From the Superintendent’s office: 

Dear Bigelow Families,

As you are aware, Todd Harrison is retiring at the end of the school year after 25 years of distinguished service at Bigelow, 17 of which have been as principal. I know that Todd has cherished his time at Bigelow and his passion for the job remains unwavering. He is deeply committed to ensuring that the school focuses on both the academic and social and emotional needs of students, and that commitment has continued during this incredibly challenging year. Todd’s positive and engaging style has been a constant source of comfort for generations of Bigelow students and families.

It is now time to begin a search for a new principal for Bigelow. Selecting a principal is one of the most critical decisions made by a superintendent. Principals are expected to provide excellent educational leadership, establish a positive school culture, and manage the daily operation of the building. Since the principal’s position impacts the entire school community, it is important that the process provide an opportunity to solicit feedback from a range of stakeholders, including parents/guardians and families. The principal search process that we are about to enter will include opportunities for parents to provide input, serve on a Selection Advisory Committee (SAC), and meet finalists as they visit the school.

Please join me on Wednesday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. for a discussion on the principal search. I will review the process and timeline for selecting a principal and explain how you may be directly involved in the search process.

Zoom Link:  https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/88617955842?pwd=dkQrTktRQjlPZVRWZ2NzcFJtRFRoZz09

I look forward to working with you to secure an excellent new leader for Bigelow.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools

The chromebooks for 8th graders have finally arrived! Devices and recharging cords were distributed to cohort B students on Friday and will be given on Monday morning to cohort A students.

Parents of distance students may come to the main office at  Bigelow anytime, 8:30am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday to pick up their 8th grader’s device and recharging cords beginning next Monday, Feb. 1.

Each student has been assigned a device and will be given one unless they already received one this year. We strongly recommend that students use their new school-issued chromebook when in school.  Our IT department can only support school issued laptops.  They are not able to troubleshoot personal laptops that have problems.

Please see the Chromebook Use and Care Quick Reference which includes information on connecting the device to your home wireless network. All students should have their own personal headphones with a built-in microphone. An earbud/microphone set is recommended.

Also linked is the Secondary Acceptable Use Guideline Poster that we share with students every year. Please review it with your child before using the device. We expect the laptop to be used for school-related purposes.

Students should charge their device every night, and bring it along with their recharging cord and headphone/microphone set to and from school every day that they attend in-person classes. The laptop and related equipment should be safely carried in a backpack. We recommend that you get a case for it. Students are responsible for its safekeeping, and should never leave it unattended in an unsecure location.