The Bedford Buccaneer
January 19, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday, January 21: Bedford SEPAC Zoom Meeting 7:00pm
Friday, January 22: Last day to submit non-school photographer portraits for yearbook
Monday February 1 - Term 3 begins
February 15-19 Winter Vacation
Monday, April 12 - Term 4 begins
April 19-23 Spring Vacation
Time to order your cap and gown Seniors!
Hello Class of 2021,
Can you see that, off in the distance, it's your graduation and I can't wait to see the excitement on all of your faces. If you have ordered yours- AWESOME, if you haven't, please order it this week at the link below. It only takes one minute!
https://jostens.typeform.com/to/ExsobMrO
Charlie Humphrey, MSgt (Ret), USAF
Class of 2021 Student Advisor
Student Photos for Yearbook
If your grade 9, 10 or 11 student was unable to take their yearbook portrait at school this week, we encourage you to submit one on their behalf so they are pictured in the yearbook. If your child is taking a photo with our professional photographer, you do not need to submit an additional photograph.
Please follow the specific directions below to submit your child's image for the book. Seniors, we invite you to submit a selfie using this same method! SUBMIT BY JANUARY 22nd.
- Take a selfie with your smart phone or have a family member take a photo of you.
- Click on this link: http://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/?code=Bedford
- Enter your information and choose the option to "Upload Student Portrait" (this step is critical - you must select the option for Student Portrait.)
- Step through the wizard that allows you to choose your image, crop and submit it. Submit ONE photo per student.
- Once you submit, you will see a "success" message at both the top and bottom of your screen. Take the time to notice this rather than emailing the yearbook adviser to ask if we received it - the volume is too high for us to process individual emails like this.
- You have until January 22nd to submit your child's portrait. We will not be able to accept any late submissions, and we cannot accept any submissions by email. Please submit using these provided instructions.
We look forward to including your child in this book of history, but we can only do this if you participate. Please be sure to do this! And don't forget to buy your yearbook - it's certain to be a piece of memorable history. https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/13423
Are you interested in playing college sports?
Please join our recruiting education event to learn about the college recruiting process. Click this link to register: http://bit.ly/38mcM4Y
Date: January 25th at 7pm
Presentation by Holly Ismail from Next College Student Athlete
Keith Mangan, CMAA
Director of Athletics & Wellness
Bedford Public Schools
Calling all lacrosse players!
The BHS boy’s lacrosse team is putting the call out to find any freshman as well as newcomers to the sport that are interested in playing in the spring. The team is asking for any and all prospective players to reach out to Coach LaRiviere and let him know that you are interested in playing.
If you would like to play this spring season please email Coach LaRiviere at Jayson_lariviere@bedfordps.org by Friday, February 5th with the following information:
1) Your Name
2) Year of Graduation
3) If you have played before (and if so, what position you play).
Also, please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions. Starting in February, Coach LaRiviere will be sending out emails to players grouped by position in order to set up meetings where the roles and expectations for each specific position will be explained.
Virtual Trivia brought to you by Stump Trivia
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Virtual Trivia brought to you by Stump! Trivia - 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Teams of 6-10 players (max. of 10 players per team)
Team players do not need to be in the same location,
however each person counts as a player, even if sharing a device.
1st and 2nd place cash prizes.
REGISTER EARLY, only 80 tickets remain!!!
Proceeds go to scholarships for Bedford/Hanscom graduates who
plan to continue their education.
Team Captains - please visit our website to register your team:
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
To Freshman parents:
A physical exam done within the past year is required for all 9th graders. Please email a valid physical to Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org
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
Challenge Success Tip to Help Your Child Thrive
Ease performance pressure
For many young people, the questions parents ask most often are: “How did you do on the test? Have you done your homework?” The subtle message to kids is that performance and results matter most. Instead, emphasize the importance of effort, hard work, resilience, and intellectual curiosity by asking open-ended, non-judgmental questions such as, “How did the day go?” Source: https://www.challengesuccess.org/parents/parenting-tips/
Join our 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)
Bedford SEPAC
January 21, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Bedford SEPAC Meeting
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/82646629312?pwd=VHVkVzNrM00rUkxSVHptV2dvZ3paQT09
Meeting ID: 826 4662 9312
Passcode: 726812
Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
MCAS for students with Disabilities
Free to attendees
The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Bedford SEPAC present MCAS for Students with Disabilities
1. Standards-Based Education
2. MCAS 2.0 for the 21st Century
3. Students With Disabilities
4. Your Child’s MCAS Parent/Guardian Report
5. MCAS: a Diploma Requirement
Registration Link to get zoom:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsd-ihpzMtHNzIqzesIXyQGDghsXtriSN4
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
Free to attendees
The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Bedford SEPAC present Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
•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!
Registration Link to get zoom:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqc-urrD4pHtWFKhA6-Gah0iWFOZlDpCJb
Bedford Sepac Contact Info:
Bedford SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
email: bedfordmasepac@gmail.com
Counseling Corner
The Counseling Department has launched a NEW Post-Secondary website!
Upcoming Dates:
January 20 Boston University Virtual College Visit
Register in your SCOIR account
January 21 Careers in the Military
Please join SSG Nathan Purdue and Mr. DeChellis for a discussion and information session on Careers in the Military.
January 23 TKS Talks
The Power of Engineering at Netflix
January 26 Bridgewater State Virtual College Visit
Register in your SCOIR account
January 27 & 28 You’ve been Accepted to College, Now What?
Webinar hosted by Sallie Mae
January 31 Attend NACAC Virtual College Fairs
Multiple dates starting on 1/31 - see below
March 3 SAT test at Bedford High School
Detailed information sent to the junior class
Careers in the Military
Thursday January 21st at 9:35am
Please join SSG Nathan Purdue and Mr. DeChellis for a discussion and information session on Careers in the Military. There is so much more to the military than just combat and infantry positions. Did you know there are over 152 different career paths in the United States Army? A career in the military is much more than combat and guns.
This discussion is geared towards Juniors and Sophomores, the Zoom link was posted in your counseling google classroom, and will be emailed to you as well. Please reach out to Mr. DeChellis with questions - brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org
TKS Talks
Saturday, January 23rd from 1-2pm
The Power of Engineering at Netflix
Meet Amy Smidutz. Amy is the Engineering Director for the Delivery Engineering Team at Netflix. Amy will tell you about how her team builds platforms that enable safe and continuous delivery of all your favorite Netflix shows, and how Netflix manages and experiments with the infrastructure. You’ll learn about the different platforms her team works with including AWS, Titus, Open Concept Appliances and more… Amy will tell you about her career journey prior to Netflix, including at unicorn companies like Moz, Amazon, and GoDaddy.
Amy will be joined by a current TKS Innovator working on some pretty neat projects.
You’ll leave the talk feeling empowered to take concrete steps to build skills and projects, and inspired about the Future of Engineering. This talk is geared toward high school students, but we welcome teachers, parents and learners of all ages.
You’ve been Accepted to College, Now What?
Wednesday, January 27 | 2pm ET Register Now
Thursday, January 28 | 8pm ET Register Now
Webinar hosted by Sallie Mae
Congratulations on your accomplishments! Please join a discussion to learn about the next steps in your college journey. This webinar will help you understand critical points with making your college decision.
• Additional research about campus and community options
• Factors for choosing a college
• How to complete the financial aid process
• Comparing financial aid offers
• What to do if you need more money
• Finding scholarships
• Your to do list once you make your college decision
College Board discontinues SAT subject tests and essay
In a newsletter today (1/19/21) College Board announced they will discontinue SAT subject tests immediately, and will discontinue the SAT essay after this school year ends. If you are registered for SAT with essay this spring, you can still take it. Talk to your counselor about whether it is recommended to take the essay portion.
If you are registered for a subject test, your registration will be automatically refunded and you will be allowed to register for a regular SAT on that test date if you choose.
We are excited about these changes that simplify the testing process for juniors and seniors. Please talk to your counselor if you have questions.
ATTEND 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.
Jan. 31 Fair: View online | Download PDF
Feb. 28 Fair: View online | Download PDF
Mar. 7 STEM Fair: View 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
Mental Health Webinar Resources from McLean
McLean Hospital recognizes the need for reliable and helpful mental health resources. With this in mind, we have dedicated the time of our staff to ensure we are making free resources available for the public and professionals in hopes of promoting healthy individuals and communities.
https://home.mcleanhospital.org/webinar-series
Post-Secondary Website Launch
The Counseling Department has launched a NEW Post-Secondary website! While this site is most relevant to Juniors and Seniors, the site is loaded with information and will be useful to the whole BHS community. Check it out here
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:
Bedford Dollar for Scholars information will be coming out in early 2021.
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).
College Guidance Network (CGN):
Episode Library: https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/episodes
Inspirit AI Scholars Live Online 2020
AI Scholars Live Online exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful AI project where they apply math to real world problems using machine learning. Students attend live online classes in small groups where we teach them the mathematical principles behind AI algorithms.
Learn more at: www.inspiritai.com
Westfield State University - Preparing High School Students for College
Westfield State University’s Banacos Academic Center is hosting hour-long Zoom sessions to address these very questions for high school students and their parents or guardians. Disability/Accessibility Services staff from the other Massachusetts Universities and a Westfield State Admissions representative will be present. Please use this form to sign up for a session. Sessions are capped at 50 sign ups.
Show your Bedford spirit with Buccaneer masks!
Bedford Parents - winter sports for students are well underway and Fall 2 sports (BHS) are coming soon! Show your Bedford spirit with Buccaneer masks. Grab some for the family or the team. Inquire below for bulk orders!
New Year Promotion:
- Purchase 2 masks for $20
- Purchase 5 masks for $45
- Donate a mask to someone in need in the community - $5.00
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.
SENIOR UPDATES
The deadline to order cap and gown was December 23, 2020. If you haven't already done so, please order yours today. Please click the link to Order your cap and gown
Charlie Humphrey, MSgt (Ret), USAF
Class of 2021 Student Advisor
Email: charles_humphrey@bedfordps.org
Attention BHS Class of 2021 Parents/Guardians
A Facebook group has been created to share ideas and make plans for celebrating our seniors since most of the typical senior events will not be possible this year. We want your voice to be heard! Join here: 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.
Did you order your yearbook?
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 questions.
Fall Sports Photos Needed
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 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.
The class of 2023
Attention sophomore parents and students: Are you interested in keeping up with what's going on with the class of 2023? Please take a moment to follow the "classof2023" on Instagram.
Also, don't forget the class of 2023 will be selling Bedford Buccaneer mugs. Mugs can be purchased from Mrs. Billouin's classroom H107. They are $10 and pictured below.
Please reach out to Mrs. Hinz and Mrs. Billouin interested. cassie_hinz@bedfordps.org or beth_billouin@bedfordps.org
Thank you!
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
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
Thank you all for reaching out!
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