Category Archives: From the PTO

Upcoming Event: Bigelow Global Diversity Night

In March 2025, Bigelow hosted a new annual tradition: Global Diversity Night. It is an after-school evening to celebrate the many countries and cultures among us with food and fun. It was such a massive success, we’re again asking for your help to make this year’s event reflect all of Bigelow and beyond!

Stay tuned for info on our first Committee meeting. Email bigelowbulldog@gmail.com to express interest.

Get Featured in the Newsletter!

Many parent groups are actively supporting the Bigelow community and we want to share it! Groups like SEPAC, Metco, Green Council, FORJ, and more are part of what make this community so special. Please let us highlight your efforts.

Email the PTO at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com for more info.

Fall Play Success! Just Great: A Retelling of Some Book by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Bigelow Drama’s fall play, Just Great: A retelling of some book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, wrapped a successful 4-show run on Saturday. Ms. Moriarty and Ms. Alberts captained an incredible show by guiding students through every aspect of the production. Congratulations on a terrific show, and thank you!

Here are a few pictures from Just Great:

Discussion: The Hate U Give (at the Newton Free Library)

Narratives of Change: Book & Film Discussion with FORJ

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Newton Free Library

Bigelow FORJ invites you (caregivers and students) to an upcoming discussion on the award-winning book and movie The Hate U Give, hosted by FORJ NNHS, Newton Free Library, and FORJ Newton. If you plan to attend, or have any questions, please let us know at angela.r.brooks@gmail.com (Angela) or ms_haily@yahoo.com (Hai). We’re looking forward to having a strong Bigelow contingent!

Narratives of Change: Book & Film Discussion with FORJ
Brought to you by FORJ Newton North High School, Newton Free Library, and FORJ Newton.

Stories shape the way we see the world—and each other. Join us for a discussion that brings together middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults to explore the book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, and its movie adaptation. Together, we’ll reflect, ask questions, and have honest conversations about race, justice, and community in a discussion facilitated by a Newton Free Library librarian and a racial dialogue facilitator from FORJ Newton North High School.

We recommend that you read the book or watch the movie (or both) before this program. You can request a library copy of the book here, and you can request a copy of the movie here. Don’t have time to read the book or watch the film? You’re still welcome to join us to discuss these themes.

Thank You: Principal Coffee

Many thanks to Dr. Green, Margaret Battat Silva, and all the Bigelow adults who joined the Principal Coffee this morning. Informal gatherings like these are important for our community to stay connected and informed. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities.

Yearbooks from LifeTouch

The 2025-2026 Yearbooks are available to pre-order from LifeTouch. Grades 6–8, clubs, afterschool activities, and school events are included in the yearbooks. They make wonderful keepsakes for students to look back on.

Watch your email for messages from LifeTouch on how to order, or click Here to learn more about pre-ordering from LifeTouch.

* If you are interested in contributing to the yearbook, please email bigelowbulldog@gmail.com. *

Walk, Ride, Roll: Safe Routes to School

Many of Bigelow’s students walk, bike or roll to and from school every day! This week, Dr. Green asked carers to exercise extra caution during drop-off and pick-up times when driving on streets near Bigelow. There have been some close calls with students crossing the street. Please drive slowly during these busy times and avoid double parking, as this significantly increases risk to our students. We’re all juggling busy schedules, but student safety must come first. 

Under the City’s school transportation policy, students who live within one mile of an elementary school or within two miles of a secondary school are expected to walk, roll, bike, take public transit, or travel by car. For students, these modes support independence, increase physical activity, and help establish sustainable transportation habits. Research also shows that regular morning exercise is linked to improved academic performance.

To learn more about supporting Safe Routes to School, here’s a link to the plan home page. 

You can always write to City Council to express support at: citycouncil@newtonma.gov

Mark Your Calendars

  • Thur 11/13, Fri 11/14, Sat 11/15: Bigelow Fall Play-Just Great: A Retelling of Some Book by F Scott Fitzgerald
  • Mon 12/1: PoPS Zoom Meeting, 7pm
  • Tues 12/2: Book & Film Discussion with FORJ
  • Fri 12/5: Warrior Ice Arena Skate Night

Fall Play Opening Night Tonight! Just Great: A Retelling of Some Book by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Tickets are on sale for Bigelow Drama’s fall play, Just Great: A retelling of some book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This modern adaptation sets Jay(son) and Daisy at a private prep school, having met at summer camp and fallen in love. Jason’s sister Nic(ole) has reservations about her brother’s drastic changes to fit in with the popular influencers Daisy and Tom, and the pull of social media’s green light. 

Performances are this week!

Thursday, November 13 @7 pm

Friday, November 14 @7 pm

Saturday, November 15 @ 3 pm and 7 pm

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Need discounted tickets? Use code ‘bulldog’ for $1 tickets. Tickets will be available at the door. 

Thank You: 8th Grade Bake Sale

Thank you to all of the contributors to the 8th Grade Committee’s Election Day Bake Sale! Whether you volunteered for shifts, donated items for sale or stopped by while voting, the day brought much needed funds for our 8th grade end of year activities.