The Bedford Buccaneer
November 20, 2023
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, November 20th-Parent/Caregiver Workshop on Marijuana and Vaping-7:00-8:00PM-BHS LGI-CANCELED
Wednesday, November 22nd-Early release
Thursday, November 23-24th-No School-Thanksgiving Vacation
Thursday, November 30th-BHS Conferences-4:00-8:00pm
Tuesday, December 12th-School Council meeting- 2:30-3:30pm
Monday, December 25th-Monday, January 1st-No School-Vacation
Tuesday, January 9th-School Council meeting- 2:30-3:30pm
Monday, January 15th-No School-Martin Luther King Day
Tuesday, February 13th-School Council meeting- 2:30-3:30pm
Monday, February 19th-Friday, February 23rd-No School-Winter Vacation
Tuesday, March 12th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Friday, March 15th-No School-Staff Professional Day
Tuesday, March 26th-Wednesday, March 27th-Delayed Opening-ELA MCAS
Tuesday, April 9th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Monday, April 15th-Friday, April 19th-No School-Spring Vacation
Tuesday, May 14th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Monday, May 20th -Last day for Seniors
Tuesday, May 21st-Wednesday, May 22nd-Delayed Opening-Math MCAS
Tuesday, May 21st-Friday, May 24th-Senior Finals
Monday, May 27th-No School-Memorial Day
Thursday, June 6th- Graduation-Tsongas Center
Friday, June 14th-**Tentative Last Day of School**-If no snow days
Wednesday, June 19th-No School-Juneteenth Holiday
BHS Rotating Day Calendar 2023-2024
Hanscom AFB Tree Lighting-All Are Welcome to Attend
This year’s tree lighting event welcomes members of the Hanscom AFB community and residents of nearby towns. Please read the article to find out all the details.
When: December 4, 2023 at 4pm.
Where: Hanscom AFB Chapel
Who: All Hanscom AFB Community and residents of nearby towns
Where to park for off-base attendees: There will be reserved parking inside the Sartain Gate off Route 2A. Visitors to the base must present a valid driver’s license or state ID upon arriving at the gate.
CANCELED-Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth Parent/Caregiver Workshop
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth Parent/Caregiver workshop on Marijuana and Vaping
Bedford Dollar for Scholars
Mail-a-thon Donations
Bedford and HAFB families, please be on the look out for a flier in your mail from the Bedford Dollars for Scholars
Mail-a-thon Donations Click Here or Scan the QR code.
Marching Band Fundraiser
We have cookie dough and cake rolls that will be delivered on December 6/7th in person by students, or a selection of "Simply Shipped" snacks and treats that will come directly to your home. The sale runs until November 20th.
The goal is to raise funds for the banquet, student awards, and the many miscellaneous expenses that come with marching band season.
Please use this link to place an order.
Thanks for your consideration!
BHS Class of 2025 Winter Apparel Sale
Please support the class of 2025 and purchase some Bedford clothing to wear this winter!
Cash and check payment can be given to Mrs. Hinz and Ms. Wipf (checks can be made payable to BHS Class of 2025). Feel free to bring money to Mrs. Hinz, Mr. Hinz (for JGMS staff convenience) or Ms. Wipf.
Order deadline is Wednesday, 11/22. Apparel will be delivered roughly three weeks from this date and before winter vacation.
*Families and staff members can pick up their clothing from Ms. Hinz or Ms. Wipf. You can also arrange a time with Cassie Hinz by emailing cassie_hinz@bedfordps.org.
*Your order will not be placed if you do not submit payment. An email will be sent the week before the 11/22 deadline.
We are selling three items:
-Royal Blue Crew Neck $30
-Royal Blue Bella Canvas Long Sleeve Shirt $25
-Royal Blue Sport Tek-Athletic Dri-Fit Long Sleeve Shirt $25
Coffee & Cocoa Chats with Cliff (CCCC)
BHS Teacher/Caregiver Conferences are November 30th from 4pm to 8pm
The sign up time will open on Wednesday, November 15th at 8am.
If you sign in before 8am you will not see anything until you refresh the page.
https://www.myconferencetime.com/bedfordhs/
The signups will close at 11am on November 28th.
Once it is closed, there is no access to it.
You are able to sign up with 2 teachers for each student.
Each conference is 10 minutes.
Do not sign them up back to back.
You will need time to get to your second conference.
Some teachers do fill up quickly. If this happens please contact the teacher by email to arrange another time and date.
https://www.bedfordps.org/node/30/people-by-department
Also, teachers will have their schedules hanging on their doors. If there are empty spots you can sign up.
If you have issues after Wednesday, November 15th at 8:05am with signing up your student(s) please feel free to contact me, Brenda Sweetland 781-918-4406 or email at brenda_sweetland@bedfordps.org.
Student Information
Spirit Week-11/16-11/22
11/16-Soccer vs. BBQ person
11/17-PJ Day
11/20-Rhyme without Reason
couples and friends pair up with each other wearing costumes that rhyme but otherwise may have nothing else in common (bat & cat, referee & bumblebee)
11/21-Students switch outfits w/a Teacher & Teachers switch outfits with a student
11/22-Class shirt day
- Seniors-black
- Juniors-Blue
- Sophomores-White
- Freshmen-Gray
Addams Family Auditions
Audition Dates:
Thursday, November 30: Optional Pre-audition workshop: 2:30-4
Monday, December 4: Individual auditions
Tuesday, December 5: Individual auditions
Wednesday, December 6: Mandatory Dance Audition - 4-6 pm.
Friday, December 8: Acting and Singing Callbacks: 2:45-6 pm.
Rehearsals:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
3-6 from January 2 - March 8
All students will not be called all the time.
Tech Week (mandatory): March 10th - March 17th
Performances: March 13th - 16th
Additional information and audition packet can be found in your student email.
Community Day
The school-wide community day is NEXT WEDNESDAY and Student Government members are looking for students to participate in the games. This year, the games in the community day will be...
- Musical Dots (SOLO ACTIVITY): This is essentially musical chairs but we use "dots" instead. The last person standing wins.
- Pass the Marshmallows Race (TEAM ACTIVITY): This is a blindfolded race that requires each team to pass buckets of marshmallows backwards to their teammates. The team with the most marshmallows leftover at the end wins.
- Tug of War (TEAM ACTIVITY): Teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal being to bring the rope a certain distance in one direction against the force of the opposing team's pull.
If you are interested in participating, please sign up USING THE GOOGLE FORM SPECIFICALLY ASSIGNED TO YOUR GRADE:
- Grade 9 Google Form Sign Up
- Grade 10 Google Form Sign Up
- Grade 11 Google Form Sign Up
- Grade 12 Google Form Sign Up
ALL SIGN UPS ARE DUE BY THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH.
Reminders mentioned in the form...
- This sign up does not guarantee you will be participating; we will be randomly selecting students when they sign up. They will be notified via email if they are chosen.
- You cannot sign up as a team; team members will be randomly selected.
- You will only be allowed to participate in one event.
Lastly, if you are interested in helping to create the banner for your grade that will be hung up at the pep rally, please come to the Student Government meeting next Monday, November 20th at 2:30. We will have banners and art supplies ready. All are welcome!!!!
Please consider signing up to be part of this year's pep rally! And, come decorate your banner on Monday!
Extracurricular Club-Student Meetings
School Council
Meeting dates-Time is from 2:30-3:30pm unless noted
Dec 12
Jan 9, 2024
Feb 13
Mar 12
Apr 9 (2:30-4:00)
May 14 (2:30-4:00)
Never Fading Poppies Project
Hello!
We are so excited to announce that Bedford High school is now participating in a student led non-profit organization called the Never Fading Poppies Project. This project was started in Lexington by a group of students hoping to connect generations through art. They organize events where students have the opportunity to use their creativity to create cards and show appreciation for veterans, and sometimes other public workers. Participating in this work you can gain community service hours as well! Their work has made an impact on veterans, and they now hold branches all over the country. BHS is now one of those branches! For more information, visit https://www.neverfadingpoppies.org/home.
Please join our google classroom through this code: xh7g66e, for information about volunteering guidelines, submissions, and card requirements.
These cards can be made at home, or you can use the materials in A104 on Tuesdays after school, as we will be joining in with the Art Club.
Join us on 11/28/23 in A104 for our first meeting and learn more about NFPP and card requirements.
Attention Swimmers and Divers:
There will be a meeting for all students registered to participate in the BHS swim or dive team on Tuesday, November 21st at 2:30 in H107.
Book Club
Hello Readers!
Our First Book Club Meeting will take place tomorrow morning during FLEX in the library. Sign up below if you are interested or just drop by!
Horticulture Club
We plan on having meetings every Tuesday, 2:30-3:15 in H107.
Student Opportunities
2023 Scholastic Art Awards
This is an annual art competition for middle and high school students where you can submit a single piece of art or a portfolio (a series of work) to be judged. Each single entry is $10, and each portfolio is $30. We had several students win awards last year, and some years we have students that have had work go to the national level. Please click here to take you to the website for information
If you have questions, please send Mr. Hagan an email or reach out to Ms. Beattie, Mr. Sheinfeld or Ms. Wagner.
AP Exams
The AP Exam registration and payment deadline has officially passed as of Tuesday, November 14th, 2023. No further exams are able to be ordered at this time.
Should you (or your student) be interested in canceling your exam, you must request a cancellation through Total Registration. Please be aware there are updates to this year’s refund policy, details are listed below:
From November 15, 2023 through February 29, 2024, partial refunds are available, including a $40 cancellation fee per exam.
From March 1, 2024 through May exam administration date, cancellations are available but no refund will be given.
Please feel free to contact the AP Coordinator directly with any question you may have at samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org.
Counseling Corner
United States Naval Academy
Kai Chun, former BHS student of the 2020 graduating class is a current student at the United States Naval Academy. Kai will be visiting the BHS counseling department on Monday, November 27th at 10:30am and will be available to speak with any Junior or Senior that may be interested in attending the Naval Academy. You must sign up for this event; please use the link to let us know you will be attending.
Nurse's Office
When calling the absence line please state if your student is ill or not ill.
Absence Line: (781)918-4561
or select #1 from the main menu of (781)275-1700
PARENTS:
I have Covid tests that have an extended expiration date of 1/23/2024 (ignore the 1/2023 date).
If you would like your child to bring a Covid test home, please have them stop by the nurse’s office to pick one up. Covid tests will only be administered at school if permission is given through the link below.
I am still missing physicals and emergency forms for some students, as well as Epi-Pens and allergy action plans for students with allergies. Please be sure to send in the necessary items for your child as soon as possible. Thank you.
Food and Insect Allergy Action Plan Bedford Public Schools
Physicals - Incoming 9th graders are required to have an updated physical for high school. Physicals completed within the past 12 months are acceptable. Students who plan to participate in sports are required to have an updated physical every year.
Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN
High School Nurse
781-275-1700 x4416
Class of 2024
Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. All sales will be correctly priced online. If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.
Deadline: 12/31/23
Athletics Infomation
Link to the Athletics Webpage
Link to Schedules
Link to Athletics Handbook
Link to Baseline test at home instructions
Attention Swimmers and Divers:
There will be a meeting for all students registered to participate in the BHS swim or dive team on Tuesday November 21st at 2:30 in H107.
Winter Sports Registration will close tomorrow at 8pm
Instructions are found here: https://www.bedfordps.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2786/f/uploads/sports_registration_instructions5_0.pdf
Due to Wednesday's Weather...Powder Puff Game will be played tomorrow night at 7pm on turf
Follow Athletics on social media
Twitter: @BedfordBucs
Instagram: @bedfordathletics
Football Ticket Prices
$5-Students and Seniors
$7-General admission
Student Item Drop Off Location
To minimize visitors entering the building this year we have moved the student item drop off location to the vestibule located by the main doors. Please ring the bell and we will let you in. We encourage you to try to meet your student after school for the items but in the event that does not work please leave items on the table right inside the vestibule.
The high school is not responsible for electronics, money, keys, sports equipment, etc. left at the table. Students can check for the item dropped off in between classes and at lunch.
If your student forgot their school iPad please bring that into the main office.
Yearbook Information
Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.
Deadline: 12/31/23
BHSPA
BHSPA Grants for the BHS Community
As part of our mission to contribute to different initiatives, programs, and events that impact the students, faculty, staff, and supporting the community at BHS, the BHSPA has many events that we regularly fund and support. We also invite faculty, student groups, and individuals to submit grant requests for special projects, programs, and tools that will have a positive impact on the BHSPA community. If you have an idea to propose, please download, fill out the application and follow the instructions.
BHSPA Fall Appeal
The BHSPA Fall Appeal is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we can only do it with your help! We are halfway to our fundraising goal of $8,000 and need your donation to help us make this goal! The BHSPA is a caregiver volunteer organization which raises and distributes funds to support the various initiatives, programs, and events for the BHS community. All caregivers are members of the BHSPA. We collect no dues, rather, we solely rely on donations and fundraising. Thank you for supporting BHSPA!
Bedford SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
Come and discuss special education programming in Bedford and how we can best support our children.
Thurs, Dec 14, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Thurs, Jan 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM with guest Marianne Vines
Thurs, Feb 15, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Thurs, Mar 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM with guest Marianne Vines
Thurs, May 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
Bedford SEPAC (special education parent advisory council) is a volunteer group of parents/caregivers that work to provide networking and support for Bedford parents/caregivers of children receiving special education services. In conjunction, they work closely with the school administration on special education needs and concerns. All are welcome!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com
How Do I...
Get dismissed? Please bring a note to the main office in the morning. (or call 781-918-4561) Students will be given a dismissal pass to show the teacher and head right out of class at the dismissal time. This helps us to reduce the number of class disruptions.
Get a locker? Your Advisor will supply you with a lock. You will select a locker, then your Advisor will record your locker number and combination just in case you forget it. It happens!
Get a Parking Sticker? The Parking Sticker application may be found here.
Get my Aspen ID? If you need your ID or are having trouble logging in please contact tech_support@bedfordps.org
Find my lost items? The lost and found bin can be found in the student office.
Pick up a dropped off item? We encourage you to try to meet your student after school for the items but in the event that does not work please leave items on the table right inside the vestibule. (Parents/Guardians, please label item your dropping with name) Please note; we do not interrupt classes for drop offs. Students can check for the item dropped off in between classes and at lunch.
Bedford High School Parent/Guardian & Student Sign off Agreement Form here
Find out more about grading and courses? You may find this and many other helpful pieces of information in your Program of Studies found here
The 2023-24 Bus Routes have been posted on the Transportation Web Page
Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)
Bedford High School
Bedford High School Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:45am - 2:24pm
Wednesday 7:45 am - 12:55 pm
9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561
Fax: 781-275-6664