The Bedford Buccaneer
November 16, 2020
IMPORTANT DATES
November 13-19 - Transgender Awareness Week
Monday, November 16 - "What's a Parent to do? They're Adolescents!" 7:30pm
Tuesday, November 17 - "Resilience Required: COVID-19 and Teen Mental Health" 7:00pm
Wednesday, November 18 - "Permission to Feel: Strategies for Supporting Your Child's Emotional Well-Being During Uncertain Times" 8:00pm (Webinar)
Friday, November 20 - Fall Play- She Kills Monsters 7pm (Zoom)
Saturday, November 21 - Fall Play- She Kills Monsters7pm (Zoom)
Tuesday, November 24 - Student Lunches for November 30 will be ready at dismissal
Wednesday, November 25 - Early Dismissal 11:16am
Thursday, November 26-27 - Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 3 - Caregiver/teacher virtual conferences 4-8:00pm
Thursday, December 24-31 Vacation
Friday, January 1 - New Year's Day (No School)
Monday, January 4 - School Back in Session
January 30 - April 9, 2021 - Term 3
April 10 - June 16, 2021 - Term 4
Dear BHS Families,
As we begin the final push to Thanksgiving break, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of our families for the incredible support we have received this school year. Our faculty and staff continue to put in countless extra hours and are modeling grace, patience and flexibility for our students. Our students continue to learn in new ways and are growing more resilient as the weeks pass. Though this year has brought some challenges, I am grateful to work alongside such talented and dedicated professionals and we are fortunate to work in a community that supports its educators.
Understanding that this year is different from years past, the BHS Reopening Team has created a survey for parents/caregivers, students, faculty and staff. That survey will be shared within the next week. Please do take some time to take the survey. Your feedback is important so that we can determine what is going well and what may require further attention.
Additionally, we are holding caregiver/teacher conferences virtually on December 3 (details in next bulletin). You will be able to book virtual conferences with some of your child’s teachers. Although the conferences provide a scheduled opportunity to touch base with a teacher, please do not hesitate to reach out before or after the conferences by email. If you child is struggling with the transition back to school or in a number of courses, please reach out to your child’s counselor. Counselors are there as a resource and are an advocate for all students on their caseload.
Helping students feel connected to our school community remains a priority for us this year. This is why we implemented student advisory this year. Also, the Virtual Activities Fair was sent to all students. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is so important. Please do check out the slide show organized by our peer leadership class. Students can join clubs at any time and should check student news for information about meetings.
On a final note, many of you have asked how you can help our faculty during these unprecedented times. Sometimes a simple thank you can go a long way. Therefore, we are organizing a “Thank a faculty/Staff” member campaign where students will be invited to write a note of gratitude for the work of a faculty or staff member. Please have your student be on the lookout for an email inviting them to sign up to write a letter (or two). It is my hope that with 850 students, every faculty and staff members will receive a letter.
As we approach Thanksgiving, we are so very grateful to work in a supportive school community with such wonderful students and families.
Sincerely,
Heather Galante
Principal
Each year between November 13 – 19, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility about transgender people and address issues members of the community face.
The week before Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence that year.
What is Transgender Awareness Week? Transgender Awareness Week is a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.
What is Transgender Day of Remembrance? What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was founded by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor her memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence that year and began an important memorial that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. (GLAAD)
Permission to Feel: Strategies for Supporting Your Child's Emotional Well-Being During Uncertain Times
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 8 p.m.
Throughout the pandemic, the critical role of schools and educators as sources of support, connectedness, and stability has never been more visible. And, as students, families, and educators face continued uncertainty and disruptions, social and emotional learning (SEL) has never been more important.
In this session, Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and lead developer of RULER, the evidence-based approach to teaching kids how to become emotion scientists, will share his research, tools, and strategies that can help make the ride a little smoother.
Join us for a 45-minute conversation with Marc as he outlines a blueprint for understanding emotions and using them wisely, supported by the latest research and powerful stories. You will leave this interactive webinar with strategies and tools to support your children's well-being during these challenging times and beyond.
The Bedford High School Performing Arts Department will present SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS
Time to Register for BHS Winter Sports!
Although we are not exactly sure what they will look like yet, registration is now open for winter athletics! Parents/guardians must register their child for a Winter sport at BHS via the Aspen parent portal. See registration instructions: https://www.bedfordps.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2786/f/uploads/sports_registration_instructions.pdf
The student must have a valid baseline test result and medical record (physical) on file with BHS, and the medical record cannot expire during the sport season.
Any questions, please contact the Athletic Director's Office at ext. 4445 or 4443
Counseling Corner
Seniors: Please submit transcript requests 2 weeks before the application deadline.
Upcoming Important Dates
Senior Workshops & Virtual College Rep Visits - Zoom Links in Scoir Calendar
November 17 Resilience Required: COVID-19 and Teen Mental Health at 7pm
Jon Mattleman Presentation
Webinar Registration
November 18 ProArts College Fair Wednesday November 18th from 5-7PM
Please RSVP & Register here to attend!
November 18 CGN: Navigating the New Normal of Optional Testing at 7pm
November 19 Massachusetts State Universities College Fair and Admissions Panel at 7pm
Please Register here to attend!
December 2 CGN: Inside Admissions: How an Application is Reviewed
Webinar Registration
COVID 19: Resilience Required (presentation by Jon Mattleman)
webinar for parents and caregivers. This Fall couldn't be more different. Grief, loss, the rise in anxiety and depression, and ongoing uncertainty about the future are impacting our children.
Join Counselor Jon Mattleman for a dynamic virtual program providing a framework to understand and navigate this school year, your teen/tween's mental health, and how to be a support.
This is a community-wide event sponsored by the Bedford Public Schools Counseling Department and Bedford Board of Health. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17th from 7:00-8:00PM. Click here to view the flyer and to register for the event.
Navigating the New Normal of Optional Testing
College Guidance Network™ demystifies the college application process in the time of COVID. They help support students and parents with a free, ten-episode series featuring nationally recognized experts who offer insights on essential topics like how to develop a school list, write an effective essay, and maximize financial aid. BHS was one of the first CGN affiliate schools.
Speakers for the Testing Optional session include:
Leigh Weisenburger, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Bates College
Peter Wilson, The University of Chicago
Diane Scott, Co-Director of College Placement, Academy of the Pacific Rim Public Charter School
Kate Ramsdell, Director of College Counseling, Noble and Greenough School
ProArts College Fair Wednesday November 18th from 5-7PM
ProArts, is a consortium comprised of seven Boston-based art schools, including Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston Architectural College, Emerson College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, New England Conservatory, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. This event will be an opportunity for artistically inclined students to learn more about the member schools and ask admissions teams questions regarding the application process, financial aid, programs, and more.
Please RSVP & Register here to attend!
Massachusetts State Universities College Fair and Admissions Panel
The Massachusetts State Universities are excited to invite you to our Virtual College Fair and College Panel. During this event, there will be an opportunity to meet with, hear from, and ask questions of all nine Massachusetts State Universities. This event is an open style college fair, where visitors can move at their own pace, in and out of virtual rooms to meet with admission reps from each campus.
FREE Virtual Parent Support Groups
The BRYT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) network, a program of the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, has been providing FREE parent support groups since the school closures in March 2020. These groups are still running and are still FREE for any caregiver.
The class of 2023 is selling and delivering "Thankful Boxes"
The class of 2023 is selling and delivering "Thankful Boxes" as a fundraiser for Thanksgiving. The boxes are a perfect way to show coaches, teachers, friends, and family that you are thankful for them! It's also great to buy for yourself, since our fall themed box is full of goods and nicely packaged.
These gift boxes contain:
1. A Bedford Farm's voucher for 1 FREE ice cream
2. A Custom handmade mask from the local Bedford business "Maskmaker, Maskmaker" (You can choose from over a hundred different fabrics to suit your preference!)
3. A King Sized KitKat bar (3oz)
4. A Golden Raffia Pumpkin Decoration
5. An Apple Stress Toy
6. A Leaf Scratch-Art Craft Kit
We will deliver the "Thankful Boxes" (contact-free) to homes in the Bedford, Hanscom, and the Boston area on the day before Thanksgiving.
Form to Purchase: https://forms.gle/vCgvr56TWD3uWKiy7
2022 Ecuador: Amazon & Andes Adventure Enrollment
Bedford Public Schools is offering an international trip to Ecuador in April of 2022 (presentation). Explorica is offering some incentives and some protections to help with your decision on traveling in 2022. This includes RISK FREE booking: You can enroll in the 2022 trip now through Dec. 15th RISK FREE with a FULL refund offer! This will allow you to lock in low monthly payments and have something to look forward to in the future without concern of losing any money!
More info here. In Addition, there is a $200 Traveler Savings: The new enrollments can use the voucher code - Adventure2022 – to get $200 off. This will be valid through 12/10/2020. The tour center link is: www.explorica.com/Griffin-8227
The holidays are upon us! Looking for the perfect gift? The BHSPA is selling Buccaneer Masks for everyone on your list!
With the new Massachusetts guidance on masks - we need them more than ever! 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, select the color and size of mask, and click "Buy Now". Masks are $12 each and 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.
When calling the absentee line, please state if the reason is an illness or no illness. please remember to call the nurse line at: 781-275-1700 ext. 4416 or email Nancy_Thorsen@bedfordps.org if your child is ill with symptoms of Covid-19.
Thank you,
Nancy Thorsen RN
BHS PARKING STICKERS
Seniors and Juniors may now apply for a 2020-2021 parking sticker here: BHS Parking Sticker
This year the Assistant Principals will be delivering students parking stickers during ARC meeting times. Parking stickers will be delivered in the order in which they were received.
Please note, you will need to present a picture on your phone or a paper copy of your license and registration before receiving your parking sticker.
Once all the stickers are delivered, the police will begin monitoring and ticketing those not parked in designated student parking lots. The student parking lots are located across from the main entrance and in the parking lot next to the Library/drop off area marked "Student Parking". If you are parked in an area that is not designated student parking, you may get ticketed starting in November. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
SENIOR UPDATES
It's time for senior superlatives voting!
Please use the link below to vote for your senior superlatives. Please use full names, no nicknames.
Vote for 2 seniors for each category.
Voting will end November 24th.
VOTE FOR SENIOR SUPERLATIVES HERE!
Did you order your yearbook!
Our Yearbook Features ALL students in ALL grade levels. This is how you’ll remember your high school experience!
Deadline to order: January 17, 2021.
Please email karen_santos@bedfordps.org with any questions regarding yearbook.
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 and ARC (Advisory/Remote Counseling) room number.
Mr. Humphrey will be collecting the payments in room D107, before first class and after last class. Once payment is received Mr. Humphrey will bring your shirt to one of your ARC classes. Go Bucs!
Back to School Night Recordings
Please enjoy the Back to School Night presentation slides by clicking here. Also, the Faculty recorded short introductory videos for you to view. In the videos, the Faculty share information about their courses and themselves. Link to Back to School Night Videos
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
Meals: Since the accident, the family has received a great deal of food from friends and neighbors, so meals are not currently needed. However, in the weeks and months ahead, they will likely need meals. At that time, we will post information on how you can sign up to provide meals for the family.
Thank you all for reaching out!
Employment Permits
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
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