The Bedford Buccaneer
January 22, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday, February 1st-Junior Parent/Caregiver Information Night-6:30-8:00pm-BHS Auditorium
Wednesday, February 7th-Well-Balanced Student Presentation-6:30pm-BHS LGI
Thursday-February 8th-50 Years of METCO Celebration- 6:30-9:00pm-BHS Cafeteria
Monday, February 12th-Catherine Steiner-Adair, author of The Big Disconnect-6:30pm-BHS Auditorium
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
Congratulations to the Indoor Track and Field Teams
DCL meet at the New Balance Track on Wednesday
The girls 4x400m team broke the school record that has stood since 1991. The team of Grace Niu, Farrah Scott, Anna Massaro and Zadie Buckley got a time of 4:15.88, beating the old record of
4:17.03.
Carter Rauch set a new school record in the 600m race at DCL meet at the New Balance Track. He had a time of 1:24.04 - He beat his own record of 1:24.15.
State Division 4 Relay Meet at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston on Sunday Afternoon.
Girls 4x800M Relay team won their race and set a new school record with a time of 9:56.60 (the old record was 10:03.19). The girls on the team were Grace Niu, Addi Poulter, Anna Massaro and Zadie Buckley. Yes, this is the same group that set the new school record in the 4x400m relay on Wednesday.
Boys 4x800M Relay placed second in their race with a new school record of 8:19.68 (the old school record was 2:28.31). The boys on this team were William Protasowicki, Oren Brosgol, Jonny Garraway and Carter Rauch.
Boys 4x200M placed sixth and medaled with a time of 1:38.26. The boys on the team were Jonathan Dandrige, Vivek Joseph, Matteo Oliveri Kuhnle and Carter Rauch.
Girls Distance Medley Relay (Distance of 1200m - 400m - 800m - 1600m) placed sixth and medaled with a time of 14:02.18. The girls on this team are Elena Protasowicki, Maddie Ota, Allison Miller and Emma Floyd.
50 Years of METCO Celebration
Join the Bedford METCO program & the Parents Diversity Council for soul food and spoken word performances for a 50 Years of METCO Celebration on February 8th from 6:30-9:00pm at the Bedford High School Cafeteria.
DECA See's Candy Fundraiser
DECA is hosting a candy fundraiser from See's Candy! There is a large selection of candy boxes and gifts available, from something small to a big! There is something for everyone!
Checkout the selection and store front! Items will be delivered right to your chosen address!
Presentation and Q&A with Catherine Steiner-Adair
Presentation and Q&A with Catherine Steiner-Adair
Presenter: Catherine Steiner-Adair, author of The Big Disconnect
Date: Monday, February 12th
Time: 6:30pm
Where: BHS auditorium
The presentation with Q&A will run approximately 90 minutes.
Well-Balanced Student Presentation
Presenter: Jon Kleinman, Challenge Success
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Time:6:30PM
Where: Bedford High School, Large Group Instruction Room
Open to all K-12 Parents and Guardians
Please RSVP here
Do you want the children and teens in your home and schools to be healthier and more engaged, but are unsure where to start? This interactive workshop shares data from more than 375,000 students on topics including homework, sleep, cheating, engagement and more, teasing out insights and concrete strategies you can use at school and at home.
Our research shows that far too many students are struggling with their well-being, experience a lack of belonging and engagement with learning, and are overwhelmed by constant pressure in and out of school. Instead of figuring out who they are and what they care about, students (and their families) are often consumed by external pressures such as assessments, test scores, extracurriculars, family obligations, college admissions, and future careers, putting their well-being at risk.
Real, lasting change requires the whole school community — educators, families, and students — to both identify challenges and drive solutions. This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of what children and adolescents are experiencing at school and home and you will leave ready to take action with a set of research-based, equity-centered strategies to reduce pressure and stress for the youth in your community.
Jon Kleiman, M.A., is a School and District Partnership Manager. Jon’s chief mission is helping organizations and individuals challenge the status quo. In his role as a School & District Partnership Manager with Challenge Success, Jon’s worked with dozens of schools over the past several years in reimagining how schools might better support the needs and growth of its students. Previously, Jon worked at a university helping students to engage in “vocational wayfinding.” Jon lives in Portland, Maine with his wife and three kids.
Bedford Dollars For Scholars
Trivia Night
Register NOW for the CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars IN- PERSON Trivia Night Sat Feb 10 7-10 pm
Get your team ready and join us for some Trivia Fun, Cash Bar, and Raffles on Saturday Feb 10! The CSF Dollars for Scholars Trivia event will be held IN PERSON this year at the Bedford American Legion, brought to you by Sporcle Trivia. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with the Trivia kicking off at 7pm. Teams of 6-10 players (maximum of 10 players per team), $300 per team*. The maximum attendance is 15 teams, so RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! Prizes will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams. Proceeds go to support scholarships for Bedford/Hanscom graduates who plan to continue their education. Team Captains please register your team HERE, or visit our website: http://www.bedfordma.dollarsforscholars.org
*We are offering a limited number of spots for individuals/couples who would like to participate and would enjoy making new friends by being placed on a trivia team. Please contact Tara Goss at tara@goss-family.net to register.
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.
Bedford DECA
School Council
School Council Website
Meeting dates-Time is from 2:30-3:30pm unless noted
Feb 13
Mar 12
Apr 9 (2:30-4:00)
May 14 (2:30-4:00)
Student Information
The BHS Lookout
Please click here to read the BHS Lookout
Buccaneer's Book Library
Buccaneer's Books Library Newsletter January 2024
BPS Performing Arts Department
BPS Performing Arts Department calendar
BHS Winter History Fair
On Thursday, January 25th from 6:30 to 8:30pm, the Social Studies department will be hosting Bedford High School’s 20th(!) annual Winter History Fair. At this event, juniors from Jim Sunderland and Pat Culhane's High Honors United States History II classes will present their History Fair projects to the public. We cordially invite all students and parent(s)/guardians to attend.
Seal of Biliteracy
Please click here to read the letter from World Language Department about the seal of Biliteracy.
Extracurricular Club-Student Meetings
Student Opportunities
Boston Children's Hospital Youth Summer Internship program
The applications for the 2024 Boston Children's Hospital Youth Summer Internship program are open. Application Link: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGNewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=368&siteid=5839#home
Applicants should include a resume with work experiences and/or community services or leadership programs they've completed or are participating in.
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.
Bedford Utility Box Project
You may have noticed the utility boxes in town that are being transformed into vibrant painted canvases with designs and illustrations on them. If you are interested in creating a design for one, and even painting your own imagery, you can submit a design to this year's contest.
Please click here for more information.
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
For Freshman Parents:
Starting the week of January 22nd, our school nurses and counselors will begin the health screening called SBIRT. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment. It is a tool used to screen for alcohol, nicotine, tobacco and other drug use. This health screening is required by Massachusetts law.
Students in grade 9 will take part in this screening which takes about 5-10 minutes. School nurses and counselors will have one-on-one conversations with students. They will ask students about alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, or other drug use over the past year. Staff will then talk with each student about how to support their overall health, safety and success in school. If the student needs more assessment or support, health staff may work with the student and/or their parent/guardian.
As with any school health screening, you can opt your child out of this process, Students themselves may also choose not to take part. If you do not want your child to participate in this screening, or you have any questions, please contact Anmarie_Vaughan@bedfordps.org.
Counseling Corner
Class of 2024
The 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is available periodically as part of a soft launch. All colleges require this form for those applying for financial aid. Click on this link for more information.
Seniors needing support processing application decisions or assistance with regular decision applications, please make an appointment with your counselor.
Transcript Fees
As the second half of the school year approaches, we will begin collecting transcript fee payments. Please be on the lookout for any emails sent from Ms. Duran. With those emails, you will find your balance, how to pay your balance, and important information regarding the uncollected fees.
Class of 2025
Junior Seminar will be held in FLEX on Monday, 1/29, and Thursday, 2/1. Students, please expect an email from your counselor about which day your seminar will be held. During this time, counselors will be discussing post-secondary options for students. After your FLEX seminar, please make an individual appointment to discuss your post-secondary plans.
Junior Parent/Caregiver Night: Thursday, February 1, 2024, 6:30 PM to 8 PM - Auditorium, Bedford High School. Parents and Caregivers will be provided with information regarding post-secondary options for students in the Class of 2025. Students are welcome to attend.
For parents/caregivers in the Class of 2025 who work with Mr. DeChellis, your session will be held on Base in the Community Support Building (#1240) located at 10 Kirtland Street, Hanscom Air Force Base from 6:30 PM to 8 PM.
Please note: This program may be changed to its alternate date of February 8, 2024, should the History Fair need to use its alternate date of February 1, 2024. Communication will be sent out if this occurs.
Class of 2027
We enjoyed chatting with you during freshman seminar. Many of you have already connected with your counselor since then and we look forward to meeting with those whose appointments are coming up. If you haven’t booked your appointment yet, please see your counselor.
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.
Class of 2024
Athletics Infomation
Link to the Athletics Webpage
Link to Schedules
Link to Athletics Handbook
Link to Baseline test at home instructions
Follow Athletics on social media
Twitter: @BedfordBucs
Instagram: @bedfordathletics
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.
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.
Bedford SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
Come and discuss special education programming in Bedford and how we can best support our children.
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