The Bedford Buccaneer
April 24, 2023
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday, April 27th-Poetry Slam-6:30-8:30pm-BHS LGI
Saturday, April 29th-Tenacity Challenge-7:45am-3:00pm-BHS
Friday, May 5th-Sunday, May 7th-Art Show-BHS
Friday, May5th-6:00-9:00pm
Saturday, May6th-10:00am-2:00pm
Sunday, May 7th-11:00am-2:00pm
Tuesday, May 9-School Council-2:30-3:30
Friday, May 12th -43 Annual AFJROTC Awards Night--6:00-7:30pm-BHS Auditorium
Tuesday, May 16th-Wednesday, May17th-Math MCAS
Wednesday, May 17th-Senior Awards Night-7:00-8:30pm-BHS-Invites will be sent out
Thursday, May 18-Junior Prom-6-10pm
Thursday, May 25th-Senior Prom-6-10pm
Monday, May 29th-No School
Tuesday, May 30th-CSF Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Awards-7:00pm-BHS Auditorium.
Thursday, June 1st- Class of 2023 Graduation
Thursday, June 1st-Friday, June 2nd - All Night Graduation party for BHS Class of 2023
Tuesday, June 6th-Wednesday, June 7th-Science MCAS(9th Grade)
Thursday, June 8th-9-11th Grade Awards Night-7:00-8:30pm-BHS Auditorium-Invites will be sent
Wednesday, June 21- Last Day of School-This assumes no more school cancellations due to weather.
BPS District Calendar 2022-2023
BHSPA News
Teacher Appreciation Week Luncheon May 10
We would like to recognize the BHS faculty and staff with a Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12) Luncheon for all their hard work and support. We truly appreciate all they have done for our students!
We are requesting contributions from parents/guardians to supplement subs and sandwiches which will be purchased by the BHSPA. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 10th. Contributions can be dropped off by 10:30am at the main door vestibule the day of the luncheon.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4ea5ad2cabff2-bhsfaculty1#/
If you are unable to drop off your contribution, or have any questions, please email us at bhsbucsparents@gmail.com and we will find a way to accommodate you. Thank you!
If you would prefer to make a monetary donation to supplement this event, please contribute online via PayPal. Donations will be used towards the Teacher Appreciation event and the End of the Year Teacher Luncheon held in June!
This year, we are excited to bring back the Teacher Raffle! Please consider making a donation towards the raffle prizes!
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F53GD36LXTFS2&source=url
To donate by check: Make check payable to BHSPA and drop off at BHS front office or mail to Bedford High School, 9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
*Please note: You do not need to provide utensils for the salads, fruit platters or desserts. If you would like your container back, please put your name on the bottom and it will be cleaned and placed in the front office after the lunch for you to pick up at your convenience. *
Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff!
Bedford Athletic Association - “Home of the Buccaneers”
19th Annual BUCCANEER CLASSIC Golf Outing
Saturday May 6th 2023
Hanscom AFB – Patriot Golf Course
200 Springs Road Bedford, MA
This year’s 18-hole Best Ball Team Scramble includes Golf Cart, Awards, Raffle and Dinner.
COST IS $125.00 PER GOLFER; $500 PER FOURSOME
Team/Individual Competition: Long Drive (Ladies/Men), Closest to Pin, 1st and 2nd Low Gross Winners
Registration 11:00-11:45 am
Shot Gun Start @ 12 pm – Dinner (approx.) 5:30 pm
GOLF REGISTRATION INDIVIDUAL/TEAM FORM
Golfer #1: __________________ ______
Email:___________________________
Golfer #2: __________________ ______
Email: ___________________________
Golfer #3: __________________ ______
Email: ___________________________
Golfer #4: __________________ ______
Email: ___________________________
Space is limited to 64 golfers and will be filled on a first come-first serve basis. Due to the limited space, we expect the BUCCANEER CLASSIC to be filled quickly.
Please return your completed form with your entry fee of $125.00 per person/$500 per foursome payable to:
BEDFORD ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Buccaneer Golf Classic
P.O. Box 408 Bedford, MA. 01730–0408
www.bedfordathlecticassociation.org
Dinner Only ($25) – Name _____________________ Email: _________________________
THANK YOU for your Support, BAA Golf Classic Committee
Attention Juniors and Junior Caregivers
As your last weeks are upon us, we wanted to allow everyone time to plan for purchasing prom tickets. The tickets will go on sale on Monday, May 1, 2023, and be sold at lunch until Friday, May 12th, 2023. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AFTER FRIDAY, MAY 12TH.
Tickets will be $60.00 per person. The prom will take place on Thursday, May 18th, from 6 PM- 10 PM at the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center with buses leaving Bedford High School 5:15PM.
You can pay with cash or check payable to BHS Class of 2024. There will be no ticket sales via VENMO/CASH APP.
- Make sure you have a completed dance/events contract. The link is here -->HERE
PARENTS/GUARDIANS MUST BE THE ONE TO COMPLETE THE CONTRACT. STUDENT EMAILS ARE NOT ALLOWED. - ONLY COMPLETE IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. UNSURE IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED IT HAVE YOUR STUDENT CHECK IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS LP.
- If you plan to bring someone from another school, YOU MUST fill out a guest form BEFORE you can purchase a ticket for your guest. Forms are available in the Student Office.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Butler (Rm. B207) or Ms. Myles (Rm. E204).
AP Announcement
Next week begins the first week of the 2023 AP Examination season. Exams will be running each day between Monday, 5/1 and Friday, 5/12. These exams will be taking place in various classrooms throughout the building and we ask that all students be mindful of any exams in progress.
All students will receive an email from Total Registration this week including their exam schedule and room assignments. Please review this information and reach out to the AP Coordinator, Samantha Thyne, if you discover any discrepancies. Students who have registered their testing accommodations with the College Board will have room assignments associated with their specific needs.
Students must also review the AP Policies & Guidelines prior to their first exam date to ensure testing administration runs as smoothly as possible. Thank you for your support!
Class of 2023 Fundraiser
Please support the class of 2023 by ordering some Bedford spring apparel.
We are selling the following items:
-Blue Tie-Dye T-Shirt (unisex) $18
-Royal Blue Crew Neck $25
-Flannel Pants $30
-Black Pajama Pants $25
-Jacket $75
You can order using the form here.
Clothing will be distributed at the end of May. Please reach out with any questions.
Minding Your Mind with Jon Mattleman
The Bedford, MA Youth and Family Services Department is hosting a virtual program on Monday, April 24th from 6:30–7:30 pm. Minding Your Mind with Jon Mattleman will present on the topic Let’s Talk About the "A" Word (Anxiety), a program providing a framework to understand and navigate student anxiety, stress, and worries, and how to be a support. Please click here to register or visit the Youth and Family Services website.
YEARBOOK ORDER INFORMATION
Poetry Slam
Senior dates and deadlines
Link to Class of 2023 Events
Tenacity Challenge-April 29-7:45am-3:00pm-BHS
AP Exams-May 1-May12-BHS
Class of 2023 Graduation-Student Speaker - Due May 8
In addition to your faculty speaker, your class President, Emily Kang, will also speak. In the past, an additional student speaker has been selected. The student and faculty speakers help to personalize the commencement ceremony. If you have a story or message to share with your class, please consider submitting and presenting your speech to a panel of faculty members and students.
If you are eligible to graduate, you are eligible to be considered as a speaker at graduation-no further prerequisites
Interested seniors should submit a speech to Ms. Sweetland in the Main Office by Monday, May 1. You may email the speech to brenda_sweetland@bedfordps.org
Speeches will be presented to a panel on May 12 during Flex Block.
The speech should be about 3-5 minutes in length (click here to view the rubric)
Art Show-May 5-7-BHS
May 5-6:00-9:00pm
May 6-10:00am-2:00pm
May 7-11:00am-2:00pm
AFJROTC Awards Night-May 12-6:00-7:30pm-BHS Auditorium
HSC Scholarship Night (Hosted by the Hanscom Spouse’s Club)-May 12th-7:00pm -Minuteman Commons
Senior Spirit Week- May 15-19th
Senior Whale Watch -May 16th-$40 per student-Bus may not be back by 2:24pm
See Mrs Billouin and Mrs Hinz for permission slip.
Community Day-May 17-10:15am-BHS
Senior Awards Night-May 17th-7:00-8:30pm-BHS Auditorium-Invites will be sent out
Make up days for missed work (by appointment with teachers)-May 22 and 23
Senior iPad Collection-May 19, 23, 23
Senior Prom Stroll- Thursday, May 25th-4:30pm-BHS Jenks Trail
Senior Prom-Thursday, May 25th- 6-10pm-Danversport Yacht Club
CSF Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Award & Reception-May 30th-BHS Auditorium.
Check-in for students starts at 6:30 pm. The Award presentation begins at 7pm.
Class Breakfast and Graduation rehearsal -Wednesday, May 31st 8:30-10:30am-Cafe
Pay all financial obligations, receive school records and receive cap and gown.
Graduation-Thursday, June 1st-6:15pm Sharp-No Tickets Needed
Seniors arrive at 5:30pm for line up
All Night Graduation Party-June 1-10:30pm to June 2-5:30am-Tickets will go on sale in May
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.
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
*Allergy Season*
Dear parents/guardians, as most of you know, spring allergy season is upon us and some people are affected to different degrees. I just wanted to remind you that I do not provide allergy medication, including nasal sprays, antihistamines or eye drops. Please be proactive about your student’s allergies and have them take their prescribed allergy medication before school, so they will be comfortable for the duration of the school day. Depending on the severity of the pollen allergy, those with seasonal allergies can feel pretty miserable during this time of the year. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you. - Annmarie
Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN
High School Nurse
781-275-1700 x4416
Counseling Corner
Counseling Department Monthly Newsletter: Did you know? Translated versions of our newsletter are available upon request. The April edition of the Counseling Connection Newsletter is now available in your mailbox and on the counseling page!
Counseling Department Programming
Virtual Parent Presentation - May 3rd @ 7pm
For the last in our series of presentations on building persistence and managing emotions at home and in school, the Counseling Department is eager to welcome parents and caregivers to a viewing and discussion concerning how to increase
connection and mindfulness among families. A short video from the GoZen Resilient Child Summit series featuring Dr.Laura Markham followed up with a member from the BHS Counseling Department. Dr. Markham’s relationship-
based parenting model has helped thousands of families across the U.S. and Canada find compassionate, common-sense solutions to everything from separation anxiety and sleep problems, to sass talk and cell phones.
Healthy and Successful Transitions - May 8th @ 6:30pm
Location: Bedford High School Library
Please join Charles Alperin, LICSW of the Counseling Department on May 8th to discuss, "Making a Healthy and Successful Transition from High School to College or Work" Charles will discuss the increased need for Mental Health awareness and a lot of helpful resources for you and your graduating BHS students. This talk is not just for families with a struggling student, but for ALL families looking for their graduate(s) to make a soft landing at their next endeavor.
NACAC National College Fair
Students can explore what college fairs are available through www.nacacfairs.org and www.collegefairguide.com.
Parents/Guardians
MAY JUNIOR TIMELINE
Plan visits to colleges during the summer.
Review summer options: performing community service, work, internship, summer programs, etc.
Decide which teachers you will ask to write a letter of recommendation..
Recommended date to take SAT (June 4).
Take Advanced Placement Exams if enrolled in Advanced Placement classes.
MAY SENIOR TIMELINE
Deposits are due for the May 1st college enrollment deadline.
Update college outcomes and decisions in SCOIR
Complete senior survey
Thank teachers and counselors who wrote college recommendations
Follow up with potential outside scholarships.
Prepare for graduation!
Remaining Spring 2023 Test Dates
SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
May 6th April 7 April 25
June 3rd May 4 May 23
Testing Supports
College Board and the Jed Foundation co-created a resource on strategies to help students calm their nerves before, during, and after a test. Check out this new resource How to cope with test anxiety
Seniors:
TIPS FOR THE WAITLIST DECISION
Waitlisted? Colleges as a rule do not divulge the length of their waitlist or your place on it.
Therefore it is nearly impossible to predict whether you will get off the waitlist and when.
Carefully consider your other options and whether it is important to you to stay on a waitlist. If you do decide to stay on, be sure to make a deposit at another college by May 1 and be prepared to attend that college. It is not unheard of for students to get off of a waitlist in late August- just days before the start of freshman year.
Compare offers of admission and financial aid from each school
Notify the financial aid office of the school you choose to attend that you accept their offer for assistance. Failure to do so may result in the loss of financial assistance.
Send communications to the colleges you choose not to attend informing them of your decision. Remember to thank them for their consideration
Scholarships - Class of 2023
2023 Diversity STEM Scholarship
Massport’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Compliance will once again award two $3,000 Diversity STEM Scholarships to graduating high school seniors of color with a minimum 3.0 GPA who reside or attend school in the city of Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, Revere, Worcester, Bedford, Concord, Lexington, or Lincoln. Students must be involved in community service and interested in pursuing a degree that could be utilized in the Transportation Industry. Areas of study may include but are not limited to Aviation, Maritime, Real Estate, Business Administration, Accounting, Architecture, Engineering, Finance, or Human Resources.
Submission information and essays must be received by Winston Pierre in Massport’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Compliance Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023. Please note you can either mail or email your applications.
For more information please call 617-568-3125 or visit https://www.massport.com/massport/community/initiatives/internship-scholarships/.
Native Forward Scholars Fund, Deadline: June 1
Summer Enrichment Classes
A friendly reminder that courses taken over the summer at post-secondary institutions, for credit or enrichment, are not transferable to the Bedford High School transcript.
Relay for Life
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!
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
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!
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 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