The Bedford Buccaneer
March 15, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, March 17 - Minding Your Mind with John Mattleman 7-8:30pm Zoom
Tuesday, March 23 - Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP 7:00 - 9:00 pm Zoom
Wednesday, March 24 - Race and Identity: A Forum for Bedford’s Schools and Community
Wednesday, March 31 - Deadline to order cookie dough from the Class of 2021
Wednesday, March 31 - Deadline to order a yearbook
Wednesday, March 31 - Race and Identity: A Forum for Bedford’s Schools and Community
Thursday, April 1, 2021 - Deadline to submit course override forms
Saturday, April 3 & 10 - Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 8:30 am - Noon Zoom
Monday, April 12 - Term 4 begins
Thursday, April 15th - The Annual BHS Poetry Slam with Jamele Adams 6:30-8 pm Zoom
April 19-23 - Spring Vacation
Friday, May 21 - Last Day of School for Seniors
Friday, June 18 - Last Day of School for 9th, 10th and 11th grades
Dear BHS Community:
We know that you just received information regarding the survey from our central office. However, we wanted to provide you with further context and information from the High School.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently released revised guidance regarding the return to five-day, in-person learning. Details for high schools - including a return date - have not yet been released, but we are moving forward with the planning.
Based on the middle school guidance, the hybrid model will no longer be an option for high school students. Therefore, the district is conducting a survey for all high school students to opt for either the full in-person model or the fully remote option. The survey is conducted through Aspen by logging into the student's account. Step-by-step instructions for this process can be found here.
Some important information:
Students who take part in the full in-person model must maintain all safety protocols for in-person learning, including wearing masks, adhering to one-way hallways/stairwells, and maintaining required distancing.
Classroom distancing for the full in-person model will no longer be six feet but will be no less than three feet.
Lunch distancing will still be six feet but may occur in the cafeteria or other designated spaces.
The survey is mandatory and binding. Students who select remote learning in the survey may request to switch to the in-person model, but there will be up to a six-week delay in implementing that change.
The survey must be completed for each student individually by logging into each student's Aspen account.
The deadline for completing this survey is Thursday, March 18, at 12 noon. Although we are weeks away from any transition, the survey results will inform the planning process. Updates will be shared with faculty, staff, students, and families as they become available. As we await further guidance from DESE, we will continue to plan thoughtfully for our school community.
Please mark your calendars: We will hold an information session on Wednesday, April 14, at 7:00 PM to expound upon the detail of our in-person transition. In the meantime, please be sure to read the Monday bulletin sent by Ms. Sandy Turner for current information, and reach out to your child’s assistant principal with any questions.
Thank you for your timely response to this survey.
Sincerely,
Heather, Dan, and Tom
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Student Atmosphere Committee fundraiser for Mrs. Pietrangelo at Chipotle. We will be receiving a check for $644.04 (33% of the sales brought in by YOU) - this is AMAZING! The entire amount will go directly to Mrs. Pietrangelo's family. Some people have asked other ways in which they can help; here is the link to the Go Fund Me page
Click here to read more about Mrs. Pietrangelo's story in a recent Bedford Citizen article.
Counseling Corner
The Counseling Department has launched a Post-Secondary website! Check it out here
Upcoming Dates:
March 1 - 21 Bedford Dollars for Scholars
Application Period: March 1 - 21st
Link to instructional video:
March 15 Merrimack College Virtual Visit
Register in your SCOIR Account
NEARR College Bootcamps
multiple dates and events - see below
March 16 NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR
Performing & Visual Arts Fair
March 17: QPR: How can anyone question, persuade, and refer someone
considering suicide, presented by Jon Mattleman
free webinar 7:00pm-8:30pm
Wentworth Institute of Technology Virtual Visit
Register in your SCOIR Account
April 5 Supporting Emotional Well-Being for Tweens and Teens
at 7 pm (Parents and Caregivers)
April 7 Sophomore Night: The Road Ahead
6:30-7:00 A preview of the year ahead
7:00-7:30 Standardized Testing Presentation by Signet
April 12 Pandemic Parenting One Year In: Supporting Social
Development andCombating Social Atrophy @ 7pm
QPR: How can anyone question, persuade, and refer someone considering suicide
The Bedford Health and Human Services Department in collaboration with the Bedford Public Schools Counseling Department are pleased to offer QPR: How anyone can question, persuade, and refer someone considering suicide. This free webinar is being presented by Jon Mattleman on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 7:00pm until 8:30pm.
Participants will learn about how to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide, common myths, warning signs, and the simple steps that anyone can take. This presentation is for an adult audience. If you have questions please reach out to Christopher Bang our Community Social Worker at cbang@bedfordma.gov . To register please go to Mind Your Mind Registration
Sophomore Night: The Road Ahead
April 7th
6:30-7:00 A preview of the year ahead
7:00-7:30 Standardized Testing Presentation by Signet
Virtual College Fairs
NEACAC Spring College Fairs
Student and School Counselor registration is NOW OPEN! As a reminder, NEACAC Spring College Fairs will be held on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, April 14th from 7-8:30 pm EST
Sunday, May 16th from 1-3:00 pm EST
To date, there are over 170 colleges that are registered to participate in the program. Registration for students and school counselors is required, but FREE! Please visit: https://neacac.swoogo.com/NEACACVirtual_Spring to register. We recommend registering ahead of the LIVE events. The booths will be available beginning on February 23 through May 31, 2021.
NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
On each fair date, hundreds of colleges will offer Zoom sessions for high school students like you. Students everywhere can log in, drop in, and ask questions. Sign up now at virtualcollegefairs.org and register for one or more fairs. Click below to see which colleges will be at each fair. For the most up-to-date listing, please check online.
Mar. 16: Performing & Visual Arts Fair: View online
Mar. 21 Fair: View online | Download PDF
Apr. 10 Western US Fair
Apr. 20 Fair Southeastern US Fair: View online
May 2 Fair: View online
College Planning Resources
College Guidance Network
What is the CGN?
Their mission is to empower college-bound students along with their families to confidently navigate the college admissions process, while supporting school and college counselors in their guidance roles. Their goal is to provide students with the tools and confidence they need to navigate the college application process with the best outcomes and greatest success.
Episode Library: https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/episodes
NEARR Admissions Bootcamp
Join NEARR for a College Admissions and Application Bootcamp with the following spring webinars:
March 23: Building A College List (Outside of New England)
March 31: Tips for Writing the College Essay
April 8: Ask Admissions Anything
April 13: Application Case Studies
Registration will open in mid-February for these FREE events. Additional information and registration can be found here: https://click.regionalreps.org/admissionsbootcampe8d47
Mental Wellness Resources
Parenting Support Sessions, with Rachel Kramer, Ph.D., presented by Bedford Health and Human Services and Bedford School Counseling - see the brochure here and the information below.
Monday, April 5th at 7 pm
Supporting Emotional Well-Being for Tweens and Teens – This session will present the ways we can understand and support our teens and tweens regarding the developmental issues they face. Strategies will focus on helping parents and caregivers feel more confident and courageous to engage in difficult discussions with the youth. Register Here
Monday, April 12th at 7 pm
Pandemic Parenting One Year In: Supporting Social Development and
Combating Social Atrophy - During the pandemic, we are all getting much less
practice with face-to-face communication. Children and adults worry about not knowing how to relate to people once pandemic restrictions are lifted. This session will focus on strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children’s social skills and combat social atrophy. Register Here
Register for sessions here:
https://forms.gle/ozZAKtKDdpr63ewJ7
Questions? Contact:
Health and Human Services
health@bedfordma.gov or 781-275-6507
BRYT Parents Supporting Parents Group
We recognize what a challenging time this is. There is still much uncertainty and many challenges. We know that parents and caretakers are under tremendous pressure. We also know that caretakers are creative, resilient problem-solvers. The BRYT Family Engagement Team invites you to participate in our weekly Parents Supporting Parents group where parents can get & receive support from each other. Please see the flyer for more information and dates/times.
Handhold Website
You know your child better than anyone. But even you have a few questions. COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your student is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. Should you worry about your student’s behavioral health? We’re here to help you figure that out. https://handholdma.org/
Mental Health and Well Being Website
Bedford Public Schools collaborates with area partner schools to provide a mental health website with updates and resources. Please visit this page for support and activities for students of all ages, families and educational staff. Live events featured daily.
Summer Programs
Teen Summer Expos
For guidance on finding meaningful teen enrichment go to TeenSummerExpos.com
There you’ll find top quality summer opportunities listed by the child’s interests. There’s also a page for free or inexpensive, virtual programs that teens can do now during the school year. See virtual programs. The website is updated daily as programs add to their offerings.
SCHOLARSHIPS - Class of 2021
Scholarship season is upon us.The Counseling Department has created an ever evolving document with Scholarship information that can be accessed here.
Other scholarship resource are:
Application Period: March 1 - 21st
Link to instructional video:
The Bedford Education Association **new addition this week**
The Bedford Education Association is pleased to announce that we will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who are planning to enter the field of education.
To apply, follow this link to the BEA Scholarship Application form. Please complete the form by Tuesday, April 13, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact BEA President Mx Sunderland at presidentbedford@gmail.com
Scholarship Transcript Requests
It is the students’ responsibility to submit transcripts for scholarship applications. We are happy to print and/or email you a copy of your transcript.
If you need an “official transcript” we will give it to you in a sealed official envelope.
You can request your transcript(s) directly with Mrs. Tobe, or send her an email at: Meredith_Tobe@Bedfordps.org
Scholarship Letters of Recommendation
Students should reach out to the staff member who wrote the recommendation, so they can either release the recommendation to the student, or send it in on their behalf.
Financial Aid Sites and Tips
FAFSA - Federal form required by all schools when applying for Financial Aid
CSS Profile - Private form that only some schools require
MEFA - Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, free financial aid resource
Informative Articles:
Appealing Your Financial Aid Offer During COVID19 (From MEFA)
https://www.mefa.org/blog/appealing-your-financial-aid-offer-during-covid-19
Early Decision and Financial Aid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B35TR0D49QM&feature=emb_title
CSS Profile
https://ineedfinancialaid.com/video-2020-2021-css-profiles/
Net Price Calculators - What are they and are they accurate?
https://ineedfinancialaid.com/net-price-calculator-what-are-they-and-are-they-accurate/
Source: The College Funding Service (please know this is not an endorsement of this fee-based organization, just simple and helpful videos we've found).
The Annual BHS Poetry Slam! Hosted by Jamele Adams
Thursday, April 15th
6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom
Hello BHS Family,
This is an invitation to The Annual BHS Poetry Slam! This will be our 12th annual spoken word community celebration and Jamele Adams' 8th year as M.C. and GUEST POET Because this event will be virtual, it will be all open mic (no slam competition). ALL ARE WELCOME! Interested in attending or performing? Please let us know here.* No commitment! Just for planning purposes.*
Questions? Want to help out? Email Mrs. Messenger at patti_messenger@bedfordps.org
How to Help a Teen Out of a Homework Hole
The more students fall behind in the pandemic,
the less likely they are to feel that they can
catch up. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/26/well/family/teens-homework-school.html?smid=url-share
Join our Bedford Challenge Success community! Check out BHS Challenge Success on social media
Twitter: @chalsuccessbhs
Instagram: @challengesuccessbhs
Facebook: Challenge Success Bedford High School (this is a closed group)
For more information about the BHS-Challenge Success Parent’s group please contact Cynthia Vitti (cynhere@comcast.net) or Lori Alper (lorialper@gmail.com)
Documentary and BHS Community Conversation
Thursday, April 8 7:30-9pm
Join us for an upcoming community event based around the documentary I'm Not Racist... Am I? This film follows a diverse group of teens through a yearlong exploration to get at the heart of racism. Through some tense and painful moments, we see how these difficult conversations affect their relationships with friends and parents, and ultimately challenge them to look deep within themselves. By the end of their time together, we’ll see these remarkable young people develop deeper bonds, a stronger resolve and a bigger, more significant definition of racism than any of us ever imagined. Participants will receive a link to watch the documentary on their own and then will come together virtually via Zoom for an engaging conversation to unpack the film and its impact. Use this link to sign-up.
SENIOR UPDATES
The class of 2021 has initiated a fundraiser selling delicious cookie dough. This fund raiser will help support Senior events tentatively scheduled- Kimball’s Farm Cookout, Senior Movie Night at Revolution Hall, Aerial Photo, as well as additional events still in the planning process.
Please help raise money for the Bedford Senior Class Fundraiser by clicking the picture below and enjoy some fabulous cookies! There's are 16 days left!
Class of 2021 Parents/Guardians Facebook Group:
If you are interested in helping to plan events as part of the parent/caregiver community, please reach out to the Parents/Guardians Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bhsclassof2021parents Please answer the questions when signing up; the group is restricted to parents or guardians of the BHS class of 2021. Last year, the parents were able to put together goodie bags, design t-shirts, hang a recognition banner and plan a day of celebration throughout the town.
Cap and Gown
If you still haven’t ordered your cap and gown, you can contact Jostens at 508-248-9095 and order directly with customer service.
Yearbook Ordering
The yearbook features ALL students in ALL grade levels. This is how you’ll remember your high school experience! Click here to order. Please email karen_santos@bedfordps.org with any yearbook questions.
Class of 2021 Student Advisors
Ms. Arena and Mr. Humphrey
Email: sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
Bedford SEPAC
Please join our upcoming Bedford SEPAC events. The Bedford SEPAC is a group of Bedford Parents and Guardians of Special Education students that come together to advise the school committee and school on special education issues, as well as for networking, support, and education.
Monday, March 15, 2021 at 7:30 PM
For special education parents/guardians
•Feedback for upcoming SEPAC presentation to School Committee and Superintendent
•Bedford Special Ed inclusion feedback - recreation, summer programming
•Bedford Literacy update
•Member discussion on desired future events and focus
•If not able to attend, please email bedfordmasepac@gmail.com with feedback for the school committee and superintendent presentation
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98257477015?pwd=TmxzSVZlbDJoQWhJTndaWVBKb1o1Zz09
Meeting ID: 982 5747 7015
Passcode: 543213
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Bedford SEPAC present:
•Why the IEP is Important
•Who is eligible for an IEP
•How the IEP is Developed
•Strengths and Concerns
•Vision Statements
•IEP Sections including PLEP A & B, Annual Goals and Service Delivery Grid
•Differences between Accommodations and modifications
•Response, Placement and Consent
•Procedural Safeguards and more!
Free to attendees. All welcome. Register to get zoom link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqc-urrD4pHtWFKhA6-Gah0iWFOZlDpCJb
Monday, April 12, 2021 at 7:00 PM
For special education Parents/guardians
•Updates on SEPAC presentation to School Committee and Superintendent
•Member networking and support
•Updates about ongoing literacy plans, recreation inclusion, member discussions, etc
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96103842517?pwd=YzFCejN3ZlFCVGx0WnBIcTVLdVpSQT09
Meeting ID: 961 0384 2517
Passcode: 645690
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Bedford School Committee Meeting
Annual presentation from SEPAC, check school committee agenda for time and zoom link
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Discussion with Marianne Vines, Bedford Director of Special Education
•Discipline in Special Education: What are Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, Manifestation Determination Meetings
•Update on OG training and staff
•Update on Lane language-based classroom
•MCAS discussion for special education students
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94728259825?pwd=UXJubldvdE1VWUF6SkErQ1IvSUNBQT09
Meeting ID: 947 2825 9825
Passcode: 336773
Special Education School Transition Info Meetings
Discussion/Questions with Bedford Special Education Staff on school transitions
•Davis to Lane - Date TBA
•Lane to JGMS - Date TBA
•JGMS to High School - occurred already Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Bedford SEPAC Contact Info:
•Web: bedfordsepac.com
•Email: bedfordmasepac@gmail.com
•Facebook group: Bedford MA SEPAC
International Trips 2022 Reminder
BHS is offering three trips abroad and all current freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to participate. Two trips will occur over February break and one trip will be offered in April. All include missing school Thursday and Friday prior to break beginning to add additional travel time. Space is limited and you should contact the trip coordinators as soon as possible if you would like to enroll. (Please note that final trip dates will be confirmed once the BPS calendar is released.) NEW enrollments by MARCH 25, 2021, are eligible for 100% refund if they cancel for any reason by April 30, 2021.
Sicily & Athens Culinary Adventure : February 2022
Join Ms. Arena and Mr. Berlino on a culinary tour of Sicily and Athens! The trip begins in Palermo, Sicily and includes traveling through the country experiencing culture and food; sightseeing through Agrigento, Catania; shopping in local food markets, exploring local farms, olive groves, cooking with chefs and experiencing local flavors in restaurants. We will travel overnight by ferry to Athens, Greece for more touring of local agriculture and sites and culinary experiences. Visit
explorica.com/Arena-2772 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms. Arena at sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
Galapagos Adventure: February 2022
Join Ms. Leshay, Ms. Billouin and Mr. Olson to explore the Galapagos Islands. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before flying to the Galapagos islands. The trip includes time on San Cristobal Island with snorkeling and visiting the giant tortoises before moving to Isabela Island to visit the lava tunnels and take a day hike at the Sierra Negra volcano. We'll finish our visit on Santa Cruz Island with a visit to the Darwin Research Station
before heading back to spend one last day in Quito. Visit explorica.com/Leshay-8311 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms.Leshay at sarah_leshay@bedford.org
Amazon and Andes Adventure: April 2022
Join Mr. Griffin, Mr. Caprioli and Ms. Eggers for an experience of a lifetime and we explore the Amazon forest and climb the Andes Mountains. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before traveling into the Amazon. The trip includes a visit to a local village in the Amazon, an animal rescue hospital, whitewater rafting, exploring forests, and hiking on a volcano and much more. For a complete description visit explorica.com/griffin-8227 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Michael_griffin@bedfordps.org.
Explorica is offering risk-free booking and the $200 early enrollment voucher through February 25, 2021. The risk-free booking opportunity is a great way to feel comfortable and confident about booking future travel. There is a lot of promising news about vaccines; we can see a light at the end of the tunnel!
Explorica is offering risk-free booking and the $200 early enrollment voucher through MARCH 25, 2021. The risk-free booking opportunity is a great way to feel comfortable and confident about booking future travel. There is a lot of promising news about vaccines; we can see a light at the end of the tunnel!
Risk-Free Guarantee: NEW enrollments by MARCH 25, 2021, are eligible for 100% refund if they cancel for any reason by April 30, 2021. Choose auto-payment or full-pay option at the time of enrollment to qualify. This will allow families to lock in low monthly payments and have something to look forward to in the future without concern of losing any money!
Don’t miss the March Bedford Buccaneer Mask Promotion!
We have LIMITED QUANTITIES and they are selling fast! The Masks are a nice memento for BHS seniors and perfect mask for students, athletes, performers and spectators! Adult and youth sizes (a few left) available. The masks are stylish, high quality, washable and 3-ply - perfect for the fall and winter seasons. Masks can be purchased in Adult and Youth sizes and come in Bedford blue and black. Click on the link below for the image.
March Promotion:
- Purchase 2 masks for $20
- Purchase 5 masks for $45
- Donate a mask to someone in need in the community - $5.00
- Bulk orders - please email BHSbucsparents@gmail.com.
To order, go to https://bhspa.org/order. Masks will be delivered to your home (Bedford, Hanscom or Boston or can be picked up in school by a student) within a week of placing your order at no charge! Bulk sales are available as well for a reduced price. Please email BHSBUcsparents@gmail.com to inquire about bulk sales or if you have questions.
Class of 2021 T-Shirts Order Form
Order your SENIOR class shirt here for $15! To pay with VENMO (@classof2021-humphrey). If paying with cash, exact change is required. Checks can be made payable to the Class of 2021. With the cash or check option, please place in an envelope with your full name on it. Mr. Humphrey will be collecting the payments in room D107, before first class and after last class.
Once payment is made please visit Mr. Humphrey in D107 (Music Hallway) before first class or after last class. Go Bucs! Class of 2021 T-Shirts Order Form
Youth employment permit
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
Town Offerings
FREE Virtual Parent Support Groups
Parents Supporting Parents Flyer
Parents Supporting Parents Commercial
Mental Health and Wellness Helpline - FREE for Bedford Residents
Callers from these participating communities are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database, on average, within 2 weeks of their call to INTERFACE. Each referral best meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller.
To learn more visit Interface.WilliamJames.edu or our FB page https://www.facebook.com/INTERFACEReferralService
The Bedford Food Bank at Town Center Building
Thursdays, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
We will be distributing bags from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM at 12 Mudge Way (the Yellow building), rear entrance by the CoA. If you are in need of food before 12/31 call 781-275-7727 or email bedfordfoodbank@bedforma.gov.
Due to the generosity of our many partners, donors, and volunteers, we are able to serve all residents who are in need of food assistance. If you are in need of food, even temporarily, please come to the Drive-Thru Food Band on Thursdays, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, or call 781-275-7727. No registration is required!
To learn more about this initiative, or how you can help, visit www.bedfordma.gov/BedfordFoodBank
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Please notify the nurse if anyone in your household tests positive for Covid-19. When calling the absent line, please state if your student is ill or not ill. You will get a call from the nurse if you do not state a reason.
Please notify the nurse when traveling out of the state at any time due to the travel restrictions. For details, please use the link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. You can forward documentation of your student's vaccine to: Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org
Nurse Office Fax: 781-687-6141
Thank you,
Nancy Thorsen RN
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