The Bedford Buccaneer
April 8, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
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
Friday, May 17th-Junior Prom-6-10pm-Hilton Boston/Woburn
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, May 30th-Senior Prom-7-10pm-Gibbet Hill
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
Cell Phone Pilot Letter
April 5, 2024
Dear Bedford High School Families,
As part of our commitment to serving your students, we are announcing a seven-week pilot to remove a significant distraction that has impacted student learning: cell phone use during classes. We are seeking your support to encourage this focus on enhancing student learning.
Many of our neighboring school districts have already implemented cell phone free classrooms (please see the chart below) and have reported an increase in student engagement and sociability. In an attempt to maintain autonomy over the policy (from proposals at state level), Bedford created the BHS Cell Phone Committee – composed of teachers from different grade levels and content areas. We surveyed the faculty and sought guidance from clinical psychologist Dr. Alex Hirshberg, who engaged with both the Cell Phone Committee and a group of students. Dr. Hirshberg presented data highlighting that, in addition to affecting students’ ability to focus, cell phones have contributed to an increase in mental health conditions, especially anxiety and depression, among teens and young adults. The findings he presented validated our conviction that implementing a pilot program for cell phones is necessary.
Consequently, we have decided to try a “level 3” cell phone pilot where students will put their phones in a designated cell phone box in every class. We are calling the pilot “bell to bell no cell.” This will begin on Monday, April 22 - after April Vacation. This initiative represents a moderate approach among five available options to limiting cell phone use in schools.
Students in Grades 9-11: students will be required to deposit their cell phones in a designated holder in each classroom at the beginning of each class period (LEVEL 3 PILOT)
Students in 12th Grade Only Classes: students will be required to keep their phones in their backpack (LEVEL 2 PILOT)
Students in Mixed Grade Level Classes: students will adhere to the standard (LEVEL 3 PILOT)
Students in Grades 9-12 will have access to their phones during Flex, Advisory, passing time, break time, lunch, and before/after the school day.
Please note that students will still have access to their phones during passing time, break time, flex block, and lunch. For non-emergency situations, students can check their messages between classes. In an emergency, you should call the main office, and they can quickly and easily get in touch with your student, as every classroom is equipped with a landline phone.
As a one-to-one school, it is the expectation that students bring their fully charged iPad to every class. Cell phones will not be used as a substitute for the iPad.
We will solicit feedback from students, parents and educators about the pilot to help inform our practices for next year. We are hopeful about the positive impact that this will have on our students and in our classes. Thank you for working with us to support the learning of our students.
Sincerely,
The BHS Cell Phone Committee
Mr. Boschetto, Ms. Butler, Ms. Cigna, Ms. Darlington, Ms. Goetschius, Ms. Kane Ms. Myles, Ms. White & Ms. Taub and endorsed by BHS Administration
Please click here to ready the Student cell phone pilot letter.
AP Exams
AP Exam Administration will begin on Monday May 6th and conclude Friday May 17th. After April Break, all students will receive an email including their individualized exam schedule and room assignments. It is the student's responsibility to know when and where your exam is taking place. Students are encouraged to arrive early to their exams so that testing may begin promptly at the designated start time (8am or 12pm).
Students who receive testing accommodations will be assigned to testing rooms designated for the specific accommodations being provided.
In regards to attendance, students taking an exam will be marked as 'Field Trip' for attendance during their exam time only. If a student would like to miss any part of the school day before or after their exam administration, this absence must be called in by a parent or guardian to the attendance line. Any absences before or after AP exams will not be considered excused.
In preparation for these upcoming exams, please review the AP Exam Terms & Conditions provided by the College Board. Reviewing these terms in advance will help your exam day run smoothly and help you understand what to expect.
Best of luck in the coming exams, as always, please feel free to reach out directly to Samantha Thyne, the AP Coordinator (samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org), with any administrative questions you may have.
Bedford High School History Fair Team
Saturday, April 6th, the Bedford High School History Fair Team competed in the State Finals at Winchester High School. The team did an amazing job, and the judges were floored by our students' knowledge & eloquence. We have three projects that have advanced to the national finals at the University of Maryland in June, including two state champions!
Below is a list of our competition team including their topic & results.
Link to Competition Team and results
Strategic Planning Survey #2
Strategic Planning Survey #2
Strategic Planning Survey #2 (which should take 3 to 5 minutes) is the second anonymous survey in a series designed to provide an opportunity for students, parents, staff, and community members to provide feedback as the Bedford Public Schools begins the 2024-2027 District Improvement Plan development process. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Bedford High School Black Student Union Fundraiser
The Bedford High School Black Student Union is fundraising for club expenses. Please click here to check out our student designed merchandise.
When placing your order, you have the option to have your merchandise delivered to an address of your choice. If you would like to pursue this option there is a $10 Shipping & Handling fee.
If you would like the order sent to BHS for pick up, (There is no S&H fee for this choice) please select the option that says "pick up from Hermance Septembre". Following the purchase, please respond to this email to let me know how you would like to receive your order (Lane, Davis, JGMS, etc).
Not interested in the merchandise, but would still like to help out?
No problem! Every little bit helps.
There is an option to donate to the cause as well.
Fundraising close on Friday April 26th at midnight.
Thank you for your support!
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
The Counseling Department (K-12) of Bedford Public Schools will host
Sarah Ward: Executive Functioning and The 360 Model
When: May 1, 2024
Where: Bedford High School, Large Group Instruction Room (Limited Seating Available, more information to come.)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Live Streamed with Bedford TV
Lecture Audience: Parents, Students, and School Staff ages K-12
TEACH CHILDREN TO MANAGE THEIR TIME, SPACE, AND MATERIALS, WHILE KEEPING THEIR EMOTIONS IN CHECK!
POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS
For more information on The 360 Model: Breakthrough Series click below: Parent lecture description flyer
Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction. Sarah is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the programs and strategies she has developed with her Co-Director Kristen Jacobsen. Their 360 Thinking Executive Function Program received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from the National Organization CHADD. She has presented to over 1800 public and private schools and organizations worldwide. In recognition of their global influence in the field of twice-exceptional learning, Sarah and Kristen Jacobsen were the honored recipients of the Nancy Tarshis Legacy Fellowship Award. Further solidifying their status as eminent figures in their field, Sarah and Kristen were named one of the Top 10 Professional Development Providers for 2023 by Education Technology Insights Magazine.
Extracurricular Club-Student Meetings
List of Clubs and Activities
Lost and Found
Students please take a look through the lost and found in the main office. During April break all items will be donated.
Student Opportunities
Bedford Tech and Library department
The Bedford Tech and Library department will be looking for interns to join our team this upcoming summer.
It is a full time position consisting of 30 hours, from 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Monday – Friday.
The position pays $15/hour from Monday, July 8th through Friday, August 23rd.
MIAA Student Ambassadors Committee
This committee is typically comprised of student leaders who participated in the MIAA Student Ambassador program or have shown strong leadership qualities within their school and community.
Throughout the year, Student Advisory Committee members meet as a group approximately once a month. They are tasked with facilitating student leadership workshops, meeting as a committee to discuss student related topics and participating in various association activities throughout the year. The student voice is critical in how we continue to improve the Educational Athletic offerings of the MIAA.
With that said, I am reaching out to our member school leaders to pass this application along to your 2024-25 junior and senior MIAA Student Ambassadors and those students that you consider to be exceptional leaders. Please know that this is an extremely competitive process with a limited number of spots available.
MIAA Student Advisory Committee Application
(click link above)
The application must be completed and submitted to me by Friday, April 26, 2024. Finalist interviews will be scheduled, virtually, starting in early May. Additionally, those students who are selected to join the committee will be required to participate in a mandatory orientation on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 9:00am-1:00pm. The orientation will be held in person at the MIAA office in Franklin, MA.
Attention Sophomores! Leadership opportunity
ESSAY CONTEST in CELEBRATION OF THE USS MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION
The Commissioning Committee for the USS Massachusetts invites middle and high school students within the Commonwealth to participate in an essay contest. Twelve winners will be awarded, invited to the commissioning ceremony in Boston, MA, have their essays framed and permanently installed within the submarine, and will be invited to the post-reception ceremony.
- Task: Research and write an essay on one event in history or aspect of the role of Massachusetts in the development of the United States Navy. The essay could center on an individual, an event or moment, a specific ship, a policy, or a place at a particular historical time.
Follow rules and guidelines and submit your essay before 15 June 2024
Questions? Contact The USS Massachusetts Commissioning Committee
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
Class of 2024
Class of 2024 Events & Information
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
🌟 Attention Parents! 🌟
We're excited to inform you of our 12th-grade BBQ party, where the seniors will be celebrating the culmination of their high school journey! The event promises a safe and enjoyable environment for your seniors to unwind, connect with friends, and create some last memories before they graduate. From games and energetic music to treats and BBQ, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
We are asking for your help to make this BBQ one to remember as we send off our seniors with love and support! Here is the link to donate!🎓🍔🎉
Nurse's Office- Allergy Season - Tree pollen
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
Allergy Season - Tree pollen
Dear parents/guardians, as most of you know, spring allergy season is upon us and some people are affected to different degrees. I just wanted to remind you that I do not provide allergy medication, including nasal sprays, antihistamines or eye drops. Please be proactive about your student’s allergies and have them take their prescribed allergy medication before school, so they will be comfortable for the duration of the school day. Depending on the severity of the pollen allergy, those with seasonal allergies can feel pretty miserable during this time of the year and allergy symptoms can have a significant impact on learning. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you. - Annmarie
New Covid-19 Guidelines from DESE (4/2024)
At the end of last week (3/28/24) the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released updated guidelines for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses to reflect the recently updated CDC guidance. Instead of guidance specific to testing positive for COVID-19, this updated information is for respiratory viruses like Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 as they share similar transmission methods, symptoms and prevention strategies.
Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
There is no longer the requirement to stay home for 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19.
When you have ANY respiratory virus- stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache.
Return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
𐄂 Your symptoms are improving and,
𐄂 At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without the use of
fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol and Motrin
It is important to note that the guidance doesn't end with staying home and away from others when sick. The guidance recommends taking added precautions over the next 5 days. Some recommendations for schools are:
Wear a well-fitting mask except when actively eating, drinking or outside.
Keep distance from others, especially the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
As always, practice good respiratory hygiene and wash hands or use sanitizer frequently.
Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN
HighSchool Nurse
Bedford Public Schools
School Council
School Council Website
Meeting dates-Time is from 2:30-3:30pm unless noted
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.
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.
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