The Bedford Buccaneer
January 3, 2022
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, January 18 - School Council virtual meeting 2:45pm
Wednesday, January 19 - Junior Parents/Caregivers Night - Post Secondary Planning Zoom
Thursday, January 20 - January SEPAC Meeting
Friday, January 21- Deadline for Yearbook orders
Wednesday, January 26 - NHS Induction Night
Thursday, January 27- BHSPA Board Meeting
Wednesday, February 2 - Ground Up presentation at 6:30pm in the BHS LGI
Thursday, June 2, 2022 - Graduation at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell at 6:15pm
COVID Safety Checks Update
Pooled testing Resumes this Wednesday, January 5th.
If you have not done so already and would like to you can sign up for testing at BPS COVID-19 Testing Sign Up Link
When calling to report that your child will be absent on the absentee line please indicate the reason why your child is out, and what their symptoms are.
The Screening checklist can be found on the Bedford PS website HERE.
If you are unsure whether or not to send your child, please keep them home, and call or email the school nurse at Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org before sending them to school.
As always, thank you for doing your part in keeping our community healthy and safe!
Nancy Thorsen BSN,RN
781-275-1700 ext. 4416
Absence Line: (781)918-4561
or select #1 from the main menu of (781)275-1700
Attendance
We have had many attendance questions regarding BHS attendance policies. For attendance questions and concerns, please refer to the Student Handbook (pages 18-24) found on the BHS website.
Mr. Daniel Hudder <daniel_hudder@bedfordps.org>
781-275-1700 x4402
(Students Last name beginning with A-K and Bridge)
Mr. Thomas Casey <thomas_casey@bedfordps.org>
781-275-1700 x4403
(Students Last name beginning with L-Z and STEP Program)
Mrs. Amber Loveless-Patterson, Attendance Administrative Assistant
BHSPA News
The BHSPA meets monthly over Zoom on the 4th Thursday of the month at 8am. If you are interested in attending the meeting or learning more about what the BHSPA does, please email: bhsbucsparents@gmail.com
Every donation made to the BHSPA goes directly to our BHS community through programs, enrichment and activities.
Recent BHSPA Funding:
- Funding of 10 new picnic tables accommodating outdoor lunches, classrooms, meetings, etc.
- Ice cream socials for each class to re-connect upon returning to in-person classes in 2021. It was the first time the classes were together as a whole in over a year!
- Teacher/Student grants to fund school projects including technology equipment for BHS NOW, funding grade specific initiatives and club requests.
- Preparation and distribution of Student Directories (this year it will include a teacher directory with email addresses!) - coming soon!
- Sponsorship of Teacher/Staff Appreciation events
- and so much more
Please check out BHSPA.org for more information!
Bedford Education Foundation is thrilled to announce the complete list of our November 2021 grant award recipients
Below, please find a flyer detailing the seven projects that received funding during our first grant cycle to work along typical lines in two years. We could not be more excited to return to our usual process of funding individual/teams of educators in Bedford's schools! Thank you all for your support of the BEF, and we hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!
All the best,
Jennifer Kelley
BEF President
Melissa Cull
BEF Grant Chair
Counseling Corner
For all things Post-Secondary related, please visit the
BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website.
Counseling Department Programming
Wednesday 1/19/2022 - Junior Parent/Caregiver Webinar will again be held via Zoom! Grade 11 students are encouraged but not required to attend t his event, as they will have a similar group meeting with their school counselor later this month. We will give an overview of the college process, post-secondary planning resources, and tasks that juniors can do before senior year. The webinar link
When: Jan 19, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Junior Parent/Caregiver Night 2022
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/86033152022?pwd=MXJZUlNuYzB0aW95SFhBZ2V6cUViUT09
Passcode: 094500
Or One tap mobile : US: +13126266799,,86033152022#
NCAA Eligibility Webinar
Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m. - Register Here
Webinar for college-bound student-athletes and their families. Students will learn about the latest initial-eligibility news, requirements they must meet to be ready when they get to campus, and the best resources for them as they pursue their dreams of studying and competing at an NCAA Division I or II school.
SCHOLARSHIPS - Class of 2022
College scholarship applications are coming up shortly. The Counseling Department is updating a document with local scholarship information that will be available shortly. Stay tuned.
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.
OPEN SCHOLARSHIPS
The following scholarship opportunities below have upcoming deadlines apply to these programs today!
Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP)
RBSP awards $10,000 each year to the most talented and economically challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Applicants must be Black/African American. Learn more and apply. Application closes: January 9, 2022
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF)
JRF Scholars receive grants of up to $30,000 over four years to complement the financial aid they receive from their colleges or universities. In addition, Scholars attend JRF’s annual four-day Mentoring and Leadership Conference in New York City and other regional events throughout the year. Learn more and apply. Application closes: January 12, 2022
APIA Scholars
APIA Scholars provides scholarships to qualified students of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage pursuing an undergraduate degree at a U.S.-accredited college or university. Scholarships range from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards. Learn more and apply. Application closes: January 26, 2022
PARENTS
Sharing photos of your kids online? Here’s what you should consider.
University of Florida News – December 14, 2021
Today’s parents are the first to raise children alongside social media and this generation of children is the first to grow up constantly ‘shared’ online. Professor Stacey Steinberg discusses her research on an issue of concern to many parents — how to protect the privacy and safety of their children online. [Podcast, full transcript included]
Career Pathways Program at Bedford High School
Bedford High School is partnering with the local business community to expose our students to a variety of career paths. Students become motivated and self-directed when they discover a potential career field of interest. Hands-on exposure and information to careers help students make informed post high school plans.
There are three aspects to our Career Pathways and Planning Program:
Career Speakers: We host two Career Speakers per month. They will be held via ZOOM during the student's Flex Block Period (10:22am-11:30am). Interested students sign up ahead of time. Sessions are approximately 40 minutes in length. Topics our speakers cover include, but are not limited to: a day in the life, the personal journey (what was your path like), necessary education, advice for high school students, what you enjoy most, and then questions.
- Job Shadow Program: Provide students with a half-day immersive experience on a job site, allowing students to observe, interact, and learn from experts in the field. Students can be placed individually or in small groups depending on the business/occupation. Prior to being placed students take a Career Aptitude Test to help them determine a particular area of interest. The Job Shadow Program would happen once a year for our sophomore class in early spring.
- Internships: Would only be offered to seniors who have a demonstrated interest in a particular field. The internships would provide real world experience and responsibility, students must complete an interview with the participating company. Students would be placed based on company approval. Internships can occur during or after the school day. (More information to follow on our Internship Program).
If you would like to participate in our Career Program, please complete the following GOOGLE form or contact Brian DeChellis at 781 275-1700 ext. 4414 or brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org
Google Form Link:
Save Your Tears: Facing Disappointment with College Decisions
For families with students who are deciding on a college right now, check out this 15-minute video with insights and advice from students, counselors, and other experts including Challenge Success Co-Founder Dr. Denise Pope.
“With all your acceptances and rejections coming in, it’s time to manage any negative emotions, sift through your options, and move forward enthusiastically. In this video, you’ll hear expert advice on how and why admissions decisions get made and how you can get past your feelings of disappointment. You’ll also hear from students who got denied admission or didn’t receive enough of a financial aid package to attend their dream school.”
https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/free-content/33
How to Help High School Students with Career Research
“High school students often tire of being asked, “What are your career plans?” Some students have no idea how to answer the question. Others may give a rote answer just to stop the questions. There are actually so many career choices available that high school students can pursue that they need direction in order to discover their own interests and skills. They may discover that opportunities are available they never even thought of before. Here are just a few suggestions that may help in career research for high school students.”
Ground Up A Portrait of Teenage Life
Ground Up is the student run club and aims to support the challenge success work of the high school. There is a presentation for parents/caregivers on Wednesday, February 2 at 6:30pm in the BHS LGI. Ground Up members will present a portrait of teenage life for audience members and offer advice on how to be an ally and a source of support during the high school years.
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
All parents & guardians of Bedford special education welcome!
Web: bedfordsepac.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
All parents & guardians of Bedford special education welcome!
Web: bedfordsepac.com
Facebook group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
January SEPAC Meeting
Thursday, January 20, 2022, at 7 PM on zoom
Including Marianne Vines, Director of Special Education
All parents & guardians of students receiving Bedford special education services are welcome!
zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82403699724?pwd=aC9jUUpiZkNhajQ5cnAvNHI2RlNuZz09
Meeting ID: 824 0369 9724
Passcode: 294265
Massachusetts Sibling Support Network Presents - No sibling left behind
Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 7 PM on zoom
All are welcome!
No Sibling Left Behind:
Designed for parents of young siblings or professionals.
Addresses the overall sibling experience of what it’s like to grow up with a brother/sister with a disability. Provides strategies to support siblings.
Explores current trends in sibling research and the growing sibling movement.
Includes an adult sibling panel that will address questions and concerns.
zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88131145041?pwd=eTcwMnFNeExOYkxaUW5mZElKc3FwZz09
Meeting ID: 881 3114 5041
Passcode: 562772
2021/2022 SEPAC Monthly Meeting dates
January 20 (guest Marianne Vines)
February 17
March 24
April 28
May 19 (guest Marianne Vines)
June 9
Meetings begin at 7 PM
*Location and/or Zoom to be shared 2 weeks prior to meetings on SEPAC Facebook and webpage
Senior Dates and Deadlines
January 21- Yearbook orders. The cost is $85.00. You may place your order here
Please make checks out to BHS 2021/2022 yearbook.
After January 21 the cost will be $100.00
Important Information for the Class of 2022
Please help us to have a successful yearbook by getting an early start.
Send all pictures that you would like to be considered for the yearbook to www.hjeshare.com. Enter the school code: Bedford (capital B). Please identify who the students are in the pictures. Please use full names not nicknames when you submit your baby picture. Please only submit one baby picture. If you do not identify your baby picture you run the risk of not being in the yearbook.
The official photographer for the senior portraits is Mark Lawrence Photographers. Their phone number is 603-882-0116. Please contact them for an appointment. If you have any questions in regards to any of the information. Please contact Mrs. Santos. Her email is karen_santos@bedfordps.org
If you decide to take your own pictures. Please be aware of the size. It must be 2.5 X 3 with a DPI of 300. Yearbook staff will contact you if your picture does not follow these guidelines.
If you have any questions in regards to any of the information. Please contact Mrs. Santos. at karen_santos@bedfordps.org
Past Due Dates
October 22nd- Senior Portraits-Please contact Mark Lawrence Photography @603-882-0116 to make your appointment.
October 8th- Senior Class Photo
The senior class photo will be taken on the football field. The picture will take place during flex block that day. (10:22-11:32) It will not take the whole time. Seniors please listen for the announcement on that day. Let Mrs Santos know if you have any questions.
October 8th- Individual baby pictures/Elementary photos. Please make sure when you upload your baby picture to include your name, first and last. If there is no name you run the risk of not being in the yearbook. Send to: www.hjeshare.com
Enter the code: Bedford(capital letter “B”)
October 8th- “Senior Thanks” (limit of 175 words) Please note: Text slang and most abbreviations are not acceptable. Drug or alcohol references are not acceptable. Send your “senior thanks” in a word document to: bhs2022yearbook@gmail.com
December 10th- Business Ads- Anyone with 2 business ads gets a free yearbook.
December 10th- Parent Ads. The 2021-2022 forms will be sent to the parents.
It's that time of year...
Senior students, please complete the form with the Cap and Gown order link above to order your cap & gown for graduation by December 21, 2021!
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Nicole Myles M.Ed
Class of 2022 Advisor
Graduation is Thursday, June 2, 2022
Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
6:15pm
There are no tickets for the event as there is ample seating for all friends and family members. Mark your calendars. It will be here sooner than you think!
April Ecuador Trip Enrollment
BHS will be taking a trip to Ecuador over April break 2022. There are still a few spots left. Look over the flyer for more information and if you are interested in attending. Please let Mr Griffin know to get enrolled. There is a limited number that we can accept.
Need a student parking sticker?
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 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? Please stop by the student office and look for the student drop off area sign. (Parents/Guardians, please label item your dropping with name) Please note; we do not interrupt classes for drop offs. Please stop by between classes to check for your item.
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
Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)
Get a parking sticker? You will not need a sticker until the end of September. Please fill out the Google Form here and your Assistant Principal will deliver it to your lunch or Advisory. There is no fee for parking at Bedford High School.
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