February 14, 2023

Dear BHS Community,

Life at Bedford High School continues to be busy. Last week, we held our mid-year assemblies with all grades. These assemblies happen every year in order to offer reminders of some important school-based expectations and also preview upcoming events.

We met with each class individually to honor the different places students are at. Our freshmen are still finding their way and adjusting to the newfound responsibilities of high school life. Our sophomores have settled in and we find that they start to embrace the collective spirit of Bedford High School. Our juniors are already thinking about post high school planning and are eager to assume their positions as leaders of the school when our seniors graduate. Our seniors are feeling that time is moving fast and are becoming more reflective and nostalgic as graduation approaches. As the principal, it is so rewarding to be a part of their journey into young adulthood.

As you look through the slides, you will see reminders of handbook expectations, information about the scheduling process, the finals schedule as well as reminders of ways we offer support. Struggles are a part of high school life. We have counselors and trusted adults at Bedford High School that are here to care for our students. As a parent, if you have concerns about your child, please reach out to the classroom teacher or counselor. Our teenagers are growing up in complicated times. Learning how to advocate for oneself and seek help is a skill that will serve them well.

Over the next week, students will be working with their counselors on course selections. Our teachers have input their recommendations for courses and levels after conversations with their students. Please have a conversation with your child about balance. School should not be easy nor incredibly stressful. We want our students to stretch themselves academically where appropriate. If you have any questions about the scheduling process, please reach out to your child’s guidance counselor. If you do not know your child’s counselor, please reach out to Julie Brownrigg at julie_brownrigg@bedfordps.org for assistance.

As you learned in a communication sent on Friday, February 10, we have identified those responsible for the racist graffiti. As a community, we need to be careful about making assumptions and generalizations. As I shared in the letter, the outcomes are complicated. This is an opportunity for growth. I was heartened by our school community and am often impressed by our students. Many took responsibility for our school and reported what they knew and saw. Deep and thoughtful conversations took place during our advisory period. Our students not only reacted, but reflected. Our school will continue to engage in productive dialogue and we will continue to explore restorative practices. I look forward to the support of our parent and caregiver community as we move forward together.

Sincerely,

Heather Galante

Principal

Please join us Thursday March 2nd during Flex Block in room D-109 for a Career Conversation with Wayne Braverman, the managing editor from the Bedford Citizen.

Wayne is a graduate of Bedford High School and holds three college degrees. He is an award-winning editor and managing editor of many print and online newspapers and ran GateHouse Media's internship program for a decade, training more than 800 college and high school students, In addition to journalism, he also worked as a crisis counselor and a create arts camp director as well as in radio and local TV.

Please fill out the short google form if you would like to attend:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVZAhy4_uPw9eg7ech6yLeOZRVvFCvhbwwDjxAcUUL35L1mA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Hello Bedford Schools,

We are members of Bedford High School’s Relay for Life Committee, a dedicated student-led group which works to organize fundraisers and recruit participants for the relentless fight against cancer.

Relay For Life is an organization which directly benefits the American Cancer Society by funding research for a cure, patient care/support, rides to life-saving treatment, and so much more!

Each year, Bedford is one of the many towns to host a Relay for Life overnight event. During this activity-filled, magical night, team members take turns walking around the Bedford track. The event is 14 hours in length (although participants can leave as early as they want) and each team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps. Cancer patients do not have the ability to stop fighting because they're tired and neither do we.

Bedford’s 2023 Relay event will happen from Saturday, May 27th at 4pm to Sunday, May 28th at 6 am. Additionally, the months leading up to the event are a time to build your team and start fundraising. Each Relay for Life team and our high school’s Relay committee work hard year-round to raise funds and awareness for cancer in various ways.

We currently have 6 teams signed up who have already started fundraising for our event, but we would like to get as much of the Bedford community involved as possible. Anyone can create a team, or join the event as a solo participant, through the Relay for Life website by clicking the link below and then the “Join this Relay” button! (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=104020 ).

You can build a team with your friends or family and compete against other teams in the town to see who can raise the most money to donate to the American Cancer Society. Fundraising for the event is also a perfect way for students to develop leadership skills and put their creativity to work!

All individuals who raise $150 by the day of the event can stay overnight at the turf in Bedford with their teammates to celebrate everyone’s hard work in the united fight to end cancer. If an individual does not raise $150 they will only be allowed to stay until 11pm. Participants can also earn a free t-shirt and other merchandise depending on how much they fundraise.**

Throughout the upcoming months the Relay for Life Committee will be holding different events in the town and schools. Keep an eye out for emails or follow our Instagram (@rflbedfordma) for more information about these opportunities.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the Relay for Life Committee using this email address: bedfordmarelayforlife@gmail.com

You can also visit the Relay for Life website to find out more information about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=relay_learn)

We hope to see you all in May,

The Bedford Relay for Life Committee

**If the child is under the age of 18 and raised $150, a parent or guardian must fill out the attached youth participation form in order to stay overnight. The parent can email the form to bedfordmarelayforlife@gmail.com.

Link to youth participation form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nrA1mhwYhlBLtR4F5GCIhIFAWlkoZGKV/view?usp=drivesdk

Each team must have a chaperone (a parent or guardian over the age of 18). If you would like to be a chaperone, please reach out using the email above!

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

10th Grade Hearing/Vision Screening

Starting the week of February 27th, all 10th grade students will have hearing and vision screening. Parents will be notified if further evaluation is necessary by their physician. Heights and weights will also be done at this time.

Annual Height and Weight Screening

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires the annual height and weight screening protocols to include the calculation of a Body Mass Index (BMI) and percentile for grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. Each child’s height and weight will be used to calculate their BMI. The results will be kept confidential in each student’s school health record.

BMI is a “weight for height for age” index that can be a useful tool in early identification of possible health risk factors among children and youth. If you would like the results of your child’s BMI screening please contact me. Additional information about children’s wellness and fitness is available at www.mass.gov/massinmotion/.

Please feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns. If you do not want your child to participate in this screening please send a written note or email using the email address below.

Thank you,

Annmarie

Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN

High School Nurse

Bedford Public Schools

781-275-1700 x4416

Annmarie_Vaughan@bedfordps.org

For all things Postsecondary related, please visit the

BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website

Counseling Department Monthly Newsletter: Check your email for the February edition of the Counseling Connection Newsletter available soon!

Counseling Department Programming

Reminder: Class of 2024 Parent/Guardian Naviance Information Sessions will be held via Zoom

• 8:15 am - 8:45 am on Wednesday, February 15th; Click here to register

Naviance is a comprehensive website that you and your student can use to make plans about colleges and careers.

REMINDER: Junior Parent/Guardian Night(Virtual) - Wednesday, February 15th at 6:30 pm

This event will be a Zoom webinar, which will be recorded.

Topic: Junior Parent/Caregiver Night 2023

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JKNZMYNRRHGVXe7hjUbnIw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s school counselor.

PARENTS - From the High School Counselor Week Newsletter January 5, 2023

College Planning 101: A Guide to Help Your Child Find the Right School With Minimal Stress

Columbus Monthly – January 6, 2023

The college planning process can be riddled with anxiety, from test prep to costs to worries over high school classes and grades. Counselors and colleges offer tips for what to focus on—and when.

College Board Resource: 14 Steps to College for Parents

SOPHOMORE YEAR (Winter)

• Start thinking about ways to pay for college. Most families get help paying for college costs. Read 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid to learn more.

• Discuss next year’s classes. Make sure your child will be challenging themselves and taking the courses college admission officers expect to see. Learn more about the high school classes that colleges look for.

JUNIOR YEAR (Winter)

• Now is also the time to plan to attend a college fair

• Begin researching colleges and or universities

• Meet with your school counselor to discuss your post-secondary goals

College Board Resource: 14 Steps to College for Parents

Postsecondary Planning - Grades 9/10 from Big Future/College Board

• Create a four-year high school plan. Think about what you’d like to accomplish in the next four years

• Start thinking about your life after school, including the types of jobs that might interest you. Of course, these will change — often — but it’s good to start thinking about the possibilities.

• Meet with your high school counselor. Your counselor knows how to help you get the most out of high school. Be sure to take some time during the school year to discuss post-high-school plans with him or her.

• Participate in extracurricular activities. Academics aren’t everything. Explore your interest in a sport, school club, music or drama group, or community volunteer activity

• Explore summer opportunities. Look for a job, internship, or volunteer position that will help you learn about a field of interest.

Scholarships - Class of 2023

The Counseling Department continues to update a document with local scholarship information that is located in the BHS 2023 Counseling Google Classroom. It is called Scholarship Opportunities 2022-2023.

Bedford Dollars for Scholars information will be coming out in early February 2023

Scholarship Transcript Requests

It is the student’s 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. Brownrigg, or send her an email at: Julie_Brownrigg@Bedfordps.org

FINANCIAL AID REMINDER

Monday, February 20th, FAFSA Day Massachusetts: Get FREE Help Applying for College Financial Aid! Click the date that works best for you and Register Here.

FAFSA Day is a non-profit, volunteer-driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

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!

Bedford SEPAC General Meeting

Thursday, February 16th, at 8 pm on zoom

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09

Meeting ID: 417 227 5285

Passcode: 333333

Bedford SEPAC General Meeting

Wednesday, March 15th, at 8 pm on zoom

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09

Meeting ID: 417 227 5285

Passcode: 333333

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/

Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com

This school year the Bedford School Lunch Program will revert to our pre-pandemic cafeteria process with one big change. All meals at all schools will be free for all students the entire school year.

Free and reduced lunch application can be found here or printed copies in the main office.

Please click here for the application directions

Please click here for FAQ

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? 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 2022-23 Bus Routes have been posted on the Transportation Web Page

Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)