The Bedford Buccaneer
November 29, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, November 29 - First day of Winter sports
Monday, November 29 - Friday, December 3 - Musical auditions (Mama Mia)
Tuesday, November 30 - Last day to sign up for Teacher Conferences
Thursday, December 2 - Virtual Parent and/or Caregiver/Teacher Conferences
Friday, December 10 - Last day to submit Senior parent ad and business ad to yearbook
Tuesday, December 14 - School Council virtual meeting 2:45pm
Friday, December 24 -31 - Vacation
Tuesday, January 18 - School Council virtual meeting 2:45pm
Thursday, June 2, 2022 - Graduation at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell at 6:15pm
Bell ringing season is upon us and Red Kettle Club is looking for your help!
Bell ringing happens at Stop and Shop around the holidays and all money raised goes to help local citizens in need. We are looking for volunteers to sign up for a 2 hour slot. You can even ring with a friend! The following dates we are looking for volunteers are (12/1-12/22 from the hours either 2-4pm or 4-6pm).
Bell ringing is a great act of kindness and as a bonus it counts as community service hours. The help is much appreciated!
Please sign up for a shift below!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044BA8AE2FA0FA7-bell
As always, feel free to email us (danielle_digangi-2023@bedfordps.org or ella_buckley-2023@bedfordps.org) for any questions or concerns.
Happy Holidays,
Danielle DiGangi and Ella Buckley
Red Kettle Club Co-Presidents
Please join us on Thursday, December 2nd from 5-9PM to support the BHS/WHS Varsity Gymnastics Team!
The Flatbread Company will donate $3.50 for each large flatbread and $1.75 for each small flatbread sold during the benefit. All proceeds will help lower the cost of the facility, coaching, uniforms, and more. Thank you!
Message from the Food Service Director
Since the month of December begins Wednesday this week, I just wanted to send out a reminder to all to place lunch orders for the month. Each new month we see a drop off in meals ordered for the first few days, so I am hoping this reminder will help to get the word out. Parents if you place orders for your students this is your reminder too!
Please note the deadline to order is the day before by 7AM.
Ken Whittier
Food Service Director
BHSPA News
BHSPA Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a celebration of the spirit of giving and the positive impact each and every person can have. Every donation made to the BHSPA goes directly to our BHS community through programs, enrichment and activities. Giving Tuesday donations can be made using this link #GIVINGTUESDAY.
Recent BHSPA Funding:
- Funding of 10 new picnic tables accommodating outdoor lunches, classrooms, meetings, etc.
- Ice cream socials for each class to re-connect upon returning to in-person classes in 2021. It was the first time the classes were together as a whole in over a year!
- Teacher/Student grants to fund school projects including technology equipment for BHS NOW, funding grade specific initiatives and club requests.
- Preparation and distribution of Student Directories (this year it will include a teacher directory with email addresses!) - coming soon!
- Sponsorship of Teacher/Staff Appreciation events
- and so much more (check out BHSPA.org for more information!)
If you haven’t had an opportunity to contribute, there is still time!!! Donations are accepted all year, using our online DONATION LINK at BHSPA.ORG.
The BHSPA meets monthly over Zoom on the 4th Thursday of the month at 8am. If you are interested in attending the meeting or learning more about what the BHSPA does, please email: bhsbucsparents@gmail.com
Please join us on Thursday, December 2nd from 5-9PM to support the BHS/WHS Varsity Gymnastics Team!
COVID Safety Checks every Wednesday before school
We are continuing our weekly COVID-19 safety checks (formerly known as pooled testing) every Wednesday before school. It is a PCR test processed at the Broad Institute in Cambridge.
The sample for the test will be a nasal swab, and we will collect two swabs per person- one for the "pool" tube, and one for an individual tube. The tube with multiple samples will be tested, and in the event that there is a positive result, testing will be done on the individual samples. If there is a positive result, the individual’s parent/guardian will be notified directly.
The testers will be staff from our testing vendor (CIC) and school nurses. We are testing students in the main lobby and we will have students who are signed up come before school, from 7:20 am -7:45am.
All students are encouraged to participate. This is an important safety measure to help keep our schools safe and identify any asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, before they spread to others.
The link to sign up is here.
For more information on our COVID-19 testing please see our website here.
When calling to report that your child will be absent on the absentee line please indicate the reason why your child is out, and what their symptoms are. If you are unsure whether or not to send your child, please keep them home, and call or email the school nurse at Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org before sending them to school.
As always, thank you for doing your part in keeping our community healthy and safe!
Nancy Thorsen BSN,RN
781-275-1700 ext. 4416
Absence Line: (781)918-4561
or select #1 from the main menu of (781)275-1700
Counseling Corner
For all things Post-Secondary related, please visit the
BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website.
Virtual College Visits
You can sign up for virtual college visits through your SCOIR account, in the calendar section.
Virtual College Visits
You can sign up for virtual college visits through your SCOIR account, in the calendar section.
Monday 11/29
3pm - Brandeis University
7pm - Johnson & Wales University
Wednesday 12/2
3pm - Middlesex Community College
7pm - University of Rhode Island
Friday 12/3
12:45-1:15 - Louisiana State University
Monday 12/6
3pm - Emmanuel College
7pm - University of Oregon
Wednesday 12/8
3pm - Dean College
Thursday 12/9
11:30am-12pm - Middlesex Community College
Counseling Department Programming
Wednesday 1/19/2022 - Save the Date
Junior Parent/Caregiver Seminar will again be held via Zoom! More
information to come closer to the date
SENIORS
Students should continue to check their emails frequently, not only for verification the colleges have what the student has already submitted, and to see what else the colleges want the student to submit—and when they want it submitted. (Counselors’ Corner with Patrick O’Connor Ph.D. Nov. 11, 2021)
The counseling office will be submitting an updated transcript (to include Term 1 grades) by 11/30, to all colleges to which students have applied under Early Decision or Early Action admission plans.
Transcript requests for the next college application deadline of 12/15 is 12/1; Transcript requests for the 01/01/2022 deadline is 12/10. Get your requests in early!
Bedford High School is closed for December vacation from 12/24/2021 - 01/03/2022. Any request received during that time will be processed when school is back in session.
Google Classroom Resources: Remember there is a wealth of information in the Google Classroom for the Class of 2022 right now! We encourage you to look back at the posts. For example, there are several videos that will assist you with SCOIR (i.e. How to request your transcript in SCOIR)
Financial Aid:
How To Check Your FAFSA Status
Forbes – November 16, 2021: Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your biggest ticket to college financial aid. After you submit it, keep tabs by checking the status of your application. Here’s how
Scholarship Opening for Military Families
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation awards need-based scholarships to the children of Marines attending accredited colleges, community colleges, and career technical education programs. The scholarship application for the 2022-23 academic year opens on January 1, 2022, and will close on March 1, 2022. For more information on eligibility or to apply, visit mcsf.org/apply. Email Scholarship@mcsf.org with questions, or call 866-496-5462.
Juniors
PSAT/NMSQT Scores: Students and their parents/caregivers can access student scores online on December 6 (The College Board will send an email on this date). Students are encouraged to create a College Board account in advance.
Scheduling an Appointment with your School Counselor
Our School Counselors are available to students throughout the school day. They can schedule appointments at the following links:
Mr. Alan Chang Mr. Brian DeChellis
Job Board
Looking for a job? Check out the job board behind Mrs. Tobe’s desk in the Counseling Suite
Career Pathways Program at Bedford High School
Bedford High School is partnering with the local business community to expose our students to a variety of career paths. Students become motivated and self-directed when they discover a potential career field of interest. Hands-on exposure and information to careers help students make informed post high school plans.
There are three aspects to our Career Pathways and Planning Program:
Career Speakers: We host two Career Speakers per month. They will be held via ZOOM during the student's Flex Block Period (10:22am-11:30am). Interested students sign up ahead of time. Sessions are approximately 40 minutes in length. Topics our speakers cover include, but are not limited to: a day in the life, the personal journey (what was your path like), necessary education, advice for high school students, what you enjoy most, and then questions.
- Job Shadow Program: Provide students with a half-day immersive experience on a job site, allowing students to observe, interact, and learn from experts in the field. Students can be placed individually or in small groups depending on the business/occupation. Prior to being placed students take a Career Aptitude Test to help them determine a particular area of interest. The Job Shadow Program would happen once a year for our sophomore class in early spring.
- Internships: Would only be offered to seniors who have a demonstrated interest in a particular field. The internships would provide real world experience and responsibility, students must complete an interview with the participating company. Students would be placed based on company approval. Internships can occur during or after the school day. (More information to follow on our Internship Program).
If you would like to participate in our Career Program, please complete the following GOOGLE form or contact Brian DeChellis at 781 275-1700 ext. 4414 or brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org
Google Form Link:
Learn how Challenge Success made an impact on this student’s high school experience
Strive for progress not perfection
More often than not, we get tied down by the idea of perfection that prevents us from making progress. This year, from this moment right now, let’s make a vow of not striving for being perfect but always moving forward with purpose.
This past year has shown us our incredible power to imagine, adapt and survive. I am not just talking about the adults; the way children and young adults have adjusted is quite remarkable. The past year was not perfect, but we have endured the imperfect times.
So how can we apply this mindset for all times to come? The following are a few ways to practice this everyday.
Read more HERE.
A Healthier Approach to College Admissions
DEC 14th at 4pm PT | 7pm ET
What is “fit” and why does it matter?
Are students who attend higher-ranked colleges better off later in life?
What do college rankings really measure?
In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to help reduce pressure around the college admissions process and ways to support students' well-being and readiness for life in college and beyond. With the pandemic inserting more uncertainty into this process, we will include a Q&A at the end to answer some of your most pressing questions. $10 per person.
Appropriate for parents, students, college counselors, and educators.
______________________________________________________________
Join our Bedford Challenge Success community on social media!
Twitter: @chalsuccessbhs
Instagram: @challengesuccessbhs
Facebook: Challenge Success Bedford High School (this is a closed group)
For more information about BHS-Challenge Success please contact Cynthia Vitti (cynhere@comcast.net) or Lori Popkewitz Alper (lorialper@gmail.com)
February vacation Sicily Trip
Students who expressed an interest in the Sicily trip, please see Mrs. Arena in C105 for sign up information!
1. There is room on the Sicily trip for a few more students, please contact me asap!
2. All travelers need to be fully vaccinated.
3. Passports need to be valid through August of 2021
Sorry, the Galapagos trip is full!
Thanks!
Sandra D Arena
April Ecuador Trip Enrollment
BHS will be taking a trip to Ecuador over April break 2022. There are still a few spots left. Look over the flyer for more information and if you are interested in attending. Please let Mr Griffin know to get enrolled. There is a limited number that we can accept.
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
All parents & guardians of Bedford special education welcome!
Web: bedfordsepac.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
2021/2022 SEPAC Monthly Meeting dates
December 16
January 20 (guest Marianne Vines)
February 17
March 24
April 28
May 19 (guest Marianne Vines)
June 9
Meetings begin at 7 PM
*Location and/or Zoom to be shared 2 weeks prior to meetings on SEPAC Facebook and webpage
Senior Dates and Deadlines
December 10th- Business Ads- Anyone with 2 business ads gets a free yearbook.
December 10th- Parent Ads. The 2021-2022 forms will be sent to the parents.
January 21- Yearbook orders. The cost is $85.00. You may place your order here
Please make checks out to BHS 2021/2022 yearbook.
After January 21 the cost will be $100.00
Important Information for the Class of 2022
Please help us to have a successful yearbook by getting an early start.
Send all pictures that you would like to be considered for the yearbook to www.hjeshare.com. Enter the school code: Bedford (capital B). Please identify who the students are in the pictures. Please use full names not nicknames when you submit your baby picture. Please only submit one baby picture. If you do not identify your baby picture you run the risk of not being in the yearbook.
The official photographer for the senior portraits is Mark Lawrence Photographers. Their phone number is 603-882-0116. Please contact them for an appointment. If you have any questions in regards to any of the information. Please contact Mrs. Santos. Her email is karen_santos@bedfordps.org
If you decide to take your own pictures. Please be aware of the size. It must be 2.5 X 3 with a DPI of 300. Yearbook staff will contact you if your picture does not follow these guidelines.
If you have any questions in regards to any of the information. Please contact Mrs. Santos. at karen_santos@bedfordps.org
Past Due Dates
October 22nd- Senior Portraits-Please contact Mark Lawrence Photography @603-882-0116 to make your appointment.
October 8th- Senior Class Photo
The senior class photo will be taken on the football field. The picture will take place during flex block that day. (10:22-11:32) It will not take the whole time. Seniors please listen for the announcement on that day. Let Mrs Santos know if you have any questions.
October 8th- Individual baby pictures/Elementary photos. Please make sure when you upload your baby picture to include your name, first and last. If there is no name you run the risk of not being in the yearbook. Send to: www.hjeshare.com
Enter the code: Bedford(capital letter “B”)
October 8th- “Senior Thanks” (limit of 175 words) Please note: Text slang and most abbreviations are not acceptable. Drug or alcohol references are not acceptable. Send your “senior thanks” in a word document to: bhs2022yearbook@gmail.com
Graduation is Thursday, June 2, 2022
Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
6:15pm
There are no tickets for the event as there is ample seating for all friends and family members. Mark your calendars. It will be here sooner than you think!
Senior Opportunity
Need a student parking sticker?
Bus Transportation
The busses line up, starting at the flagpole across from the softball field and looping all the way around the front of the high school to the front door of the main office.
The pick up order begins with the METCO bus, #33, then the base buses, #21, #23 and #24, respectively, and finally the local Bedford buses, #1-16.
Late busses run on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and pick up at the front of the school by the Cafeteria doors. Late busses depart at 4:05pm.
Boston METCO Families can register through the METCO office.
BHS families can find all bus routes and stops posted online.
Lunch
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 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? Please stop by the student office and look for the student drop off area sign. (Parents/Guardians, please label item your dropping with name) Please note; we do not interrupt classes for drop offs. Please stop by between classes to check for your item.
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
Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)
Get a parking sticker? You will not need a sticker until the end of September. Please fill out the Google Form here and your Assistant Principal will deliver it to your lunch or Advisory. There is no fee for parking at Bedford High School.
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