Pack for a Purpose

Bigelow Middle School PTO was represented by the Simmons family as they traveled to Barbados over winter break. They packed school supplies in their luggage and dropped them off at their participating hotel. The school supplies will be distributed to support the local community through non-profit group – PACK for a PURPOSE –www.packforapurpose.org.  Bigelow PTO pencils, folders and other paper good were donated. Consider donating something on your next trip.

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon – Looking for Event Chair

We are looking for thankful caregivers to organize Bigelow’s teachers most appreciated event of the year: the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon!

This is an annual event organized by the PTO in early February. The PTO also organizes a Tea for teachers and staff in June.

In 2020, the Luncheon is on February 6th and the Tea is June 2nd.  Please contact us if you would like to help organize this celebration of Bigelow’s educators. Email: bigelowbulldog@gmail.com

Those are great ways to take a moment to thank the amazing teachers and staff at Bigelow for all they do for our children. Bigelow families provide the food, beverages, serving utensils and flowers for this event.

The events are held on Early Release Days, and teachers and staff can enjoy a joyful peaceful time. They absolutely love and appreciate every aspect of those days!

The 52nd Annual MLK Community Celebration

Join the 52nd Annual MLK Community Celebration. The program theme this year focuses on Knowing Your Neighbor.

•Featured performances will include Newton North’s Jubilee Singers, The Treble Singers, The Gospel Love Tones, and Newton’s first MLK Day Community Choir!

•Hear the voices of Newton Public Schools students as reflected in their Monologue Projects.

•Following the event, The Harmony Foundation and MLK Day Planning Committee will co-host a Community Reception (coffee and refreshments) and an Engagement and Activism Fair–Learn more about important local organizations and ways to become involved in Newton, and get to know your neighbors!

•Story Starters of Newton will host a story time and craft for younger kids (with their caregivers) starting at 10:30 am.

•The Rotary Club of Newton will also be collecting toiletry items to donate to Newton’s Food Pantries.

January 20th, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon
The First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon Street, Newton Centre

Cradles to Crayons annual MLK Day Clothing Drive

Cradles to Crayons annual MLK Day Clothing Drive is looking for donations of gently used or new clothing, shoes, and coats to be dropped off at participating Police Stations including the Newton Police Department and the PD Annex.

Donations are being accepted now and participation by those in our community who are able to would make a great difference to this initiative. Please help Cradles to Crayons and the children in low-income situations whom they serve with these essential items free of charge.

Check out the flyer here: MLK Day Clothing Drive

For questions, please contact  Chris Bavaro at cbavaro@cradlestocrayons.org

Support Climate Change Education in Newton Schools!

‪According to a NPR/Ipsos national poll, over 80% of parents support schools teaching about climate change – yet less than half of teachers report doing so.

If you would like to see climate change curriculum brought into the K-12 curriculum at all grade levels and across subject areas within Newton Public Schools, please consider joining other parents, students, and educators in signing this petition: http://chng.it/5n6hcSM8kc

Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the petition about who you are and why you are signing.  This petition can be signed by adults and kids, so please spread the word to your friends and family!

Postcard writing meeting

Moms Demand Action is meeting to write postcards to personally deliver to MA legislators in support of three Gun Violence Prevention Bills currently awaiting action in the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security!  Information on the bills and sample language will be provided, so no homework is necessary! Please RSVP here: Postcards

January 16th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm‬
‪French Press Bakery and Cafe, 74 Chapel Street, Needham

MLK Day Art Program for Grades K-5

Join a day of art-making and friend-making! All participants will explore 2D (drawing and painting), 3D (sculpture), ceramics and performing arts, in groups divided by age. The day will be packed with possibilities for creativity and fun. Please bring a lunch and 2 snacks. For grades K – 5.

Register at https://newartcenter.org/product/mlk-day-art-program-gr-k-5-monday-nac-faculty/

January 20th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
The New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton