The Bedford Buccaneer
March 11, 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
Monday, June 17th- Last Day of School
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
DECA State Competition
This past weekend was the DECA State competition at the Hynes Convention Center & Marriott Copley. BHS represented with class and professionalism all around! Maya and Diya won the quizbowl and will be attending Nationals in Anaheim California.
Boys’ Basketball
Boys’ Basketball made the Final 4 and are facing off against Sharon on Tuesday night at UMASS Boston.
Link to purchase tickets to Tuesday 3/12 game
Bedford's History Fair
On Sunday, Bedford's History Fair Competition Team participated in our regional competition. The students all performed admirably and many of our projects advanced to the state finals, received honorable mentions, and special awards.
Paint the School Purple
March 11-14th is Paint the School Purple week at BHS! The Relay for Life Committee has decorated the school purple to celebrate the cancer community and encourage people to sign up for our event! This Thursday is purple-out and we ask that students and staff wear purple to honor cancer patients and survivors. Relay for Life is a year-round nonprofit initiative where participants raise money for the American Cancer Society. This culminates in an overnight event on June 1st-2nd,2024 at the Bedford track. For more information on Relay and how you can get involved in our exciting event and meaningful cause, visit our table at lunch on Tuesday and Thursday!
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
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
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 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
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)
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 school due to an illness, could you please specify whether the illness is Flu, cold/respiratory, gastrointestinal or COVID related.
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
The Bedford Education Association is pleased to announce that we will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who are planning to enter the field of education.
To apply, follow this link to the BEA Scholarship Application form. Please complete the form by Tuesday, April 9, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact BEA President Mr Sunderland at presidentbedford@gmail.com
Athletics Infomation
Link to the Athletics Webpage
Link to Schedules
Link to Athletics Handbook
Link to Baseline test at home instructions
The BAA Scholarship Application is available upon request from Mr. Mangan
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