The Bedford Buccaneer
December 7, 2020
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, December 7 - Junior Parent Night with the Director of Admissions 6:30pm
Wednesday, December 9 - Transcript Request Deadline (January 1-5 submission deadlines)
Wednesday, December 9 - Bedford SEPAC Meeting 7:00 PM (Zoom)
Friday, December 11- Last day to sign up for the February 4th AMC 10/12 math exam
Monday, December 14 - Winter Sports season begins
Thursday, December 24-31 Vacation
Friday, January 1 - New Year's Day (No School)
Monday, January 4 - School Back in Session
January 30 - April 9, 2021 - Term 3
April 10 - June 16, 2021 - Term 4
Hello BHS Community,
Winter is finally here and just in time to bring 2020 to a close. I know that this has been an unpredictable year that many are eager to bid adieu. However, I am heartened by the support our faculty and staff have received from the community during this challenging time. Our faculty and staff continue to work hard teaching, supporting and caring for students. I am not surprised by their effort and dedication and feel so fortunate to work with such talented educators. Please remind your child to sign up to write a letter for our faculty/staff gratitude campaign. Letters are due to Mr. Mangan in the Athletic Office by December 15. Letters can also be emailed to Mr. Mangan at keith_mangan@bedfordps.org. Information about this has been included in the past few Monday Memos sent to students.
We know that the holidays can bring about various emotions and, this year, many are also experiencing financial hardship. At Bedford High School, we are moving forward with Operation Holiday. We are collecting money for gift cards from our faculty and staff to send to BHS families in need. If you are one of those families that could benefit from some added support, please email or call our Administrative Assistant, Brenda Sweetland at brenda_sweetland@bedfordps.org. We will keep all requests confidential and the identity of families will not be revealed to our faculty. Please do email Ms. Sweetland if you are in need.
Additionally, we have scheduled a virtual meeting open to all parents and caregivers for Monday, December 21 @ 6:30PM. The main office team will review a summary of the reopening survey results and share information about the school year thus far and our hopes for 2021. Please join us if you are able to. As always, slides will be shared if you are unable to attend. I know that parent/caregiver conferences just took place. However, please do reach out to a teacher if you have concerns or additional questions about supporting your child(ren). Remember that your child’s guidance counselor is a good person to contact if you are unsure of where to start.
Lastly, our School Committee approved additional members (moderate needs) from Cohort C returning to school for a four day week. If your child receives service through an Individualized Education Plan, you will receive information from our Special Education Program Administrator, Michelle DellaValle. The transition to a four day in-person week will not officially happen until after the new year. However, information about the process will be shared soon. Take care and stay healthy. Best wishes for all in 2021!
Sincerely,
Heather Galante
Principal
Dear Students and Families,
Beginning December 1, 2020, the School Lunch Program added a breakfast option to our food program. A breakfast meal will be available in most schools as two options: a Five Day Breakfast Bag or a daily ‘Grab and Go’ bag. The Five Day Breakfast Bag will be listed on a new menu located on our website (www.bedfordpsmanutrition.org) under the Menu tab. The daily ‘Grab and Go’ option will be available at John Glenn Middle School, Bedford High School and Lane Elementary. Davis student families are encouraged to order the Five Day Breakfast Bag on our website. The online breakfast menu will be the same menu for all schools. You will not see a separate menu for Elementary, Middle or High School as you do for our lunch menus. The Five Day Breakfast Bag menu on our website will include a 5 breakfast, which meet the USDA meal pattern for breakfast, namely a milk, a grain and a fruit selection. Our kitchens will prepare each breakfast according to this meal pattern. The Five Day Breakfast Bag will be available on Wednesdays, and they must be ordered and picked up in a similar fashion to our Five Day Lunch Bag. This Five Day Breakfast Bag is available to any student, regardless of
specific cohort.
To order the Five Day Breakfast Bag, parents will need to log into our online ordering platform at https://onlineordering.linq.com/. When ordering the Five Day Breakfast Bag you will need to toggle to the breakfast tab to select the bag. Follow the same steps as you do when ordering a lunch. Select the bag, add it to your order, select the pickup location, (a school loading dock), then check out and you will receive your confirmation. Pick up will be Wednesdays between 12 and 1PM. The daily ‘Grab and Go’ breakfast bag will be available at Lane, John Glenn Middle and Bedford High School. The ‘Grab and Go’ option will provide students with the ability to grab a breakfast bag on the way out of school for any day during the week. For the High School and Middle School, students can find these breakfast bags outside of the cafeteria at dismissal. School staff will assist Lane School students in picking up their bag. Davis student families are encouraged to order a Five Day Breakfast Bag for Wednesday pick up. Students do NOT need to sign up for the daily breakfast bag or order it on our website. The daily bag is available to any in-school student who chooses to take a breakfast meal(s). We will have meals available to students on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at dismissal. Students may take a bag for the day or days they will be remote learning. There is no cost for breakfast. Again, the USDA pays for all meals for this entire school year. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
Sincerely,
Ken Whittier
Food Service Director
FLU VACCINE REQUIREMENT
Dear Parents,
Thank you to all parents, families, and caregivers who have already sent in the documentation that their child has received the 2020 flu vaccine.
As you know, the Flu Vaccine is required for all students in Massachusetts and must be completed and reported by December 31, 2020. It does not matter whether your child is hybrid or remote, the requirement is for all students. The Massachusetts guidance around the vaccine requirement can be found here.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. You can forward me documentation of your student's vaccine to my email: Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org
fax: 781-687-6141
Thank you,
Nancy Thorsen RN
The impact of vaping, underage drinking, and other substances on the developing teen brain
This presentation from expert Dr. Sion Harris will inform you on the latest scientific research on the impact of vaping, underage drinking, and other substances on the developing teen brain so you may have more confident and effective conversations with your children.
SEPAC - Special Education Parents and Caregivers
Bedford SEPAC Meeting
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 7:00 PM
Please join us to network with other special education parents and caregivers, share programming ideas and feedback. Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88629357951?pwd=S0FSRUlCTmVNY1Zqa2VrUWZuSndEZz09
Meeting ID: 886 2935 7951
Passcode: 562848
The AMC 10/12 math exam
The AMC 10/12 math exam will be given after school on Thursday, February 4th.
Please sign up using this online form no later than Friday, December 11th. More information about the exam can be found at https://www.maa.org/math-competitions/amc-1012. If you have any questions, please email patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org. Thank you! ~Mr. MorrisseyLooking for the perfect gift for a teacher, coach, tutor, bus driver?
Give the gift that shows you care! The BHSPA is selling Buccaneer Masks for everyone on your list! Masks come nicely wrapped in a clear bag with festive ribbons - all ready to gift!
December 2020 Promotion:
- Purchase 2 masks for $20
- Purchase 5 masks for $45
- Donate a mask to someone in need in the community - $5.00
With the new Massachusetts guidance on masks - we need them more than ever! 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.
The theater department is getting ready for auditions
The theater department is getting ready for auditions for our movie musical, Les Miserables, which will be rehearsed and filmed between January-April this year. More information will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to release the audition information so students could get a head start on listening to the show and preparing for their auditions. Click here for the document that includes this info.
Ms. Faulstich and the BHS Musical team
Katrina_Faulstich@bedfordps.org
www.bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com
Facebook: Bedford High School Performing Arts
Instagram: BedfordHSPerforming Arts
2020 Has been a struggle but here are some ways to help!
Did you know that the number one most requested item at homeless shelters is socks! For people experiencing homelessness the need for socks is crucial. With hours spent on their feet using walking as their primary mode of transportation, a pair of socks is an essential item that can help prevent avoidable health complications.
Beginning December 1st, students, parents and teachers are all invited to bring in one or several pairs of NEW socks! Our goal is to collect two thousand and twenty pairs of socks and donate them to local homeless shelters. Hybrid students should drop socks off in their advisory. Students who are remote and other community members who would like to donate can drop socks off in the large recycle bin labeled "2020 S*CKS!" that will be placed inside the BHS main entrance.
Counseling Corner
BHS Counseling is on Twitter!
Upcoming Dates
December 6 College Guidance Network (CGN):“Tell Your Story: Crafting Great
College Admissions Essays” will air this Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 PM ET.
December 7 Junior Parent Night with the Director of Admissions at 6:30pm
Presenter: Ann Fleming Brown, Director of Admissions, Union College
December 9 Transcript Request Deadline
Last day to request transcripts for January 1st-5th submission deadlines
January 7 Junior Student and Parent Night with the Counselors @ 6:30pm
Will take place via Zoom! Meeting link will be provided closer to 1/7
College Guidance Network
As college-bound students work to bring their essays over the finish line and apply to the college(s) of their choosing, your students may still be looking for some tips and tricks before hitting "Submit".
“Tell Your Story: Crafting Great College Admissions Essays” will air this Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 PM ET.
On this episode, parents and college-bound students will learn:
What NOT to do in researching or writing an essay
Why essays are even more important now
How to tell a story that stands out
What five traits admission officers are looking for
How to choose topics for compelling essays
College Guidance Network’s expert for this episode is Brad Schiller, Founder of Prompt, an online service that has facilitated coaching for students on tens of thousands of college essays this year. Brad will be interviewed by Frank Catalano, author and edtech analyst.
Gill Villanu, Associate Vice President & Dean of Admission, University Of Richmond will join Brad to take questions live from the audience.
Junior Parent Night
Monday, December 7 at 6:30 PM ET
Junior Post-Secondary Kick Off Event
The Counseling Department is hosting Junior Parent Night earlier this year and have invited a
guest speaker. Ann Fleming Brown, Director of Admissions at Union College will offer
insightful advice about the college search paired with her wit and warmth. It is sure to be an
informative evening. Zoom link has been sent to all Juniors.
FREE Virtual Parent Support Groups
The BRYT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) network, a program of the Brookline Center
for Community Mental Health, has been providing FREE parent support groups since the school
closures in March 2020. These groups are still running and are still FREE for any caregiver.
Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021
This year's Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 will take place on two half-day Saturdays:
Saturday, April 3rd, and Saturday, April 10th, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, both days.
The focus is for girls in grades 8-12 who are interested in careers in the STEM fields. As this is a critical time in their education, and college decisions are beginning, we hope to empower these young women to see the many opportunities available to them within STEM.
Details:
Who: Girls in grades 8 - 12 interested in exploring STEM fields and career choices
What: #GirlsSTEMSummitLIVE2021
When: Hosted online two Saturday mornings via Zoom
Dates: Since the summit will be online, it has been split into two half-day sessions.
Saturday, April 3, 2021, 8:30am - noon and
Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8:30 am - noon.
Fee: $65
Register here: https://juniortech.org/girls-stem-summit-live-2021/
2022 Ecuador: Amazon & Andes Adventure Enrollment
Bedford Public Schools is offering an international trip to Ecuador in April of 2022 (presentation). Explorica is offering some incentives and some protections to help with your decision on traveling in 2022. This includes RISK FREE booking: You can enroll in the 2022 trip now through Dec. 15th RISK FREE with a FULL refund offer! This will allow you to lock in low monthly payments and have something to look forward to in the future without concern of losing any money!
More info here. In Addition, there is a $200 Traveler Savings: The new enrollments can use the voucher code - Adventure2022 – to get $200 off. This will be valid through 12/10/2020. The tour center link is: www.explorica.com/Griffin-8227
Time to Register for BHS Winter Sports!
Winter Season will begin 12/14 and end on 2/20. We are offering the following sports: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Swimming, Rifle and Alpine Ski. Registration should be completed on your Aspen parent portal. Please click the link below for registration instructions:
Winter Registration Instructions
The student must have a valid baseline test result and medical record (physical) on file with BHS, and the medical record cannot expire during the sport season.
Any questions, please contact the Athletic Director's Office at ext. 4445
SENIOR UPDATES
Fall Sports Photos
Mrs Santos looking for action shots of the fall season sports for the Yearbook. Any photos that you are willing to share would be much appreciated. You can send the photos directly to Mrs Santos.
Class of 2021 families!
The deadline for senior parent ads in the BHS yearbook is December 6th. This is a super fun section for the seniors, and we hope you'll consider participating (and thank you to those of you who've already submitted! Your ads are adorable!). Senior ad info here.
Did you order your yearbook!
Our Yearbook Features ALL students in ALL grade levels. This is how you’ll remember your high school experience!
Deadline to order: January 17, 2021.
Please email karen_santos@bedfordps.org with any questions regarding yearbook.
Class of 2021 T-Shirts Order Form
If you ordered for your class of 2021 senior shirt please pick it up in room D107.
WHEN: Before first bell and after school
WHERE: D107- Band Hallway/Old Pre-school rooms
Class of 2021 T-Shirts Order Form
Order your Senior class shirt here for $15! 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 before first class or after last class. Go Bucs!
Sizes XL and XXL are now in stock.
Support for Mrs. Pietrangelo and her family
As you may have heard, Ms. Pietrangelo was in a serious accident Thursday, September 10th. Many families have asked what they can do to help. Here are some specific ways you can help:
GoFundMe: A gofundme account has been established to help the family with expenses. If you would like to make a direct financial contribution to the family, please go to https://gf.me/u/yzjqsu
Gift Cards: the following gift cards were suggested to us by the school and her friends.
- Door Dash and Grub Hub (so her husband, Matt, can order from area restaurants)
- Arlington area restaurant gift cards (Ms. Pietrangelo lives in Arlington with her husband and two young children)
- Grocery Stores in Arlington: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop
- Gas gift cards
- Amazon
Meals: Since the accident, the family has received a great deal of food from friends and neighbors, so meals are not currently needed. However, in the weeks and months ahead, they will likely need meals. At that time, we will post information on how you can sign up to provide meals for the family.
Thank you all for reaching out!
BHS PARKING STICKERS
Seniors and Juniors may now apply for a 2020-2021 parking sticker here: BHS Parking Sticker
This year the Assistant Principals will be delivering students parking stickers during ARC meeting times. Parking stickers will be delivered in the order in which they were received.
Please note, you will need to present a picture on your phone or a paper copy of your license and registration before receiving your parking sticker.
Once all the stickers are delivered, the police will begin monitoring and ticketing those not parked in designated student parking lots. The student parking lots are located across from the main entrance and in the parking lot next to the Library/drop off area marked "Student Parking". If you are parked in an area that is not designated student parking, you may get ticketed starting in November. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Employment Permits
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
Back to School Night Recordings
Please enjoy the Back to School Night presentation slides by clicking here. Also, the Faculty recorded short introductory videos for you to view. In the videos, the Faculty share information about their courses and themselves. Link to Back to School Night Videos
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