We are pleased to announce the PTO Board members for the 2020-2021 school year, voted at the Bigelow PTO Annual Meeting, on Monday, June 2nd. Terms become effective September 1, 2020.

Executive Board:

• President – Karen Markson
• Vice President – Joana Canedo
• Treasurer – Linda Gillespie
• Secretary – Vicki Spetter

Committee Chairs (Appointed positions):

• Directory – Megan Flynn
• Communications – Gwen Hautefeuille
• CAS – Caryn Izhar
• Big Night – Cheryl Abramson and Alexia Giannakopoulos
• Teacher Appreciation – Susan St. Pierre
• PoPS – Krista Chavez

There are still openings & the board encourages the PTO members to volunteer and fill the openings. Please look here for PTO Board and committee positions still open.

We also approved the budget for 2020-21. More details in the meeting minutes.

The PTO wanted to acknowledge Una Simmons for tirelessly giving her time and energy to Bigelow for 9 years. Thank you! This is what she said at our Annual Meeting:

“In the 9 years at Bigelow, mostly the last six, I have been on the board or chaired 6 Big Nights that grossed $121,000 and 3 Ten Tables/Supper Strolls that grossed $18,000. Todd, did I earn my keep?”

We say: YES!

A present for the Class of 2020 students from Bigelow teachers.
The teachers asked the PTO board if we could give the eight grade students a special present. It was unanimously approved. Every eighth grader will receive a $10 Cabot’s Ice Cream gift certificate and a Bigelow Class of 2020 sticker. Look for these in the envelope your child will receive from the school.

On behalf of the PTO and the Bigelow Auction committee, we’d like to extend our sincere THANKS for your support, charitable donations, and sponsorships to our first ever Bigelow Online Auction.

We raised over $12,000! You are amazing and all children at Bigelow will benefit from your generosity. Monies raised are the primary source of funding for all grades for curriculum enriching programs, scholarships for students to attend field trips, special events and classroom supplies.

We hope we can be together next year to celebrate Big Night 2021.

Please contact Auction co-chairs Cheryl Abramson (cherylzabramson@gmail.com) or Alexia Giannakopoulos (alexiag5@yahoo.com)  if you have questions regarding the items you won.

From the Health Office at Bigelow Middle School – 

During these unprecedented times, our schedules have been turned upside down, our lives have changed, and for many of us, coping with life’s new stressors can be challenging. Emergency personnel are responding to more mental health crises and more substance use-related issues. It is incredibly important during this time to check in with one another to make sure everyone has the support and resources they need. Remember it’s ok to reach out if you or someone you care about needs help. We are all in this together. And pay special attention to the most vulnerable among us – children, older adults, people with disabilities – and if you are worried, ask for help on their behalf.

Attached HERE are a few resources to keep handy, including an upcoming virtual suicide prevention training.

If you are interested in joining the collective voice for racial justice, Newton has a strong coalition of Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), a group of diverse Newton families who seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

Visit the FORJ website to signup for the newsletter and receive more information about upcoming meetings and events.

• FORJ City-Wide Meeting: Symptoms of COVID-19 and Racism in our Community
  Wednesday, June 10th at 7:30-8:30
  Zoom password required please RSVP HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Bigelow FORJ representatives:
Madeline McNeely at madeline@conditioningleaders.com
Becca Schulman Havemeyer at beccaschulman@gmail.com

We would like to take this moment of pain and injustice to remind our community of Bigelow PTO’s values:

• We believe in supporting an environment that fosters respect for self and others.
• We believe in a sense of responsibility for oneself and the community.
• We believe in a love of learning.

There is no place for racism, hatred, or intolerance in the Bigelow community, or anywhere. We believe in the goodness of our students and school, and we believe in hope and the power to make change. That’s why we were inspired by President Obama’s call to “Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change.”

Here are some thoughtful messages sent by our school leaders and a poem by a Newton North student:

• Mr. Todd Harrison, Bigelow Principal
• Dr. David Fleishman, Newton Superintend of Schools
• Newton School Committee
• Newton North 9th grader Andrew Riebe

If you are interested in joining the collective voice for racial justice, Newton has a strong coalition of Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), a group of diverse Newton families who seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For anyone with kids (or soon to have kids) at Newton North:
NNHS FORJ Meeting:  Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 7 pm, with Principal Henry Turner (please click here to RSVP and receive Zoom meeting link).

For more information, please contact Bigelow FORJ representative: Madeline McNeely at madeline@conditioningleaders.com