The Bedford Buccaneer
April 12, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
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 15 - Purple up day
Thursday, April 15th - The Annual BHS Poetry Slam with Jamele Adams 6:30-8 pm Zoom
April 19-23 - Spring Vacation
Wednesday, April 21 - Building Tours for interested Students (contact counselor to sign up)
Monday, April 26 - Return to full day school, in person or remote learning; 7:45am - 2:24 pm
Thursday, May 6 - I Am Alfonso Jones , Tony Medina, Virtual Author Event at 10:15 am
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
April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome.
The Month of the Military Child is part of the legacy left by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. He established the Defense Department commemoration in 1986. DoDEA joins the Department of Defense and the military community in celebrating April as the Month of the Military Child. In DoDEA communities around the world, our most essential strategic imperatives are: establishing an educational system that progressively builds the college and career readiness of all DoDEA students; and establishing the organizational capacity to operate more effectively and efficiently as a model, unified school system. We aim to challenge each student to maximize his or her potential and to excel academically, socially, emotionally and physically for life, college and career readiness.
Please be sure to wear purple on Purple Up Day, April 15, 2021. Wearing purple is a visible way for everyone to show support and thank military youth for their strength and sacrifices.
Thank you to our Hanscom families for enriching our school community.
Take care,
Mrs. Galante
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.
COLLEGE EDITION
Does the brand name of the college you attend actually matter? The best research on the question suggests that, for most students, it doesn’t.
“It turns out that what students do at college seems to matter much more than where they go.” ~Denise Pope, Cofounder Challenge Success
Read the entire article HERE: The Right Way to Choose a College
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)
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!
IMPORTANT INFO FOR ATTENDEES - PLEASE READ:
1. Students, if you haven't yet done so, we encourage you to complete this Google poll. It's not required for attendance but will help with our planning. Those of you who have completed it by Wednesday can look for a Gmail invite and add the event to your Google Calendar. You can still come if you don't do the poll, but if we go over capacity you won't be able to join.
2. Family or friends who want to come but don't have a BPS Gmail account, please preregister in this Google poll by Wednesday 4/14 at 9 p.m. If they are not preregistered, they will not be allowed to enter the meeting.
3. When you join the Zoom on Thursday, try to arrive a few minutes early, and please log in with your Bedford Public Schools Gmail address. This is for security and ease of identification. During the event:
- Please make sure your screen name properly identifies you; you are also welcome to include preferred pronouns.
- To be fully present for this community experience, please have your camera on as much as possible.
- The chat will be enabled for this event so all of us can show our support for the poets. We trust that you will use it appropriately.
If you have any questions, large or small please email Mrs. Messenger at patti_messenger@bedfordps.org
AERIAL PHOTO AND OTHER SENIOR UPDATES
When you arrive at the turf please find your way to one of the cones, we will adjust as needed with direction from Mr. Ackerman. As I mentioned earlier please ensure you are following covid protocol so we can continue to move forward with senior events. If any student is not feeling well, you are encouraged to stay home. As a reminder, school rules apply while on school grounds. Each and every one of you is doing a fabulous job following the necessary steps to keep fellow students, teachers and staff safe, please keep up the phenomenal job. See you on Tuesday April 13th at 1:30 (BHS Turf), MASK UP- GO BUCS!
Class of 2021 merchandise
Bedford High School Bedford, MA Products - Graduation Products from Jostens
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
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
Last chance to purchase apparel to support the Class of 2023!
We only have a limited amount of crewneck sweatshirts, long sleeves, and t-shirts left so if you would like one of these please get your merch and get it soon! Stop by A212 or email Ms. Hinz at cassie_hinz@bedfordps.org to make an order and pick it up!
Thank you for your contribution and support!
-Class of 2023
Long Sleeve
$20 Sizes-S-XL
T shirt
$15 Sizes S-XL
Crewneck
$30 Sizes S, M, L
Sponsor a gift bag for a student and fight world hunger at the same time!
This month Bedford Patrons for Music Students (POMS) is delighted to introduce a fundraising opportunity for the BHS musical to support the students, POMS, and Action Against Hunger.
In normal years, POMS sells well wishes in the lobby during the musical, so audience members can give a small token of appreciation to their favorite cast, crew, or pit member. This year, POMS is coordinating gift bag deliveries for each of the 71 student participants — and your donation makes it possible!
Each gift bag will include several custom items chosen especially to commemorate this year's show, and will be delivered to each student on Opening Night, May 21. (Pictures and details to follow after delivery, so we can keep the contents a surprise!) All donors will be listed on a card to accompany each bag, so your student will see your support.
In addition, the students and staff have chosen to support the charity Action Against Hunger. LES MISERABLES reflects the devastating consequences of hunger in early 1800s France, and hunger continues to affect so many families today, including here in Bedford. A portion of every donation will be sent to Action Against Hunger.
Please support our students, POMS, and Action Against Hunger by becoming a sponsor! You can choose from five different giving levels, from $15 to $100, when you donate online at https://www.bedfordpoms.org/les-miserables-bhs-2021/.
Tickets for the streaming performances of LES MISERABLES will be available soon. The filmed production will be shown Friday, May 21, and Saturday, May 22, on a screen near you!
Thank you for your support!
Please join our virtual author event on Thurs. May 6th at 10:15 am
We welcome poet and activist Tony Medina, author of several books of poetry and the Young Adult graphic novel entitled I Am Alfonso Jones. This graphic novel addresses the Black Lives Matter movement with a backdrop to Shakepeare’s Hamlet. Please email christine_magoon@bedfordps.org for more information. This event is graciously supported by the Mass Cultural Council and BHS Bucs Parent Association.
Christy Walker (Magoon)
BHS Librarian & Media Specialist
Pooled Testing Update
As part of our pooled testing program, last week we tested 76 students and 14 staff members. All the pools at the high school were negative. We did have a positive pool at JGMS and Lane this week and one case was identified at each school. We will be testing every Monday and Tuesday through the end of the school year.
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 is 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
Counseling Corner
The Counseling Department has launched a Post-Secondary website! Check it out here
Upcoming Dates:
April 12 Pandemic Parenting One Year In: Supporting Social Development and Combating 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
April 28 “NOW WHAT? HELPING FAMILIES MANAGE EMOTIONALLY DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES!” Online webinar presented by nationally renowned author, speaker and therapist Lynn Lyons, LICSW
7:00 to 8:15 PM - register here: https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9FkApoH6QpGKIewlsUHGnQ
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 Testing with 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.
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
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
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
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