The Bedford Buccaneer
May 8, 2023
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, May 9-School Council-2:30-3:30
Friday, May 12th -43 Annual AFJROTC Awards Night--6:00-7:30pm-BHS Auditorium
Tuesday, May 16th-Wednesday, May17th-Math MCAS
Wednesday, May 17th-Senior Awards Night-7:00-8:30pm-BHS-Invites will be sent out
Thursday, May 18-Junior Prom-6-10pm
Thursday, May 25th-Senior Prom-6-10pm
Monday, May 29th-No School
Tuesday, May 30th-CSF Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Awards-7:00pm-BHS Auditorium.
Thursday, June 1st- Class of 2023 Graduation
Thursday, June 1st-Friday, June 2nd - All Night Graduation party for BHS Class of 2023
Tuesday, June 6th-Wednesday, June 7th-Science MCAS(9th Grade)
Thursday, June 8th-9-11th Grade Awards Night-7:00-8:30pm-BHS Auditorium-Invites will be sent
Wednesday, June 21- Last Day of School-This assumes no more school cancellations due to weather.
BPS District Calendar 2022-2023
Please Support the Class of 2023 All Night Graduation Party!
For 33 years, from 1988 to 2022, the BHS All Night Graduation Celebration Committee has held a safe, substance-free overnight party for the graduating class. Throughout the night, the Class of 2023 graduates will enjoy live entertainment, games, trivia, music, prizes, food, and more, at Bedford High School from 10:30 PM - 5:30 AM. Families, friends, and local businesses are encouraged to make a tax-deductible monetary donation or prize donation to support the celebration. To learn more, read our parent/caregiver letter here.
Friends can also support the All Night Graduation Celebration by dining at Bamboo Restaurant, 213 Burlington Road, Bedford on Thursday, May 18th anytime from 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. A generous 20% of all dine-in and take-out orders will be donated to the Class of 2023 ANG party from Bamboo Restaurant, but be sure to mention All-Night Graduation when you pay!
Link to Bamboo Restaurant flyer: Bamboo Fundraiser
Parents can learn more about the All Night Graduation Celebration by visiting our website: All Night Grad Party – BHSPA
Senior Prom
Tickets are $80 per person.
- Make sure you have a completed dance/events contract. The link is here -->HERE
PARENTS/GUARDIANS MUST BE THE ONE TO COMPLETE THE CONTRACT. STUDENT EMAILS ARE NOT ALLOWED. - ONLY COMPLETE IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. UNSURE IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED IT HAVE YOUR STUDENT CHECK IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS LP.
- If you plan to bring someone from another school, YOU MUST fill out a guest form BEFORE you can purchase a ticket for your guest. Forms are available in the Student Office.
Senior dates and deadlines
Link to Class of 2023 Events
AP Exams-May 1-May12-BHS
AFJROTC Awards Night-May 12-6:00-7:30pm-BHS Auditorium
HSC Scholarship Night (Hosted by the Hanscom Spouse’s Club)-May 12th-7:00pm -Minuteman Commons
Senior Spirit Week- May 15-19th
Senior Whale Watch -May 16th-$40 per student-Bus may not be back by 2:24pm
See Mrs Billouin and Mrs Hinz for permission slip.
Community Day-May 17-10:15am-BHS
Senior Awards Night-May 17th-7:00-8:30pm-BHS Auditorium-Invites will be sent out
Make up days for missed work (by appointment with teachers)-May 22 and 23
Senior iPad Collection-May 19, 23, 23
Senior Prom Stroll- Thursday, May 25th-4:30pm-BHS Jenks Trail
Senior Prom-Thursday, May 25th- 6-10pm-Danversport Yacht Club
CSF Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Award & Reception-May 30th-BHS Auditorium.
Check-in for students starts at 6:30 pm. The Award presentation begins at 7pm.
Class Breakfast and Graduation rehearsal -Wednesday, May 31st 8:30-10:30am-Cafe
Pay all financial obligations, receive school records and receive cap and gown.
Graduation-Thursday, June 1st-6:15pm Sharp-No Tickets Needed
Seniors arrive at 5:30pm for line up
All Night Graduation Party-June 1-10:30pm to June 2-5:30am-click here to purchase tickets.
BHSPA News
Teacher Appreciation Week Luncheon May 10
We would like to recognize the BHS faculty and staff with a Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12) Luncheon for all their hard work and support. We truly appreciate all they have done for our students!
We are requesting contributions from parents/guardians to supplement subs and sandwiches which will be purchased by the BHSPA. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 10th. Contributions can be dropped off by 10:30am at the main door vestibule the day of the luncheon.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4ea5ad2cabff2-bhsfaculty1#/
If you are unable to drop off your contribution, or have any questions, please email us at bhsbucsparents@gmail.com and we will find a way to accommodate you. Thank you!
If you would prefer to make a monetary donation to supplement this event, please contribute online via PayPal. Donations will be used towards the Teacher Appreciation event and the End of the Year Teacher Luncheon held in June!
This year, we are excited to bring back the Teacher Raffle! Please consider making a donation towards the raffle prizes!
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F53GD36LXTFS2&source=url
To donate by check: Make check payable to BHSPA and drop off at BHS front office or mail to Bedford High School, 9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
*Please note: You do not need to provide utensils for the salads, fruit platters or desserts. If you would like your container back, please put your name on the bottom and it will be cleaned and placed in the front office after the lunch for you to pick up at your convenience. *
Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff!
Attention Juniors and Junior Caregivers
As your last weeks are upon us, we wanted to allow everyone time to plan for purchasing prom tickets. The tickets will go on sale on Monday, May 1, 2023, and be sold at lunch until Friday, May 12th, 2023. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AFTER FRIDAY, MAY 12TH.
Tickets will be $60.00 per person. The prom will take place on Thursday, May 18th, from 6 PM- 10 PM at the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center with buses leaving Bedford High School 5:15PM.
You can pay with cash or check payable to BHS Class of 2024. There will be no ticket sales via VENMO/CASH APP.
- Make sure you have a completed dance/events contract. The link is here -->HERE
PARENTS/GUARDIANS MUST BE THE ONE TO COMPLETE THE CONTRACT. STUDENT EMAILS ARE NOT ALLOWED. - ONLY COMPLETE IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. UNSURE IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED IT HAVE YOUR STUDENT CHECK IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS LP.
- If you plan to bring someone from another school, YOU MUST fill out a guest form BEFORE you can purchase a ticket for your guest. Forms are available in the Student Office.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Butler (Rm. B207) or Ms. Myles (Rm. E204).
New Location-Student item drop off
To minimize visitors entering the building this year we have moved the student item drop off location to the vestibule located by the main doors. Please ring the bell and we will let you in. 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.
The high school is not responsible for electronics, money, keys, sports equipment, etc. left at the table. Students can check for the item dropped off in between classes and at lunch.
If your student forgot their school iPad please bring that into the main office.
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
FRIENDLY REMINDER
*Allergy Season*
Dear parents/guardians, as most of you know, spring allergy season is upon us and some people are affected to different degrees. I just wanted to remind you that I do not provide allergy medication, including nasal sprays, antihistamines or eye drops. Please be proactive about your student’s allergies and have them take their prescribed allergy medication before school, so they will be comfortable for the duration of the school day. Depending on the severity of the pollen allergy, those with seasonal allergies can feel pretty miserable during this time of the year. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you. - Annmarie
Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN
High School Nurse
781-275-1700 x4416
Counseling Corner
Important Dates:
May 8th - Healthy and Successful Transitions {details below}
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Health is amplifying the message of Mental Health Awareness Month with the More Than Enough campaign! For more information on Mental Health Awareness Month please navigate to NAMI Mental Health Awareness Month
Counseling Department Monthly Newsletter: Did you know? Translated versions of our newsletter are available upon request.
Counseling Department Programming
Healthy and Successful Transitions - May 8th @ 6:30pm
Location: Bedford High School Library
Please join Charles Alperin, LICSW of the Counseling Department on May 8th to discuss, "Making a Healthy and Successful Transition from High School to College or Work" Charles will discuss the increased need for Mental Health awareness and a lot of helpful resources for you and your graduating BHS students. This talk is not just for families with a struggling student, but for ALL families looking for their graduate(s) to make a soft landing at their next endeavor.
Parents & Caregivers
Sponsored by the National PTA
SOCIAL MEDIA AND HEALTHY MINDS — A CONVERSATION FOR FAMILIES AND YOUTH
Social media helps us stay connected to friends and family members; provides moments of fun and inspiration; provides ways to share stories, milestones and express ourselves; share information and learn new skills; and mobilize and activate around issues. But it can be challenging to navigate children's relationships with social media. Join the National PTA on May 4 at 7 p.m. ET for a conversation on how families can support healthy social media habits for youth and incorporate mental wellness practices while navigating the digital world. Register here!
Sponsored by William James College:
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES — FREE
Date: Thursday, May 11, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. — Refreshments
6:30-8 p.m. — Panel discussion
Location: Sheraton Needham Hotel, 100 Cabot Street, Needham, MA 02494
A panel discussion featuring: John Della Volpe, Wendy Fischman, Robert Kinscherff, Nadja Lopez Reilly, and Julie Ry
Click here for panelists' biographies and to register.
Juniors
MAY JUNIOR TIMELINE
Complete the Student Questionnaire for Counselor Statement in SCOIR
Due June by 30th
Plan visits to colleges during the summer.
Review summer options: performing community service, work, internship, summer programs, etc.
Decide which teachers you will ask to write a letter of recommendation.
Take Advanced Placement Exams if enrolled in Advanced Placement classes.
Seniors
MAY SENIOR TIMELINE
Complete Graduation Survey
Update college outcomes and decisions in SCOIR
Thank teachers and counselors who wrote college recommendation letters
Follow up with potential outside scholarships.
Prepare for graduation (including clearing all obligations)!
Scholarships - Class of 2023
Native Forward Scholars Fund, Deadline: June 1
Relay for Life
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!
School Lunch Information
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
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
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!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com
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 a Parking Sticker? The Parking Sticker application may be found here.
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)
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