• Thursday, August 8: Student Ambassador Tours | 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
• Friday, August 16: Football/Cheerleading Practices Begin
• Monday, August 19: All Other Fall Sports Begin
• Tuesday, August 20: Student Ambassador Tours | 9:00 am
• Monday, August 26: New Student Meet & Greet | 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
• Tuesday, August 27: Class of 2025 College Planning Seminar | 9:30 am - 11:00 am & 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
• Tuesday, August 27: New Student Orientation / iPad Distribution | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Tuesday, September 3: First Day of School
• Monday, September 9: School Picture Day
• Thursday, September 12: Back to School Night
• Monday, October 14: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• Monday, November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• Wednesday, November 27: Early Release
• Thursday, December 5: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences

The full Bedford High School calendar can be found here.

The Athletic Department schedules can be found here.

The 2024-25 Bedford Public Schools district calendar can be found here.

Thursday, August 8 & Tuesday, August 20.

For more information and details, please click on the link below.

Dear BHS Families,

I want to take this opportunity to welcome our students and families to a new school year. It has been a busy summer in the main office as we welcomed some new faces to our team. Ms. O’Grady, new Assistant Principal, has been hard at work since early July. Ms.Tate has been a welcome addition to the front office. We have new faculty and staff joining our already talented and dedicated team of educators. As a result of our positive reputation and collaborative environment, Bedford High School remains an attractive place to begin or continue your career. Learn more about our newcomers by reading their short biographies below.

Bedford High School is no longer a hidden gem as we recently ranked in the top 20 Public Schools in Boston Magazine. We are proud of our diverse and inclusive school with students from Bedford, Boston and Hanscom Air Force Base. In May 2024, we earned a Purple Star designation. Recipients of this award support military-connected students attending their schools to close any educational gaps military-connected students experience as a result of their high mobility. Twenty students from the Class of 2024 were recognized by the National Merit Organization, five were semi-finalists and one earned top designation as a National Merit finalist. Several student-athletes are continuing their athletic endeavors in college and our musicians and artists are also finding success in their post-secondary careers. I am continually impressed by the achievements, as well as, the character and compassion of so many of our students. Bedford High School is indeed a very special place.

The first day of school for students is less than a month away and we are thrilled when our students fill the hallways and classrooms with their energy. Placing student wellness and engagement at the forefront, we will continue to implement cell phone practices (outlined below). Our faculty, staff and administrative team look forward to partnering with all of our families to provide a positive high school experience for all of our students.

Please read through the entire newsletter as it has helpful information to start the school year and contains requisite forms that need to be completed. Newsletters will be sent once per week. Students should also start getting into the habit of checking their emails.

For now, enjoy the remainder of the summer!

Sincerely,

Heather Galante

Principal

Instagram @principal_galante

Dear BHS Community,

It is with excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you. I am embarking on my 25th school year as an educator and am honored to mark this personal milestone year as Assistant Principal at Bedford High School!

I grew up in a neighboring town and stayed local to do my undergraduate and graduate work in Boston at Emmanuel College and Simmons University, respectively. My first teaching job was a long-term substitute position at the now-defunct Our Lady of Grace School in Everett, Massachusetts where I taught 5th and 6th grade English and Social Studies. Though I enjoyed my time there, I knew I wanted to work in a public school teaching role at the high school level. I joined the Melrose High School English Department in September 1999 and then moved to Watertown High School. As an English teacher for 14 years, I taught a variety of courses including World Literature, American Literature, Journalism, and AP Literature and Composition. Most recently, I was at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School where I served as Dean of Students for three years and Associate Principal for seven years.

On July 1st, I officially joined the Bedford High School Leadership Team and have spent the past few weeks settling in and getting acclimated. I’m grateful to Principal Galante and Mr. Hudder, both of whom have spent much time with me sharing school traditions, walking through operational logistics, and formulating themes and objectives for the upcoming school year. I’ve also had the opportunity to interact with some students. Whether they are working with Summer Adventures or the Facilities Department, participating in the Calculus Project, sitting on interview committees or volunteering to help staff prepare for the start of school, I’ve enjoyed meeting many of them. Though certainly quieter during the summer, BHS is still abuzz with activity and the Buccaneer energy is inspiring and invigorating. I’ve even had multiple staff and students offer to help me find my way as I walk the building trying to learn my way!

With Mr. Casey’s return to classroom teaching and Mr. Hudder’s move to The Bromfield Middle School as Principal, there are big shoes to fill! I am up for the challenge and looking forward to it. When another assistant principal is named, I hope to offer meet-and-greet opportunities with them and will invite students, staff, and families to share their experiences as members of the BHS community. I’d love to hear all that makes you proud and the opportunities you wish for our school. Stay tuned for more on that!

Sincerely,

Maurin O'Grady

Students and caregivers. Please review the following information and complete the requested forms prior to returning back to school.

Each student needs to have an updated Emergency Information Form, which includes permission for the nurse to give Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.

• Please fill out the Emergency Information Form and return it to the Student Office.

Students and their Caretakers, please take a moment to review the 2024-25 BHS Student Handbook, and complete the agreement forms.

• Parent/Guardian/Caretaker Agreement: Please review the 2024-25 BHS Student Handbook, and complete the agreement form.
• Student Agreement: Please review the 2024-25 BHS Student Handbook and complete the agreement form.

Each student needs to review the following policies and complete the agreement form.

• Review the iPad Policy and iPad Protection information.
• Complete the iPad Agreement online or print a copy.

Bedford High School has partnered 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 Mobile Serve parental consent form if you did not fill one out last year.

In the sections below you will find information pertinent to the upcoming school year. You can find additional resources on our website.

Absences

Call the Absence Line: 781-918-4561 or the student office at 781-275-1700, select option #1

• When calling the absence line please state if your student is ill or not ill. For a reported absence to be considered for exemption, documentation must be sent to the Student Office within two (2) weeks upon their return to school.

Early Dismissals

Please bring a note to the student 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.

Questions about attendance can be directed to Kara Gallagher (kara_gallagher@bedfordps.org) in the student office.

Bell to Bell, No Cell

• Students are required to deposit their cell phones in a designated holder in each classroom at the beginning of each class period.

• Students will have access to their phones during Flex, Advisory, passing, breaks, lunch, and before/after the school day.

NY Times Op Ed by the Surgeon General on Social Media Warning Labels

We encourage you to meet before or after school for forgotten items, but in the event that does not work, please leave items in the Student Item Drop Off area, in the vestibule located by the main doors. We are limiting visitors inside the school. Please ring the bell and we will let you into the vestibule. Items can be left on the table right inside the vestibule. Students can check for the item between classes and at lunch.

• iPads should be brought to the Student Office.
• Bedford High School is not responsible for electronics, money, keys, sports equipment, etc. left at the table.

Please familiarize yourself with the iPad Information on the BHS website. The answers to many frequently asked questions can be found there.

Students/families are financially responsible for all damage or loss to school issued iPads, cases, charging blocks, and cables. Due to the cost of replacing and/or repairing iPads, we strongly recommend that all families purchase insurance for their students’ school issued iPad. More information on enrollment can be found at Worth Avenue Group. If you already have a policy with Worth Avenue Group, renewal notices were sent in July.

If you wish to have your student’s name, address, and/or telephone number withheld from the media, social media or military recruitment, please send a letter to Principal Galante stating your request by October 26, 2024.

Students are not pre-assigned a locker. If you would like to have a locker information can be found on the Locker Sign Up.

External doors will remain locked. If you need assistance, please ring the bell to the right of the main entrance.

Cars may not idle or park directly in front of the main entrance, as it needs to remain clear for emergency vehicles and bus access. You will be subject to ticketing by the Bedford Police Department if you park in the restricted lanes.

If you are dropping off your student, please do so at the front of the building in the student lot or at the side near the public library. Do not enter the bus loop at the front of the school as it causes safety issues for students unloading.

• Free/Reduced-Price Meals: The National School Lunch Program operated in Bedford Public Schools provides students either free, reduced-price, or full-price meals. Students may qualify for free or reduced priced meals via an approved 2024-25 Massachusetts Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals. More information can be found here.
• MySchoolBucks: You can add money to your student's MySchoolBucks account to be used in the cafeteria. Families can set up a free account at MySchoolBucks.com website by following the prompts for a new account. MySchoolBucks.com does charge a small transaction fee for this service.
• PrePayments: Prepayments can made with the cashier at each register using cash or check. Please make any check payable to Bedford School Lunch Program; there is no fee for this type of prepayment.

Students with cars need to have a valid BHS parking sticker by October 1, 2024, and park in designated student parking spots. Students with vehicles can find the Parking Permit application here.

You can pre-order a Student Planner on the BHSPA. Planners will be delivered to students at school early in the school year. Purchase your planner for $18 on the BHSPA website.

Students received tentative schedules in June and met with their counselor to make changes prior to the last day of school. Schedules can be found on Aspen. Students can still request changes by emailing their counselor directly. Counselors will reply to all requests upon their return in mid-to-late August.

• Returning Students: email your counselor.
• For students who previously worked with Mr. Chang (A-K), please reach out to Khunravy Say (khunravy_say@bedfordps.org).
• For students who worked previously worked with Ms. Septembre (L-Z), please reach out to Julia Richards (julia_richards@bedfordps.org)
• New students from Hanscom Airforce Base, please reach out to Brian DeChellis (brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org)
• New students moving up from JGMS or transferring in from another school, please reach out to Julie DeMatteis (julie_dematteis@bedfordps.org)

Advisory & Flex

Advisory & Flex class assignments will be available ASPEN by August 26, look for a communication about this closer to that date.

We do not provide a list of required supplies. New students will receive their iPads during Orientation. Each class will provide a syllabus the first week of school, and any additional supplies needed will be listed. Please note that many teachers use iPad applications for note taking and class material.

Order your yearbook online (school code:13423). If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.

Deadline: 12/31/24

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 Procedures for Communications on page 8 of our Student Handbook 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 can be found in the student office. Did you lose earbuds or other small tech gear? We have lots of unclaimed items. Unclaimed items will be donated twice a year.

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Where can I find out more about grading and courses?

Check out the 2024-25 Program of Studies. You can also reach out to the Program Administrators:

• Art: Sean Hagan (sean_hagan@bedfordps.org)
• Counseling: Julie DeMatteis (julie_dematteis@bedfordps.org)
• English: Kelsey McCarthy (kelsey_mccarthy@bedfordps.org)
• English Language Learners: Hilary Nichols (hilary_nichols@bedfordps.org)
• Math & Business: Patrick Morrissey (patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org)
• Performing Arts: Nicole O'Toole (nicole_otoole@bedfordps.org)
• Physical Education, Health, & FAMCO: Keith Mangan (keith_mangan@bedfordps.org)
• Science, Engineering, & Technology: Nicole Prince (nicole_prince@bedfordps.org)
• Social Studies: Christine Butler (christine_butler@bedfordps.org)

What is my bus route?

The 2024-25 Bus Routes will be posted on the BPS website.

Hope you and your families are having a great summer!! Below are some reminders for the upcoming school year. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

- Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN

Emergency Forms

Please send in your student’s completed emergency form as soon as possible. Please reach out if there is a new medical diagnosis or health concern you would like to share with me. Completing the form allows me to administer Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen in school, if permitted.

Physicals

Incoming 9th graders are required to have an updated physical for high school. Physicals completed within the past 12 months are acceptable. Students who plan to participate in sports are required to have an updated physical every year.

Epi-Pens

For those students with an epinephrine device, please be sure to send in an updated device along with the doctor’s orders (Allergy Action Plan) for the current school year. Your student should be sure to carry an epi-pen on their person as well. Food and Insect Allergy Action Plan Bedford Public Schools

Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN

781-275-1700 x4416

annmarie_vaughan@bedfordps.org

Class of 2025, please check your school email in August for information about upcoming college planning seminars on August 27, 2024. Please reach out to Julie DeMatteis Director of Counseling (julie_dematteis@bedfordps.org) for any questions.

Senior Thanks

Members of the Class of 2025 will be emailed a Google Form that they can use to share their thanks. Please encourage your senior to submit theirs to us.

Deadline: TBA

Submit Your Baby Photo

Submit one baby picture using the same submission method as the senior portraits, enter "Baby" for the grade information, and spell the student's name how you would like it displayed with the picture.
Deadline:TBA

Submit Your Senior Portrait

Please submit your photo to HJeShare.com using the school code "Bedford".

IMPORTANT: When uploading your portrait, please select the “Portrait” option as you upload in order to link your senior's name to the image.

Deadline: TBA

Submit Your Family Congratulatory Ad for the Yearbook!

Design, purchase, and submit an ad at YearbookOrderCenter.com using the school code 13423. Choose the option that says “Start Your Ad.”

Deadline: TBS

Senior Siblings

Share pics of senior siblings. Please submit the siblings' picture using the same submission method as the senior portraits, enter "Siblings" for the grade information, and spell the students' names how you would like them displayed with the picture.

Deadline: TBS

Yearbook Orders

Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. All sales will be correctly priced online. If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.

Deadline: December 31

Kelly received her Bachelor's Degree from Siena College and Masters Degree from Dublin City University School of Business. She has been working in the fitness industry for the past 15 years. She specializes in youth training of all ages from 5-20 yr old kids. She is nationally certified through National Strength and Conditioning Association and has owned Boyles Fitness Factory in Tewksbury for the past 5 years. Kelly has also been involved in coaching both youth and high school sports.

Kevin graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2023 and has had the opportunity to gain valuable experience through student teaching at Shrewsbury High School and as a long-term Physical Education substitute at Grafton High School. He holds certifications and licenses in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) and Physical Education (PE) from the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). He is eager to integrate into the district and get started with all of you. Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Carmine is a Connecticut native that completed his Undergraduate Degree in Athletic Training at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. Carmine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training from Merrimack College and has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bethany College. Carmine is a Board-Certified Athletic Trainer that holds licensure in the state of Massachusetts to practice Athletic Training. He has five years of hands-on experience in athletic training at various collegiate level programs. Carmine recently worked with the football and baseball programs at Ave Maria University in Naples, FL for three years. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Arts in Teaching while working as an athletic trainer with a variety of sports for Bethany College in Bethany, WV. Carmine brings a wealth of expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. Carmine is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for sports medicine. Carmine currently resides in Chelmsford, MA with his wife Danielle and son Luca.

George Papayannis joins the physics teaching team in the Science Department and brings with him a wealth of project-based experience from the Acera School, Framingham High School, and Boston Public Schools. He has earned a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from Drexel University, an M.A. in Secondary School Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard University. Mr. Papayannias is known for having students collect and analyze real-world data to make meaningful connections, cornerstone of project-based learning. In addition to his teaching role, Mr. Papayannis will be working with Lane Elementary School as the 3-5 Science Curriculum Coordinator. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Papayannis enjoys tinkering with technology and has been known to dabble with robotics. We welcome him to the team and look forward to the projects he and his students will do this year!

This will be Julia Richards' first year at BHS and she is so excited to get started. She has a Master of Education in School Counseling from Salem State University and received her BA in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. When Julia is not counseling students, she loves to hang out with her her younger sisters and try new restaurants with friends in Boston.

Nick Sachetta, affectionately called Mr. Chetta, will be joining the Bedford High School Science Department as a chemistry teacher this fall. He comes to us with experience from Leominster High School and Shawsheen Valley Technical School and has a degree in biology and chemistry from Fitchburg State University. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Chetta loves to run, plays in an indoor soccer league, and enjoys a pick-up game of basketball. During his demo lesson, he wowed his students with a dynamic exothermic reaction and we look forward to more exciting chemistry labs with Mr. Chetta!

Khunravy Say is happy to be joining the Bedford High School community this school year. She grew up in the city of Lowell, as the second of four children, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UMass Lowell, and Master’s in School Counseling from Rivier University. Having been the first in her family to graduate from college, Kuhnravy enjoys assisting students in navigating the college process. Some fun facts about Kuhnravy..she is bilingual and can speak and read in Khmer, her native language. She also has two children, ages 5 and 9.

A native of Ohio, Chris Skaggs joins the Bedford High School community and Visual Arts department with a wealth of instructional skill and expertise. Prior to his new role at BHS he was with the Darien, CT district where he specialized in photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design and printmaking. An avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast, Chris now resides in Sudbury with his wife and two children.

Cameron is a proud alumnus of Bedford High School. After graduating from BHS, he attended Providence College, earning his BA in Elementary and Special Education. He furthered his studies at Cambridge College, obtaining a Master’s degree in Special Education and Leadership. Cameron has recently taught for the Revere Public Schools. We are thrilled to welcome him back to BHS, where he will continue to inspire and support our students.

Nina Tate joins us with 22 years of experience as an administrative assistant, including 12 years working in private religious education. A proud alumna of Syracuse University, she resides in Bedford with her husband, Jeremy, their teenage children—Emma, Robin, Morgan, and Ryan—and their dog, Kasha. Nina is an active volunteer in the Bedford community, where she is dedicated to various local organizations and initiatives.

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

Check out the services available to BPS students and their families.

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 Heather Galante 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.

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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/

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

Bedford High School