Get Involved: Join the Bigelow PTO Board in 2021-2022!

Hello everyone,

The time is fast approaching when we will need to vote on the slate of new PTO Board members. Please see here the list of open positions.

I have found being involved in the Bigelow PTO to be so rewarding, and have enjoyed my tenure as President these past two years. The Board and I are honored to be part of such a vibrant and generous community that has consistently supported all the programs and services the PTO funds. We have a wonderful group of Chairs for various committees, who have provided great opportunities for our students, teachers and staff. I am always struck by the willingness of parents and caregivers to carve time out of their very busy schedules to volunteer for the PTO. Especially this past year with the difficulty of COVID-19.

This coming year will be quite transitional as Bigelow will have a new principal and students will be returning to the school full time. It will be more important than ever for the PTO to support our teachers and staff for the benefit of our children.

So I hope very much that you will consider taking a role in the PTO next year. There are many ways to help, based on how much time you can spare. We are happy to chat with you if you have any questions about any position. You can email us or we can set up a time to chat.

For your guidance, we will vote on the new slate of Board members in our Spring meeting (time TBD).

Thank you again for your consideration and support of the Bigelow PTO!

Karen Markson and the PTO Board

Free COVID-19 Testing Program

From Newton School District:

As NPS prepares for a full in-person return to school for students at all levels, we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE families to enroll their student (s) in our COVID-19 testing program. Testing is one of the best ways we have to quickly identify infection and reduce the possibility of in school transmission.

Here are 3 reasons to enroll:

  • It’s easy! Complete the opt-in in Aspen. Pre-K – 8th grade students will receive their QR code from school staff.
  • It’s painless! This is NOT the “touch your brain” swab! This is a sample taken from the front of your nose with a Q-tip like swab. It’s super-fast and painless.
  • It makes a difference! The more students who participate, the better data we have on infection rates in our community. This means we can quickly identify infection, reduce the risk of in school transmission, limit quarantines, and keep our schools, athletics and other important activities open for the rest of the year!.

Bonus reason: This testing program is FREE to all families! We ask you to strongly consider enrolling your student today. Thanks in advance for doing your part to keep our schools safer.

 

More information on the Newton Public School website

Registration for Ultimate Spring youth programs is now open

With Spring upon us (finally!) it’s time to think about getting young Ultimate Frisbee players back on the field. BUDA is ready with fun, COVID safe programs for youth ages 5-19 in multiple towns across Eastern MA, including Newton.

  • Girls Day is a great way to introduce girls to the sport at a free 2-hour clinic on Saturday, May 1st. If your player has experience, they’ll get loads of tips from top notch club women players. If they’re new to the sport, we have coaches ready to make it a super fun learning day. We encourage girls to bring a friend, both to make it a more social event and to introduce more friends to the sport we love. Info and (FREE) registration here.

Celebrate Earth Week with Newton Students

Green Newton is sponsoring a week of fun and action for kids during Earth Week and we are kicking it off with a poster making event so you can show the world how you are All in for Climate Action!  

All you will need is paper and markers, crayons or other media of your choice to create your own poster design to display in a window of your home. The theme is “All in for Climate Action!” Join us on Monday, April 19 from 4-5pm and share your ideas while making posters together.  When you’re done, take a picture of your poster and send it to info@greennewton.org. A selection of poster designs may be chosen to be featured in Green Newton’s e-newsletter and/or displayed in windows of local businesses.  This activity will be led by Green Newton’s Youth Leader and Newton North senior, Coral Lin.

If you are interested in attending this free virtual event, please R.S.V.P. to marcia@greennewton.org by April 17. For some good ideas for posters visit the Green Newton Take Action! tool.

Join on Zoom on April 19