The Bedford Buccaneer

This newsletter contains important back-to-school information for both students and parents.

• Parents, please remind your student to check their school email often so they don't miss any updates from us.
• Our weekly newsletter will begin the week of August 24, 2026
• You can find additional resources on our website.
• Please read through the following very carefully, as the information below may answer many of your questions.

• Wednesday, August 19 & Thursday, August 20: Summer Building Tours for New Students
• Tuesday, August 25: New Student Orientation
• Wednesday, August 26: Class of 2027 Senior Boot Camp
• Wednesday, September 2: First Day of School
• Friday, September 4 & Monday, September 7: No School (Labor Day Long Weekend)

The full Bedford High School calendar can be found here.

The Athletic Department schedules can be found here.

The Bedford Public School District calendar can be found here.

Student Orientation for all new BHS students and their caregivers will be on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. This event will begin with an informational session in the Auditorium for everyone, followed by separate programs for students and parents. Students will tour the building with our Student Ambassadors and receive their school-issued iPads.

In addition to Orientation, we have two dates for Summer tours. These optional tours, hosted by our Student Ambassadors, are a great opportunity to get familiar with the building before the school year begins.

Dates & Times

1. Wednesday, August 19, 2026 → 10:00 am

2. Thursday, August 20, 2026 → 12:00 pm

To help us anticipate the number of participants, please sign up to attend one of the tours here: SUMMER TOUR REGISTRATION

Additional Questions About Summer Tours: Please reach out to: Nina Tate, Student Ambassador Advisor and Administrative Assistant at 781-275-1700 x 4404 or nina_tate@bedfordps.org

For students who are missing a course or were not scheduled into one of their requested or alternate courses, requests to add or drop classes may be made with each student's School Counselor until the 18th school day. This year, the schedule change request period is September 2, 2026 through September 29, 2026. Requests for schedule changes will be considered based on the individual student’s needs and the space available in the schedule. If a student withdraws from a course prior to the 18th day (September 29), the course will not appear on the student’s transcript.

Requests for schedule changes after September 29 will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the teacher, content-area Program Administrator, and Director of Counseling. If a student withdraws from a course, including changing a course level, after the above deadline, a W (Withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript for the course that was dropped.

There are two ways to make a Schedule Change Request with your school counselor. Please know that the Counseling Department attempts to make every requested change. However, due to class limits and the constraints of our schedule, this is not always possible. We appreciate your understanding that we might not be able to honor your requested change.

Two Options for Schedule Change Requests:

1. Beginning Tuesday, September 1, email your counselor with details about the requested changes.

• If you are missing a class from your schedule (there is a "hole" in your schedule), send your top three choices, in order of preference
• If you would like to change a class that you are currently enrolled in, include the course you would like to drop and why, plus your top three choices, in order of preference, to take its place
• Counselors will respond to email requests within 2 school days

2. Beginning on Tuesday, September 1, use the link below to schedule a 15-minute appointment with your counselor. Please be mindful of the class you are missing for this appointment. Students who are missing a class are encouraged to schedule during that period.

The name of student's school counselor can be found on their schedule under 1st Block, Day

Email addresses and booking links for each counselor are below.

• Mr. Brian DeChellis: email booking link
• Ms. Janel Halupowski: email booking link
• Ms. Julia Richards: email booking link
• Ms. Khunravy Say: email booking link
• Ms. Sam Thyne: email booking link

(formerly Dual Enrollment)

Students enrolled in the following courses are eligible to concurrently enroll with Middlesex Community College (MCC) to earn both high school and college credit.

Registration paperwork will be available in these classes in early September. All interested students will need to complete a registration form, application form, and multiple measures form(s).

Instructions will be provided on filling out these forms and all forms are due to Ms. Blair in the BHS Counseling Office by Friday, September 18, 2026.

• Sociology (BHS course: 01524; 1 Full Year 3-Credit Course at MCC)
• Psychology (BHS course: 01534 or 01535; 1 Full Year 3-Credit Course at MCC)
• Economics (BHS course: 01554 or 01555; 2 3-Credit Courses at MCC: Macroeconomics [Fall] and Microeconomics [Spring])
• Law (BHS course: 01604 or 01605; 1 Full Year 3-Credit Course at MCC)
• U.S. Government & Politics (BHS course: 01704 or 01705; 1 Full Year 3-Credit Course at MCC)
• Statistics and Probability (BHS course 02414; 1 Full Year 3-Credit Course at MCC)

Payment, Refunds, and Withdrawals

Courses are offered through MCC at $131 per credit ($393 per 3-credit course). Need-based scholarships are available and any student needing financial aid should speak with their school counselor. All billing and payment will be sent directly from MCC to students in mid-October (and mid-March for spring semester Microeconomics). Unpaid student balances will result in billing holds for a student which prevents them from registering for the next terms until the balance is paid in full and in accordance with add/drop deadlines.

No refunds will be given after October 2, 2026. Students may officially withdraw from a course by submitting a withdrawal form and be assigned a grade of “W” during the first two-thirds of a semester. All students on the roster after the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade at MCC.

The concurrent enrollment withdrawal deadlines are as follows:

• 2026-2027 Full Year Course Withdrawal: Wednesday, March 17, 2027
• Fall 2026 Macroeconomics Course Withdrawal: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
• Spring 2027 Microeconomics Course Withdrawal: Wednesday, May 5, 2027

More information about Concurrent Enrollment (formerly Dual Enrollment) can be found in the BHS 2026-2027 Program of Studies (pages 10-11).

Registration is now required for all students taking the school bus. This a new process for Bedford resident students who ride the school bus. To ensure the safety of students and the efficiency of bus routes, the district is now asking all families to complete this registration form for the upcoming school year. Your EARLY REGISTRATION via google forms is greatly appreciated. You will need to fill out a form for EACH CHILD.

**Students that come from Boston and Hanscom Air Force Base Students are automatically registered for the bus and do not need to fill out this form.**

Bus routes will be posted to the BPS website the week before school begins. Please note that the buses drop off at JGMS in the morning, and pick up at BHS in the afternoon.

Bus transportation is provided by Bedford Charter. They can be reached at 781-275-9524 or info@bedfordcharterservice.com.

Student Parking

All students who drive to school must have a 2026-27 BHS parking permit by October 1, 2026. Parking at Bedford High School is $125 per semester, by permit only, and a privilege for students who are licensed drivers.

• You can find the Parking Permit application here.

Visitor Parking

Staff Parking

Staff parking is located in the rear parking lot.

Parking in restricted areas may result in ticketing by the Bedford Police Department.

Morning Arrival

• Classes begin at 7:45 am, any late arrivals must enter through the main lobby doors, and sign in tardy at the Main Office.
• Buses drop off at JGMS.
• Student drop offs should be made at the front of the school building.
• Students are only allowed to park in designated student parking with a valid parking permit.
• All external doors remain locked during the day. If you need access, ring the bell to the right of the main entrance.

Afternoon Dismissal

• Classes end at 2:24 pm.
• The bus loop closes to cars at 1:45 pm (12:15 pm on Wednesdays). Do not enter the bus loop after this time - it creates serious safety hazards for buses and pedestrians.
• Student pick ups should be made in the side parking lot near the public library.

Side Entrance During Arrival & Dismissal: Vans for the LABBB program at BHS use this entrance and have priority use. They are allowed to pull up directly in front of the side entrance.

Your caution and patience are essential to keeping our students safe. Please drive slowly, stay alert, and be patient - student safety is our top priority. Thank you for helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe, smooth, and respectful for everyone.

Attendance Questions?

BHS_Attendance@bedfordps.org or 781-918-4561.

Parents/caretakers must report student absences by 8:30 am.

• Call the Attendance line at 781-918-4561 or email BHS_Attendance@bedfordps.org.
• Please include your student's name, the reason for their absence, and a phone number to reach you with any questions.
• For an absence to be considered for exemption, documentation must be sent to the Student Office within two (2) weeks of the student's return.

Students arriving after 7:45 am are late and must sign in at the Student Office to receive a late pass.

Parents/caretakers must request early dismissals by 8:30 am on the day of dismissal. Requests may not be made after that time, unless for an emergency. This process helps us to minimize disruptions.

• Call the Attendance line at 781-918-4561 or email BHS_Attendance@bedfordps.org.
• Please include your student's name, reason for dismissal and a phone number to reach you with any questions.
• Students will receive a dismissal pass from the office to show their teacher and may leave class at the designated time.

Our building is locked during school hours, and visitors may only use the main entrance. Visitors to our building are limited to emergencies only.

Please call ahead to make an appointment if you need to speak with:

• A Teacher
• A Program Director
• A Counselor
• A School Administrator

Deliveries and item drop offs are not permitted during school hours.

Parents/caregivers are asked not to drop off food, personal items, or place delivery orders for students during the day, as these will be turned away and not accepted. Bedford High School is not responsible for any items left for students.

1. Items may be dropped off before or after school if needed.
2. If a student forgets an iPad, it should be brought directly to the Main Office.
3. If you are unsure, please call the Main Office at 781-275-1700.

To help maintain a focused learning environment, Bedford High School enforces a "Bell to Bell, No Cell" policy:

• Students must place their cell phones in a designated holder at the start of each class period.

• Phones remain in the holder for the entire class.

When can students use their phones?

• Flex block

• Passing periods, breaks, and lunch

• Before and after school

• New students will receive iPads during Orientation. If you are unable to make Orientation, iPads will be issued on the first day of school.
• All teachers will provide a course syllabus with any specific supply requests at the beginning of the school year.
• Please note that many teachers use iPad applications for note-taking and class material.
• In general, students may need:
• A multi-pocket folder
• A notebook
• A calculator
• Pens and pencils
• Student Planner

Student planners are available for $20 through the Bedford High School Parent Association (BHSPA). These coil-bound planners include the school-day calendar, important events throughout the year, and space for students to keep track of assignments, notes, and other important information.

• Cost: $20
• Pre-order online: BHSPA website
• Pre-ordered planners can be picked up at New Student Orientation or during lunch outside the cafeteria on Thursday, September 3, and Tuesday, September 8.
• Planners will also be available for purchase during lunch on those dates.

Students are not pre-assigned a locker. To sign out a lock, please complete the form below.

The Counseling office is closed for the summer, and will reopen on September 2, 2026. If there is a mental health emergency, please call: Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Services (available 24 hours) at (800) 640-5432, or Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline (available 24 hours) at 833-773-2445 (call or text), or Call 9-1-1.

If you are seeking counseling support for your child, please reach out to one of these resources:

• Your child’s pediatrician to ask for a counseling referral
• Bedford Youth and Family Services at 781-918-4328
• Eliot Community Human Services at 978-369-1113

Bedford Youth & Family Services

Cartwheel

Families can now raise their hand directly for mental health support with Cartwheel – we’re here when you need us. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, having a hard time with back-to-school transitions, or just needs someone to talk to, Cartwheel is here to help.

https://www.cartwheel.org/district/bedford-public-schools

• Please review the iPad Information on the BHS website - it answers many frequently asked questions.
• Families are financially responsible for any damage or loss to school-issued iPads, cases, charging blocks, and cables.

• Call 781-275-1700, ext. 4449 or
• Email techsupport@bedfordps.org

Free Meals for All Students

• All students can get one free lunch and one free breakfast each school day.
• Breakfast will be available from 7:25 am - 7:40 am each morning and during break.
• Students may get 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch per day.
• Students must take a complete meal for it to be free. A complete meal contains at least 3 of the 5 offered components, and 1 has to be a fruit or vegetable. This means if a student doesn’t take a complete meal, they will be charged the à la carte price for the items they have.

Adding Money for Extras

• Students need funds for:
• Snacks
• Extra Milk or Water
• Second Meals or Entrees
• Add funds online at MySchoolBucks.com (a small fee applies).
• Or prepay at the register using cash or check (no fee)
• Make checks payable to Bedford School Lunch Program.

Why Fill Out the Free Meal Application?

Even though the meals are free for all, it is important for all families to complete the Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals each year. The information you provide helps Bedford secure important federal funding, waive local fees, and serve our families most effectively.

Need Help with School Lunch Information?

• Visit our website
• Call the Nutrition Office at 781-275-9129
• Email thomas_houle@bedfordps.org

• Media
• Social media
• Military recruitment

Please send a written request to Principal Comeiro at kim_comeiro@bedfordps.org.

Deadline: October 26, 2026. Be sure to clearly state your request in the email.

Hope you're enjoying your summer! As we prepare for the new school year, here are a few important reminders:

Emergency Forms & Permission for Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen

• ALL students, send in an emergency form ASAP.

Physicals

• Incoming 9th graders are required to have an updated physical (completed within the last 12 months) for high school.
• Students who plan to participate in sports are required to have a physical every year. Physicals for sports should be uploaded into the athletic portal: https://bedford-ma.finalforms.com/

Epi-Pens

• Students with an epinephrine rescue device must have an unexpired two-pack for the school year, along with the doctor’s orders (Allergy Action Plan) for the current school year.
• All students prescribed an epinephrine device should have this two-pack on their person.
• An extra set of pens may be kept in the health office.
• Students are asked to stop by the health office during the first week of school to review used and provide the expiration date.

Guidelines for When Your Child Is Sick

Knowing when to keep your child home from school due to illness can sometimes be a difficult

decision. Much depends on what type of symptoms your child has. When making this decision,

please keep in mind the following guidelines.

Keep your child at home if any one of the following occurs:

• Vomiting within the last 24 hours

• Diarrhea within the last 24 hours

• Temperature of 100 degrees F or higher within the last 24 hours without anti-fever medication

• Strep is suspected, but results of the culture have not been confirmed

• Positive throat culture for strep

• Student may return 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has begun

• Any symptoms of acute illness such as persistent cough, runny nose with body aches

• Your child should be able to control nasal secretions with proper use of tissues.

• If there is a cough, it should be infrequent and not likely to be disruptive to the class.

• Your child should feel that they could get through the planned school day without exclusion from outdoor recess or gym.

• Your child should look and behave like him/herself for 24 hours before returning to school.

Why???

1. To protect your child from exposure to more infection before he/she is able to build resistance.
2. To protect the other children and staff from communicable disease transmission.

Remember- HAND WASHING is the most effective means of preventing the spread of communicable diseases!!!

To help prevent the spread of communicable diseases at school, please report all communicable

illnesses (i.e. strep throat, bacterial infections, Fifth disease, etc.) to the Attendance Line or contact the school nurse directly.

Please call your child’s school nurse if you have any questions or you need help determining whether your child is well enough to attend school.

Please review the Massachusetts DPH respiratory virus guidelines link - MA DPH Respiratory Virus Guidance update

Questions?
Reach out to Nurse Vaughan at:

• 781-275-1700, x4416, or
• email annmarie_vaughan@bedfordps.org

New Students

Bedford High School partners with MobileServe, an app that helps schools and students log their community service hours and post events. You can learn more about Community Service expectations on the school website. Please complete the MobileServe parental consent form if you did not fill one out last year.

Returning Students

You only need to submit your MobileServe app Consent Form once during your time at Bedford High. Please do not turn in a consent form if you have already done so, and have access to the MobileServe app.

• Mr. Kohut (last names A-K)
• Ms. O'Grady (last names L-Z)

Common Application Practice Account: Parents/caregivers can create their own Common App account to simulate their student's experience. Use this link and select "Parent or other adult" for the account type. This account shows all of the features and questions of the Common App, but does not allow any application submissions. An account can be created at any time throughout the application process.

How do I get my Aspen ID?

If you need your ID or are having trouble logging in, please contact tech_support@bedfordps.org.

Who do I contact for help?

Check out our Point of Contact Guide for information on who to contact and when.

What time does school start?

BHS starts at 7:45 am. Visit our website for more information.

Where can I find lost items?

The lost and found is in the main lobby. Unclaimed items will be donated twice a year.

.

Where can I find out more about grading and courses?

Check out the 2026-27 Program of Studies. You can also reach out to the Program Directors:

• Counseling: Ms. Shadeed (nicole_shadeed@bedfordps.org)
• English: Dr. Williamson, Asst. Superintendent of Teaching & Learning (kelly_williamson@bedfordps.org)
• ELL: Ms. Nichols (hilary_nichols@bedfordps.org)
• Math & Business: Mr. Morrissey (patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org)
• Performing Arts: Ms. O'Toole (nicole_otoole@bedfordps.org)
• Physical Education, Health, & FAMCO: Mr. Mangan (keith_mangan@bedfordps.org)
• Science, Engineering, & Technology: Dr. Prince (nicole_prince@bedfordps.org)
• Social Studies: Ms. Butler (christine_butler@bedfordps.org)
• Visual Arts: Mr. Hagan (sean_hagan@bedfordps.org)

What is my bus route?

The Bus Routes will be posted on the BPS website.

Welcome BHS Families! The BHSPA is a parent-volunteer organization which raises and distributes funds to various initiatives, programs, and events for BHS, like:

• Student Planners
• Teacher / Student Grants
• Community Days / Student Appreciation Events
• Jon Sills Tenacity Challenge
• Military Child Day
• All Night Grad Party
• Teacher / Staff Appreciation Events

Sign Up for eNews from BHSPA

We send a weekly email newsletter to subscribed parents. There is information included in this newsletter that is not included in the school's weekly email. So make sure you sign up for communications from us!

Fall Appeal

Our Fall Appeal is just beginning. Please visit our website for more information and to make a donation.

Join Us!

The BHSPA meets with Principal Kim Comeiro once a month, and has a board meeting once a month. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive, committee representing all voices in our caregiver community. Would you like to get involved? Please email us at: BHSBucsParents@gmail.com.

X | Facebook | Website

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: https://bedfordmasepac.org/