Bulldog Bulletin!
Week of 1/17-1/21
January 17, 2022
The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hello, Bigelow families & students! I trust each of you had a great, long weekend and found a special way to honor the life & legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. There were so many header photos & quotes I could have chosen from, but there was a quote from someone else I came across on social media that stood out as well. It stated, "May the MLK quote you post today align with the words & actions you choose over the next 364 days." And I believe this challenge & call to action is just as important as the words Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left for us. May his accomplishments, life, and legacy be a light for us all, and a challenge to keep his dream alive.
This week, Bigelow students will participate in the winter administration of the i-Ready Diagnostic reading assessment. This is a formative assessment of reading skills that began in 2019 district-wide. Given the many obstacles to teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to have a clear sense of students’ strengths and challenges as readers.
This winter's i-Ready Diagnostic reading assessment administration will provide important data about students’ growth as readers since the fall as well as ongoing recommendations for instructional strategies targeted to students’ areas of need. Please connect with your child’s ELA teacher if you would like to discuss your child’s performance on the assessment. Lastly, as COVID continues to loom, we understand some students may have extended absences; click here for iReady resources for families to support at-home diagnostic testing.
A LOOK AT THIS WEEK: 8F all-day parent conferences are tomorrow (Tuesday) & 7C's will be Thursday; please be aware of your Parent Conference appointment dates & times, as your confirmation should be in your e-mail inbox. Wednesday is our usual short day, with a 1:50pm dismissal. Wednesday also marks our i-Ready diagnostic testing for 7th grade, while 6th grade will test Thursday, and 8th grade will test Friday.
Additionally, on Friday 1/21, Bigelow is excited to welcome back Corey DePina. In “Something from Nothing: A History of Hip Hop”, Corey will take students through the early history of hip hop and its four elements – MC-ing, DJ-ing, breakdancing and graffiti – to inspire them with the possibilities of creating something positive out of nothing. This virtual workshop will take place on January 21st at 9am and will features storytelling, rap performance, free-styling demonstration and activities that bring groups together to improvise beats verse or movement, adding in their own style and spin. Corey is a skilled rapper and workshop leader whose work as a facilitator for local and national non-profits and community centers has earned him numerous awards, including: the 2008 Good Neighbor Award from East Boston’s NOAH, the 2008 Community Leadership Award from Jamaica Plain’s Hyde Square Task Force, the 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and the 2014 Best Initiative, Best Youth Worker of the Year. He is also the Director of Programs for Zumix Boston. This event is sponsored by Creative Arts & Sciences and the Bigelow PTO.
Feel free to contact me, any other member of Bigelow Leadership, or the Executive Admin. Asst., Kersten Raso, with questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you, and have a great & safe week!
-Chassity Coston, Principal
WEEKLY COVID CASES
This week, Bigelow recorded 17 COVID cases. Clusters were informed and provided instructions, per our notification protocols. Information on districtwide COVID cases and vaccination rates can be found on the Newton Health and Human Services website here: NPS COVID Case Count and Vaccination Rates.
*NOTE*: Bigelow 6th Grade will continue to participate in COVID testing every Friday.
~MONDAY, 01/17:
- No School | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
~TUESDAY, 01/18:
- Day 6 of the cycle
- 8F Parent Conferences | contact your child's counselor if you would like to schedule
- Principal Coston's Office Hours; see scheduling information below
~WEDNESDAY, 01/19:
- Day 1 of the cycle
- Grade 7 i-Ready Testing
- Dismissal at 1:50pm
~THURSDAY, 01/20:
- Day 2 of the cycle
- Advisory
- Grade 6 i-Ready Testing
- 7C Parent Conferences | contact your child's counselor if you would like to schedule
~FRIDAY, 01/21:
- Day 3 of the cycle
- Grade 8 i-Ready Testing
- COVID testing for staff & 6th grade students
- T-shirt Fridays! Rock your Bigelow, college, athletic, educational, or favorite t-shirt/gear!
Principal Coston has several convenient ways to chat:
· Principal Office Hours | Every Tuesday, Principal Coston offers 10-minute time slots from 3-4pm if you have a quick topic to speak with her about.
· Principal Coston's Calendar | this method offers 30-minute slots for more time to discuss in-depth topics with Principal Coston.
· E-mail or call 617-559-6811 to directly contact Exec. Admin. Asst. Kersten Raso, and she will be able to assist in finding you a more convenient time to meet with Principal Coston.
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Thursday, January 27: 6A Parent Conferences
- Friday, January 28: Quarter 2 ends
- Monday, January 31: Quarter 3 begins
- Tuesday, February 1: 6B Parent Conferences
- Thursday, February 3: Early Release | Dismissal at 11:20am
Quote of the Week
Contact Principal Coston!
Please know that I am committed to the continued excellence of Bigelow Middle School and its families, faculty/staff, & surrounding Newton community. I look forward to an amazing, progressive, and world-changing school year as we work together to #GrowBigelow.
Please feel free to contact me as needed. In the meantime, stay safe & well.
Email: costonc@newton.k12.ma.us
Website: newton.k12.ma.us/bigelow
Phone: 617-559-6800
Twitter: @ChassityCoston