The Innovation Institute registration is now open

The Innovation Institute is the leading academic science and engineering enrichment program for grades K-12 in Greater Boston. It offers young people wonderful opportunities to learn in depth with talented scientists, engineers and educators.

During the fall, The Innovation Institute offers courses ranging from computer programming (Python) and science of renewable energies to neuroscience and engineering immersion. Special High School Seminar: At the Biomedical Frontiers (fall term only) covering the latest research in areas ranging from 3D printing applications to cancer therapeutics.

After school and weekend classes start September 10th. Winter and spring break intensives also available. To learn more or to register, visit theinnovationinstitute.org or call 617-340-9907.

 

Non-profit youth rock band registration is now open

Plugged In is a nonprofit youth rock band program in Needham teaching young musicians ages 8-18 about using music to create positive change in the world.

Fall session band classes for the Plugged In Band Program begin the week of September 22nd. The registration deadline for fall session band classes is September 8th. Registration for private lessons is ongoing.

For more information, please call 781-956-4281 or visit www.pluggedinband.org.

Welcome to Bigelow and a Few Key Dates

Dear Bigelow Families,

The Bigelow PTO would like to welcome you all to Bigelow and the new school year.  Below are a few dates to get on your calendars to start the school year.

Grade 6 Orientation and Ice Cream Social – Tues. August 26 from 9am – 10:30am

SchoolKidz (Pre ordered School Supplies) Pick up – Tues. August 26 from 10:30am – noon (corridor along courtyard)

All School Picnic – Tues. September 9, 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Burr Park.  This year we will have two food trucks, so you do not have to worry about bringing food that evening.  If the weather does not cooperate, we will move the Picnic indoors to the cafeteria and the gym.

Grade 6 Parent Breakfast – Wed. September 17, 8am – 8:45am

Grade 8 Car Wash and Bake Sale – Fri. September 19 from 3pm – 5pm Bigelow Parking Lot

Grade 6 Parent Potluck – Fri. September 19 – Final time and location to follow

NO SCHOOL – Rosh Hashanah, Thur. Sept 25

Back to School Night – Thur. October 2 from 6:50pm – 9:00pm

First PTO Meeting – Fri. October 3 from 8:30am – 9:45am in the Library

Please note that a comprehensive school calendar can be found on both the Bigelow PTO’s and the Bigelow School’s web sites.

If you have any questions regarding the above events or any other items, please contact us at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com .  We look forward to seeing you around Bigelow and enjoy this last week of summer vacation. ~ Your PTO Co Presidents, Jacquie Arbuckle and Carolyn Judge

SchoolKidz Pick up this coming Tuesday

If you ordered a SchoolKidz (school supplies) for your student through the Bigelow PTO this past spring, they can be picked up this coming Tuesday, August 26 from 10:30 – noon at Bigelow in the corridor adjacent to the courtyard.  They can also be picked up on the first day of school.  If you ordered a language kit, that is in a separate box (except for Latin).

If you did not order your school supplies through SchoolKidz, class supply lists can be found on the Bigelow Middle School homepage at http://bigelow.newton.k12.ma.us   Please contact us at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding your SchoolKidz order.

Bigelow Student Directory Information Confirmation

Dear Bigelow Families,

On August 9th an email was sent from the Bigelow PTO asking families to confirm data for the student directory. Although the directory can include numerous emails per family, the confirmation can only go to the email listed as the primary one for the family.

If your family did not receive this email or you have any questions, please email the PTO at bigelowbulldog@gmail.com so we can be sure your family is listed.  

 

Flutist Patsy Sampson seeks to add a few students

Flutist Patricia (Patsy) Sampson is seeking a few students – preferably middle or high school — who are ready for the next level, including ensemble playing. She has taught long-term in Newton (12+ years), performed with the Newton Symphony and Boston-area chamber ensembles, and has trained with the BSO’s Lois Schaefer, Leone Buyse, and freelance flutist William Grass. Patsy relies on a wide repertoire and a range of flute-playing techniques gained from many master classes and training. Joyful references available on request. Call for a free introductory lesson: 617 965-7655.

Teen Happenings at the Newton Free Library

Teen Craftnites, Tuesday, August 19th, 7:00 pm: Teen Crafternoons have moved to a special evening time frame for summer Craftnites so get creative in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library where they will be hanging out working on crafts and eating snacks. This summer’s crafts will include steampunk jewelry, robot marshmallow pops and other fun projects! Grades 6-12.

Go Big or Go Home: Giant Game Night, Wednesday, August 20th, 5:30-8:30 pm: Come to the end of summer celebration outside by the Winnie-the-Pooh statue. Play giant-sized games like Jenga and Scrabble as well as board, lawn, and Minute-to-win-it games and eat pizza! Rain location, Druker Auditorium. Open to all who have participated in the library’s Summer Reading program.

How to Write Great College Essays, Thursday, August 21st, 7:00 pm: A lot of great kids write average (even bad) college essays—essays about “life lessons learned from football” or “how my trip to Europe broadened my cultural horizons.” Better tales are there for the writing. This workshop will show you what admissions officers really look for in great college essays, and offer suggestions for finding and sharing your best stories. We’ll share the five most over-used topics you must avoid and give you tips on how to start (and even finish) your essays this summer. Sara Kratzok, who graduated from both Wellesley College and Harvard University, and is the Director of Collegewise of Newton, will facilitate in Newton Free Library’s Druker Auditorium.

Mosaic classes

A local mosaic artist and parent of two  Bigelow Middle School students is interested in offering a class to kids 11 years old and older.  The class would be run in six, two-hour weekly sessions and the fee would be $250.00.  This fee includes all of the materials and tools.

Potential class times are:

  • 4-6 on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon
  • 6-8 on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening
  • Saturday morning from 10-12.

If your child is interested in participating in the class,  please contact Leslie at lesliebock@gmail.com or 617-901-2546 and indicate which of these times your child is available.

Cooking classes

Mindy’s Cooking offers cooking instruction to Newton elementary school students in her home on Tuesdays, 12:45  – 3:00 pm and themed classes to middle schoolers on early release Thursdays throughout the school year.

Each class gives students a full hands-on experience to produce their own gourmet lunch using a variety of equipment and ingredients. Students also learn knife skills, nutrition, food safety and various aspects of culture and tradition about the foods they are making. Mindy Sherbet is a professional chef and mom of 3 Newton public school-age kids.

For information, call 973-420-6190 or email Mindy at mindyscooking@gmail.com. Check out Facebook/mindyscooking. Classes start in the fall.

Kesher Newton is now enrolling for Fall 2014!

Kesher Newton is an after-school program that offers a hands on and in-depth approach to Jewish learning for students in grades K-7! Now located on Hammond Pond Parkway, convenient to Newton, housed inside the building of Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Kesher’s warm and inviting new space accommodates its expanding student base and its many family activities.

Kesher Newton is a nationally-recognized alternative to traditional Hebrew School, where children learn Jewish culture and Hebrew language in a spirited, camp-like environment. Kesher’s innovative curriculum challenges students intellectually, while fostering Jewish commitment, joy of learning, and active community participation. Kesher Newton is an independent pluralistic community that is welcoming to all. For more information, visit keshernewton.org or call 617-244-5390, or email info@keshernewton.org.