Dear Bigelow Families,

We hope that you have gotten through the craziness of the beginning of the school year unscathed and are now settled into the school year routine.  Breathe a sigh of relief and relax now because before you know it, the end of the year chaos will be upon us.

Thank you for making last year so successful for the PTO.  Your valuable donations \help in providing scholarships, enrichment programs and technology that would not be otherwise available.  In addition, last year we were able to purchase track team uniforms, music and science department equipment and scheduling software for teacher conferences.  We try very hard to enrich many departments in the school each year so that every child can benefit from our efforts.  This year we hope to finish our two-phase purchasing of all new equipment in the computer lab, begin a multi-phase sound system upgrade for the auditorium, buy additional sports uniforms and more.

The PTO budget this year is almost $50,000 – and we need your help.   We are not requesting a specific donation amount from anyone, but our goal is to have a 100% participation rate in this fundraising endeavor.  No amount is too small (or big) to give to the PTO – and all gifts make a difference.  With your financial help, all children at Bigelow can enjoy many exciting, enriching and fun educational programs. Please consider making a donation today. You can contribute by either writing a check (please make it payable to the Bigelow PTO and send it directly to the school – \attention PTO), or do it electronically via our website – www.bigelowpto.org.  Your generosity can even be made in recognition of a teacher at school, and that teacher will receive a card honoring him/her.  Remember, we are a recognized 501(c)3 all contributions all tax deductable to the fullest extent of the law.

Thank you for your anticipated support.  We hope your children enjoy all of the programming and support the PTO provides this year.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

Our next general PTO meeting with be Friday, January 6th at 8:30 am.  Please mark your calendars now.

Please mark January 26th on your calendars!  We will be asking for donations for the teacher appreciation lunch.  More details to follow.

Bigelow Middle School Annual Magazine Drive Kick Off was this past Friday, November 18, 2011. Please check with your child for that packet they received with all relevant information in it. You can order any time at www.qsp.com. Just log in with Bigelow’s new code for this year: 1090171.

With the holidays approaching fast, look no further for a great gift for a loved one;  order that magazine that you’ve always wanted; or renew your current subscriptions. Bigelow receives 40% of the sale!  Proceeds support field trips, creative arts, classroom supplies and more. Over 500 of America’s most popular magazines to choose from, at extremely competitive prices – you can save up to 95% off the newsstand price.

Questions? Contact Berit Ramseier at 617-795-0866/bramseier@gmail.com, or Marian McDonagh at (617) 332-5504/mcdonaghfive@verizon.net.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Massachusetts General Law requires that student’s height and weight be measured in grades, 1, 4, 7 and 10.  The results of the height and weight will be used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI).  BMI is a screening tool that provides a guideline for determining whether a child is underweight, over weight, at risk of overweight or at a healthy weight.  The purpose of the screening is to identify possible health risks that might prevent students from obtaining the maximum benefit from their educational opportunities. Continue reading →

Who:      Everyone should bring in food to help.
What:     Non-perishable food items — Examples:  Canned Soup, Tuna, Canned Vegetables, Pasta, Canned Fruit, Cereal
Where:   Bring food items into homebase or donation box in the main office )Donation is given to the Hellenic Gospel Church in Newton)
When:     First donation will be made Monday, November 21
Why:       Everyone deserves to have food for the holidays.

“The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires states and school districts to give parents/guardians report cards on the district and schools.  Included in the report cards are student achievement data, information about the professional qualifications of teachers, testing and accountability.  The report card helps to ensure that parents/guardians have  important information about the schools their children attend.  Involving families as full partners in the education of their children is a cornerstone of NCLB.  We encourage you to become involved.  Please connect through this link for the district and individual school report cards (http://www3.newton.k12.ma.us/curriculum/newton-annual-nclb-reports).  A copy of the report card is also available in your school office.”

Creative Arts and Science Committee Update (CASC) 2011-2012

Since 1960, each Newton Public School PTO has had a Creative Arts & Sciences Committee that sponsors visiting programs to enhance students’ education. Presenters typically include award-winning authors, accomplished musicians, artists, scientists, Museum of Science, etc. Programs can be an adjunct to art, English, library, mathematics, music, physical education, science, or social studies curricula. Bigelow’s Creative Arts & Sciences Committee brings about eight programs to the school each year.  Many of them are teacher favorites that are requested every year, others are new and different.

These programs, funded solely by the PTO, are made possible through PTO fundraising. The following have been scheduled for the 2011-2012 year. Continue reading →