The Bedford Buccaneer
September 23, 2020
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday, September 24 - Back to School Night meeting 6:45pm (please find link here)
Sunday, September 27 - Online Store for Bucs Gear closes at 11:59pm
Sunday, October 4 - Yearbook Senior "thanks", baby pictures and elementary pictures due
Monday, October 12 - Columbus day, No School
Sunday, October 18 - Yearbook Senior Portraits due
Tuesday, November 3 - Federal Elections, No School
Dear BHS Families,
The school year is underway and we have had a positive and successful start to this unique year. While I am sure this year will continue to challenge us in unexpected ways, I am truly proud of and thankful for our faculty, staff, students and families for their collective efforts and spirit of togetherness as we planned for many scenarios.
I must say that our moods instantly elevated when our student walked through the doors last Thursday. Smiles, though under masks, were there and seeing our students really made all of the meticulous and months of planning worthwhile. We are thrilled to be back in session in some capacity.
On Thursday, September 24th at 6:45PM, the Main Office team will host a Back to School Night meeting for all families. We will share our goals for the year, a virtual tour of our building and our plans for a newly reimagined Back to School Night. While we will hold an administrative meeting tomorrow night, you will not meet with teachers after. Instead, you will receive personalized recordings on October 1st from all your student(s)’ educators. This prevents security issues and allows parents and caregivers to watch the recordings at a convenient time. We also know how important it is for you to have some insight into the life of your student(s) so wanted to preserve back to School Night in some capacity even if it is a bit different this year.
As always, you can reach out to a teacher or counselor by email at any time with individual questions. You can access the meeting scheduled for 6:45PM tomorrow (Thursday night) by clicking here
Thank you for your continued partnership. We know that everyone is working hard to make this year a success and parents/caregivers are an essential part of the team.
Best,
Heather Galante
Principal
Support for Mrs. Pietrangelo and her family
As you may have heard, Ms. Pietrangelo was in a serious accident last week. Many families have asked what they can do to help. Here are some specific ways you can help:
GoFundMe: A gofundme account has been established to help the family with expenses. If you would like to make a direct financial contribution to the family, please go to https://gf.me/u/yzjqsu
Gift Cards: the following gift cards were suggested to us by the school and her friends.
- Door Dash and Grub Hub (so her husband, Matt, can order from area restaurants)
- Arlington area restaurant gift cards (Ms. Pietrangelo lives in Arlington with her husband and two young children)
- Grocery Stores in Arlington: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop
- Gas gift cards
- Amazon
Meals: Since the accident, the family has received a great deal of food from friends and neighbors, so meals are not currently needed. However, in the weeks and months ahead, they will likely need meals. At that time, we will post information on how you can sign up to provide meals for the family.
Thank you all for reaching out!
Dear Parents,
If you have already filled out the electronic parent agreement, THANK YOU!!!!!! If not, please fill out the electronic form below. This needs to be completed in order for your child to attend in-person learning.
This year, it is imperative that we all do our part to help our community stay healthy. We are requiring all parents to sign an agreement stating that they understand the daily symptoms they should be monitoring for themselves and their children and that they will keep their children home if any of these symptoms develop.
Please click this link below to view the daily symptoms checker and to electronically sign the agreement! Required Parent Agreement
Thank you!
Nurse Nancy Thorsen
BHSPA
Please join the BHSPA, Bedford High's Parent Association, in our efforts to start the school year off strong! We invite all families to participate in the BHSPA! The BHSPA has quite a few programs to support our students and teachers!
We are also kicking off our annual Fall Appeal drive. Resources donated will be used to support ongoing requests for programs and events to support BHS. Please click here To make a donation to our Fall Appeal. All donors will be recognized on our website and social media.
The BHSPA communicates using Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Thank you BHSPA!
Get your Bedford Bucs Gear - Deadline Extended to 9/27!
Be sure to check out the BHSPA online fundraising store for Bedford masks, sweatshirts, fleece pants and more! The order deadline is Sunday, September 27th https://bhsfall2020.itemorder.com/sale.
All proceeds from this fundraiser go to support the many important BHSPA initiatives that benefit our students.
3 Ply Mask
Fleece Hoodie
Throwback Jogger
Counseling Corner
Welcome Back BHS! Please view a welcome back video from the BHS Counseling Team.
Here is the Link.
The BPS Counseling Department is on Twitter – please follow us!
Our department can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BedfordCounsel1
We plan to post interesting and timely reminders and articles from time to time, as well as some things to just make you smile.
PSAT Registration
The PSAT is a test geared toward juniors and therefore, most do usually take it in the fall of their junior year.
Due to the number of students we are allowed in the building at one time, as of now, Bedford High will be offering the PSAT to only 11th graders in October.
Sophomores are usually allowed to take the test, but we are waiting to hear from the College Board to find out if there will be another Saturday testing date available in January.
The PSAT will be administered on Saturday, October 17, 2020
The cost of the test is $40, please pay by 10/9/2020 to secure your spot.
You can sign up and pay your fee to Mrs. Ferrari in the Counseling Office, there will be a basket to put your check made out to Bedford High School in , and please also include the attached registration form. Click here to print and attach with payment
Fee waivers may be available, please contact your school counselor for more information
Ninth Grade and New Students’ Parents/Caregivers: Don’t forget your Homework!
Welcome to Bedford High School! Due to the nature of this school year, the counseling team is looking for new ways to get to know incoming students and their families. In an effort to know your student best, we ask you to fill out our BHS Welcome Survey 20/21 about your ninth grader or new student. Counselors will be meeting and getting to know ninth graders in Freshman seminar and individually during meetings throughout the fall. We would also love to hear from you about your child: interests, hobbies, passions, strengths, areas of growth, and anything you feel would be important for us to know.
Virtual College Representative Visits
Juniors and seniors are invited to sign up for virtual meetings with college representatives. In order to not interfere with class time, all visits will be at 3pm and 7pm. Parents are invited, too. Visits will be advertised and students can register to meet with a college representative in SCOIR. A video on how to register in SCOIR is available: here.
NACAC College Fairs
More than 600 colleges and universities will be online to talk with high school juniors and seniors on each of these dates this fall. Register here.Sunday, Sept. 13 12 - 8 p.m. ET
Monday, Oct. 12 1 - 9 p.m. ET
Sunday, Oct. 18 12 - 8 p.m. ET
Sunday, Nov. 8 2 - 10 p.m. ET
Free online SAT Prep through Khan Academy at the College Board site is here
NCAA Updated Guidelines: For any student or family who may be considering playing a Division I or Division II sport in college, please visit the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse website for new information on eligibility. Some colleges begin recruiting students as early as sophomore year, so it is important for students and families to be aware of how to register with the NCAA and what the eligibility requirements are (specific classes, GPA and testing requirements, recruiting rules, etc.). NCAA Eligibility Center. Please feel free to reach out to your School Counselor with questions and concerns.
Because dates have been postponed and/or canceled so often since March, for SAT and ACT testing information, dates, and deadlines, please go directly to their websites below.
Below are some interesting articles and resources.
Health and Well-Being
Teen Body Image And Self-esteem - A Practical Guide For Parents
Teen Mental Health – A Guide for Parents
Teaching your Teen about Online Safety
Post-Secondary Planning
College Guidance Network is a new resource that has a great amount of information. There is a podcast every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM. This first episode, and every episode, has a Takeaway Toolkit to guide planning and conversations for students and their families.
Episode 1: Admissions in the Time of COVID19
How a Social Media Profile Can Affect College Admissions
The Coronavirus May Change College Admissions Forever (September 2020)
Test Optional vs. Test-Blind Article (July 2020)
SENIOR UPDATES
Sunday, October 18 - Yearbook Senior photos due
Please email karen_santos@bedfordps.org with any questions regarding yearbook.
Yearbook Order Form
It’s time to order your yearbook!
Our Yearbook Features ALL students in ALL grade levels. This is how you’ll remember your high school experience! Deadline to order: January 17, 2021.
Employment Permits
We know that many of you are trying to secure employment permits and there are new guidelines in place so that we can help you. Download the application with the link below. Once you have the employer sign it, you must have a parent or guardian sign as well and submit a physical if under 16. Once all of the above is done, send the completed application to our Registrar, Mrs. Powell at nancy_powell@bedfordps.org and she will prepare the work permit and email it back to you.
Link to Youth employment permit application
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/youth-employment-permit-information
First Meeting: Bedford Support Group Parents of Children with Social Emotional Disabilities
Parenting children with social and emotional disabilities can be emotionally draining on the whole family. Know that you are not alone. Come share your experiences and learn from those of others at the Bedford Support Group for Parents of Children with Social Emotional Disabilities, offered as a service of SEPAC. Initially we will be meeting remotely. Post COVID, we have been offered a space in Billerica to meet in person.
Join us on Sept. 24 at 7pm for the inaugural meeting. Please see zoom link below. Remember, we are all in this together.
Topic: Bedford Support Group Parents of Children with Social Emotional Disabilities
Time: Sep 24, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87579284297?pwd=KzRGcUUwSU1LYUpIdHZxMzNlVnpBdz09
Bedford High School
2020-2021 New School Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 7:45am - 1:03pm
Wed: 8:05am-12:55pm
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561
Fax: 781-275-6664