The Bedford Buccaneer
February 1, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, February 1 - Term 3 begins
Friday, February 5 - Birthday Cards for Mrs. Pietrangelo due
Saturday, February 6 - Virtual Trivia by Stump Trivia 7-8:30pm
Tuesday, February 2 - Yearbook Candid Photos due
February 10 - Grades 9, 10 & 11 - Mid-year Class Assembly 1-1:45 (Zoom link will be sent)
February 10 - Grades 12 Mid-year Class Assembly 1:45-2:30 (Zoom link will be sent)
February 15-19 - Winter Vacation
February 22 - March 12 - Students/parents/guardians enter course requests in Aspen
Monday, April 12 - Term 4 begins
April 19-23 - Spring Vacation
congratulations DECA
The Regional DECA competition was last week. As per everything, it was different and virtual but BHS made us proud! If you see these students congratulate them! They will be moving on to compete at the state championship in March!
Business Law/Ethics -Team
- Kaylee Grace
- Emma Szabo (4th place)
Community Giving Project- Teams
- Will Campbell
- DylanDiGangi - 5th
- Jessica Lin
- Ericn Xu - 4th
Entrepreneurship Individual:
- James Tierney - 5th
- Pranav Kaundinya -3rd
Financial Services Team:
- Vishal Borra
- Preet Patel - 3rd
Integrated Marketing -Event:
- Alex Lin - 4th
- Team:
- Jackie Campos
- Avaanika Nair
- Norah White - 3rd
Personal Financial Literacy:
- Caitlin Connors - 1st
Principles of Marketing:
- Sydney Cox - 3rd
Principles of Business:
- Anna Chong - 2nd
Congratulate them if you know them!
Justine Flora
Business Teacher/ DECA Advisor
BHS Student Helps Discover 4 New Planets
Bedford High School Course Request Process
Academic Advising 2021-2022
The goal of the scheduling process is to develop a course load that challenges you while also allowing you to develop your current interests and abilities and try new areas to stimulate new interests.
There are multiple opportunities to have discussions and engage in reflection around the direction of your academic career at BHS.
Be honest with yourself about your abilities, time constraints, and interests.
Ask questions and seek out the advice and guidance of the adults in your life, be they your parents, teachers, or counselor.
Work toward finding a balance between the rigor of the classroom and the demands of other activities outside of the classroom. Finding that balance is essential to your success and well-being as you progress through high school.
The BHS Program of Studies is available on BHS website.
Monday, February 1 through Thursday, February 11, 2021
Teachers confer with students about course recommendations for next year.
Monday, February 22 through Friday, March 12, 2021
Students and parents/guardians enter elective course requests using the Aspen portal.
Monday, February 22 through Thursday, March 12, 2021
Academic advising conferences for all students with their counselors.
11th Grade: February 22 - February 26
10th Grade: March 1 - March 5
9th Grade: March 8 - March 12
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Deadline for students to submit course override forms to program administrators at BHS.
Thursday, April 8, 20201
Course request verification information available in Aspen
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Deadline for submitting any corrections to course request verification information to the counselor.
Department Program Administrator Emails
Art Sean Hagan sean_hagan@bedfordps.org
Academic Achievement Center (AAC) Kristen Tracy kristen_tracy@bedfordps.org
English Elizabeth Marcotte elizabeth_marcotte@bedfordps.org
Health and Wellness Keith Mangan keith_mangan@bedfordps.org
Literacy Betsy Wilson elizabeth_wilson@bedfordps.org
Math and Business Patrick Morrissey patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org
Performing Arts Nicole O’Toole nicole_otoole@bedfordps.org
Science Mike Griffin michael_griffin@bedfordps.org
Social Studies Christine Butler christine_butler@bedfordps.org
Special Education Michelle Della Valle michelle_dellavalle@bedfordps.org
World Language Dana Curran dana_curran@bedfordps.orgFall two Sports Registration is Open
Fall two sports registration is open for Football, Volleyball, Indoor Track, Cheer and Unified Basketball. Registrations information must be entered by a parent/guardian on the Aspen parent/guardian portal. Directions for registering can be found here.
If you do not know your log in information please contact the Aspen Data Specialist, Will McColl, at will_mccoll@bedfordps.org
Calling all lacrosse players!
The BHS boy’s lacrosse team is putting the call out to find any freshman as well as newcomers to the sport that are interested in playing in the spring. The team is asking for any and all prospective players to reach out to Coach LaRiviere and let him know that you are interested in playing.
If you would like to play this spring season please email Coach LaRiviere at Jayson_lariviere@bedfordps.org by Friday, February 5th with the following information:
1) Your Name
2) Year of Graduation
3) If you have played before (and if so, what position you play).
Also, please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions. Starting in February, Coach LaRiviere will be sending out emails to players grouped by position in order to set up meetings where the roles and expectations for each specific position will be explained.
Join us on the adventure of a lifetime in 2022!
BHS is offering three trips abroad and all current freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to participate. Two trips will occur over February break and one trip will be offered in April. All include missing school Thursday and Friday prior to break beginning to add additional travel time. Space is limited and you should contact the trip coordinators as soon as possible if you would like to enroll. (Please note that final trip dates will be confirmed once the BPS calendar is released.)
Sicily & Athens Culinary Adventure : February 2022
Join Ms. Arena and Mr. Berlino on a culinary tour of Sicily and Athens! The trip begins in Palermo, Sicily and includes traveling through the country experiencing culture and food; sightseeing through Agrigento, Catania; shopping in local food markets, exploring local farms, olive groves, cooking with chefs and experiencing local flavors in restaurants. We will travel overnight by ferry to Athens, Greece for more touring of local agriculture and sites and culinary experiences. Visit
explorica.com/Arena-2772 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms. Arena at sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
Galapagos Adventure: February 2022
Join Ms. Leshay and Ms. Billouin to explore the Galapagos Islands. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before flying to the Galapagos islands. The trip includes time on San Cristobal Island with snorkeling and visiting the giant tortoises before moving to Isabela Island to visit the lava tunnels and take a day hike at the Sierra Negra volcano. We'll finish our visit on Santa Cruz Island with a visit to the Darwin Research Station
before heading back to spend one last day in Quito. Visit explorica.com/Leshay-8311 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms.Leshay at sarah_leshay@bedford.org
Amazon and Andes Adventure: April 2022
Join Mr. Griffin, Mr. Caprioli and Ms. Eggers for an experience of a lifetime and we explore the Amazon forest and climb the Andes Mountains. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before traveling into the Amazon. The trip includes a visit to a local village in the Amazon, an animal rescue hospital, whitewater rafting, exploring forests, and hiking on a volcano and much more. For a complete description visit explorica.com/griffin-8227 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Michael_griffin@bedfordps.org.
Explorica is offering risk-free booking and the $200 early enrollment voucher through February 25, 2021. The risk-free booking opportunity is a great way to feel comfortable and confident about booking future travel. There is a lot of promising news about vaccines; we can see a light at the end of the tunnel!
Risk-Free Guarantee: NEW enrollments by February 25, 2021, are eligible for 100% refund if they cancel for any reason by April 30, 2021. Choose auto-payment or full-pay option at the time of enrollment to qualify. This will allow families to lock in low monthly payments and have something to look forward to in the future without concern of losing any money!
Tip to Help Your Child Thrive
Support a balanced daily schedule
Parents, educators, and students can use this
Time Wheel tool to evaluate your use of time in various categories including sleeping, exercise, downtime, etc. Ask yourself if the numbers align with your priorities and values, then take it a step further and break down some of the categories to better see how you might reprioritize and better allocate your time according to those values.
For example, we know sleep is crucial to mental and academic well-being. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends 9 hours for teens and even more for younger kids. If your child is getting less than this, consider how to rearrange the current schedule to better support a full night of sleep. Source: https://www.challengesuccess.org/
Join our community! Check out BHS Challenge Success on social media
Twitter: @chalsuccessbhs
Instagram: @challengesuccessbhs
Facebook: Challenge Success Bedford High School (this is a closed group)
Volunteer Opportunity: We are looking for someone to help run our social media accounts. If you are interested please reach out.
For more information about the BHS-Challenge Success Parent’s group please contact Cynthia Vitti (cynhere@comcast.net) or Lori Alper (lorialper@gmail.com)
Bedford SEPAC
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
MCAS for students with Disabilities
Free to attendees
The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Bedford SEPAC present MCAS for Students with Disabilities
1. Standards-Based Education
2. MCAS 2.0 for the 21st Century
3. Students With Disabilities
4. Your Child’s MCAS Parent/Guardian Report
5. MCAS: a Diploma Requirement
Registration Link to get zoom:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsd-ihpzMtHNzIqzesIXyQGDghsXtriSN4
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
Free to attendees
The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Bedford SEPAC present Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
•Why the IEP is Important
•Who is eligible for an IEP
•How the IEP is Developed
•Strengths and Concerns
•Vision Statements
•IEP Sections including PLEP A & B, Annual Goals and Service Delivery Grid
•Differences between Accommodations and modifications
•Response, Placement and Consent
•Procedural Safeguards and more!
Registration Link to get zoom:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqc-urrD4pHtWFKhA6-Gah0iWFOZlDpCJb
Bedford Sepac Contact Info:
Bedford SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
email: bedfordmasepac@gmail.com
SENIOR UPDATES
Hello Bedford High school Parents, Guardians and Community,
Just your friendly neighborhood Class of 2021 Advisors here, Ms. Sandy Arena and Mr. Charlie Humphrey. We wanted to pass on some information regarding the senior class. Firstly, the Josten site to order caps and gowns is closed for orders, but if you haven’t ordered you can contact Jostens at 508-248-9095 and order directly with customer service.
Also, we are meeting every Tuesday with the class of 2021 officers, Malcolm, Alfonse, Hannah and Grace who are working hard to plan events that can still take place in our current situation. One endeavor will be to disseminate a survey inquiring from the entire class what they might like to see for events. Obviously anything would need to be feasible with current Covid-19 protocol, then presented to and approved by Principal Galante, Superintendent Conrad, the School committee and the Bedford Board of Health. Even though this year will be a challenge, we all hope for it to be safe and memorable. More information to come in the future, until then, be well.
Respectfully,
Ms. Arena and Mr. Humphrey
Class of 2021 Student Advisors
Email: sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
Email: charles_humphrey@bedfordps.org
Yearbook Photo Requests
Please have your student scroll back in their smartphone and share their last "normal" picture they took before COVID shut things down (Approximately March 13, 2020). Please send us that photo with a sentence or two describing what's happening in the photo. We really thank you for taking the time to do this; we couldn't make this book without your help...this year especially! To share the photo please click here or copy/paste this URL to reach our Google Form https://forms.gle/vfiAx9Qd3hTcNUCj7
Did your student cook or bake more during quarantine? If so, the yearbook staff would like to ask you a few questions about this and see their creations! Share a few photos with us via this form or copy/paste this URL to reach our Google Form https://forms.gle/SUihqa1SRpKNUanr9
Fall Sports Photos Needed
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.
Did you order your yearbook?
The yearbook features ALL students in ALL grade levels. This is how you’ll remember your high school experience! Please email karen_santos@bedfordps.org with any questions.
Please send us your photos by February 2nd. THANK YOU!
Class of 2021 Parents/Guardians Facebook Group
A Facebook group has been created to share ideas and make plans for celebrating our seniors since most of the traditional senior events will not be possible this year. We want your voice to be heard! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bhsclassof2021parents
Please answer the questions when signing up - the group is restricted to parents or guardians of the BHS class of 2021.
Counseling Corner
The Counseling Department has launched a NEW Post-Secondary website! Check it out here
Upcoming Dates:
February 2 Virtual Visit with The University of Tampa
Register in your SCOIR account
February 3 Junior Seminars during History/Social Studies Classes
Virtual Visit with Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
Register in your SCOIR account
February 4 Careers in Law Enforcement
9:30-10:30 am via Zoom (check google classroom)
February 28 NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR
March 3 SAT test at Bedford High School
Detailed information sent to the junior class
Junior Seminars
Juniors will be meeting with their counselor in small groups during their history/social studies class.
Careers in Law Enforcement
Have you ever wondered what a typical day for a Bedford Police Officer is like? Ever wonder how to become a police officer? If you answered yes to either of these questions please attend a ZOOM session with Bedford High Schools Resource Officer, Sergeant Jeff Wardwell. Sergeant Wardell and Mr. DeChellis will be hosting a ZOOM on Thursday February 4th from 9:30-10:00am. Check google classroom for the Zoom link
College Board discontinues SAT subject tests and essay
In a recent newsletter (1/19/21) College Board announced they will discontinue SAT subject tests immediately, and will discontinue the SAT essay after this school year ends. If you are registered for SAT with essay this spring, you can still take it. Talk to your counselor about whether it is recommended to take the essay portion.
If you are registered for a subject test, your registration will be automatically refunded and you will be allowed to register for a regular SAT on that test date if you choose.
We are excited about these changes that simplify the testing process for juniors and seniors. Please talk to your counselor if you have questions.
ATTEND NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
On each fair date, hundreds of colleges will offer Zoom sessions for high school students like you. Students everywhere can log in, drop in, and ask questions.
Sign up now at virtualcollegefairs.org and register for one or more fairs. Click below to see which colleges will be at each fair. For the most up-to-date listing, please check online.
Jan. 31 Fair: View online | Download PDF
Feb. 28 Fair: View online | Download PDF
Mar. 7 STEM Fair: View online
Mar. 16: Performing & Visual Arts Fair: View online
Mar. 21 Fair: View online | Download PDF
Apr. 10 Western US Fair
Apr. 20 Fair Southeastern US Fair: View online
May 2 Fair: View online
Mental Health Webinar Resources from McLean
McLean Hospital recognizes the need for reliable and helpful mental health resources. With this in mind, we have dedicated the time of our staff to ensure we are making free resources available for the public and professionals in hopes of promoting healthy individuals and communities. https://home.mcleanhospital.org/webinar-series
Post-Secondary Website Launch
The Counseling Department has launched a NEW Post-Secondary website! While this site is most relevant to Juniors and Seniors, the site is loaded with information and will be useful to the whole BHS community. Check it out here
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.
Other scholarship resource are:
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
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.
Financial Aid Sites and Tips
FAFSA - Federal form required by all schools when applying for Financial Aid
CSS Profile - Private form that only some schools require
MEFA - Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, free financial aid resource
Informative Articles:
Appealing Your Financial Aid Offer During COVID19 (From MEFA)
https://www.mefa.org/blog/appealing-your-financial-aid-offer-during-covid-19
Early Decision and Financial Aid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B35TR0D49QM&feature=emb_title
CSS Profile
https://ineedfinancialaid.com/video-2020-2021-css-profiles/
Net Price Calculators - What are they and are they accurate?
https://ineedfinancialaid.com/net-price-calculator-what-are-they-and-are-they-accurate/
Source: The College Funding Service (please know this is not an endorsement of this fee-based organization, just simple and helpful videos we've found).
College Guidance Network (CGN):
Episode Library: https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/episodes
Inspirit AI Scholars Live Online 2020
AI Scholars Live Online exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful AI project where they apply math to real world problems using machine learning. Students attend live online classes in small groups where we teach them the mathematical principles behind AI algorithms.
Learn more at: www.inspiritai.com
Westfield State University - Preparing High School Students for College
Westfield State University’s Banacos Academic Center is hosting hour-long Zoom sessions to address these very questions for high school students and their parents or guardians. Disability/Accessibility Services staff from the other Massachusetts Universities and a Westfield State Admissions representative will be present. Please use this form to sign up for a session. Sessions are capped at 50 sign ups.
Virtual Trivia brought to you by Stump Trivia
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Virtual Trivia brought to you by Stump! Trivia - 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Teams of 6-10 players (max. of 10 players per team)
Team players do not need to be in the same location,
however each person counts as a player, even if sharing a device.
1st and 2nd place cash prizes.
REGISTER EARLY, only 80 tickets remain!!!
Proceeds go to scholarships for Bedford/Hanscom graduates who
plan to continue their education.
Team Captains - please visit our website to register your team:
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Please notify the nurse if anyone in your household tests positive for Covid-19. When calling the absent line, please state if your student is ill or not ill. You will get a call from the nurse if you do not state a reason.
Please notify the nurse when 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
To Freshman parents:
A physical exam done within the past year is required for all 9th graders. Please email a valid physical to Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. You can forward documentation of your student's vaccine to: Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org
Nurse Office Fax: 781-687-6141
Thank you,
Nancy Thorsen RN
Show your Bedford spirit with Buccaneer masks!
Bedford Parents - winter sports for students are well underway and Fall 2 sports (BHS) are coming soon! Show your Bedford spirit with Buccaneer masks. Grab some for the family or the team. Inquire below for bulk orders!
New Year Promotion:
- Purchase 2 masks for $20
- Purchase 5 masks for $45
- Donate a mask to someone in need in the community - $5.00
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.
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.
The class of 2023
Attention sophomore parents and students: Are you interested in keeping up with what's going on with the class of 2023? Please take a moment to follow the "classof2023" on Instagram.
Also, don't forget the class of 2023 will be selling Bedford Buccaneer mugs. Mugs can be purchased from Mrs. Billouin's classroom H107. They are $10 and pictured below.
Please reach out to Mrs. Hinz and Mrs. Billouin interested. cassie_hinz@bedfordps.org or beth_billouin@bedfordps.org
Thank you!
Youth employment permit
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
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
Thank you all for reaching out!
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