The Bedford Buccaneer
March 4, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, March 12th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Friday, March 15th-No School-Staff Professional Day
Tuesday, March 26th-Wednesday, March 27th-Delayed Opening-ELA MCAS
Tuesday, April 9th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Monday, April 15th-Friday, April 19th-No School-Spring Vacation
Tuesday, May 14th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Monday, May 20th -Last day for Seniors
Tuesday, May 21st-Wednesday, May 22nd-Delayed Opening-Math MCAS
Tuesday, May 21st-Friday, May 24th-Senior Finals
Monday, May 27th-No School-Memorial Day
Thursday, June 6th- Graduation-Tsongas Center
Friday, June 14th-**Tentative Last Day of School**-If no snow days
Wednesday, June 19th-No School-Juneteenth Holiday
BHS Rotating Day Calendar 2023-2024
MCAS Schedule and Information
Dear BHS Families,
On March 26 and March 27, all Sophomores will be taking the English MCAS. Passing MCAS is a graduation requirement for all public school students in the state of Massachusetts. The test is computer based and expressly assesses student achievement of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Test sessions begin at 7:45 AM and will be 2-3 hours in length, but students may take as much time as they need during the school day to finish the exam. Below is our MCAS exam schedule which includes the ELA, Mathematics, and Science exams.
Late Arrival (grades 9, 11, and 12)
In order to ensure that we have ample bandwidth to support the 10th graders taking the MCAS exam electronically, we will delay the opening of school for all other students (grades 9, 11, 12) on March 26-27 and May 21-22. The start of school for these students will be at 10:15 AM and 10:29 AM; please see the full schedule below. If your child needs to arrive by bus on these test days, they should meet the bus at the regular pick up time and head to the cafeteria, gym, library, or counseling department. These areas will be open and supervised. We will have regular schedules for the Science MCAS on June 4-5, so there is no delayed opening.
Exam Day
On the day of the exam, students will find their testing locations posted outside the Main Office, Cafeteria, and LGI. The test begins promptly at the start of school (7:45 AM), so please have your student arrive at school on time. Please encourage your student to be thorough and take their time on the exam. It is important that students get sufficient sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days. We will be messaging this as well. The exams will be taken on student-issued iPads. Please make sure your student’s iPad is fully updated and charged prior to each testing day.
Additional Logistics
Students should bring snacks and water bottles. They will not have access to their cell phones or bluetooth devices during any testing session. Major assignments and tests will not be assigned to sophomores during the MCAS administration days. The same will be applied for freshmen during the June STE MCAS.
If you have specific questions regarding MCAS, you may contact Kristen Tracy at kristen_tracy@bedfordps.org or your student’s assistant principal. The students have prepared and continue to prepare for these exams, and we are confident in their ability to do well. Please see the modified schedules for the MCAS testing days below.
Sincerely,
Heather Galante
Principal
Class of 2027 and New Students Please Check Your Email
On March 7th, we are hosting our Future First Years' Night where rising 9th graders, new students and their parents/caregivers receive information about the transition to Bedford High School. We are looking for your feedback! If you are a 9th grader or new student, please fill out the optional survey sent out by Mrs Galante to share what went well and ideas for improvements. Thank you for for your time and input.
BHSPA Pepper's Grill Fundraiser
Youth Risk Behavior Survey Reminder
Per the email sent out by Keith Mangan on February 26, 2024 please refer to email with full details about the YRSB.
On March 19 and 20, we will administer the Youth Risk Behavior Survey at BHS for 9-12th graders.
If you have any questions about the Youth Risk Behavior Survey or would like to opt your child out, please contact Keith
Mangan (keith_mangan@bedfordps.org) or Julie DeMatteis (julie_dematteis@bedfordps.org).
College Fair
Dominican Republic for February break 2025
Addams Family Tickets
The BHS Performing Arts Department will present “THE ADDAMS FAMILY – A NEW MUSICAL” on Wednesday-Saturday, March 13-16, in Buckley Auditorium at BHS. Performances begin at 4:30 p.m. March 13 and at 7 p.m. the other days. There is also a 1 p.m. Saturday matinee.
About 80 students are participating as members of the cast, pit orchestra, and production crew under the direction of Katrina Faulstich.
Tickets are available through the Performing Arts Department website, https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/tickets.html. Tickets are $14 per adult and $12 per student and senior adult. Tickets will be sold at the door only if seating is available.
The show is considered appropriate for audiences of at least middle-school age. The show will run approximately two-and-a-half hours with one intermission.
Show Dates & Times:
Wednesday, March 13 @ 4:30
Thursday, March 14 @ 7:00
Friday, March 15 @ 7:00
Saturday, March 16 @ 1:00 & 7:00
Student Information
Activities Fair during Future First Year night
Welcome back from what was hopefully a relaxing vacation! The Peer Leaders are running another Activities Fair during Future First Year night next Thursday, March 7 from 7:00-8:30. The goal of the activities fair is to showcase the many clubs and activities offered here at BHS to the class of 2028 and allow our future first year students to meet student and faculty club organizers and potentially sign up for any clubs they're interested in.
This Activities Fair will be run similarly to the one we facilitate in the beginning of every school year. Club organizers will be provided with a table in the main gym and may bring materials to display with important information and provide a mechanism for students to sign up to join. If a faculty advisor is unable to attend, a student representative may attend in their place.
If your group would like a booth at this event, please SIGN UP HERE no later than Tuesday, March 5th. Please reach out with any questions!
Best,
Ms. Duffy & The Peer Leaders
Peer Leaders
If you are interested in being a Peer Leader for the 2024-2025 school year, please complete the attached Google Form no later than Friday, March 8th.
Once all applications have been submitted and reviewed, I will reach out to schedule interviews which will take place in March. The class is open to all incoming 11th and 12th graders. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Best,
Ms. Duffy
Peer Leadership application 2024
The BHS Lookout
The Lookout Student Newspaper is excited to share our February Newsletter with you.
Buccaneer's Book Library
BPS Performing Arts Department
BPS Performing Arts Department calendar
Counseling Corner
Course Selection Information
Academic Advising for the 2024-2025 school year began the week of February 12, 2024. Counselors have met and will continue to meet with students in small groups and individually to discuss their courses for the next school year. The schedule will go as follows:
Class of 2027: March 4th - 8th
Dollars for Scholars
Local Scholarship Opportunities are available to all 2024 graduating seniors at BHS who plan to continue their education at a 2 or 4-year college or trade/technical school. The online scholarship application period will be open from March 1st to March 21st. Please visit bedfordma.dollarsforscholars.org for more information and/or to apply.
Representatives from Dollars for Scholars will be available onsite at BHS on the following dates and times:
March 8th: D Block, Counseling Office
March 13th: 1PM - 2PM (after school), Computer Lab - H205
March 20th: 1PM - 2PM (after school), Computer Lab - H205
March 21st: D Block, Counseling Office
2024 App Handout Dollars for Scholars BHS with Q&A.pdf
Extracurricular Club-Student Meetings
List of Clubs and Activities
Student Opportunities
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we hope you’ll join us for a civics education event on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts, 590 Washington Street, Lynn, MA 01901.
The morning session (10:00 am to 1:00 pm) is geared toward elementary through eighth grade students and will feature round robin sessions with our collaborators, a hands-on art project with Raw Art Works and a boxed lunch.
Our keynote speaker is Laurie Ann Thompson, author of Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something that Matters! Her Zoom presentation begins at 1:00pm.
The afternoon session (1:00 to 4:00 pm) is for high school and college students and will feature a presentation by Fredie Kay, Founder & President of Suffrage100MA as well as a panel discussion, facilitated by Pattye Comfort, LWVMA Executive Director:
Youth Changers! with Lena Crowley, Director of Teen and Middle School Programs, Girls, Inc. of Lynn
What it Takes to Run for Office with Nicole McClain, Councilor At-Large for the City of Lynn and Adriana Paz, Campaign Manager.
Standing in our power, women of color leading Change with Gail Jackson Blount, Chief Development and Communications Officer, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center.
LWVMA is proud to partner with; Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts, Girls Inc. of Lynn, LWV Marblehead, LWV Salem, MA Women of Color Coalition, Northshore Juneteenth Foundation, Raw Art Works and Suffrage100MA. Questions? please email Sgarvey@lwvma.org
Thank you to our planning committee members: Celia J. Blue, Donecca Thurston-Chavez, Lena Crowley, Susan d. Garvey, Brynne Gorman, Maureen Hansen, Michelle Juralewicz, Fredie Kay, Nicole McClain, Rosario Umbier-Minaya, Lee Mondale, Jeanne Morrison, Judith Reilly, Laura Smith, Lily Sweeterman and Makda Teklemichael.
Registration is required and this is a free event for all students.
Davis School Family STEM Night needs Volunteers
Davis School is having a Family STEM night for our preK - 2 students on Thursday, March 14, from 5:30 - 7:00. Last year, the volunteers from BHS were amazing at helping and making the night a success. Volunteers came from 5:00 - 7:00 and helped run the activities with the kids. We'll provide pizza and soda/water as well for the students who volunteer.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this form. A total of 35 students are needed for the event. Thank you for considering. Ms. Mansfield and Ms. Bentinck are the teachers from Davis who are the points of contact for the event if you happen to have any questions.
Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Challenge
Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Challenge: The O’Connor Institute Civics Challenge is open to all 6th-12th graders and provides an opportunity to earn cash prizes. Students are challenged to choose one civics topic and express their knowledge through various art forms. Entries will be accepted through March 29, 2024.
Click here for more information about topics, rules, and formats.
Massachusetts Agriculture Youth Council
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is proud to announce the creation of the Massachusetts Agriculture Youth Council! This Council has been created to cultivate and foster the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry here in Massachusetts. The Council will be comprised of high school students in their senior year and will meet monthly to discuss agricultural issues, hear from guest speakers from the agricultural industry, learn about the legislative process and workforce development opportunities, attend special events and tours, and enhance professional skills.
To learn more and apply, visit our website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-agriculture-youth-council
Applications are due electronically by March 17, 2024. Please help us spread the word!
American Battle Monuments Foundation's Essay Contest
The American Battle Monuments Foundation is sponsoring the Past is Prologue essay contest. Eligible students ages 11-18 compete for prize money ranging from $10,000 - $1,500. Essays are due April 12, 2024.
Click here for the essay prompt, contest rules, and additional information.
If you have any questions, email essaycontest@abmf.org
Civics Essay Contest - National Center for State Courts
Each year, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) invites elementary, middle, and high school students in grades 3-12 to enter our essay contest. The contest promotes civics education and deepens students' understanding of the U.S. government.
Since 2014, the contest has grown from 65 to over 1700 entries.
Prize money will be awarded to the top three winners from elementary, middle, and high schools. Essays will be accepted online through midnight ET, Friday, March 22, 2024. Winners will be announced on May 1.
Click here for the essay prompt, contest rules, and additional information.
Email Molly Justice if you have any questions.
What if you had the opportunity not just to learn American history, but to live it? Check out this summer opportunity.
National History Academy’s Residential Summer Program
Please click here for the application
School Council
School Council Website
Meeting dates-Time is from 2:30-3:30pm unless noted
Mar 12
Apr 9 (2:30-4:00)
May 14 (2:30-4:00)
BEF-Denim and Diamonds Bash
Welcome to the 2024 BEF Denim and Diamonds Bash! We can’t wait to share an evening of fun and festivity with our friends and supporters. There will be music, dancing, delicious bites, a cash bar, our amazing silent auction, and more. All proceeds from this event – the biggest party of the year for Bedford’s schools – go towards funding creative and innovative grant programs at all four schools. Individual tickets are $55 through Thursday, 3/7 and will go up at the door to $65.
You can also choose to be a “Deep Pocket Donor” for $250. This ticket level includes two individual tickets, a special memento, and entry into a raffle for one prize exclusive to these donors. The deadline to be a Deep Pocket Donor is Sunday, 3/3. It pays to plan ahead, so get your tickets today!
Names for tickets are automatically sent to the BEF, just check in at the door on 3/9! Let’s make this the best Bash yet! Click link to see all ticket options, and we’ll see you there!
AP Exams
The AP Exam registration and payment deadline has passed as of Tuesday, November 14th, 2023. No further exams are able to be ordered at this time. Please note that refunds will no longer be available for canceled exams as of March 1, 2024 through the May exam administration date. Partial refunds are available up until the March 1st deadline.
Should you (or your student) be interested in canceling your exam, you must request a cancellation through Total Registration. Please feel free to contact the AP Coordinator directly with any question you may have at samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org.
Nurse's 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
Handwashing
The Bedford school nurses want to remind everyone that the flu season is among us! Handwashing is the best way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to other people.
According to the CDC, studies have shown that hand washing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea related illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections such as the cold or flu. Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (nausea/vomiting and diarrhea illness), and it is highly contagious! Spreading easily in places where people are sharing spaces at home, schools, hospitals, and dorms.
Wash your hands:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage
Avoid touching your face- eyes, nose and mouth
Most viruses are spread by person-to-person contact, for example, if you touch your face after a common handshake and then inadvertently touch your face, viruses can gain entrance into the body via the eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can easily be transferred onto other objects such as handrails, doorknobs and tabletops and then can transfer to another person’s hands. People frequently touch their face often without even realizing it - up to 200 times a day!
How to wash your hands
The CDC has developed recommendations for handwashing & hand sanitizer use based on several studies.
Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.
Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, backs, fingers, between your fingers, and under your nails. Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them
The CDC recommends that hand washing is more effective than using hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals.
How do you use hand sanitizers?
Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
Rub your hands together.
Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
References
Class of 2024
Athletics Infomation
Link to the Athletics Webpage
Link to Schedules
Link to Athletics Handbook
Link to Baseline test at home instructions
MIAA Tournament Brackets
Spring Sports Registration is Open!
Interested in playing a spring sport? Please register in Aspen. Registration must be completed by a parent/caregiver. Instruction below.
https://www.bedfordps.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2786/f/uploads/sports_registration_instructions5_0.pdf
Follow Athletics on social media
Twitter: @BedfordBucs
Instagram: @bedfordathletics
Student Item Drop Off Location
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.
BHSPA
BHSPA Grants for the BHS Community
As part of our mission to contribute to different initiatives, programs, and events that impact the students, faculty, staff, and supporting the community at BHS, the BHSPA has many events that we regularly fund and support. We also invite faculty, student groups, and individuals to submit grant requests for special projects, programs, and tools that will have a positive impact on the BHSPA community. If you have an idea to propose, please download, fill out the application and follow the instructions.
Bedford SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
Come and discuss special education programming in Bedford and how we can best support our children.
Thurs, Mar 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM with guest Marianne Vines
Thurs, May 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
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 781-918-4561) 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 2023-24 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