Hello Bedford Schools,

We are members of Bedford High School’s Relay for Life Committee, a dedicated student-led group which works to organize fundraisers and recruit participants for the relentless fight against cancer.

Relay For Life is an organization which directly benefits the American Cancer Society by funding research for a cure, patient care/support, rides to life-saving treatment, and so much more!

Each year, Bedford is one of the many towns to host a Relay for Life overnight event. During this activity-filled, magical night, team members take turns walking around the Bedford track. The event is 14 hours in length (although participants can leave as early as they want) and each team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps. Cancer patients do not have the ability to stop fighting because they're tired and neither do we.

Bedford’s 2023 Relay event will happen from Saturday, May 27th at 4pm to Sunday, May 28th at 6 am. Additionally, the months leading up to the event are a time to build your team and start fundraising. Each Relay for Life team and our high school’s Relay committee work hard year-round to raise funds and awareness for cancer in various ways.

We currently have 6 teams signed up who have already started fundraising for our event, but we would like to get as much of the Bedford community involved as possible. Anyone can create a team, or join the event as a solo participant, through the Relay for Life website by clicking the link below and then the “Join this Relay” button! (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=104020 ).

You can build a team with your friends or family and compete against other teams in the town to see who can raise the most money to donate to the American Cancer Society. Fundraising for the event is also a perfect way for students to develop leadership skills and put their creativity to work!

All individuals who raise $150 by the day of the event can stay overnight at the turf in Bedford with their teammates to celebrate everyone’s hard work in the united fight to end cancer. If an individual does not raise $150 they will only be allowed to stay until 11pm. Participants can also earn a free t-shirt and other merchandise depending on how much they fundraise.**

Throughout the upcoming months the Relay for Life Committee will be holding different events in the town and schools. Keep an eye out for emails or follow our Instagram (@rflbedfordma) for more information about these opportunities.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the Relay for Life Committee using this email address: bedfordmarelayforlife@gmail.com

You can also visit the Relay for Life website to find out more information about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=relay_learn)

We hope to see you all in May,

The Bedford Relay for Life Committee

**If the child is under the age of 18 and raised $150, a parent or guardian must fill out the attached youth participation form in order to stay overnight. The parent can email the form to bedfordmarelayforlife@gmail.com.

Link to youth participation form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nrA1mhwYhlBLtR4F5GCIhIFAWlkoZGKV/view?usp=drivesdk

Each team must have a chaperone (a parent or guardian over the age of 18). If you would like to be a chaperone, please reach out using the email above!

When calling the absence line please state if your student is ill or not ill.

Absence Line: (781)918-4561

or select #1 from the main menu of (781)275-1700

Dear parents/guardians, as you know, respiratory illnesses such as RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) , COVID-19, the flu, etc. are on the rise everywhere. As we continue to navigate the cold and flu season, it is very helpful to know if your child is home with a communicable illness. When you call the school to report your child's absence, please report any positive cases of communicable illness such as flu, strep, RSV and COVID.

• Please continue to screen your child for illness before sending them to school

• Please keep your child home when they are sick. They should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school (a fever is considered 100 degrees or higher)

• Always test for COVID even if they have mild symptoms on the COVID-19 checklist.

• Although not mandatory, we strongly encourage anyone with mild symptoms to wear a mask to prevent the spread of germs in the classroom.

• If your child tests positive for COVID, it is IMPORTANT to notify their pediatrician, prior to returning to any sport or physical activity.

• Medical exemption vs. excused absence. A medical exemption for a student’s absence, requires a doctor’s note (with the exception of COVID). Please refer to the student handbook for more detailed information.

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COVID-19 home test kits are available in the nurse's office. Please contact Annmarie Vaughan at annmarie_vaughan@bedfordps.org, or ask your student to stop by the nurse's office to pick one up for home use.

In addition the Town of Bedford offers free COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits for Bedford residents in four locations throughout Town buildings:

1. Bedford Free Public Library (Circulation Desk): Mon-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm.

2. Council on Aging (Town Center Building - Ground Floor): Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat 10:30am-2:30pm.

3. Health Department (Town Center Building - Second Floor): Mon 8am-7pm; Tue-Thu 8am-4pm; Fri 8am-1pm.

4. Town Manager's Office (Town Hall - Second Floor): Mon 8am-7pm; Tue-Thu 8am-4pm; Fri 8am-1pm.

Thank you,

Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN

High School Nurse

For all things Postsecondary related, please visit the

BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website

National School Counseling Week 2023

National School Counseling Week will be celebrated February 6-10, 2023. The 2023 theme is School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big. Sponsored by The American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the purpose is to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. For your information check out this flier that explains the difference between school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and school nurses.

Counseling Department Monthly Newsletter: Check your email for the February edition of the Counseling Connection Newsletter available January 7th!

Counseling Department Programming

Junior Parent/Guardian Night(Virtual) - Wednesday, February 15th at 6:30 pm

This event will be a Zoom webinar, which will be recorded.

Topic: Junior Parent/Caregiver Night 2023

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JKNZMYNRRHGVXe7hjUbnIw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s school counselor.

PARENTS - From the High School Counselor Week Newsletter January 5, 2023

College Planning 101: A Guide to Help Your Child Find the Right School With Minimal Stress

Columbus Monthly – January 6, 2023

The college planning process can be riddled with anxiety, from test prep to costs to worries over high school classes and grades. Counselors and colleges offer tips for what to focus on—and when.

College Board Resource: 14 Steps to College for Parents

College Guidance Network Event: College Costs: Making Sense of it All

Thursday, February 2nd, 2023

7:30 PM EST REGISTER HERE

Description: College affordability is not something that just comes up at application time. For 11th graders and their families, it needs to be part of the college exploration process. You and your family will begin having “the money talk.” It’s a confusing and sometimes intimidating topic, but there are ways to gain clarity so your family can engage in a more informed search. In this interactive Q&A, we’ll dispel common myths and also help you better understand:

- What tools and resources are available to help you understand your options

- How to see beyond the sticker price and gain a better understanding of what you

will pay

- How to be financially realistic but also aspirational in your college search

SOPHOMORE YEAR (Winter)

• Start thinking about ways to pay for college. Most families get help paying for college costs. Read 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid to learn more.

• Discuss next year’s classes. Make sure your child will be challenging themselves and taking the courses college admission officers expect to see. Learn more about the high school classes that colleges look for.

JUNIOR YEAR (Winter) - Junior Counseling Seminars (Session 1) will be held in small groups by the school counselors beginning the week of January 30th during Flex block. Details are available in the Class of 2023 Google Classroom.

• Now is also the time to plan to attend a college fair

• Begin researching colleges and or universities

• Meet with your school counselor to discuss your post-secondary goals

College Board Resource: 14 Steps to College for Parents

Postsecondary Planning - Grades 9/10 from Big Future/College Board

• Create a four-year high school plan. Think about what you’d like to accomplish in the next four years

• Start thinking about your life after school, including the types of jobs that might interest you. Of course, these will change — often — but it’s good to start thinking about the possibilities.

• Meet with your high school counselor. Your counselor knows how to help you get the most out of high school. Be sure to take some time during the school year to discuss post-high-school plans with him or her.

• Participate in extracurricular activities. Academics aren’t everything. Explore your interest in a sport, school club, music or drama group, or community volunteer activity

• Explore summer opportunities. Look for a job, internship, or volunteer position that will help you learn about a field of interest.

Juniors and Guardians -

Junior Seminar #1: Counselors will be visiting junior Flex blocks on either Monday, January 30, or Thursday, February 2 to discuss:

• an overview of the college process

• post-secondary planning resources

• tasks you, as juniors, can do before senior year

• Now is also the time to plan to attend a college fair

• Begin researching colleges and or universities

• Meet with your school counselor to discuss your post-secondary goals

SENIORS - Wednesday, February 8th, is the deadline to request transcripts for colleges with a

March 1st deadline. To request your transcript - log into SCOIR and drag the college tile to "Applying."

Scholarships - Class of 2023

The Counseling Department continues to update a document with local scholarship information that is located in the BHS 2023 Counseling Google Classroom. It is called Scholarship Opportunities 2022-2023.

Bedford Dollars for Scholars information will be coming out in early February 2023

Scholarship Transcript Requests

It is the student’s 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. Brownrigg, or send her an email at: Julie_Brownrigg@Bedfordps.org

FINANCIAL AID REMINDER

Monday, February 20th, FAFSA Day Massachusetts: Get FREE Help Applying for College Financial Aid! Click the date that works best for you and Register Here.

FAFSA Day is a non-profit, volunteer-driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

TEEN SUMMER EXPO 2023

Tuesday, February 7th from 5:30-8:00 pm

Lexington High School

251 Waltham Street, Cafeteria/Commons II

Lexington, MA

Meet with representatives of the best summer enrichment programs for middle and high school students. Options for every interest and budget. FREE and OPEN TO ALL. Pre-Register at www.TeenSummerExpos.com, to receive an email reminder and bypass the line at check-in. Click Explore All Programs for additional information.

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!

Bedford SEPAC Meeting

Wednesday, January 18th, at 8 pm on zoom

Marianne Vines, Director of Bedford Special Education, and a guest from Bedford Recreation will join us to discuss inclusive recreation and summer programming.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86404810950?pwd=bWRSdnNSeDhseU5BOXJhUDlpQ25BUT09

Meeting ID: 864 0481 0950

Passcode: 333333

Engaging Minds presents Executive Function Skills

Wednesday, February 8th, at 7 pm on zoom

Executive function skills have become increasingly important for students of all ages. Join Engaging Minds to learn actionable strategies you can use at home to help strengthen your child’s executive function skills to keep them on a successful path this school year and beyond.

Registration: https://engagingmindsonline.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3q1Im6OpRW-Wo6IxRtIOAw

Bedford SEPAC General Meeting

Thursday, February 16th, at 8 pm on zoom

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09

Meeting ID: 417 227 5285

Passcode: 333333

Bedford SEPAC General Meeting

Wednesday, March 15th, at 8 pm on zoom

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09

Meeting ID: 417 227 5285

Passcode: 333333

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/

Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com

This school year the Bedford School Lunch Program will revert to our pre-pandemic cafeteria process with one big change. All meals at all schools will be free for all students the entire school year.

Free and reduced lunch application can be found here or printed copies in the main office.

Please click here for the application directions

Please click here for FAQ

Get dismissed? Please bring a note to the main office in the morning. (or call 781-275-1700) 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 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 2022-23 Bus Routes have been posted on the Transportation Web Page

Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)