Bigelow Cares Fund

In our most recent meeting with the PTO Board and Mr. Harrison, we discussed ways that we can reach out and help those members of the Bigelow community that are vulnerable and currently in need of a helping hand during this pandemic. To that end, we have decided to create a Bigelow Cares Fund to assist the families or individuals who need our help.

We are part of an extraordinarily kind and giving community at Bigelow, one that has always shone in its generosity. We hope that you will consider making a donation to fund this effort, no matter the amount.

$20 | $50 | $75

$100 | $150 | $250

The PTO will make an initial donation of $500 to the Bigelow Cares Fund.

Disbursement of funds will be overseen by Mr. Harrison, respecting the privacy and dignity of the recipients.

Many thanks for considering this request, and as always, we are grateful for your support of the Bigelow community.

Sincerely,
The Bigelow PTO Board

SEPAC presents: Basic Rights under Special Education Laws – March 2, 2021

Please join Newton SEPAC on Tuesday, March 2, at 7:30 pm for a virtual presentation on: Basic Rights under Special Education Laws

Whether you’re new to the world of special education or a seasoned (scarred?) special education parent, there are always new and helpful insights from each Basic Rights presentation!

We’re excited to have Leslie Lockhart as our presenter. Leslie is the Mass Advocates for Children’s Helpline Coordinator. She was also a founding member and driving force of the original Newton SEPAC.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://middlesex-mass-edu.zoom.us/j/98538291113?pwd=eW0yMzRPd3lSR0RZbHNtSmw2ZFVKdz09

Meeting ID: 985 3829 1113
Passcode: 457897
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,98538291113#,,,,*457897# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,98538291113#,,,,*457897# US (New York)

Bigelow Principal Search: You can be part of the Selection Advisory Committee

Parents/guardians can participate in the Bigelow Principal search process as a member of the Selection Advisory Committee (SAC), and/or during the “finalist days” when the candidates will spend a good part of the day at Bigelow.

The SAC will take into consideration the needs of the school and be advisory to me as I appoint the next principal. The primary responsibility of SAC members is to craft interview questions, interview candidates, and recommend semi-finalist candidates. If you are interested in participating in the SAC, you will need to be available on the dates listed below.  

    • March 3 – 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • March 10: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • March 12: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In addition to the SAC, parents/guardians may also volunteer to participate in small group interviews and larger meet and greets with the finalist candidates the mornings of March 24 and 25. Please notify the Bigelow PTO at Bigelowbulldogs@gmail.com if you are interested in participating in the SAC or the small group interviews. 

First Annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Day 

crossing guard winter

Crossing guards play an important role supporting our families’ safety as they access schools and neighborhoods across the Commonwealth. This first ever Annual Crossing Guard Appreciation campaign begins with a crossing guard of the year nomination process, followed by Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, and culminates with announcing the Crossing Guard(s) of the Year award winners at the Annual Safe Routes to School Awards Ceremony in June. The overall goal is to draw attention to and honor the hard work of crossing guards across Massachusetts and to recognize those crossing guards who go above and beyond. Brought to you by: MA Safe Routes To School

Ways to Show Crossing Guard Appreciation

  1. Take a picture with your favorite crossing guard and nominate them here.
  2. Post the photo on social media and be sure to use our hashtag #MACGAppreciationDay when posting on Instagram and/or Facebook.
  3. Send a thank you card showing that you care and acknowledge their hard work. Click here to print out a card we have created for you.
  4. Simply say “Thank You” as you pass them in the crosswalk.
  5. Work with your school’s PTO or PTA to organize a thank you breakfast for your crossing guards or bring them their favorite warm beverage in these chilly winter months.
  6. Gift them their favorite snack, a pair of hand warmers to stay warm during winter, or a mini pocket-fan to stay cool during summer.
  7. Schools can download the PDF flyer in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole and distribute to parents/guardians via email or backpack mail here.

CAS Presentations for 6th, 7th and 8th Grades in March

In March, grades 6th, 7th and 8th will have CAS presentations.

CAS programs are sponsored by the Bigelow PTO thanks to your contributions!

Wednesday, March 10, 2021
7th Grade Presentation by Corey DePina
“Something from Nothing – A History of Hip Hop”

Tuesday, March 16, 2021
6th Grade Author Visit with Julie Berry
“Adventures with Books”

Thursday, March 18, 2021
8th Grade Visit with Civil Rights Leader Ruby Bridges

Mental Health: Starting the Conversation

Join Mayor Fuller, NAMI Newton-Wellesley, and Riverside Emergency Services to learn more about mental health, mental illness and the work of community organizations improving education and awareness. Register for the webinar at www.newtonma.gov/mentalhealth For additional information, please contact Aimee Sullivan … Continue reading →