The Bedford Buccaneer
October 31, 2022
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, November 8th-No School-Teacher Professional Development
Friday, November 11th-No School
Tuesday, November 15th-School council meeting- 2:30-3:30pm-BHS
Thursday, November 17th-Picture Retakes
Wednesday, November 23rd-Early Release-11:15am
Thursday-Friday, November 24-25th-No School
Thursday, December 1st-Parent/ Teacher Conferences-4:00-8:00pm
Friday, December 9th-Freshman/Sophomore Semi
Friday, December 23rd-Early Release-11:15am
Monday, December 26th-Monday, January 2nd-Holiday Vacation
Monday, January 16th-No School
Friday, January 27th-Junior/Senior Semi
Monday, February 20th-Friday, February 24th-Winter Vacation
Friday, March 17th-No School-Teacher Professional Development
Monday, April 17th-Friday, April 21st-Spring Vacation
Thursday, May 25th-Senior Prom-6-10pm
Monday, May 29th-No School
Thursday, June 1- Class of 2023 Graduation
Friday, June 16th-Tentative Last Day of School-If no snow days
Dear BHS Families,
Last week, the main office team met with both 9th and 10th graders for student assemblies. We reviewed meeting expectations and reviewed some key parts of our handbook. We also shared that they are an important part of the school community and that their contributions matter. The students were attentive and respectful. We strive to build a positive, inclusive and welcoming high school. Our students have a great deal of agency in this and we see tremendous growth in all of our students during their time at Bedford High School. We look forward to future opportunities to bring our school together. The slides from the assemblies are linked below for your reference.
Student Assembly-October, 2022
Additionally, first quarter interim grades are now posted in the Aspen Portal. Please review the grades with your child(ren). If you are concerned about any of the grades, please encourage your child to reach out to their teacher or teachers. We have Flex block built into our schedule and students may also schedule a time to see teachers after school. If you have any questions, feel free to email the teacher. If there are concerns in a number of classes, your child’s counselor is a good place to start.
We hope that the school year is off to a positive start for all students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a teacher, teachers or counselor if you have any concerns or questions. We are partners with you during this high school journey.
Sincerely,
Heather, Dan & Tom
Swim & Dive
There will be a mandatory Swim Team meeting on November 14th during Flex block in the Cafeteria. Swimmers must bring either a Social Security Number or their License in order to be cleared to practice on Hanscom AFB. Swimmers who do not bring their identification information to this meeting may not be able to begin practice on November 28th.
Divers are not required to attend but are encouraged to touch base with Ms. Thyne.
Interested in playing Boys Ice Hockey this winter
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Bedford High School’s Performing Arts Department will present Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express by Ken Ludwig on Thursday, 11/10, Friday 11/11 and Saturday, 11/12 at 7pm in the BHS auditorium. Based on Agatha Christie’s original novel of the same name, the show follows the detective Hercule Poirot as he attempts to discover the answer to the classic mystery: whodunnit? The show runs about two hours and is appropriate for middle schoolers and up. Tickets can be purchased at https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/tickets.html
National Merit Semi-Finalists and Commended Students
This year, Bedford High School is pleased to announce that we have a total of 20 total students who have been recognized as Semi-Finalists (4) or Commended Students (16) by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The four semi-finalist students have applied for consideration for designation as National Merit Finalist.
That means that 10% of the Bedford High School's Class of 2023 were recognized in some capacity by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Congratulations to all of our students!
BHS Prom Dress Pop-Up Event
Prom and semi formal events are coming up soon and BHS will be sponsoring recurring “Prom Dress Pop-Up” events throughout the year. Students will be able to “borrow” a prom dress and accessories, or formal suits from our donated collection. See below for the Pop-Up schedule. We are looking for donations of formal dresses, both long and short, that are sitting in closets at home not being used; as well as formal wear accessories like shoes, purses, jewelry and shawls. We are also looking for formal suit, ties and tuxedo donations and would greatly appreciate any contributions beginning this week. Please dry-clean your donations before dropping off.
If you want to help but don’t have a dress to donate, you can make a financial contribution to offset program costs, which include alterations, dry cleaning, purchase of dress racks and refreshments for the Pop-Up event. Checks can be made payable to BHS - Prom Pop-Up. All donations can be dropped off in the Bedford High School front vestibule after notifying the main office via the buzzer that you’re donating for the Pop-Up. Please email Sandy Arena (sandra_arena@bedfordps.org) or Heather Thacore (heatherthacore@gmail.com) for more information.
· Nov 7: Semi-Formal Pop-Up 7:45 – 8:45 AM (Locker Room Area)
· Nov 30: Semi-Formal Pop-Up 7:45 – 8:30 AM (Locker Room Area)
· Jan 11: Jr/Sr Prom Pop-Up 7:45 – 8:30 AM (Locker Room Area)
· Apr 3: Jr/Sr Prom Pop-Up 7:45 – 8:45 AM (Locker Room Area)
· Apr 11: Jr/Sr Prom Pop-Up & Pizza Party 5:00 – 7:00 PM (Cafeteria)
Winter Sport registration is now open
PL874 Survey-Due by October 31st
Beginning on October 3, 2022, and going through October 31, 2022, we will be asking parents, guardians, and caregivers to complete the annual Military Impact Aid Survey. Completing this survey allows us to meet the requirements of Public Law 874. Under the provisions of Public Law 874, The Bedford Public Schools must conduct an annual Military Impact Aid Survey. The Town of Bedford receives a substantial sum of money under this provision, which lowers the cost of education for ALL taxpayers.
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers will receive a unique email with a survey link for each student. It is very important that all surveys are completed and electronically signed for each student, as reimbursement is made for all eligible students on a per-pupil basis. This year the survey is fully electronic with e-signature - The district will be using Docusign for the survey. This survey is repeated annually.
If you have any questions, please contact the Business Office of the Bedford Public Schools at (781) 275-7708. We thank you very much for your assistance with this important annual survey.
AP Info
The final deadline for AP late payments is November 14. All exams paid for until this deadline now include a $40.00 late registration fee.
Please follow the instructions below to complete your AP payment and registration.
Students should ensure they are registered with their class Join Codes in myAP. Please see your teacher for your specific class Join Codes. Join Codes should not be shared between students as they are specific to each class section. Please visit https://myap.collegeboard.org/ to register with your class Join Code if you have not already.
- All payments will be processed with Total Registration at https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/220112 Please be sure to register for your class section specifically. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete. (If you qualify for a fee waiver or are in need of financial assistance, please contact your counselor directly)
Counseling Corner
For all things Post-Secondary related, please visit the
BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website.
Reminder: The next Transcript Request deadline is November 15, 2022, for students with a college application deadline of December 1, 2022.
College Board BigFuture:
BigFuture awards two $40,000 and hundreds of $500 scholarships every month to the class of 2023!
Students in the class of 2023 can now earn BigFuture Scholarship entries for completing the following college planning steps:
•Practice for the SAT.
•Explore scholarships.
•Strengthen your college list.
•Complete the FAFSA®.
•Apply to college.
The BigFuture career quiz takes less than 10 minutes for students to complete.
Real Talk is a virtual college exploration initiative designed to connect Black students and their families with Black representatives from colleges and access organizations across the country.
Real Talk: Paying for College Edition
November 2 and November 9, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
Weekend SAT
Seniors: There is only one SAT date remaining in 2022. December 3.
Registration Deadline: November 3 Late Registration Deadline: November 22
Scheduling an Appointment with your School Counselor
Our School Counselors are available to students throughout the school day. They can schedule appointments at the following links:
Job Board
Looking for a job? Check out the job board behind Mrs. Brownrigg’s desk in the Counseling Suite
Yearbook order information
The cost is $85.00.
You can order online here https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/13423
If it is not possible to order online, please see Ms. Lennox.
After January 27th the cost will be $100.00
Senior Dates and Deadlines for Yearbook
December 12th- Business Ads.
December 12th- Parent Ads. See here for directions.
January 27th- Yearbook orders. The cost is $85.00. You can order online here https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/13423 If it is not possible to order online, please fill out an order form, make a check out to BHS 2022-2023 yearbook, and drop your check and order form off in the main office. After January 27th the cost will be $100.00
BHSPA News
The BHSPA Fall Grant Cycle will run from October 17th-November 14th.
We encourage proposals from the teachers, administrators and students to help with their initiatives, projects, clubs, etc. in an effort to support the BHS community.
Please click here to access the grant application
Please reach out to BHSbucsparents@gmail.com with any questions!
Challenge Success partners with schools, families, and communities to embrace a broad definition of success and to implement research-based strategies that promote student well-being and engagement with learning.
THE WELL-BALANCED STUDENT WORKSHOP
NOV. 1st (virtual) at 4pm PT | 7pm ET
Cost: Free
For parents, educators, counselors, and administrators
In a high-stakes, high-pressure culture, parent and school expectations may have unintentional but damaging effects on students. This workshop examines the tension that parents, students, and teachers often experience over issues such as homework, grades, and the culture of competition, and offers tools for creating a healthier school and home environment.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
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!
Learn about Section 504 Plans
November 3rd at 7 pm on zoom
Please join us as Bedford hosts the Federation for Children with Special Needs as they present on section 504 plans. Learn how 504 plans help provide support to students with disabilities.
Registration Link: https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUod--qrT8iH9R4eMS7bLCi66vw60ol4DJx
Bedford SEPAC Parent & Caregiver Night Out
November 9th at 8 pm
Red Heat Tavern Bedford
Come meet and chat with other parents and caregivers of Bedford children receiving special education services! Appetizers to be provided.
Bedford SEPAC General Meeting
November 17th at 8 pm on zoom
Please join us for updates and to discuss this years programming. Zoom to come 2 weeks prior.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com
New Location-Student item drop off
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.
IMPORTANT
Please report all cases of COVID-19 (both home tests and tests from a healthcare provider) to your child’s school COVID email: bhscovid@bedfordps.org
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
Bedford Public Schools will be following the recommendations of MA DPH and DESE guidelines.
We encourage families to:
Keep home rapid antigen tests on hand. Pick up a free at-home test kit, available for Bedford residents from one of the following town offices during normal business hours: Health Department, Council on Aging, Town Manager’s Office or the Bedford Free Public Library. Order your free at-home test kit from the Federal Government- https://www.covidtests.gov/
Continue to screen daily for symptoms before sending your child to school.
Stay up to date with vaccinations/boosters
Keep masks on hand to be used as indicated for those returning to school after testing positive for COVID-19.
Students and staff who are sick should stay home.
Anyone who is sick, and has multiple symptoms should stay home and can return when:
they have tested negative using a home rapid antigen test and have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of a fever reducing medication
their symptoms are resolving
or if a medical professional makes an alternative diagnosis.
Students with MILD symptoms (for example, a single symptom of a runny nose) should test negative with a home rapid antigen test before coming to school.
Per MA DPH it is recommended to test with a home rapid antigen test a second time within 48 hours if the initial COVID-19 test is negative.
Returning to school after testing positive for COVID-19
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will still need to isolate for 5 days at home. Those individuals may return to school after Day 5 wearing a mask through day 10, as long as they are asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving and fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours.
Day 0 - is the date of the positive test/symptom onset- whichever came first
Day 5- isolate through this date
Day 6- return to school if symptoms have significantly improved or resolved AND fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
Day 10- wear a well fitting mask at all times (except when eating or drinking or outside) through day 10.
Always report positive cases of COVID-19 to your child’s primary care provider. Students should get cardiac clearance for sports either in person visit or phone triage by their provider after testing positive for COVID-19.
Nancy Thorsen, BSN, RN
Nurse Office: 781-918-4416
Nurse Office Fax: 781-687-6141
School Lunch Information
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
Safety/Drop Off/Parking
We will continue to keep all external doors locked this year. Cars may not be idle or parked directly in front of the main entrance as it needs to be cleared for emergency vehicles and for busses. Please know that you are subject to ticketing by the Bedford Police Department if you park in the restricted lane.
Students with vehicles should park in designated student parking spots and need to have a valid BHS parking sticker by October 1. The Parking Sticker application may be found here.
If you are dropping off your student, please do so at the front of the building in the student lot or at the side near the public library. Do not enter the bus loop at the front of the school as it causes safety issues for students unloading.
Need a student parking sticker?
How do I...
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)
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