu

Stay Healthy,

Sue

Safe Routes to School is working to increase the number of students walking and biking to school for their health (active transportation) + reduce congestion and improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles arriving at school.  The Task Force works as a group with NPS and the city on any number of issues such as fixing safety issues, supporting crossing guards, resolving snow clearing problems, conducting bike and pedestrian safety training, etc. Working together SRTS is able to achieve more than individual schools.

SRTS currently have representatives for 18 of the 21 Newton schools.  They are looking for a representative from Bigelow. 

The first SRTS meeting of the year is this Friday September 14th 9:30 am  – 10:30 am at the Waban Library Center 1608 Beacon St. This would be a good time for someone to learn more about the program.

Click here for a quick introduction to SRTS.
Click here if you want to learn more about SRTS in Massachusetts.

You are invited to a family picnic!

Wednesday September 12th 5:30-7:pm
Let’s Meet & Eat at Burr Park!

Tables and chairs will be set up to relax chat and eat!
Chikchak Food Truck will be onsite or bring your own picnic
8th Grade Bake Sale Fundraiser!
Attendees can enter the raffle for (2) Bigelow Celtics Night Tickets!

All Bigelow Middle School parents & guardians are members of the PTO. Dues are voluntary, but they help fund enrichment materials for classrooms, programs for students, and much more. Suggested PTO dues are $20 and you will be offered a paper copy of our Family Directory.

You can pay your dues by logging in to the Directory (HERE), or mailing in a paper dues form (download HERE) with a check payable to Bigelow PTO. If you have any questions, please contact bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

Please confirm your information on the Bigelow Family Directory by 9/12! Families that do not update their data will be displayed as entered or might not be included.

Attention 8th grade parents!!! This is a busy and eventful year for your child. Many 8th grade families are NOT in the Directory, so please add your information now!