Any 7th and 8th grade BOYS interested in trying out for the basketball team? There is a MANDATORY meeting on Monday, November 16th. The meeting is right after school in Mr. LaBrache’s Room (room 218). See Mr. P if you have any questions.
Any 7th and 8th grade GIRLS interested in trying out for the basketball team? There is a MANDATORY meeting on Wednesday, November 18th. The meeting is right after school in Mr. LaBrache’s Room (room 218). See Mr. Eckstrom if you have any questions.
This year’s Bigelow musical is “Band Geeks!” Interested students should attend the information session on Monday, November 16th, from 2:45 to 3:30 PM in the auditorium.
“Band Geeks” is the story of a misfit marching band. It was recently released by MTI and originally developed by Goodspeed Musicals (the folks who developed Man of La Mancha and Annie). Ms. Alberts and Ms. M’Sadoques are super excited to bring this brand new show to Newton audiences.
October 23, 2015
Dear Newton Families,
As many of you know, college admissions has become an increasingly frenetic and pressured process. While our high schools in Newton have developed a college planning philosophy designed to support students and families, the energy, angst and resource devoted to the process can push some students and their families to the brink. What should we do about a phenomenon that can feel out of control?
New York Times columnist and best selling author, Frank Bruni, has written a compelling new book which offers a thoughtful perspective on college admissions. In sum, Bruni argues that where a student goes to college is far less important than many of us previously believed. The book offers a counter narrative for students and their families who feel that their future and self-worth depends on a “yes” or a “no” from a certain group of colleges.
I think Bruni’s perspective is especially timely given that we have seen a spike in stress and anxiety among our students. Since reading the book, I have a consistently quoted Bruni when the topic of college admissions comes up in conversation: “Where you go is not who you’ll be.” I hope this message resonates with others after reading his book.
On Wednesday, December 2nd, I will hold a superintendent/parent book discussion on Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be. It will give us an opportunity to talk about the book as a community and hear from a panel with extensive experience in the college admissions process. The panelists will include:
Here are the details:
December 2nd (7:00 p.m-8:30 p.m.)
Newton South Library
Here is the link with further information about the book. We have also included articles written by Frank Bruni on the topic. http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/bookdiscussion2015
I hope to see you for what should be a lively conversation on December 2nd.
Sincerely,
David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools
Video can be seen here: Video invitation
The Super Supper Stroll is coming up this Saturday November 14, 2015 at 6pm and it is filling up! Sign up today to reserve your seat.
Click here to sign up or for more information please see the Super Supper Stroll Page Please sign up by November 10th.
What is the Super Supper Stroll? It’s a festive adult only evening filled with great food prepared by other Bigelow families. The event is a wonderful way for friends to connect and for new friends to be made all while supporting our children and greater Bigelow community.
How does the Stroll Work?
1) We all start at the Appetizer Party at the home of: Heather and Jeremy Pozen, 61 Montvale Crescent from 6-8pm, where everyone gathers together to share hors d’oevers and drinks. It is here that you will find out where and with whom you will have supper.
2) Then you travel to another Bigelow family’s home where you have supper with a smaller group of Bigelow parents and staff.
3) The evening ends with all guest reconvening at the Dessert Party, from 10-11’ish, at a surprise location.
A huge thank you to all the families who have generously opened their homes to host a dinner for our evening. If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Judge and Jessie Gilmartin at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com
Bigelow Fundraiser Started on Friday, November 6th
Ask your student to share the yellow bag they received this past Friday.
In it you’ll find the family-friendly KidStuff Coupon Book filled with hundreds of national, regional and local coupons! The Coupon Book offers incredible savings and is sold exclusively through schools! Bigelow will earn a 50% profit for every book we sell! Payment return information is included in the package.
We hope that you’ll consider purchasing this book for $25. Use just a few coupons and easily save more than the cost of the book. And most coupons are long-term and valid for 16 months!
You will enjoy fabulous savings from: Sports Authority, Brookstone, J.P. Licks, Zaftigs, Extra Innings and More! It really does pays for itself with a couple of purchases!!
* If you don’t want to purchase the coupon book, no problem, simply just send the Coupon Book back to school with your student. We are not having the Magazine Drive fundraiser like we have had in the past years.
The Secret Life of a Massachusetts Teen: Do you wonder…What teens are really thinking? Why they don’t share their fears? How we can better support teens? How we can become better parents? This is a high-energy presentation for that actively focuses on what teens are really thinking, what they fear, why they do not share their fears, and how parents can more effectively support their teen.
This presentation will cover areas such as acting out behaviors, drug and alcohol use, depression, suicide, and more. The workshop will be facilitated by Jon Mattleman, a mental health counselor and trainer with 30 years of experience working with youth, parents, and families. This event is cosponsored by Newton Youth Services and Newton Cares. Please register online.
November 19th, 7:00 pm
Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library
Learn about practical strategies to promote positive behavior at home. The tools of Responsive Classroom can be used to help create a calm, supportive, and encouraging environment at home too!
Poster with more information available here: POSTER. These meetings are open to the Public – No Registration Required
Join to learn useful steps to creating a Responsive Home including:
This workshop will be taught by Amy Kelly, District Leader of Social and Emotional Learning, Newton Public Schools.
November 19th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
December 3rd, 9:00 am – 11:00am
January 21st, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
February 9th, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Room 210, The Education Center
100 Walnut Street, Newton
Middle- and high-school girls are invited to attend a free STEM event on Saturday, November 14th, 2PM-4:30PM, in the Newton Free Library’s Druker Auditorium. Meet and talk with 16 women scientists and engineers. View an inspiring documentary, Big Dream, which tells the stories of seven young women as they face challenges pursuing STEM careers. Discuss the issues the film raises. Ask questions. Get answers and new ideas.
Space is limited and registration is required. Register at http://bit.ly/BigDream-Nov14. If it’s full, sign onto the wait list and look for an email on Friday.
This Envision the Future event is sponsored by the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club, the Newton Free Library, and NewtonSTEM. Ice cream provided by the generosity of Cabot’s. For more information, visit NewtonSTEM.org or contact Liz Rowland at 617-796-1380 or teens@newtonfreelibrary.net.
December Vacation Camp at Lower Falls Community Center for children in grades K-6. It’s like summer camp in the winter. Participate in sports, arts and crafts, inside games and more at the Lower Falls Community Center. Each day features an exciting special event. Sign up by day or for all 4 days at www.activityreg.com. Standard and extended day options are available. Be sure to send a snack and lunch each day.
December Vacation Thundercat Sports Clinic at Pellegirini Park for children ages 6 – 12. Play a variety of sports including basketball, floor hockey, soccer, dodgeball and more all in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Located at Pellegrini Park. Sign up by day or for all 4 days at www.activityreg.com Be sure to bring a snack and lunch.
Newton Parks and Recreation is hosting a special Family Jump Night at Launch Watertown on December 28th. This special Family Jump Night is a fundraising event to benefit the Newton Parks and Recreation Camp Scholarship Fund. Jump for one hour or jump for more! The cost is $15.00 per hour per jumper. Food and arcades games are available for an additional fee. Register online with code Newton at www.launchwatertown.com to guarantee your admission or use the same code as a walk in (provided they have not reached attendance capacity).
The Newton South Recreation Complex offers a variety of classes for youth and adults. All programs are held on Sundays and start on January 3rd. Pre-registration is required and can be done online at www.activityreg.com. Sign up for Engineering with Lego Minecraft, Quick Start Tennis, Cardio Tennis, Badminton Instruction, Family Badminton, Archery, Pickleball, Open Workout, Walking and Weights and more.
Newton North Indoor Recreation offers clinics, classes and lessons for youth and adults. Sign up for lap swim, swim lessons, water safety instructor course, fitness training, full court basketball, smash volleyball, lacrosse, baseball hitting clinic and more at www.activityreg.com
SAVE THE DATE! The Newton Parks and Recreation and Newton Public Schools Camp Fair will be held on January 31st from 12:00 – 4:00 pm at the Newton North High School in the Cafeteria. Come see what is being offered in Newton for the Summer of 2016.
For more information on the programs listed above please contact
Newton Parks and Recreation
617-796-1500
www.newtonma.gov/gov/parks, online registration at www.activityreg.com
Holiday items beckon for all ages! Stalls and tables spill forth treasures new and old, at 2 churches within a block of each other:
Kids’ toys and activities abound! Shoppers can look through books for their young geniuses, buy handmade knits and homemade jellies or purchase decorated Christmas wreaths. There’ll be caroling, kid’s activities and lots of attic treasures.
Both churches offer a munch and lunch while listening to live holiday music and a Silent Auction. Free parking is available in Second Church’s Highland and Chestnut Street lots.
For more information, please contact either church:
First Unitarian Society of Newton–http://www.fusn.org
Second Church in Newton, UCC–http://www.2ndchurch.org
December 5th, 9:00 am/9:30 am – 3:00 pm