The Bedford Buccaneer
April 5, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, April 7 - No School - professional day, student assembly 10:00 am
Saturday, April 10 - Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021 8:30 am - Noon Zoom
Saturday, April 10 - The Jon Sills Annual Tenacity Challenge; please click here for more info
Monday, April 12 - Term 4 begins
Tuesday, April 13th - Senior Class Aerial Photo at 1:30 on the BHS Turf
Wednesday, April 14 - Reopening of BHS Webinar 7:00pm
Thursday, April 15th - The Annual BHS Poetry Slam with Jamele Adams 6:30-8 pm Zoom
April 19-23 - Spring Vacation
Monday, April 26 - Return to full day school, in person or remote learning; 7:45am - 2:24 pm
Friday, May 21 - Last Day of School for Seniors
Friday, Saturday, May 21 and 22 - Les Misérables: School Edition at 7pm (streaming online)
Friday, June 4 - Class of 2021 Graduation 6:30pm BHS Turf
Saturday, June 5 - Class of 2021 Graduation 6:30pm Rain date BHS Turf
Friday, June 18 - Last Day of School for 9th, 10th and 11th grades
2020-2021 District Calendar Revised March 9, 2021
MCAS Update
As you might have heard, the Commissioner has made some adjustments and is going to be recommending the elimination of the MCAS competency determination (CD) for 11th graders in ELA and Math. To reflect that, here is the updated MCAS schedule. Thanks for your continued flexibility and we will continue to keep you posted as more information becomes available.
5 practical tips to help families support their teens during this last leg of the college admissions process
"This final stretch of the college admissions process can be a time of celebration or of disappointment and heartbreak when teens receive the news. And even after they hear the “yes” or “no” from the colleges, students and their families can experience stress as they try to determine which school to choose and what the implications of that choice may be for future success."
Read this article from Dr. Denise Pope to get 5 practical tips to help families support their teens during this last leg of the college admissions process.
https://www.challengesuccess.org/blog/final-stretch/
Join our Bedford Challenge Success community 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)
Documentary and BHS Community Conversation
Thursday, April 8 7:30-9pm
Join us for an upcoming community event based around the documentary I'm Not Racist... Am I? This film follows a diverse group of teens through a yearlong exploration to get at the heart of racism. Through some tense and painful moments, we see how these difficult conversations affect their relationships with friends and parents, and ultimately challenge them to look deep within themselves. By the end of their time together, we’ll see these remarkable young people develop deeper bonds, a stronger resolve and a bigger, more significant definition of racism than any of us ever imagined.
Participants will receive a link to watch the documentary on their own and then will come together virtually via Zoom for an engaging conversation to unpack the film and its impact. Use this link to sign-up.
The Annual BHS Poetry Slam! Hosted by Jamele Adams
Thursday, April 15th
6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom
Hello BHS Family,
This is an invitation to The Annual BHS Poetry Slam! This will be our 12th annual spoken word community celebration and Jamele Adams' 8th year as M.C. and GUEST POET Because this event will be virtual, it will be all open mic (no slam competition). ALL ARE WELCOME! Interested in attending or performing? Please let us know here.* No commitment! Just for planning purposes.*
Questions? Want to help out? Email Mrs. Messenger at patti_messenger@bedfordps.org
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.
Class of 2021 Student Advisors
Ms. Arena and Mr. Humphrey, MSgt (Ret), USAF
Email: sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
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
Pooled Testing Update
As part of our pooled testing program, last week, we tested 68 students and 14 staff members. All the pools were negative. We will be testing every Monday and Tuesday through the end of April.
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.
Thank you,
Harsheni
HOSA President
Nancy Thorsen, BSN, RN
HOSA Advisor
Nurse Office Fax: 781-687-6141
Bedford SEPAC
Please join our upcoming Bedford SEPAC events. The Bedford SEPAC is a group of Bedford Parents and Guardians of Special Education students that come together to advise the school committee and school on special education issues, as well as for networking, support, and education.
Monday, April 12, 2021 at 7:00 PM
For special education Parents/guardians
•Updates on SEPAC presentation to School Committee and Superintendent
•Member networking and support
•Updates about ongoing literacy plans, recreation inclusion, member discussions, etc
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96103842517?pwd=YzFCejN3ZlFCVGx0WnBIcTVLdVpSQT09
Meeting ID: 961 0384 2517
Passcode: 645690
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Bedford School Committee Meeting
Annual presentation from SEPAC, check school committee agenda for time and zoom link
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Discussion with Marianne Vines, Bedford Director of Special Education
•Discipline in Special Education: What are Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, Manifestation Determination Meetings
•Update on OG training and staff
•Update on Lane language-based classroom
•MCAS discussion for special education students
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94728259825?pwd=UXJubldvdE1VWUF6SkErQ1IvSUNBQT09
Meeting ID: 947 2825 9825
Passcode: 336773
Special Education School Transition Info Meetings
Discussion/Questions with Bedford Special Education Staff on school transitions
•Davis to Lane - Date TBA
•Lane to JGMS - Date TBA
•JGMS to High School - occurred already Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Bedford SEPAC Contact Info:
•Web: bedfordsepac.com
•Email: bedfordmasepac@gmail.com
•Facebook group: Bedford MA SEPAC
International Trips 2022 Reminder
If you are still thinking about traveling internationally next school year, there are new opportunities to enroll. Explorica has extended the Risk Free Booking and full refund guarantee for travelers who enroll though April 15th to receive a 100% refund if you cancel for any reason by August 1, 2021. Choose auto-payment or full-pay option at the time of enrollment to qualify. 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! For more information and how to qualify, visit our Travel with Confidence page.
Explorica has also extended the $200 voucher until April 15 so there’s more time for you to get signed up! You can get $200 off for enrollments through April 15. The voucher code that you need to use to get the $200 off is Adventure2022. Please click here to view the enrollment flier for the itinerary and for instructions on how to enroll.
Sicily & Athens Culinary Adventure : February 2022
Join Ms. Arena and Mr. Berlino on a culinary tour of Sicily and Athens! The trip begins in Palermo, Sicily and includes traveling through the country experiencing culture and food; sightseeing through Agrigento, Catania; shopping in local food markets, exploring local farms, olive groves, cooking with chefs and experiencing local flavors in restaurants. We will travel overnight by ferry to Athens, Greece for more touring of local agriculture and sites and culinary experiences. Visit explorica.com/Arena-2772 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms. Arena at sandra_arena@bedfordps.org
Galapagos Adventure: February 2022
Join Ms. Leshay, Ms. Billouin and Mr. Olson to explore the Galapagos Islands. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before flying to the Galapagos islands. The trip includes time on San Cristobal Island with snorkeling and visiting the giant tortoises before moving to Isabela Island to visit the lava tunnels and take a day hike at the Sierra Negra volcano. We'll finish our visit on Santa Cruz Island with a visit to the Darwin Research Station before heading back to spend one last day in Quito. Visit explorica.com/Leshay-8311 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms.Leshay at sarah_leshay@bedford.org
Amazon and Andes Adventure: April 2022
Join Mr. Griffin, Mr. Caprioli and Ms. Eggers for an experience of a lifetime and we explore the Amazon forest and climb the Andes Mountains. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before traveling into the Amazon. The trip includes a visit to a local village in the Amazon, an animal rescue hospital, whitewater rafting, exploring forests, and hiking on a volcano and much more. For a complete description visit explorica.com/griffin-8227 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Michael_griffin@bedfordps.org.
BHS Relay for Life Committee are starting a town wide scavenger hunt using painted rocks by each member of our committee. This project is similar to the kindness rock project. We have over 30 stones that will be scattered around town this Wednesday. Any participants of this scavenger hunt are encouraged to make a small donation to Bedford’s Relay for Life Page. Once that small donation is made, they will receive a clue list for where to find each rock. We would love to get lots of high school students involved as our event has been very small in past years.
For our second fundraiser, we are selling luminaria bags for $10. If you are not familiar with luminaria bags, they are white paper bags that are decorated in memory of/honor of cancer patients. Here is a link for further reading about the luminaria ceremony https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=relay_luminaria
Lots of Relay for Life participants love this part of the event because it acts as a tribute to their family/friends who have battled cancer. Each bag will include a few writing utensils and a glow stick. If you could maybe share a brief message through student news, I think it would really benefit our cause.
Thank you!
BHS Relay for Life Committee
Sydney D, Amber H, Madeline O and Ana P
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
Counseling Corner
The Counseling Department has launched a Post-Secondary website! Check it out here
Upcoming Dates:
April 5 Virtual Visit with the University of Connecticut
3pm - Link in your SCOIR Calendar
Virtual Visit with Western New England University
7pm - Link in your SCOIR Calendar
Supporting Emotional Well-Being for Tweens and Teens
at 7 pm with Dr. Rachel Kramer (Parents and Caregivers)
Starting You Science with Ms. Thyne
at 1:30pm - link in SCOIR calendar
Part of the Spring Workshops for Juniors
April 6 Virtual Visit with Lasell University
3pm - Link in your SCOIR Calendar
April 7
Sophomore Parents Night: The Road Ahead
6:30-7:00 A preview of the year ahead with Ms. Thyne
7:00-7:30 Standardized Testing Presentation by Signet
Virtual Visit with Providence College
3pm - Link in your SCOIR Calendar
April 8th The Common App with Ms. Halupowski
at 1:30pm - link in SCOIR calendar
Part of the Spring Workshops for Juniors
April 12 Pandemic Parenting One Year In: Supporting Social
Development andCombating Social Atrophy
@ 7pm with Dr. Rachel Kramer
Developing an Activities Resume with Ms. Septembre
at 1:30pm - link in SCOIR calendar
Part of the Spring Workshops for Juniors
April 13 Writing a College Essay with Ms. Milano
at 1:30pm - link in SCOIR calendar
Part of the Spring Workshops for Juniors
April 14th Conducting a College Search with Mr. DeChellis
at 1:30pm - link in SCOIR calendar
Part of the Spring Workshops for Juniors
April 15 I ROBOT - panel discussion with a team of Engineers and
Scientists
9:30am-10:10am - Zoom link in your SCOIR Calendar
Career Exploration with Ms. Thyne
at 1:30pm - link in SCOIR calendar
Part of the Spring Workshops for Juniors
Spring Workshops for Juniors
The Counseling Department will be offering a series of Post-Secondary workshops for Juniors. Information on how to sign up to these virtual events will be communicated directly to the students. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school counselor.
All sessions take place at 1:30pm. You can find the Zoom links in your SCOIR calendar.
Monday, March 29th Navigating SCOIR with Ms. Halupowski
Tuesday, March 30th Creating a College Board Account and Testingwith Ms Barnes
Monday, April 5th Starting You Science with Ms. Thyne
Thursday, April 8th The Common App with Ms. Halupowski
Monday April 12th Developing an Activities Resume with Ms. Septembre
Tuesday, April 13th Writing a College Essay with Ms. Milano
Tuesday, April 14th Conducting a College Search with Mr. DeChellis
Thursday April 15th Career Exploration with Ms. Thyne
Parenting Support Sessions, with Rachel Kramer, Ph.D., presented by Bedford Health and Human Services and Bedford School Counseling - see the brochure here and the information below.
Monday, April 5th at 7 pm Supporting Emotional Well-Being for Tweens and Teens – This session will present the ways we can understand and support our teens and tweens regarding the developmental issues they face. Strategies will focus on helping parents and caregivers feel more confident and courageous to engage in difficult discussions with the youth. Register Here
Monday, April 12th at 7 pm
Pandemic Parenting One Year In: Supporting Social Development and
Combating Social Atrophy - During the pandemic, we are all getting much less
practice with face-to-face communication. Children and adults worry about not knowing how to relate to people once pandemic restrictions are lifted. This session will focus on strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children’s social skills and combat social atrophy. Register Here
Register for sessions here:
https://forms.gle/ozZAKtKDdpr63ewJ7
Questions? Contact:
Health and Human Services
health@bedfordma.gov or 781-275-6507
Sophomore Parents Night: The Road Ahead
April 7th
6:30-7:00 A preview of the year ahead
7:00-7:30 Standardized Testing Presentation by Signet
This event will be held in webinar format, details provided below.
Also being held on April 7th, will be the Sophomore Counseling Seminar at 11:00am, following class meetings. Please encourage your student to attend as we will be taking our first steps in the Career Exploration process.
Webinar Link:
https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/87868490337
While the college application process is a few years away, helping your student to understand their interests, strengths and aptitudes can provide insight into their future post-secondary path. Join us for a look into Sophomore Counseling Seminar and a preview of the youScience Career and Aptitude inventory as well as an overview of the post-secondary planning process in the years ahead. An email link will be sent closer to the date.
As we head into the spring, the BHS Counseling Department will be connecting with the members of the Class of 2023 as we begin in taking the first steps in the post-secondary planning process. Aligning with our goal to aid our students in setting long-term goals and develop a deeper understanding of self-awareness, this process will start with the youScience aptitude and career interest inventory, found in our college and career planning platform known as Scoir.
The Class of 2023 have been sent invitations to register their Scoir accounts and sent directions to access the youScience inventory via video tutorial. While the registration invites expire within 48 hours, we will continue to send these invitations periodically over the next few weeks. Students may also reach out to their counselors directly if they are looking for a new link.
In order to aid us in our Career Exploration pursuit, we ask that you please encourage your student(s) to register their accounts and take the youScience inventory prior to the counselor group meetings on April 7th, where we will process results together.
On the evening of April 7th, we would also like to invite you to attend our Sophomore Parent Night presentation where we will share an overview of the sophomore career development curriculum as well as steps you can be taking with your student to prepare for the post-secondary journey ahead. This event will be held from 6:30pm to 7:00pm and immediately followed by a second presentation from Signet at 7:30pm, diving deeper into the SAT and ACT testing process.
Thank you all for your continued support as we aid your child through the Career Exploration process. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's counselor directly.
I ROBOT - panel discussion with a team of Engineers and Scientists
Please join us on Thursday April 15th from 9:30am-10:10am for a panel discussion with a team of Engineers and Scientists from I ROBOT. Founded in 1990 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology roboticists with the vision of making practical robots a reality, iRobot has sold more than 30 million robots worldwide. The company has developed some of the world's most important robots, and has a rich history steeped in innovation. Its robots have revealed mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza, found harmful subsea oil in the Gulf of Mexico, and saved thousands of lives in areas of conflict and crisis around the globe. iRobot inspired the first Micro Rovers used by NASA, changing space travel forever, deployed the first ground robots used by U.S. Forces in conflict, brought the first self-navigating FDA-approved remote presence robots to hospitals and introduced the first practical home robot with Roomba, forging a path for an entirely new category in home cleaning. With more than 30 years of leadership in the robot industry, iRobot remains committed to building robots that provide people with smarter ways to clean and accomplish more in their daily lives.
The panel will be facilitated by Lisa Freed, P.E., LEED AP STEM Program Manager from IROBOT. ZOOM Link can be found in your SCOIR calendar and Google Classroom
??? Questions ???
Reach out to Mr. DeChellis
brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org
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:
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.
Apr. 10 Western US Fair
Apr. 20 Fair Southeastern US Fair: View online
May 2 Fair: View online
College Planning Resources
College Guidance Network
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 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
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
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:
The Bedford Education Association
The Bedford Education Association is pleased to announce that we will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who are planning to enter the field of education.
To apply, follow this link to the BEA Scholarship Application form. Please complete the form by Tuesday, April 13, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact BEA President Mx Sunderland at presidentbedford@gmail.com
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).
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
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Student Atmosphere Committee fundraiser for Mrs. Pietrangelo at Chipotle. We will be receiving a check for $644.04 (33% of the sales brought in by YOU) - this is AMAZING! The entire amount will go directly to Mrs. Pietrangelo's family. Some people have asked other ways in which they can help; here is the link to the Go Fund Me page
Click here to read more about Mrs. Pietrangelo's story in a recent Bedford Citizen article.
Bedford High School
2020-2021 Hybrid School Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 7:45am - 1:03pm
Wed: 8:05am-12:55pm
Monday, April 26 - Return to full day school, in person or remote learning; 7:45 am - 2:24 pm
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561
Fax: 781-275-6664