The Bedford Buccaneer
March 1, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, March 9 - A Call to Families virtual event 7-8:30pm
Friday, March 12 - Deadline for Student Survey "Diplomas for Seniors"
Tuesday, March 23 - Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP 7:00 - 9:00 pm Zoom
Thursday, April 1, 2021 - Deadline to submit course override forms to program administrators
Saturday, April 3 & 10 - Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 8:30 am - Noon Zoom
Monday, April 12 - Term 4 begins
April 19-23 - Spring Vacation
SENIOR UPDATES
Deadline for Senior Diploma Survey - Friday, March 12
Seniors, it's time to order your Diploma! Please let me Mrs. Powell, the Registrar, know how you would like your name to appear on your Bedford High School diploma. The best way to do this is to log on to Aspen and complete the Diploma Name Survey that was emailed to you on February 23rd by Nancy Powell. The survey will be open until March 12, 2021.
If you do not respond to this survey, then your name will be printed on your diploma exactly how it is in Aspen..... so please check the spelling of your First, Middle, and Last Name in Aspen. Your diploma is an official recognition of high school graduation so it should be a form of your LEGAL name.
Class of 2021 Parents/Guardians Facebook Group:
If you are interested in helping to plan events as part of the parent/caregiver community, please reach out to the Parents/Guardians Facebook Group: 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. Last year, the parents were able to put together goodie bags, design t-shirts, hang a recognition banner and plan a day of celebration throughout the town.
Cap and Gown
If you still haven’t ordered your cap and gown, you can contact Jostens at 508-248-9095 and order directly with customer service.
Yearbook Ordering
The yearbook features ALL students in ALL grade levels. This is how you’ll remember your high school experience! Click here to order. Please email karen_santos@bedfordps.org with any yearbook questions.
Yearbook Photo Requests
The yearbook wants to feature your pictures and needs your help. Please take pictures of students painting, dancing, in theater, writing, playing instruments, sports etc.
Please Go to: Google Forms or eshare to upload photos. Any photos that you are willing to share would be much appreciated. Any questions please contact Mrs Santos the Yearbook Advisor.
Class of 2021 Student Advisors
Ms. Arena and Mr. Humphrey
Email: sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
Counseling Corner
The Counseling Department has launched a Post-Secondary website! Check it out here
**How to video on viewing course recommendations and requesting electives in Aspen**
Upcoming Dates:
March 1 - 21 Bedford Dollars for Scholars
Application Period: March 1 - 21st
Link to instructional video:
March 1-5 Sophomore Academic Advising with Counselors
March 1 Virtual College Visit with Savannah College of Art and Design
Register in your SCOIR account
NAMI Massachusetts is offering a FREE 8-class course for Family Members of People Affected by Mental Health Conditions. To register see below.
March 3 SAT test at Bedford High School
Detailed information sent to the junior class
Virtual College Visit with Syracuse University
Register in your SCOIR account
March 7 NEACAC STEM Fair
March 8-12 Freshmen Academic Advising with Counselors
March 10 College Guidance Network
College Planning in the Time of Covid
March 14 NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR
See a full list of events below
March 15 NEARR College Bootcamps
multiple dates and events - see below
NAMI Massachusetts is offering a FREE 8-class course for Family Members of People Affected by Mental Health Conditions.
The course explores topics such as: how to manage crisis, communicate effectively, managing stress, finding local support and services, and the impact of mental illness on the entire family. It starts on March 1st, and runs from 6:30-9:00pm every Monday on Zoom. Please see the course flyer for registration information.
SAT at on Wednesday
All juniors who have registered to take the SAT have received email notification and directions for test taking procedures on Wednesday. Only registered students will be allowed in the building on Wednesday, there can be no exceptions due to COVID regulations.
Virtual College Fairs
NEACAC Spring College Fairs
Student and School Counselor registration is NOW OPEN! As a reminder, NEACAC Spring College Fairs will be held on the following dates and times:
Sunday, March 14th from 1-3:00 pm EST
Wednesday, April 14th from 7-8:30 pm EST
Sunday, May 16th from 1-3:00 pm EST
To date, there are over 170 colleges that are registered to participate in the program. Registration for students and school counselors is required, but FREE! Please visit: https://neacac.swoogo.com/NEACACVirtual_Spring to register. We recommend registering ahead of the LIVE events. The booths will be available beginning on February 23 through May 31, 2021.
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.
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
College Planning Resources
College Guidance Network
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom
Advice on how to manage significant changes in applying to college spurred by the pandemic: testing and college visits. And, learn how to make the most of what hasn’t changed: asking for teacher recs and selecting appropriate courses for senior year.
To view a full list of upcoming episodes and view archived episodes, visit the programming page.
What is the CGN?
Their mission is to empower college-bound students along with their families to confidently navigate the college admissions process, while supporting school and college counselors in their guidance roles. Their goal is to provide students with the tools and confidence they need to navigate the college application process with the best outcomes and greatest success.
Episode Library: https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/episodes
NEARR Admissions Bootcamp
Join NEARR for a College Admissions and Application Bootcamp with the following spring webinars:
March 15: Common College Search Myths Busted
March 23: Building A College List (Outside of New England)
March 31: Tips for Writing the College Essay
April 8: Ask Admissions Anything
April 13: Application Case Studies
Registration will open in mid-February for these FREE events. Additional information and registration can be found here: https://click.regionalreps.org/admissionsbootcampe8d47
Mental Wellness Resources
BRYT Parents Supporting Parents Group
We recognize what a challenging time this is. There is still much uncertainty and many challenges. We know that parents and caretakers are under tremendous pressure. We also know that caretakers are creative, resilient problem-solvers. The BRYT Family Engagement Team invites you to participate in our weekly Parents Supporting Parents group where parents can get & receive support from each other. Please see the flyer for more information and dates/times.
Handhold Website
You know your child better than anyone. But even you have a few questions. COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your student is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. Should you worry about your student’s behavioral health? We’re here to help you figure that out. https://handholdma.org/
Mental Health and Well Being Website Bedford Public Schools collaborates with area partner schools to provide a mental health website with updates and resources. Please visit this page for support and activities for students of all ages, families and educational staff. Live events featured daily.
Summer Programs
Girls Who Code free Virtual Summer Immersion Program
Apply here by the March 19th application deadline or learn more by joining a webinar
Apply to Girls Who Code’s Virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) for an unforgettable summer experience! During this FREE 2-week virtual program, you'll learn the computer science skills you need to make an impact, get an inside look into the tech field, and join a supportive lifelong sisterhood — all while being virtually hosted by influential companies, like Twitter, AT&T,Bank of America, Walmart, and more.
Current 9th -11th grade girls and non-binary students are eligible to apply. SIP is 100% free and need-based stipends of up to $300 are available for those who qualify. Low tech? No tech? No problem! Girls Who Code is there to support you!
Teen Summer Expos
For guidance on finding meaningful teen enrichment go to TeenSummerExpos.com
There you’ll find top quality summer opportunities listed by the child’s interests. There’s also a page for free or inexpensive, virtual programs that teens can do now during the school year. See virtual programs.
The website is updated daily as programs add to their offerings.
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:
Application Period: March 1 - 21st
Link to instructional video:
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).
Challenge Success Tip to Help Your Child Thrive - special edition “College”
Check out this FREE recording of A Healthier Approach to College Admissions HERE.
Click HERE resources shared by Challenge Success to help you and your student discover more about possible colleges.
More College Admissions Resources:
Read this White paper, A "Fit" Over Rankings: Why College Engagement Matters More Than Selectivity
Download our Criteria Ranking Exercise to help begin the conversation around fit
Watch a 2-minute video about why a college that "fits" matters
Encourage students to use this interactive tool to determine what they want in a college
Find Out which colleges are test-optional this year
Read the latest Challenge Success newsletter and discover ways to Listen In to students - https://mailchi.mp/challenge.../how-to-listen-in-to-students
Thursday, Mar. 11th
5:00 - 6:30pm PT | 8:00 - 9:30pm ET
- What do college rankings really measure?
- Are students who attend higher ranked colleges better off later in life?
- What is “fit” and why does it matter?
Learn strategies to help reduce pressure around the college admissions process and ways to support students' well-being and readiness for life in college and beyond.
With the pandemic inserting more uncertainty into this process, we will include a Q&A at the end to answer some of your most pressing questions.
“This presentation is excellent and essential for our students and their parents. Now what we really need is for them to see it in ninth grade so it can guide their entire high school experience.” - High School Administrator
Join our Bedford Challenge Success community!
Check out BHS Challenge Success on social media
Twitter: @chalsuccessbhs
Instagram: @challengesuccessbhs
Facebook: Challenge Success Bedford High School (this is a closed group)
For more information about the BHS-Challenge Success Parent’s group please contact Cynthia Vitti (cynhere@comcast.net) or Lori Alper (lorialper@gmail.com)
March into Spring Meal Ideas
It’s March, mostly still winter feeling; but a transition month as we are looking forward to Spring and the warmer weather. Now is the time to use up some stored frozen vegetables and other foods we still have stored over the winter.
Here are 2 recipes that will help to keep you warm during this transition!
Soup is a great way to use up our frozen (next best to fresh) or canned vegetables.
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Soup: https://anoregoncottage.com/italian-vegetable-beef-soup/
Here is a quick recipe that serves for a light and delicious lunch or dinner and served with a salad covers all of your nutritional needs!
Potato And Caramelized Onion Frittata:
https://anoregoncottage.com/potato-and-caramelized-onion-frittata/
In Health
Bon Appetit!
Sandy Arena, FAMCO
Bedford SEPAC
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
Girls STEM Summit LIVE
We are hosting Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 in April 2021. This year's Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 will take place on two half-day Saturdays: Saturday, April 3rd, and Saturday, April 10th, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, both days. It will be hosted as a live, online, program via Zoom.
The summit is for girls in grades 8-12 who are interested in careers in the STEM fields. As this is a critical time in their education, and college decisions are beginning, we hope to empower these young women to see the many opportunities available to them within STEM.
Please share the attached PDF flyer with your teachers, curriculum heads, guidance staff, and principal to make them aware of Girls STEM Summit Live 2021 and ask them to share with your community.
We invite your high school to purchase a group for your school or have parents register them individually.
Who: Girls in grades 8 - 12 interested in exploring STEM fields and career choices
What: #GirlsSTEMSummitLIVE2021
When: Hosted online two Saturday mornings via Zoom
Dates: Saturday, April 3, 2021, 8:30am - noon and
Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8:30 am - noon
Fee: $65
Register: https://juniortech.org/girls-stem-summit-live-2021/
Email: info@juniortech.org
Last call for Bedford Buccaneer masks!
Show your Bedford spirit with Buccaneer masks! The perfect mask for school, outdoor activities and sporting events! Adult and youth sizes available. Limited quantities.
March Promotion:
- Purchase 2 masks for $20
- Purchase 5 masks for $45
- Donate a mask to someone in need in the community - $5.00
- Bulk orders - please email BHSbucsparents@gmail.com.
The masks are stylish, high quality, washable, 3-ply and perfect for the winter season. Masks can be purchased in Adult and Youth sizes and come in Bedford blue and black.
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.
The class of 2023
The Class of 2023 has a special edition design from BHS' own Program Director Sean Hagan! Take a look at our selection of T-shirts, long sleeves, and sweatshirts in order to secure your items for early April. Orders will be open until March 5th. Order form link
*Feel free to reach out with any questions to Mrs. Hinz cassie_hinz@bedfordps.org or
Mrs. Billouin beth_billouin@bedfordps.org
Thank you!
The Class of 2023
Crewneck Sweatshirt
Tshirt
Sizes: Youth XS, S, M, L, XL and Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL. 100% preshrunk cotton, durable stitching.
Long Sleeve
Class of 2021 T-Shirts Order Form
Order your SENIOR class shirt here for $15! To 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 (Music Hallway) before first class or after last class. Go Bucs! Class of 2021 T-Shirts Order Form
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
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
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
Town Offerings
FREE Virtual Parent Support Groups
Parents Supporting Parents Flyer
Parents Supporting Parents Commercial
Mental Health and Wellness Helpline - FREE for Bedford Residents
Callers from these participating communities are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database, on average, within 2 weeks of their call to INTERFACE. Each referral best meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller.
To learn more visit Interface.WilliamJames.edu or our FB page https://www.facebook.com/INTERFACEReferralService
The Bedford Food Bank at Town Center Building
Thursdays, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
We will be distributing bags from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM at 12 Mudge Way (the Yellow building), rear entrance by the CoA. If you are in need of food before 12/31 call 781-275-7727 or email bedfordfoodbank@bedforma.gov.
Due to the generosity of our many partners, donors, and volunteers, we are able to serve all residents who are in need of food assistance. If you are in need of food, even temporarily, please come to the Drive-Thru Food Band on Thursdays, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, or call 781-275-7727. No registration is required!
To learn more about this initiative, or how you can help, visit www.bedfordma.gov/BedfordFoodBank
Support for Mrs. Pietrangelo and her family
As you may have heard, Ms. Pietrangelo was in a serious accident on September 10th. She is still in the hospital and it will be a long road to recovery. 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