We will be voting in our slate of 2014 / 2015 PTO officers at the final PTO meeting / thank you get together, Wednesday May 28 at 7pm.

WE NEED A COUPLE MORE PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE BOARD NEXT YEAR!!  Ideally we would love the following on the board to help share the work load.

• Co-Presidents (2-3 Positions)
• Vice Presidents (2 Positions)
• Co-Treasurers (2 Positions)
• Co-Secretaries (2 Positions)

Click here for more information on the responsibilities of these roles   You can also contact bigelowbulldog@gmail.com or call Carolyn at 617 794 6436 with any questions or to volunteer.

A couple of new faces have indicated their willingness to serve as Vice Presidents next year; Beth Panella and Lex Van der Ploeg.  Thank you!!  We also have three members of this year’s board indicate their willingness to be nominated and serve again next year.  Carolyn Judge, Co-President, Vicki Spetter, Co-Treasurer and Vicki Ritterband, Co-Secretary.

It is a great way to get involved with your student’s school and meet new members of our Bigelow community!!    WE NEED YOU!!

Please join us for our last Bigelow PTO meeting for this school year and a thank you for your tremendous volunteer service on Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., at Julie Bourgoin’s house, 44 Whitney Road, Newtonville. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. All are welcome to attend. If you can join us, please respond so we can ensure that we have the proper seating and snacks by emailing jbourgoin@comcast.net or calling 617-320-0040. We do hope you can make it.

We have one formal piece of business at our meeting that evening and that is to vote in a new slate of officers for next year.  If you are interested in serving on the board next year, we would love to have you.  Please go to bigelowpto.org for more information.

The following was sent out by Principal Harrison last week regarding improvements to the Park St / Vernon St intersection to improve pedestrian safety.

Dear Parents,

We have received word from the City of Newton DPW that work will begin soon on improvements to the intersection of Park St. and Vernon St. adjacent to Bigelow Middle School.

This has long been a dangerous intersection, and after many years of discussion, a trial plan has been approved.  I support this plan along with the neighborhood.  It should improve safety for Bigelow and Underwood students crossing Park and Vernon Streets, while still allowing traffic to flow.  The trial design consists of a pedestrian island at the base of Park Street, and a raised crossing and bump-out on Vernon St.

A temporary structure will be built soon to test this new design while school is still in session.  The construction and new structure may initially cause delays during drop-off and pick-up times.  We encourage students to walk, ride, or take the bus to school, but if you drive your child to school, please give yourself extra time.  Also, please bear with the situation as we assess the impact of these changes.  Our students’ safety is always our foremost concern.

Thanks.

Todd