The Bedford Buccaneer
October 10, 2023
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, October 27th-Homecoming Dance-7:00-9:30pm-BHS Gym
Monday, November 6th-Make Up Picture Day during FLEX
Tuesday, November 7th-No School-Staff Professional Day
Friday, November 10th-No School-Veteran's Day (Observed)
Wednesday, November 22nd-Early release-11:15am
Thursday, November 23-24th-No School-Thanksgiving Vacation
Thursday, November 30th-BHS Conferences-4:00-8:00pm
Monday, December 25th-Monday, January 1st-No School-Vacation
Monday, January 15th-No School-Martin Luther King Day
Monday, February 19th-Friday, February 23rd-No School-Winter Vacation
Friday, March 15th-No School-Staff Professional Day
Tuesday, March 26th-Wednesday, March 27th-Delayed Opening-ELA MCAS
Monday, April 15th-Friday, April 19th-No School-Spring Vacation
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
Dear BHS Community,
I am sure most of you are aware of the unfolding events happening in Gaza and Israel. It can be challenging to process this international crisis. The media coverage has included graphic images, heartbreaking stories, and continuous updates that detail the loss of innocent lives and devastation. Many of our community members are personally affected and this is a scary and uncertain time for their families and friends.
Our hearts and thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by these tragic events.
This conflict is complex and one that may not be remedied soon. Bedford High School prepares students to grow and to act in a well-informed, creative, ethical and compassionate manner. It is important to offer support and emotional safety to our students and to one another during these trying times. Providing students with an opportunity to validate their feelings and share their concerns and worries is important to our faculty and staff.
Therefore, we have the following sources of support for students available:
During flex block tomorrow, there will be a Jewish Student Union meeting in the room off the Back Cafeteria. Charles Alperin, a trained clinician, leads the group. He will be joined by Jenny Valleau, another trained clinician on staff at Bedford High School.
All counselors will be available in the counseling suite during flex block, and students may also visit through the day and week/weeks as needed.
There is an advisory period every Wednesday at BHS. Advisor teachers will check in with students during this time and let our students know about available counseling services should they require additional support.
As with any trauma, some students who may be impacted may not be bringing their whole selves to class. We are aware of and are sensitive to this. If you think that your child is struggling and in need of support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s counselor. We also have adjustment counselors available to help.
Dan, Tom and I are available to students and to you if you have questions and/or concerns. Thank you for your partnership during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Heather Galante
Principal
Class of 2024-Pies,cookie dough and more
https://my.mcmfundraising.com/2023-fall-bedford-high-school/jillian-butler/
STUDENT information
11th and 12th grade students
Be part of the BHS Science Bowl team. We will compete in a regional meet on a weekend in late February or early March (date is still TBD), and the competition will consist of several rounds of math and science questions, trivia style. To prepare for the competition, we will hold practices after school from late October until the date of the competition in late February or early March.
If you are interested in participating on the team, please complete the short application linked below by the end of the school day on Monday, October 16.
Application link: https://forms.gle/iknCco4rUBc7KvFp7
Reach out to Ms. Heldman with any questions.
Year of Graduation Counseling Google Classroom
Click on the appropriate link
Class of 2024
https://classroom.google.com/c/MTQwODYyOTg1Mzky?cjc=hypbgcu
Class of 2025
https://classroom.google.com/c/Mzc3NjcxMzA2MTY1?cjc=hnbmwsp
Class of 2026
https://classroom.google.com/c/NTMzMjE1NDIxNjkw?cjc=rdxc3gx
BHS Melonball Tournament
We are excited to announce that we are putting on the first ever BHS Melonball Tournament! For those of you unfamiliar; Melonball is a tennis/ volleyball/ pickleball hybrid game played on the tennis courts that took BHS by storm last year.
The tournament will be held after school on Wednesday, October 11 from 1-3 PM at the BHS tennis courts. There will be 4 players at a time permitted on the court per team, with a maximum of 6 players on the roster. It is $75/ team to enter the tournament- the winning team will receive $250! Fun (and appropriate) uniforms are encouraged, and the team with the best uniform will receive their $100 back. The tournament is open to all BHS students.
To sign up please fill out the ATTACHED GOOGLE FORM . You will not be officially registered until we receive payment for your team. Payment can be made in cash or check (to BHS Class of 2026) to Ms. Duffy or Mr. McLaughin, or venmo’d to @Bucs_2026.
We look forward to seeing you on the court!
The Class of 2026, Ms. Duffy & Mr. McLaughlin
AMC 10/12 Math Exam:
The AMC 10/12 B math exam will be given after school on Tuesday, November 14th in the BHS library. The test will begin immediately after school. More information about the exam can be found at https://www.maa.org/math-competitions/amc-1012. Please sign up using this form by Friday, October 13th. If you have any questions, email patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org. Thank you. Mr. Morrissey
Homecoming Dance
Hello!
The Class of 2024 would like to announce the official information for the 2023 Homecoming Dance!
When: Friday, October 27th
Time: 7-9:30 pm
Where: Bedford High School Gym
Tickets: $15
FAQs Answered:
- No heeled shoes are allowed in the gym.
- You must have your Bedford High School Parent/Guardian & Student Sign off Agreement Form signed BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN email to purchase a ticket. Student emails will not be accepted. If you are not sure if your parent/guardian already completed it please come check with Mrs. LP In the main office.
- Tickets will be sold at lunches the week leading up to and of the event.
- There will be a DJ.
Extracurricular Club-Student Meetings
S.A.D.D.-Students against destructive decisions
Thursday Oct 12- 2:30-3:30 in room D107A.
Please reach out to Mr. Humphrey-charles_humphrey@bedfordps.org
Ping Pong Club
If you're interested in joining a super competitive club, keep looking. If you're interested in joining a very chill club that meets once a week or every other week to play ping-pong and hang out in the cafeteria, please complete this Google Form
Horticulture Club
We plan on having meetings every Tuesday, 2:30-3:15 in H107. Please sign up using this google form.
Please email Harrison Sachs at harrison_sachs-2024@bedfordps.org or Ms. Billouin at beth_billouin@bedfordps.org if you have any questions.
Environmental Club
If you missed us at the activities fair and would like to sign up to be part of the Environmental Club this year, please use this link to join
Join the 2023-24 Environmental Club
Yearbook Club
If you missed us at the activities fair and would like to sign up to be part of the YEARBOOK this year, please use this link to join
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.
Governor Healey's Youth Advisory Council
Comprised of young people from each county in Massachusetts, the Youth Advisory Council will make recommendations to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll on issues facing youth of the Commonwealth, such as civic engagement, education, the environment, housing, and youth violence.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old before the end of the calendar year to apply. Members will serve a term of two years, or until the end of the calendar year during which they turn 21 years old. The council will meet no fewer than four times per year.
Applications are due by 11:59 PM on October 14, 2023. Questions about the Youth Advisory Council or the application process may be directed at Deputy Director of Community Affairs Jordan Chrispin at jordan.chrispin@mass.gov or Program Assistant Sage Scott at sage.a.scott@mass.gov.
Virtual Portfolio Prep Workshop: Tips for Submitting an Online Portfolio
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023 // 6:00–7:00PM
Kutztown University College of Visual and Performing Arts invites high school students, and community college students to attend our Portfolio Prep Workshop. This free, virtual learning event will cover topics such as the required number of pieces, what type of media to include, how to craft descriptions about your work, and more. There will be an informal Q&A time at the end with two of the Portfolio Committee members.
Sign-up is FREE
Who should attend:
- Sophomore, junior or senior high school students who have an interest in the visual arts as a career path
- Community college students who have an interest in the visual arts as a career path
- Art teachers are also welcome!
Questions:
Please contact the Kutztown University College of Visual and Performing Arts at 610-683-4500, or kutztownvpa@kutztown.edu
Take and submit your senior portrait. Please submit your photo to HJeShare.com using the school code "Bedford". IMPORTANT: When uploading your portrait, please select the “Portrait” option as you upload in order to link your senior's name to the image.
Deadline: October 27, 2023
Submit your family congratulatory ad for the yearbook! You can design, purchase, and submit your ad at YearbookOrderCenter.com using the school code 13423. Choose the option that says “Start Your Ad.”
Deadline: October 27, 2023
Deadline: October 27, 2023
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 Information
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
Football Ticket Prices
$5-Students and Seniors
$7-General admission
AP EXAMS
As of September 29th at 4:00pm, students are now able to register and pay for AP exams through Total Registration. Students will be able to register and pay for their exams without a late fee ($40.00) until the evening of Tuesday, October 31st, 2023. This year, the cost per exam is $105.00.
Steps to Completing Registration:
Students should FIRST ensure they are registered with their class Join Codes in myAP. Please see your teacher for your specific class section Join Codes. Join Codes should not be shared between students as they are specific to each class section. Please visit https://myap.collegeboard.org/ to register with your class Join Code if you have not already.
AFTER you have registered in myAP, payments will be processed with Total Registration (www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220112). Please be sure to register for your class specific section. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete. If you or your student qualifies for financial assistance, please mark ‘yes’ when asked during the registration process.
Student ID numbers are now required in order to complete the steps in Total Registration. This number can be found in the student’s Aspen account under the “My Info” tab. The required ID number is labeled as “Local Identifier” followed by a number beginning with 5050…. Students will not be able to pay for their exams without this Student ID number.
Self Study Exams:
Bedford High School does not offer Self Study Exams coinciding with classes offered as part of the BHS Program of Studies. Students may still register for Self Study Exams not offered as a class at Bedford High School. If you or your student is interested in taking one of these exams, you are encouraged to reach out to the surrounding school districts to see if they offer testing to out-of-district students; no contact lists can be provided.
If you are interested in taking a Self Study Exam, first complete this form (Self Study Registration Form 2024) BEFORE you will be able to pay for your exam in Total Registration. This form must be completed before October 31th, 2023, at which time the form will stop receiving responses. This form may only be completed by students (i.e. not parents/caregivers), and students will be emailed the next steps of the Self Study registration process by one of the coordinators.
Please note Self Study exams will NOT show up on student transcripts or impact GPAs as the subject has not been formally instructed by a teacher at BHS. Colleges will know a Self Study exam has been taken if and when the student sends the final AP score directly to the college through the College Board website. BHS does not send any AP Scores to colleges regardless of whether or not a student has Self Studied. It is strongly recommended that students have a conversation with their parents about whether or not self-studying an exam makes sense for the student’s school/life balance. The AP Coordinators encourage students to review the AP Score usage policies to see if AP credits are accepted.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to AP Coordinators, Jennifer Funk (jennifer_funk@bedfordps.org) and Samantha Thyne (samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org).
CHALLENGE sUCCESS
To view the webinar on Balancing Sleep and Screens please click here.
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
INFORMATION OPT OUT
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.
Safety/Drop Off/Parking
We will continue to keep all external doors locked this year. Cars may not be idle or parked directly in front of the main entrance as it needs to be cleared for emergency vehicles and for busses. Please know that you are subject to ticketing by the Bedford Police Department if you park in the restricted lane.
Students with vehicles should park in designated student parking spots and need to have a valid BHS parking sticker by October 1. The Parking Sticker application may be found here.
If you are dropping off your student, please do so at the front of the building in the student lot or at the side near the public library. Do not enter the bus loop at the front of the school as it causes safety issues for students unloading.
YEARBOOK Information
Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. WATCH FOR A FLASH SALE ($25 off) the first week of school! 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
BHSPA NEWS
Important Information for BHS Caregivers from the BHSPA (Bedford High School Parents Association)
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year. We are excited to announce that the BHSPA will be using Membership Tool Kit (MTK) this year. The BEST/PTO successfully launched use of MTK last year, so families with younger students may already be familiar with the name.
The Bedford High School Parents Association (BHSPA) and the Middle School Parents Association (MSPA) are coming together to provide a one-stop information center for caregivers of both Bedford High School (BHS) and John Glenn Middle School (JGMS) students. Caregivers will be able to stay in-the-know with school-specific communications, a combined JGMS & BHS Student Directory (later in the fall), and much more.
We are asking all caregivers to please register at our new site: https://www.bedfordpco.org, where you will be prompted to login and then create an account. If you already have a Membership Toolkit account login with another organization, you can use the same log-in on our site.
Register Today!
- Go to: https://www.bedfordpco.org/
- Click the Register/Login button.
- If you already have an account with another organization that uses Membership Toolkit you can use the same email and password to login. Then proceed to steps 7 & 8 below. If not,
- If you do not have an account with another organization that uses Membership Toolkit, select "Create Account" and fill in the name, email, and password information.
- Click "verify my email" and then check your email for a link to complete the process. The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive the email, check your spam or junk folders.
- Once you have verified your email address, log back in and finish the registration process.
- Complete the Parent/Family and Student Information.; once done, click the "Save" button.
- Complete the Directory/Publish Preferences; once done, click the "Save" button.
Once the Primary Account is set up, the Primary User can add other email addresses to their account, which will allow a Secondary User to have their own login information, with access to the family account.
Please note that our site is active, but under construction. While under construction, both parent associations' websites will continue to be up and running separately.
Questions? - Please don't hesitate to contact us at bhsbucsparents@gmail.com.
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
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 781-275-1700) 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