Dear Bigelow Community,

We are sharing the message below, at the request of a group of Newton scientists/physicians/parents who are engaged in the “Safer Teachers, Safer Students: Back-to-School SARs-CoV-2 testing collaborative”. You have a few more hours to fill this survey if you have not done so already.

Original post from: UC Berkeley – Be Well At Work

When a student is provided with a laptop computer or other device, to aid in the learning process, there are some things to consider for reducing stresses to their body. Here are some good practices to follow so they do not develop bad habits now that can contribute to discomfort down the road.

Read full report here.

Things to Consider

• Cognitive overload is reduced by changing positions frequently and building in play
  and physical movement time.
• Creating a structured day helps develop a stimulating routine for younger students.
• Using headphones can improve posture and focus but remember to keep the volume
  at 60% of the range to save the eardrums.
• Protect the eyes by following the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes look at something
  20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Then check out the Newton SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) at newtonpac.org We are a volunteer organization of parents of children with special needs from preschool through high school. We run an online Google Group – Newton SEPAC – where parents can ask other parents about special education programs, issues, policies, and resources. We also sponsor monthly informational meetings and work directly with the school administration regarding our children’s education.

We are also in need of a parent representative for Bigelow.

If you are interested in the position or would like more information about the SEPAC in general, please contact Liaison Coordinator Kim Gallaugher at momofiggy@hotmail.com

Your feedback is needed to inform & support racial justice activities at Bigelow!

Bigelow FORJ is a school-based chapter of Newton’s Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ). We are a group of devoted parents and faculty committed to raising anti-racist children who acknowledge the pervasiveness of oppression and marginalization. We invite parents and children to engage in critical conversations that support questioning, interrogating, and dismantling white supremacy, including anti-Blackness and all forms of racial injustice.

As we begin to plan for learning this year, please help us understand your interest and needs by completing this brief survey, which includes activities around this year’s One School One Book, New Kid.

TAKE THE SURVEY

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU; PLEASE RESPOND no later than September 23rd, 2020.

If you have questions or would like to join us in leading these efforts, please email us at bigelowFORJ@gmail.com THANK YOU!

First day of school will be Wednesday September 16th.

School will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:05 p.m.

All information about 2020-21 School Re-Opening can be found in the Newton Public Schools website.

• Read the Latest communication updates from the Newton School District
• View the very comprehensive COVID-19 Health Manual (Last updated 9/10/20)

The Bigelow PTO is excited to organize and host multiple get-togethers for 6th graders over the next few weeks so kids have a chance to meet with some of their peers in person.

Due to COVID19 restrictions, our plan is to have groups of no more than 10 kids (masked and socially distanced) in gatherings in the back yards of 6th grade families in the evenings and during the weekends between Monday, September 21st and Friday, October 12th. They would run for about an hour and our goal is for kids to get to know each other through conversation and structured ice breaker games. Due to kids wearing masks at all times, we will not be able to serve any food or drinks, unfortunately. For those families unable to attend in person, we will also be hosting a Zoom event during one of the evenings for kids to get to know one another outside of school.

Please email Amy McPherson at ablmcpherson0209@gmail.com with answers to the following 3 questions by Friday, September 18th:

• Are you willing to host in your backyard no more than 10 kids for about an hour during the next few weeks?
• Are you willing to volunteer to help lead ice breaker games during at least one get-together? We would like to have no more than two adults at a time at each event.
• Would you plan on having your child(ren) attend one of these events? – Please provide the name(s) of your child(ren).

Once we know approximately how many children will attend and how many hosts we have we will contact you again with further information.

Parents are invited to stop by the gym entrance in the parking lot behind Bigelow on September 14 or September 15 to pick up learning materials for their students, including short stories for English, a health and wellness packet, art supplies (if you take art the first quarter), and more.

• Monday, September 14, from 12pm to 3pm
• Tuesday, September 15, from 12pm to 3pm

These materials are available for self-serve pick-up. Teachers not in meetings may assist in their distribution.

Grade 6 parents may also pick-up materials if they were not able to attend the parade on September 11.

Parent Information Sessions about the New School Year will be held on Thursday, Sept 10.

• Grade 6: 4:30-6:00pm
• Grade 7&8: 7:00-8:30 pm

These zoom meetings will review the many changes that we will be implementing this year to keep students and staff safe and healthy. They will cover topics such as the remote schedule, safety procedures in the building, technology resources, and more. Because of the amount of information shared, they are intended for parents and guardians; similar information will be introduced to students gradually when classes begin.

Zoom links will be sent for the meetings next week. The meetings will be recorded if you are not able to attend.

6th Grade students and parents are invited to a first-ever, drive-thru “welcome parade” in the parking lot behind Bigelow on Friday, Sept 11, from 2pm-3:30pm.

• Meet their teachers at a safe social distance from their cars
• Pick up learning materials for the new school year
• Enjoy a treat.

Materials can also be picked up on Monday (9/14) and Tuesday (9/15), from 12pm-3pm.