The Bedford Buccaneer
October 16, 2023
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, October 27th-Homecoming Dance-7:00-9:30pm-BHS Gym
Monday, November 6th-Make Up Picture Day during FLEX
Tuesday, November 7th-No School-Staff Professional Day
Friday, November 10th-No School-Veteran's Day (Observed)
Monday, November 20th-Parent/Caregiver Workshop on Marijuana and Vaping-7:00-8:00PM-BHS LGI
Wednesday, November 22nd-Early release-11:15am
Thursday, November 23-24th-No School-Thanksgiving Vacation
Thursday, November 30th-BHS Conferences-4:00-8:00pm
Monday, December 25th-Monday, January 1st-No School-Vacation
Monday, January 15th-No School-Martin Luther King Day
Monday, February 19th-Friday, February 23rd-No School-Winter Vacation
Friday, March 15th-No School-Staff Professional Day
Tuesday, March 26th-Wednesday, March 27th-Delayed Opening-ELA MCAS
Monday, April 15th-Friday, April 19th-No School-Spring Vacation
Monday, May 20th -Last day for Seniors
Tuesday, May 21st-Wednesday, May 22nd-Delayed Opening-Math MCAS
Tuesday, May 21st-Friday, May 24th-Senior Finals
Monday, May 27th-No School-Memorial Day
Thursday, June 6th- Graduation-Tsongas Center
Friday, June 14th-**Tentative Last Day of School**-If no snow days
Wednesday, June 19th-No School-Juneteenth Holiday
BHS Rotating Day Calendar 2023-2024
Dear BHS Community,
In 2018, Bedford High School joined the Challenge Success program in an effort to prioritize academic engagement, wellness and belonging at Bedford High School. It was important for us to examine our practices without sacrificing rigor and we have accomplished much since that inaugural partnership year including but not limited to homework free vacations, implementation of advisory, curriculum review and educational seminars.
We administered a survey to students in 2018 and will administer the survey again in an effort to note progress, as well as, current areas of growth and focus for our school community. The student version of the Challenge Success survey will take place on November 1 during an extended advisory providing enough time for directions and for students to complete it.
The Student Survey (also known as the Challenge Success-Stanford Survey of School Experiences) is a 30-40-minute online survey for middle and high school students that helps schools gather data and insights that lead to actionable changes designed to improve student well-being, belonging, and engagement with learning. Over 250,000 students have taken this survey since it was developed by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2007. The survey is anonymous and does not collect email addresses or names. The following topics are covered in the survey:
Physical health and well-being
Academic engagement
Support and belonging at school
Homework and extracurriculars
Grades and assessment
Expectations
You may choose to opt your child(ren) out of taking the survey. If you choose to opt out, please fill out the attached form and return it to Amber Loveless-Patterson in the main office by Monday, October 30. You may also scan and send an email.
Recently, Bedford High School was selected as a Spotlight School who has prioritized engagement, connections with students, and student well being. Our work, along with Dover-Sherborn (MA) and Rye High School (NY) was featured as part of the national conference. This is a noteworthy accomplishment for our school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Heather Galante
Please click here for Challenge Success student survey opt out-English
Please click here for Challenge Success student survey opt out-Spanish
To learn more about Challenge Success click here.
Challenge Success National Conference
Picture retake day-Nov 6th during Flex
If this is the first time being photographed, just have the student/staff go to the camera and we’ll create a proof for them that will be sent to the school (and/or to their family email if we have that information). These proofs will be delivered approx. 4 weeks after picture day. An order code will be on the proof along with ordering instructions.
Women of Science
From the Women of Science Co-chairs Lisa Morrison & Heather Kurzman:
Each spring Bedford High School hosts the Women of Science Scholarship Competition. This year we are looking to develop new community partnerships with local science and technology companies. Corporate sponsors can help us create opportunities for students to gain access to role models they may not otherwise have through providing financial support and/or female volunteers. If you work in a technology-/science-related field and feel that your company would be a good fit as a corporate sponsor please reach out to us at: Lisa_Morrison@bedfordps.org or Heather_Kurzman@bedfordps.org
flu clinic at BHS-10/24/23
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth parent/caregiver workshop on Marijuana and Vaping
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth Parent/Caregiver workshop on Marijuana and Vaping
Registration link coming soon.
Class of 2024-Pies,cookie dough and more
https://my.mcmfundraising.com/2023-fall-bedford-high-school/jillian-butler/
STUDENT information
Winter sports registration is now open!
Instructions are found here: https://www.bedfordps.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2786/f/uploads/sports_registration_instructions5_0.pdf
11th and 12th grade students
Be part of the BHS Science Bowl team. We will compete in a regional meet on a weekend in late February or early March (date is still TBD), and the competition will consist of several rounds of math and science questions, trivia style. To prepare for the competition, we will hold practices after school from late October until the date of the competition in late February or early March.
If you are interested in participating on the team, please complete the short application linked below by the end of the school day on Monday, October 16.
Application link: https://forms.gle/iknCco4rUBc7KvFp7
Reach out to Ms. Heldman with any questions.
Year of Graduation Counseling Google Classroom
Click on the appropriate link
Class of 2024
https://classroom.google.com/c/MTQwODYyOTg1Mzky?cjc=hypbgcu
Class of 2025
https://classroom.google.com/c/Mzc3NjcxMzA2MTY1?cjc=hnbmwsp
Class of 2026
https://classroom.google.com/c/NTMzMjE1NDIxNjkw?cjc=rdxc3gx
BHS Melonball Tournament
We are excited to announce that we are putting on the first ever BHS Melonball Tournament! For those of you unfamiliar; Melonball is a tennis/ volleyball/ pickleball hybrid game played on the tennis courts that took BHS by storm last year.
The tournament will be held after school on Wednesday, October 11 from 1-3 PM at the BHS tennis courts. There will be 4 players at a time permitted on the court per team, with a maximum of 6 players on the roster. It is $75/ team to enter the tournament- the winning team will receive $250! Fun (and appropriate) uniforms are encouraged, and the team with the best uniform will receive their $100 back. The tournament is open to all BHS students.
To sign up please fill out the ATTACHED GOOGLE FORM . You will not be officially registered until we receive payment for your team. Payment can be made in cash or check (to BHS Class of 2026) to Ms. Duffy or Mr. McLaughin, or venmo’d to @Bucs_2026.
We look forward to seeing you on the court!
The Class of 2026, Ms. Duffy & Mr. McLaughlin
Homecoming Dance
Hello!
The Class of 2024 would like to announce the official information for the 2023 Homecoming Dance!
When: Friday, October 27th
Time: 7-9:30 pm
Where: Bedford High School Gym
Tickets: $15
FAQs Answered:
- No heeled shoes are allowed in the gym.
- You must have your Bedford High School Parent/Guardian & Student Sign off Agreement Form signed BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN email to purchase a ticket. Student emails will not be accepted. If you are not sure if your parent/guardian already completed it please come check with Mrs. LP In the main office.
- Tickets will be sold at lunches the week leading up to and of the event.
- There will be a DJ.
Extracurricular Club-Student Meetings
Horticulture Club
We plan on having meetings every Tuesday, 2:30-3:15 in H107.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
2023 Scholastic Art Awards
This is an annual art competition for middle and high school students where you can submit a single piece of art or a portfolio (a series of work) to be judged. Each single entry is $10, and each portfolio is $30. We had several students win awards last year, and some years we have students that have had work go to the national level. Please click here to take you to the website for information
If you have questions, please send Mr. Hagan an email or reach out to Ms. Beattie, Mr. Sheinfeld or Ms. Wagner.
AP EXAMS
As of September 29th at 4:00pm, students are now able to register and pay for AP exams through Total Registration. Students will be able to register and pay for their exams without a late fee ($40.00) until the evening of Tuesday, October 31st, 2023. This year, the cost per exam is $105.00.
Steps to Completing Registration:
Students should FIRST ensure they are registered with their class Join Codes in myAP. Please see your teacher for your specific class section 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.
AFTER you have registered in myAP, payments will be processed with Total Registration (www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220112). Please be sure to register for your class specific section. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete. If you or your student qualifies for financial assistance, please mark ‘yes’ when asked during the registration process.
Student ID numbers are now required in order to complete the steps in Total Registration. This number can be found in the student’s Aspen account under the “My Info” tab. The required ID number is labeled as “Local Identifier” followed by a number beginning with 5050…. Students will not be able to pay for their exams without this Student ID number.
Self Study Exams:
Bedford High School does not offer Self Study Exams coinciding with classes offered as part of the BHS Program of Studies. Students may still register for Self Study Exams not offered as a class at Bedford High School. If you or your student is interested in taking one of these exams, you are encouraged to reach out to the surrounding school districts to see if they offer testing to out-of-district students; no contact lists can be provided.
If you are interested in taking a Self Study Exam, first complete this form (Self Study Registration Form 2024) BEFORE you will be able to pay for your exam in Total Registration. This form must be completed before October 31th, 2023, at which time the form will stop receiving responses. This form may only be completed by students (i.e. not parents/caregivers), and students will be emailed the next steps of the Self Study registration process by one of the coordinators.
Please note Self Study exams will NOT show up on student transcripts or impact GPAs as the subject has not been formally instructed by a teacher at BHS. Colleges will know a Self Study exam has been taken if and when the student sends the final AP score directly to the college through the College Board website. BHS does not send any AP Scores to colleges regardless of whether or not a student has Self Studied. It is strongly recommended that students have a conversation with their parents about whether or not self-studying an exam makes sense for the student’s school/life balance. The AP Coordinators encourage students to review the AP Score usage policies to see if AP credits are accepted.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to AP Coordinators, Jennifer Funk (jennifer_funk@bedfordps.org) and Samantha Thyne (samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org).
Counseling Corner
Upcoming College Rep Visits
College Rep Visits will take place in the counseling suite unless otherwise noted. Please RSVP in Naviance by going to College Visits under the College tab and clicking Register Now.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Tue October 17, 2023 8:00 AM
Saint Joseph's College of Maine Tue October 17, 2023 10:30 AM
Colgate University Tue October 17, 2023 1:30 PM
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Thu October 19, 2023 8:00 AM
University of Miami Fri October 20, 2023 8:00 AM
Rollins College Fri October 20, 2023 10:30 AM
Delaware College of Art and Design Fri October 20, 2023 1:30 PM
Roger Williams University Mon October 23, 2023 8:00 AM
University of Maine Mon October 23, 2023 10:30 AM
Connecticut College Tue October 24, 2023 9:15 AM
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Wed October 25, 2023 10:15 AM
Norwich University Thu October 26, 2023 1:30 PM
The next Parents Supporting Parents (PSP) Group for caregivers of middle and high school aged students is this Tuesday, October 17th at 7:00 PM.
This is a support group for all caregivers to share and receive support from others as they go through the ups and downs of parenting and navigating your teens mental health.
Free registration and join us HERE on Zoom.
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
PARENTS:
I have Covid tests that have an extended expiration date of 1/23/2024 (ignore the 1/2023 date).
If you would like your child to bring a Covid test home, please have them stop by the nurse’s office to pick one up. Covid tests will only be administered at school if permission is given through the link below.
I am still missing physicals and emergency forms for some students, as well as Epi-Pens and allergy action plans for students with allergies. Please be sure to send in the necessary items for your child as soon as possible. Thank you.
Food and Insect Allergy Action Plan Bedford Public Schools
Physicals - Incoming 9th graders are required to have an updated physical for high school. Physicals completed within the past 12 months are acceptable. Students who plan to participate in sports are required to have an updated physical every year.
Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN
High School Nurse
781-275-1700 x4416
Take and submit your senior portrait. Please submit your photo to HJeShare.com using the school code "Bedford". IMPORTANT: When uploading your portrait, please select the “Portrait” option as you upload in order to link your senior's name to the image.
Deadline: October 27, 2023
Submit your family congratulatory ad for the yearbook! You can design, purchase, and submit your ad at YearbookOrderCenter.com using the school code 13423. Choose the option that says “Start Your Ad.”
Deadline: October 27, 2023
Deadline: October 27, 2023
Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. All sales will be correctly priced online. If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.
Deadline: 12/31/23
Athletics Information
Link to the Athletics Webpage
Link to Schedules
Link to Athletics Handbook
Link to Baseline test at home instructions
Follow Athletics on social media
Twitter: @BedfordBucs
Instagram: @bedfordathletics
Football Ticket Prices
$5-Students and Seniors
$7-General admission
CHALLENGE sUCCESS
To view the webinar on Balancing Sleep and Screens please click here.
INFORMATION OPT OUT
Student item drop off Location
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.
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.
YEARBOOK Information
Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. WATCH FOR A FLASH SALE ($25 off) the first week of school! All sales will be correctly priced online. If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.
Deadline: 12/31/23
Online Student Directory
Register by November 1 to add your student's information to the 2023-24 Student Directory!
This year we will be offering a FREE Online Student Directory for caregivers of students at BHS & JGMS.
Visit us at: http://bedfordpco.org/, where you will be prompted to login. If you already have a Membership Toolkit account login with another organization, you can use the same log-in on our site.
Go to: https://www.bedfordpco.org/
Click the Register/Login button.
If you already have an account with another organization that uses Membership Toolkit you can use the same email and password to login. You can then proceed to the numbered steps below. If not,
Select "Create Account" and fill in the name, email, and password information.
Click "verify my email" and then check your email for a link to complete the process. The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive the email, check your spam or junk folders.
Once you have verified your email address, log back in and finish the registration process.
Complete the Parent/Family and Student Information.
Complete the Directory/Publish Preferences.
Once the Primary Account is set up, the Primary User can add other email addresses to their account, which will allow a Secondary User to have their own login information, with access to the family account.
Questions? - Please don't hesitate to contact us at jgmsparents@gmail.com
BHSPA Grants for the BHS Community
As part of our mission to contribute to different initiatives, programs, and events that impact the students, faculty, staff, and supporting the community at BHS, the BHSPA has many events that we regularly fund and support. We also invite faculty, student groups, and individuals to submit grant requests for special projects, programs, and tools that will have a positive impact on the BHSPA community. If you have an idea to propose, please download, fill out the application and follow the instructions.
BHSPA Fall Appeal
The BHSPA Fall Appeal is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we can only do it with your help! We are halfway to our fundraising goal of $8,000 and need your donation to help us make this goal! The BHSPA is a caregiver volunteer organization which raises and distributes funds to support the various initiatives, programs, and events for the BHS community. All caregivers are members of the BHSPA. We collect no dues, rather, we solely rely on donations and fundraising. Thank you for supporting BHSPA!
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
Come and discuss special education programming in Bedford and how we can best support our children.
Wed, Oct 18, 2023 at 7:30 PM with guest Marianne Vines
Thurs, Dec 14, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Thurs, Jan 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM with guest Marianne Vines
Thurs, Feb 15, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Thurs, Mar 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM with guest Marianne Vines
Thurs, May 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
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!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com
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 a Parking Sticker? The Parking Sticker application may be found here.
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 2023-24 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