Yesterday, December 17th, Bigelow 7th graders learned from Dan Perlman, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Brandeis University, about climate change.

Dr. Perlman is a new visitor to Bigelow and presented about the history of temperature change on Earth; future implications of climate change on water availability, wildfires, and flooding; greenhouse gasses and the greenhouse effect – along with many other facets of climate change.

Dr. Perlman has been working with the 7th grade science teachers to ensure this program effectively enriches the curriculum being taught this winter.

There were two interactive presentations in the library, once for each cluster. We are excited about this new program and hope your students enjoyed it. Be sure to ask your 7th graders how it went!

Coming this March, we’ll host the second annual Bigelow Global Diversity Night. In the coming months, families can sign up for a table to share food and traditions with our Bigelow community! Looking forward to a joyful, educational, and delicious evening! More details to come in the New Year!

Our next Bigelow Bulldog PTO Newsletter is scheduled for Thursday, January 8th. Until then, we wish you a peaceful holiday break.

Warmly,

Bigelow PTO Board

Margaret Battat-Silva, Rachanee Nelson, Lanni Isenberg, Janeen Jones

Skate night on Friday, December 5th was a hit! Bigelow students and families had a blast gliding around the Warrior Ice Arena.

Please join us for the next Ice Skating Fundraiser at Warrior Ice Arena Friday, January 9th 2026 from 9-9:50 pm. Tickets are $18 (includes skate rental) and will be sold at the event starting at 8:30 pm.

Each year, the PTO runs events and programs that support our students, our teachers, and our school community.  This collective effort enriches the middle school experience for everyone.  To make it happen, the PTO depends on community donations of time, money, and other contributions. 

We launched our annual fundraising drive in November. The Annual Appeal is our biggest fundraiser and covers the bulk of our programming expenses for the year. We are suggesting a gift of $110, which amounts to PTO spending for one student, but a donation amount of any size would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you, as always, for your support!
2025-2026 Bigelow PTO Board

How to Donate:

• via Venmo @bigelowtreasurer (include your email in the memo to receive a receipt)
• via the website at bigelowpto.org/donate/
• write a check and mail to Bigelow Middle School c/o PTO

How Your Donation Works for Bigelow

Please consider adding Bigelow PTO to your company’s annual donation matching program, if applicable. Bigelow Middle School PTO is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID #20-0348453. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

There are plenty of opportunities to engage. Here are some upcoming events hosted by Newton SEPAC:

Newton SEPAC Open Board Meeting 

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 @8pm

https://northeastern.zoom.us/j/94599775846

Community Conversation with Rep. Jake Auchincloss, hosted by Newton SEPAC

December 17 @6:30PM 

Congressman Jake Auchincloss will discuss how federal changes may affect services, protections, and supports for children and adults with disabilities. He will also take questions. Register online here.

Understanding Basic Rights in Special Education, hosted by Newton SEPAC

Guest Speaker: Attorney Alicia Warren 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 @7PM

Register Online

This week we received our first note from Newton North to welcome the Class of 2030!

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events designed to prepare our current 8th graders and their carers for the transition to Newton North High School:

• Tuesday, January 13 – 8th Grade Night Part #1 – 6:30pm – NNHS Auditorium
• Thursday, February 12 – 8th Grade Night Part #2 – Elective Open House – 5pm-8pm
• Monday, August 24 – First Day of Fall Sports Try-Outs. If your student wants to play a fall sport, they need to be available for fall sports try-outs.
• Wednesday, September 2 – First Day of School for Students

Please join us for an Ice Skating Fundraiser at Warrior Ice Arena Friday, December 5th 2025 from 9-9:50 pm. Tickets are $18 (includes skate rental) and will be sold at the event starting at 8:30 pm.

Save the date for Friday, January 9th, 2026 for another Bigelow Skate Night at Warrior Ice Arena!

A HUGE thank you to our Teacher Appreciation Committee Chairs Laura Goldworm and Jenny Rosenthal (and their girls Lilah, Charlotte, and Capri) for hosting an incredible snack bar for our Bigelow Teachers and Staff before Thanksgiving.

If you’re interested in participating in our next show of Teacher Appreciation, please email us at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

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.