The Bedford Buccaneer
October 4, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
October 8th - Senior Class Photo will be taken on the football field during Flex Block
Friday, October 8 - Seniors Yearbook Baby, Elementary photos & Senior "Thanks" due
Friday, October 8 - Last day to sign up for AMC 10/12 B Math Exam
Monday, October 11 - Indigenous Peoples Day (No School)
Thursday, October 14- Free Well Balanced Student Webinar 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Saturday, October 16 - PSAT 7:45 at BHS (Must be registered by 10/1 please see below)
Friday, October 22 - Picture retake day
Friday, October 22 - Yearbook Senior Portraits due
Wednesday, October 27 - Swim & Dive Team Chipotle Fundraiser 4-8pm
Thursday, October 28 - BHS Marching Band Flatbread Company Benefit 4-9pm
Thursday, November 11 - Veterans Day (No School)
Tuesday, November 16 - AMC 10/12 B Math Exam
Wednesday, November 24 - School closed at 11:08 pm early dismissal
Thursday - Friday, November 24 -25 - Thanksgiving Break
Friday - Friday, December 24 -31 Vacation
Thursday, June 2, 2022 - Graduation at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell at 6:15pm
Military Impact Aid Survey
As we do each October, we are asking for parent/guardian cooperation in filling out a survey form to meet the requirements of Public Law 874. Under the provisions of Public Law 874, Bedford Public Schools must conduct an annual Military Impact Aid Survey.
The Town of Bedford receives a substantial sum of money under this provision, which lowers the cost of education to the taxpayers.
This year the survey is fully electronic with e-signature - HERE IS YOUR LINK!
Parents/Guardians will receive an email with a survey link for each student. It is very important that all surveys are completed and electronically signed for each student, as reimbursement is made for all eligible students on a per pupil basis. We thank you very much for your assistance with this important annual survey.
Sincerely,
Philip Conrad, Superintendent of Schools
If you would like to learn more about your students classes, we invite you to enjoy the videos produced by our teachers Linked here.
Counseling Corner
For all things Post-Secondary related, please visit the
BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website.
Meet our new Director of Counseling, PreK-12 - Mr. Lester Eggleston
“Mr. Eggleston comes to Bedford after eight years as a counselor in the Arlington schools. He was also director of guidance at Lexington High School from 2005 to 2012. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he also holds a master’s degree in applied educational psychology from Northeastern University.”
High School Counselor Weekly
What testing changes should students know?
Q: I have a college-bound senior and a sophomore in high school. I know a lot has changed with standardized testing, but what do we need to know? Check out this article written by “The College Guy” from the Concord Monitor (NH) – September 27, 2021
Scheduling an Appointment with your School Counselor
Our School Counselors are available to students throughout the school day. They can schedule appointments at the following links:
Job Board
Looking for a job? Check out the job board behind Mrs. Tobe’s desk in the Counseling Suite
Need a student parking sticker?
Free Well Balanced Student Workshop
OCTOBER 14th | 4PM PT
For the entire parent and faculty community
Join fellow Partner Schools and your school community at this free Well-Balanced Student workshop. Click this link to learn more about the presentation and to register. The webinar will last 75 minutes, ending with time for Q&A.
AMC 10/12 Math Exams
The AMC 10/12 B math exam will be given after school on Tuesday, November 16th.
Please sign up using this form by Friday, October 8th.
If you’d like to take the test I need to order you a test booklet. More information about the exam can be found at https://www.maa.org/math-competitions/amc-1012. If you have any questions, please email patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org.
Thank you.
Daily Screening Checklist for Students and Staff
COVID Safety Checks (formerly known as pooled testing)
We are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, October 6th, we are starting our weekly COVID-19 safety checks (formerly known as pooled testing). It is a PCR test processed at the Broad Institute in Cambridge.
The sample for the test will be a nasal swab, and we will collect two swabs per person- one for the "pool" tube, and one for an individual tube. The tube with multiple samples will be tested, and in the event that there is a positive result, testing will be done on the individual samples. If there is a positive result, the individual’s parent/guardian will be notified directly.
The testers will be staff from our testing vendor (CIC) and school nurses. The plan is to set up in the main lobby and we will have students who are signed up come before school, from 7:20 am -7:45am. The first week will be testing 9th grade only. From there we will test all grades each week.
All students are encouraged to participate. This is an important safety measure to help keep our schools safe and identify any asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, before they spread to others.
The link to sign up is here.
For more information on our COVID-19 testing please see our website here.
Attendance
Thank you to all families for your cooperation with keeping your child home when they are sick. We know that it can be a challenge in the morning when deciding whether or not to keep your child home from school. We ask that all families screen their child daily using the Daily Screening Checklist. The Screening checklist is copied below and can be found on the Bedford PS website HERE.
If you look at the checklist and are checking off any of the boxes for symptoms (or combination of symptoms where indicated) then you should be keeping your student home and they will need a negative COVID-19 test to be cleared to return to school. A PCR or rapid molecular test is required for anyone who meets the criteria for testing. Test results can be emailed or faxed to 781-687-6141.
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. 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
BHSPA Fall Appeal
THANK YOU Bedford Parents/Guardians for your contributions to the Fall Appeal! As Principal Galante mentioned on the Back to School webinar, your donations help the school in so many areas. Here are a few of the ways your donations are put to work!
- Funding of 6 new picnic tables accommodating outdoor lunches, classrooms, meetings, etc. Due to popular demand, we will be adding more this year!
- 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 and funding grade specific initiatives.
- 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 (check out BHSPA.org for more information)
If you haven’t had an opportunity to contribute, there is still time!
Donations are accepted all year, using our online DONATION LINK at BHSPA.ORG.
BHS Marching Band Flatbread Company benefit
For each large flatbread sold, the restaurant will donate $3.50, and $1.75 for each small flatbread. Band Director Mr. Felker will be performing some acoustic music from 5:30-8:30pm.
This fundraiser is good for dine-in or take out. We are hoping to break our fundraising record at the restaurant, so please come out for some good food and good fun.
AP testing, payment and registration Information
Welcome to the beginning of the 2022 AP Exam year.
For students placed in AP classes during the school day:
If you have not already, you will be registering for your AP exam with your teacher either during class time or for homework. Please note the exam code you are given from your teacher is unique to your class only and should not be shared with other students.
For students Self Study AP exams:
If you are not physically scheduled into an AP class but are planning to self study for an exam, the first part of your registration process includes filling out this form:
AP Registration - Self Study ONLY
You will receive your registration exam code within one week of filling out the form above. If you are a Self Study Student and do not fill out this form, you will NOT receive an exam code.
***It is important to note that nothing replaces learning within the classroom. If you choose to self study for an exam, know this is an undertaking that should be considered carefully before registering. Please speak with your parents/caregivers and your counselor before taking this on.
- The deadline for exam registration is October 22nd, 2021.
- Information regarding the payment process will be announced soon. Reach out to me directly if you qualify for a fee reduction or waiver when payment becomes available.
- Late fees are back! Unlike the previous two years, late registration and test cancellation fees have been reinstated by the College Board. If you register late or choose to cancel your AP Exam, there will be a charge of $40.
Please reach out to me directly should you have any additional questions or concerns. Enjoy your day!
Ms. Thyne
AP Test Coordinator
Bus Transportation
Updated bus locations at the end of school: The busses line up, starting at the flagpole across from the softball field and looping all the way around the front of the high school to the front door of the main office.
The pick up order begins with the METCO bus, #33, then the base buses, #21, #23 and #24, respectively, and finally the local Bedford buses, #1-16.
Many health and safety measures will remain in place on school buses. As has been and is currently the case with all types of public transportation, masks will continue to be required on school buses for students and drivers. This is by federal public health order, and is specified in DESE’s guidance, released July 30, 2021. The district also will continue the practice of maximum ventilation and fresh air, and will continue to operate buses with windows partially open. Bus riding at BHS will return to open seating due to vaccination access for this age group.
Late busses run on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and pick up at the front of the school by the Cafeteria doors. Late busses depart at 4:05pm.
Boston METCO Families can register through the METCO office.
BHS families can find all bus routes and stops posted online.
Senior Dates and Deadlines
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
October 22nd- Senior Portraits-Please contact Mark Lawrence Photography @603-882-0116 to make your appointment.
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.
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
Graduation is scheduled for Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell at 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!
Athletics
Here is a link to the 2021-2022 fall schedule. GO BUCS!
INFORMATION OPT OUT
If you wish to have your student’s name, address, and/or telephone number withheld from the media, social media or military recruitment, please send a letter to Principal Galante stating your request by October 29, 2021.
Lunch
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 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/
Buddy Walk
Please join us in supporting the Buddy Walk, to support Aram Varjabedian, a BHS senior to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome, October 9, 2021 at BHS Turf @ 7:00pm
Help us celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month by supporting Aram’s Senior Year “I Can Do it Team” This will be our 10th Buddy Walk and this Senior Year, we can’t think of any better place to do it than on our home turf!
https://buddywalk.securesweet.com/teampage.asp?fundid=10316#.YSwAwo5KhPY
Workshop: Bullying - what parents need to know
Monday, November 8, 2021, at 7 - 9 PM on zoom
What is bullying? Strategies and tools? IEP? School's obligation to address and prevent bullying?
Registration link: https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcemvqDMrHtIOuwuwx_z_Td0s6-Ovl_5G
Free ADult ESL Classes
Dates: 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/23, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22
Free tuition
Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes
Location: Bedford High School
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
*Register online by sending an email to Carrie Powers, EL Director
Click here for more information!
Looking for a great community service opportunity?
The Bedford Food Pantry is looking for volunteers
You can sign up using the following link:
Questions? Please stop by the Athletic Office or reach out Annie Bernstein at annie_bernstein-2022@bedfordps.org
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