The Bedford Buccaneer
December 14, 2020
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, December 14 - Winter Sports season begins
Wednesday, December 16 - College Guidance Network (CGN): "Ask Us Anything" 7pm
Monday, December 21 - Administrative Team Parent/Caregiver meeting 6:30PM Webinar
Thursday, December 24-31 Vacation
Friday, January 1 - New Year's Day (No School)
Monday, January 4 - School Back in Session
Thursday, January 7 - Junior Night with Counselors 6:30 (Zoom)
January 30 - April 9, 2021 - Term 3
April 10 - June 16, 2021 - Term 4
Hello BHS Community,
Please join the main office administrative team for a parent/caregiver meeting scheduled for Monday, December 21 @ 6:30PM. We will reintroduce Challenge Success, review the results from the Reopening Survey, talk about student supports and our hopes for the new year. Please consider joining us.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/87638603466?pwd=MVMrN3g0czdZOFJXeFF3SUNKdzNvdz09
Passcode: 296403
Sincerely,
Heather Galante
Principal
BHS is 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.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Please notify the nurse prior to 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
The Flu Vaccine is required for all students in Massachusetts and must be completed and reported by December 31, 2020. Thank you to all parents, families, and caregivers who have already sent in the documentation that their child has received the 2020 flu vaccine. 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 class of 2023 is selling another round of gift boxes to spread holiday cheer!
Each Cheer Box contains:
-Voucher for a FREE bagel with cream cheese from Bruegger's Bagels
-Bedford Mug Designed by Sean Hagan
-Handmade Hot Chocolate Bomb
-Cookie Bundle from Carrington and Co. (Frosted Sugar Cookie, Chocolate Chip, and Thumbprint)
-Lindt Chocolate Bon Bon assortment (2oz.)
-Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares (3ct.)
-Glitter Snowflake Ornament
Boxes will be delivered (contact-free) to Bedford, Hanscom, and Boston on Sunday, 12/20. They will also be available for pick up at BHS. We're only selling 48 boxes, so order one before they're all gone! Boxes are $25 and can be paid using Venmo or check made out to the class of 2023. Drop off money/check to Mrs. Hinz in A212. Orders are due by 12/19.
Click the form to purchase-Holiday Cheer Box Order Form
Thanks!
The Class of 2023
The class of 2023 will also be selling Bucs mugs for just $10!
cassie_hinz@bedfordps.org or beth_billouin@bedfordps.org
Thank you!
Looking 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.
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
Follow us on Twitter
Upcoming Dates:
December 16 College Guidance Network (CGN):
“Ask Us Anything: Admissions Experts Open Up" at 7pm
January 7 Junior Night with the Counselors
Thursday 1/7/2020 at 6:30pm
Will take place via Zoom!
Meeting link will be provided closer to 1/7
Recording of the Junior Parent Night Kick-Off Event:
If you missed the event, email Ms. Ferrari for a link to the recording: kristin_ferrari@bedfordps.org
Accompanying PowerPoint Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18cM-l9pXWW0pzbZe9uFBT6KETUAxs0Co/view?usp=sharing
Interpreting Your PSAT Score Report, presented by Summit Educational Group
Monday 12/14/2020 from 7:00pm- 8:00pm
Registration Link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5030335376862313743
Join us to learn how to analyze the results of your PSAT. Summit's Drew Heilpern will guide us through an in-depth look at the report so that students and families have a better understanding of their scores and how this report can best be used to identify students’ strengths and areas for future focus. We will also discuss how the PSAT compares to the SAT to give students further insights into these two tests.
About Our Speaker: Drew Heilpern, Ph.D., is a testing industry expert and works closely with families, schools, and independent educational consultants to help their students navigate the admissions testing process for college.
FREE PRACTICE SAT & ACT Tests
Summit Educational Group also offers Free Practice tests, to read more about it, click here.
College Guidance Network (CGN):
“Ask Us Anything: Admissions Experts Open Up" at 7pm
The final episode of College Guidance Network's fall programming schedule will air on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 PM ET. We hope our first ten episodes have offered support for you, your students and their families. And now we'll answer any questions your students and their parents still want to ask related to college admissions and financial aid.
“Ask Us Anything: Admissions Experts Open Up", brings together both returning and new experts to answer questions live for a full hour:
Junior Night with the Counselors
Thursday 1/7/2020 at 6:30pm
Will take place via Zoom!
Meeting link will be provided closer to 1/7
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.
Another scholarship resource is: https://studentscholarships.org/newsletter.php
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
Please keep in mind that the Counseling Office is closed during Winter Break and request your transcripts beforehand.
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.
Hand Hold
You know your child better than anyone. But even you have a few questions.
COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. Should you worry about your child’s behavioral health? We’re here to help you figure that out.
HandholdMA.org is a new website designed for parents who are worried about their children’s mental health. The website, created by a team of mental health and child development experts in partnership with parents who have “been there,” was designed for parents of school-aged children in Massachusetts. HandholdMA.org was developed with input from individuals representing the diversity of Massachusetts’ communities, and is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.
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/
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.
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
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