The Bedford Buccaneer
May 17, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, May 18 & Thursday, May 20 - MCAS Grade 10 ELA
Wednesday, May 19 - Senior Awards Night 7:00PM Bedford TV
Thursday, May 20 - Senior Movie Night: Revolution Hall, Lexington 7:15-10:30pm.
Friday, May 21 - Last Day of School for Seniors
Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22 - Les Misérables at 7pm (streaming online)
Saturday, May 22 - Senior Barbecue at Kimball Farms Westford 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday, May 25 & Thursday, May 27 - MCAS Grade 10 Math
Tuesday, June 1 & Thursday, June 3 - MCAS Grade 9 Science
Wednesday, June 2 - Class of 2021 Graduation Rehearsal 8:30-11:00am
Wednesday, June 2 - Last day to purchase Class of 2021 Senior Send Off Ticket
Friday, June 4 - Class of 2021 Graduation 6:30pm BHS Turf
Saturday, June 5 - Class of 2021 Graduation 6:30pm Rain date BHS Turf
Monday, June 7 - Senior Send-Off Celebration 6:30pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, June 16 - Last day of classes for underclassmen
Thursday & Friday, June 17 & 18 - Make-up days for work, assessments, projects, etc.
Friday, June 18 - Last Day of School early dismissal at 11:05
2020-2021 District Calendar Revised March 9, 2021
Dear BHS Students/Families:
As a reminder, families are responsible for returning their iPads, cases, and chargers in satisfactory working condition to BHS at the end of their enrollment period. The times are:
Friday May 21 In-person iPad collection for seniors. Return items to the main lobby between 8a - 2p.
Tuesday May 25 Remote students return items during the drive-thru return between 8a - 2p.
Friday May 28 Families will receive notice of any applicable iPad repair/replacement fees by the afternoon.
Thursday June 3 Outstanding balances must be paid before a graduation cap and gown can be issued.
Graduates need to keep the following in mind:
Student email accounts expire June 30.
Access to Google Drive, etc. expires June 30.
Access to Aspen expires June 30.
If you haven’t yet created a personal email address, now is a good time to do so. Plan ahead. Do not use your Bedford email address for correspondence that will continue after graduation.
Creating Archives
NOTES:
Storage. Your Bedford Google Drive account has unlimited storage space. Personal accounts have limited free storage space. You may need to do some cleanup before transferring files.
Shared files. Any files shared with you in Google Drive will not transfer because you are not the owner. You will need to download those files/folders to your computer.
Ownership. If you created any files and shared them with others, consider transferring ownership of those files. Anyone you shared them with will lose access when your account expires.
Time. Transferring files or exporting files with Google Takeout can take up to a week to complete.
Transferring Files
Transferring files from your Bedford account to a personal Gmail account only takes a few steps. If you don’t have a personal Gmail account, create one. Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. will not accept transfers from Google Drive.
Directions can be found online: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6386856
Download Data with Google Takeout
Google Takeout creates a .zip file export that can be downloaded to your computer. It may export multiple files based on the amount of data that you select to be copied.
Directions can be found online: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3024190
BHS presents Les Misérables: School Edition
Streaming on May 21st and 22nd at 7pm. For tickets, visit www.bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/tickets
We are very excited to show you what we have been working on since January!!! You won't want to miss this infamous musical performed in a way that BHS Theater has never done before!!
Sponsor a gift bag for a student and fight world hunger at the same time!
This month Bedford Patrons for Music Students (POMS) is delighted to introduce a fundraising opportunity for the BHS musical to support the students, POMS, and Action Against Hunger.
In normal years, POMS sells well wishes in the lobby during the musical, so audience members can give a small token of appreciation to their favorite cast, crew, or pit member. This year, POMS is coordinating gift bag deliveries for each of the 71 student participants — and your donation makes it possible!
Each gift bag will include several custom items chosen especially to commemorate this year's show, and will be delivered to each student on Opening Night, May 21. (Pictures and details to follow after delivery, so we can keep the contents a surprise!) All donors will be listed on a card to accompany each bag, so your student will see your support.
In addition, the students and staff have chosen to support the charity Action Against Hunger. LES MISERABLES reflects the devastating consequences of hunger in early 1800s France, and hunger continues to affect so many families today, including here in Bedford. A portion of every donation will be sent to Action Against Hunger.
Please support our students, POMS, and Action Against Hunger by becoming a sponsor! You can choose from five different giving levels, from $15 to $100, when you donate online at https://www.bedfordpoms.org/les-miserables-bhs-2021/.
A slight change to the delivery of meals for students went into effect on May 10, 2021.
Meals are placed on tables in the cafeteria lobby for all students to pick up regardless of locations they are assigned for lunches. Students meals will be available at the start of lunch. This means students will go down to the cafeteria at the start of assigned lunch, pick up a meal from the tables, and report to an assigned location.
This change will allow the kitchen to deliver meals separately for three lunches which will keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Thanks so much for your continued support!
Ken Whittier
Food Service Director
AP Exam Update
Attention AP Students and Caregivers: The schedule for this spring's exams is included here, with almost all exams being held in June. All exams will be administered digitally at the student's home, with the exception of World Language (Chinese, Japanese, Spanish) and Music Theory exams. Please see the letter to AP students/caregivers for further details.
Kristen Milano, Ed.M, CAS
School Counselor, AP Coordinator
Testing Update
The number of BHS students who have received 1 or 2 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine:
10th graders 74 out of 208 students have received their vaccine which is 35%
11th graders 135 out of 228 students have received their vaccine which is 60%
12th graders 100 out of 185 students have received their vaccine which is 54%
When a student receives their vaccines, it is entered into the Massachusetts immunization information system and our nurse software system reports the number of students who have had their vaccines. Congratulations to parents and BHS students!
If your student has signed up for the pooled testing, please remind them to bring their test kits on Thursday mornings to the nurse's office between 7:30am -7:45 am.
We will be testing each Thursday through the last week of school.
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.
Nancy Thorsen, BSN, RN
HOSA Advisor
Nurse Office Fax: 781-687-6141
Wednesday, May 19 - Senior Awards Night 7:00PM Bedford TV
Class of 2021 Senior Sendoff
Monday, June 7th from 6:30pm-9:30pm
The end of high school for our seniors is fast approaching. This class has endured an unprecedented final TWO years of high school. Given the on-going Covid-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions, the usual Prom and All Night Graduation Celebration cannot take place. A group of dedicated parents, led by the Class of 2021 Parent Committee, are working to reimagine a final celebration for the Class of 2021! bedfordang+2021@gmail.com
The event is being planned with the support of the Town of Bedford, and will adhere to all the Covid-precautions required by the State of Massachusetts.
Get your tickets here:https://forms.gle/Y7NPEZKBhVQXKhwc9.
Do it today!
Ticket sales end on Wednesday, June 2nd
For updates follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedfordANG
Instagram: BedfordAllNightGrad
Twitter: @BedfordANG
Thank you for your continued support of our seniors!
There are 3 ways to make a financial donation:
- PayPal - tinyurl.com/SeniorSendOff2021-PayPal
- Venmo - www.venmo.com/BHS-AllNightGrad (@BHS-AllNightGrad)
- Checks can be mailed to: BHS Class of 2021 Senior Send-Off Celebration(Please write Class of 2021 Senior Send-Off in memo line) Checks - made payable to: Bedford High School All Night Graduation Celebration, P.O. Box 175, Bedford, MA 01730
If you would like to order graduation photographs please click here. If you have any questions about ordering photos please contact https://www.barksdalephoto.com/ or call 1-800-220-7667
Coming soon!
Thursday, May 20, 2021
7:15-10:30pm.
Students will watch a movie as a class with food options and glow sticks. There will be a Class of 2021 tribute video shown prior to the feature.
TWO TICKET OPTIONS-
$5 per person for admissions only
$15 per person for admissions, popcorn and a drink
Movie will start at 8:00pm (please arrive no earlier than 7:00pm to secure a great spot )
Additionally you can pre-order food by ordering ahead and selecting a time of pick up on the date of the event via: https://www.craftfoodhalls.com/revolution-hall-lexington
**Food orders will need to be placed no later than May 6th and must be picked-up no later than 8:00pm the night of the event.
Order your tickets at the first link and then add your name and ticket information to the second link (google sheet) below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bedford-high-school-drive-in-tickets-148382440875
Senior Movie Night May 20, 7:30pm - Google Sheets
If you have questions please contact your Class Officers, Ms. Arena or Charlie Humphrey.
Due to Covid restrictions and safety protocol, this is a BHS student only event.
Great American Senior BBQ
Seniors, after spending an evening of fun during movie night, join your fellow students at Kimball Farms, 400 Littleton Road, Westford - ON SATURDAY MAY 22 FROM 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tickets are $10- (normally $65)- You can stop by Room D107 and pay with cash or venmo @classof2021-Humphrey
ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE UNLIMITED USE OF THE FOLLOWING:
▪ Two Adventure Style 18-hole Mini Golf Courses
▪ Driving Range & 9-Hole Pitch & Putt Golf Course
▪ New England’s Largest Spin Zone Bumper Cars
▪ 6,000 sq. ft. Bumper Boat Pond
▪ Sand Volleyball
In addition, each guest will receive:
▪ (2) tokens for the Grand Slam Batting Cages
▪ 50% off Soaring Eagle Zip Line Ride (purchase at Batting Cages)
▪ 50% off PRE-ORDERED Arcade Game Cards
▪ 10% off regularly priced merchandise in our Westford Country Store on the day of your event
Includes Unlimited:
▪ Grilled Chicken (Buffalo, Cajun, Teriyaki or BBQ)
▪ Top Sirloin Burgers & Cheeseburgers
▪ Veggie Burgers
▪ ¼ lb. All Beef Hot Dogs
▪ Grilled Marinated Veggie Skewers
▪ Red Bliss Potato Salad
▪ Corn on the Cob & Watermelon
▪ Soft Drinks, water and iced tea within the tent
▪ Kimball's Legendary Ice Cream Buffet
Kimball Farm link- https://kimballfarm.com/location/westford/
Class of 2021 merchandise
Bedford High School Bedford, MA Products - Graduation Products from Jostens
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.
Yearbook Ordering
The yearbook features ALL students in ALL grade levels. This is how you’ll remember your high school experience! Please email karen_santos@bedfordps.org with any yearbook questions.
Cap and Gown
Please email or see your Senior Advisors.
Class of 2021 Student Advisors
Ms. Arena and Mr. Humphrey
Email: sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
Congratulations to our Seniors, Tajah M. and James B. were chosen to be recipients of the Kevin J Fitzgerald $2,500 scholarship through the Cambridge Savings Bank. Congratulations to you both on this amazing opportunity!
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
MCAS Update
As you might have heard, the Commissioner has made some adjustments and is going to be recommending the elimination of the MCAS competency determination (CD) for 11th graders in ELA and Math. To reflect that, here is the updated MCAS schedule. Thanks for your continued flexibility and we will continue to keep you posted as more information becomes available.
BHSPA Update
Need a mask refresh for 5 day learning?
We have LIMITED QUANTITIES of Bedford Buccaneer masks. It’s the perfect mask for students, teachers, athletes, performers and spectators! Adult and youth sizes (a few left) available.
Spring 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.
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.
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.
Despite all of the challenges families and schools have endured over the last year, we know there's been important 'learning gains' and shifts in behavior and approach that are worth holding on to as we move forward. What will you continue to do post-pandemic that you started during the pandemic? This compilation of stories (see link below) from the Washington Post addresses a range of actions such as reading more together, giving oneself more grace as a parent, and reducing academic pressure on our kids.
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 the BHS-Challenge Success Parent’s group please contact Cynthia Vitti (cynhere@comcast.net) or Lori Alper (lorialper@gmail.com)
Counseling Corner
For all things Post-Secondary related, please visit the
BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website.
Follow us on Twitter
Are you looking for a fun way to get community service hours this summer while helping to grow healthy food for hunger relief? Join Gaining Ground's High School Farm Team! We're looking for high school students to join us from mid-June through August—as both team members and team leaders. If you'd like to learn more, email volunteer@gainingground.org. We'd love to have you join us!
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.
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
Parents Diversity Council - Spring Book Discussion
The Bedford Parents Diversity Council is hosting a spring book discussion group - for BHS students, families, and faculty. This will be their last book series of the 2020 - 2021 school year. The PDC provides all of us with an opportunity to continue to dive deeply into American History and look at our history from different lenses. They will be discussing the book: A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America , by Ronald Takaki and adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. Readers will meet over 3 sessions in April and May on: April 28th at 7 PM, May 12th, at 7 PM and May 26th, at 7 PM. (Participants are not required to attend every meeting.) Discounted copies of the book are available to purchase for $14.60, or free through library download. To RSVP and/or purchase a book, email pdcbedford@gmail.com. The Zoom link will be sent after registration.
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
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
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.
Bedford High School
Bedford High School Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:45am - 2:11pm
Wednesday 7:45 am - 12:48 pm
9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561
Fax: 781-275-6664