Category Archives: From the PTO

Newton’s Tax Override Vote

On March 12, 2013 Newton Voters will be asked to vote on an $11.4 million tax override. 

The package presented consists of 3 separate but interconnected ballot questions that will allow the city to rehabilitate some of the crumbling school buildings, alleviate the pressures of enrollment growth in our schools, and improve public safety in our community.  The package includes:

  1. $1.3 million debt exclusion tax (temporary for capital projects) for the Angier School Project
  2. $1.7 million debt exclusion tax (temporary for capital projects) for the Cabot School Project
  3. $8.4 million operating override that also includes funds for roads and sidewalk repair, four additional police officers to manage traffic and safety concerns, the renovation of the hub of our fire department: Station 3, and department headquarters, as well as rising school enrollment (we have grown by over 1000 students in the past 8 years).

These issues are key for our city and our schools and we encourage Bigelow families to become educated on the issues.  The Mayor has information on his website at http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/gov/executive/override.asp

We will keep you informed as we hear of informational sessions or items related to the override.

The Big Night is seeking volunteers!

Bigelow’s Annual Spring Fundraiser is coming up February 9th !  Save the date!  The event is lots of fun and a great way to support the school. 

We are in need of volunteers in a variety of ways: 

  • Solicit items for the silent auction
  • Help set up on the day of the event 
  • Serve as a check-out volunteers at the end of the event to figure out how much each guest owes, collect payments, and record the transactions.

To volunteer or for more information, please contact Anna Leblanc (annaleblanc@comcast.net) or Andrea Newman (Andrea.newman@verizon.net)

Honor a Teacher or a Student by supporting the Bigelow Library

>>>>>>>>A Perfect Holiday Gift<<<<<<<

 For a $15 donation (via check or paypal), the Bigelow librarian will purchase a book and attach a plate with the honoree’s name into the book. We will send letters to the honorees informing them who donated in their honor.

For questions contact: Eva Schmitt at 617-699-9185 or evaschmitt@hotmail.com

For donation using PayPal please click here: http://bigelowpto.org/buy-a-book-library-fund-2/

For donations by check: Please make check payable to “Bigelow Middle School PTO” and mail to: Bigelow-Buy-A-Book, c/o Eva Schmitt, 5 Briar Lane, Newtonville, MA 02460-1905

Please include with the check or email Eva Schmitt (evaschmitt@hotmail.com) the following:

  •  Name(s) of Honoree(s)
  • Address(es) of Honoree(s): (if not Bigelow teacher or staff)
  • Donor’s address/email 

Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Bigelow Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization, Inc. is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Creative Arts and Sciences

On Monday December 17th, Theatre Espresso performed The Uprising on King Street for the 8th grade. 

This play examined the legal responsibilities of a government when it sends a military force to occupy a foreign land.  Uprising on King Street engaged students with the people and events central to the upsiring in 1770, and asked them to weigh the issue and arguments.  In role as jurors, students perceived the uprising through the eyes of witnesses – ordinary men and women from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds – who were both shaped by, and instrumental in shaping, history.  Students questioned key players and debated the critical points of the case.  Ultimately, the students decided whether Captain Preston, the British officer in command the night of the uprising, should be held accountable.
 
If you have an 8th grader, ask your kids how they voted … and how they felt about the outcome of the trial …

Final Turn-In Day for Magazine Drive is this Thursday

Kids love receiving mail – a magazine delivered in their name to the doorstep is exciting! And this all year long! It is reading just for fun! 

Or a gift subscription makes you think of that person every time you get that magazine, every time you read in it! 

There is still time to order that magazine for somebody special, or to treat yourself, and, at the same time, support our school! 40% of the order amount goes directly to the school!! For your student to receive prize credit, the second and final Turn-In-Day is this Thursday, December 6, 2012.

Please have your student bring in the paper order forms with payment (checks made out to Bigelow PTO) to the school office by that day, or place your order online at  www.gaschoolstore.com, enter school/organization ID 2637080 and pay by credit card.

After December 6, 2012, orders can still be placed online throughout the school year and will be earning dollars for Bigelow Middle School! 

For questions please don’t hesitate to contact Berit Ramseier at 617-795-0866/bramseier@gmail.com, or Marian McDonagh at (617) 332-5504/mcdonaghfive@verizon.net.

Thank you for participating!

Magazine Drive in Full Swing

Bigelow Middle School’s annual magazine drive is on!  40% of each purchase goes directly to Bigelow!  Proceeds support programs such as creative arts performances, field trips, classroom supplies, and much more!

Looking for a thoughtful holiday gift, that brings joy all year? Check out the fabulous selection at extremely competitive prices! Choose from almost 700 magazines, including America’s most favorite ones. You can save up to 90% off the cover price! 

Renew your current ones, or treat yourself to a subscription for a magazine you sometimes buy at the newsstand at full price!  To order, please visit www.gaschoolstore.com, and log in with Bigelow’s code 2637080. If submitting order forms at school, please make checks payable to Bigelow PTO. 

Deadline for your student to receive double prize credit is this Thursday, November 29, 2012. 

For questions please contact Berit Ramseier at 617-795-0866 / bramseier@gmail.com, or Marian McDonagh at 617-332-5504 / mddonaghfive@verizon.net.

 Thank you for participating!