October 2025

This year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has shared several important updates to special education regulations and guidance. These changes are designed to improve clarity, strengthen student protections, and ensure services are delivered in a timely way. Here are a few highlights for families:

• Timelines for Evaluations and IEPs: Schools must now provide parents with the proposed IEP and placement within five school days after the team meeting. Evaluations must still be completed within 45 school days of receiving parental consent.

• Graduation Requirements for Students with IEPs: DESE issued updated guidance following changes to the state’s competency determination process. Students with disabilities must continue to meet graduation requirements and competency standards while receiving a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Schools are expected to plan carefully with families for transition services and graduation.

• Parent Procedural Safeguards (Updated May 2025): Families should have received an updated copy of their Notice of Procedural Safeguards this spring. The revisions clarify parents’ rights when filing a state complaint and explain in more detail how families may request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. A copy is also attached to the bottom of this S’more for your convenience.

• Out-of-District Placements: Districts are responsible for monitoring the services of any student placed in an out-of-district program. DESE has released new tools to help districts strengthen oversight and ensure students continue to receive all required supports.

Looking Ahead

• Seclusion and Time-Out Rules (Effective August 2026): Starting in August 2026, time-out must take place only in an unlocked space that is safe and appropriate. Seclusion (preventing a student from leaving a space) will only be permitted in true emergency situations with specific safeguards in place. Although these changes do not take effect until next year, we want families to be aware now.

Bedford Public Schools is committed to supporting all students with disabilities, including those who are homeschooled or attend private schools located in Bedford. Under federal special education law, districts set aside a portion of federal special education funds, called Proportionate Share, to provide equitable services to eligible students in these settings.

Families of homeschool students who qualify for special education and families of students with disabilities attending private schools in Bedford are invited to learn more about how these funds may be used to support students.

We will be holding three Proportionate Share meetings this school year:

• Meeting #1 – Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM

• Meeting #2 – Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM

• Meeting #3 – Friday, March 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM

All interested families are welcome to attend. These meetings provide information, answer questions, and offer a space for input about how services are provided.

Zoom Link: https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/2922114144

In accordance with federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and Massachusetts law (603 CMR 28.00), Bedford Public Schools actively seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with suspected disabilities who reside in Bedford. This includes children enrolled in Bedford Public Schools, students who attend private schools at their parents’ expense, and children who are homeschooled.

Special Education (IDEA)

Bedford conducts ongoing Child Find activities to ensure all children ages 3 through 21 who may need special education are identified and evaluated. This includes students who:

• are enrolled in public or private schools,

• are ages 16–21 who have not graduated from high school and are not enrolled in school, and

• may be unable to progress effectively in a general education program due to a suspected disability, including developmental delay, intellectual, sensory, neurological, emotional, communication, physical, specific learning, or health impairments.
  
  

Section 504

• In addition, Bedford Public Schools fulfills its Child Find obligations under Section 504 by identifying and evaluating students who may have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. These students may not require special education but may still be eligible for accommodations, related aids, or services to ensure equal access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Nondiscrimination

All programs and services are provided without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or homelessness.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:
Marianne Vines, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Phone: (781) 275-5296

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Autism Division will open applications for the 2025 Children’s Autism Waiver Program (AWP) on October 17, 2025.

The AWP provides intensive one-to-one in-home services and supports for children with autism who experience significant behavioral, social, and communication challenges. Services are delivered by trained clinical staff in the home or community for up to three years, with additional supports available until the child’s 10th birthday.

The 2025 Open Request Period runs from October 17–31, 2025. Applications will be accepted during this time only. Application forms in several languages can be found on the Mass.Gov website.

Families sometimes have questions about what a 504 Plan really means for their child. Here are a few quick clarifications:

• Myth: A 504 Plan lowers expectations.
  Fact: A 504 Plan helps remove barriers so students can meet the same expectations as their peers.

• Myth: Only academic struggles qualify.
  Fact: Health and medical needs, such as asthma, diabetes, ADHD, or anxiety, may also qualify if they impact learning or participation in school.

• Myth: A 504 Plan is permanent.
  Fact: Plans are reviewed each year. Some students need accommodations long-term, while others may only need them for a shorter time.

• Myth: Parents are not part of the process.
  Fact: Families are key partners in every step, from determining eligibility to developing and reviewing the plan.

Section 504 is about access, fairness, and partnership. If you ever have questions, your school’s 504 Coordinator is the best place to start.

Who to Contact

If you have questions about Section 504 or believe your child may need a 504 Plan, please reach out to the 504 Coordinator at your child’s school:

• Davis Elementary School (Grades K–2)- Erica Fontaine, Assistant Principal
  

• Lane Elementary School (Grades 3–5)- Kevin Smaldone, Assistant Principal
  

• John Glenn Middle School (Grades 6–8)- Your child’s school counselor
  

• Bedford High School (Grades 9–12)- Your child’s school counselor

For district-level questions, you may also contact:
Marianne Vines, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

As our 8th graders consider their high school options, they will learn specifically about Career & Technical Education (CTE).

On November 12, in collaboration with Shawsheen Valley Technical High School, JGMS Grade 8 students will tour Shawsheen Tech to learn more about CTE programs.

Later in the year, through our 8th grade School Counseling curriculum, students will also learn about high school options, including CTE programs.

DESE requires the release of the names and addresses of all 7th and 8th graders to our local CTE program by October 15. If you would like to opt-out of the release of your 7th or 8th grade student's information, be sure to complete this Google form no later than October 14 and select "Technical School Information."

Class of 2026 College and Financial Aid Information

Information and recordings from Senior Parent/Caregiver College Application Night on September 18 and Senior Financial Aid Night on September 30 can be found on the BHS Counseling Events page.

Between mid-September and mid-November, admissions representatives from nearly 100 colleges will visit BHS to speak with Seniors. Students can view the list and register on Naviance.

Counseling Department to Meet with Class of 2029 on October 16

The BHS Counseling Department will meet with the Class of 2029 during the class assembly on Thursday morning, October 16. Counselors look forward to kicking off their four years with our newest high school students!

PSAT Registration Closes on October 8

Bedford High School will offer the PSAT to current BHS 10th and 11th graders on Saturday, October 11. Registration closes at 11:59pm on October 8. The cost of the test is $30 and financial assistance is available, if needed.

For more detailed information, please see the Buccaneer Bulletin.

Registration open for Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

For those students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses at BHS and for those students choosing to self-study for AP exams for courses not offered at BHS, AP Exam Registration is open during the month of October. The cost for each exam is $105 and financial assistance is available, if needed.

Bedford High School does not offer Self-Study Exams coinciding with classes offered as part of the BHS Program of Studies in which a student is not enrolled.

To learn more, including detailed registration information, please see the Buccaneer Bulletin.

This year, Bedford Public Schools is using Closegap, a digital tool that helps students check in on their feelings and build emotional awareness. Through a quick daily check-in and a library of self-guided activities, Closegap gives students a safe space to share how they’re doing and practice strategies for managing emotions.

Counselors and staff use this information to better support students’ well-being during the school day. Closegap is committed to protecting student privacy—it does not sell or share student data and complies with all federal and state privacy regulations (FERPA and COPPA).

You can learn more about Closegap here: www.closegap.org.

📝 Opt-Out Information

Participation in Closegap is automatic for all Bedford students. If you do NOT want your child(ren) to participate, please complete the opt-out form below. Families with more than one child in the district will be able to list each child in a single submission.

👉 Click here to complete the Closegap Opt-Out Form

At Bedford Public Schools, your child’s emotional well-being matters deeply to us. This year, we’re continuing our districtwide mental health screening initiative for students in grades 2 to 12. The screening is quick, confidential, and helps us better understand how students are feeling so we can support them when they need it most.

This is not a test or diagnosis. It’s simply a tool that helps our school counselors and support teams check in and offer care when needed.

Here’s what families should know:

• The screening takes about 5 minutes and happens during the school day.

• It’s designed to be age-appropriate and student-friendly.

• Most students will not need follow-up, but for those who do, families will be notified and support will be provided with care and respect.

• Families have the right to opt their child out of the screening.

Upcoming Screenings:

• Grades 4 and 5 – Week of October 20

• Grades 6, 7, and 8 – Screening in October

• Grade 3 – Screening in March

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📌 Mental Health Screening Opt-Out Form

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s school counselor or administrator. We’re here to partner with you. 💙

From Conflict to Connection:

How Families and Schools Can Work together to Break the Cycle of Bullying

Fabian Ramirez, MA, is a nationally recognized expert on bullying prevention, drug prevention, and positive school culture. Bullying leaves lasting scars, but parents and educators can make a powerful difference. Fabian draws from his lived experience to uncover the hidden impact of bullying and provide parents and educators with tools to foster empathy, resilience, and healthier school communities.

Date & Time: October 8, 2025 12:00 PM

Resister Here

2025-2025 Webinar Calendar

The Town of Bedford Health & Human Services and Youth & Family Services Department, in collaboration with the Edinburg Center, will be hosting Understanding Trauma & Grief: A Response Workshop presented by Joanna Wu of the Edinburg Center. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 22, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Bedford Town Hall Reed Room. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and pizza will be provided. More information will be shared soon.

This month, families received ELE Program Notifications

• These letters include WIDA screening or 2025 ACCESS WIDEA scores, ELE program descriptions, BPS LE Department contact information, and parent rights.
• These letters outline BPS's state-approved Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) program, which provides proficiency-based ESL instruction and uses sheltering strategies to make core content accessible and build academic language.

English Learner Parent Advisory Council

• Our first ELPAC Meeting will be held on October 7th at 6 pm. in person in Room 204 at Bedford High School
• Join us to advise on BPS's programs and services for English Learners.
• Please email Hilary Nichols, EL Director, for more information about ELPAC or the BPS ELE program: hilary_nichols@bedfordps.org.

Helping Every Student Succeed

At Bedford Public Schools, we believe every student can succeed when they get the right support at the right time. That is why we use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a framework that helps us provide help early, before challenges become larger.

You may have heard MTSS mentioned in the District Strategic Plan, in my entry plan findings, or in Dr. Kelly Williamson’s entry plan presentation. Together, these plans highlight MTSS as a key district priority because it ensures that every student, in every classroom, receives the level of support they need to thrive.

MTSS has three levels of support:

• Tier 1 (Universal Supports): High-quality teaching and strategies that benefit all students in the classroom.

• Tier 2 (Targeted Supports): Small-group interventions for students who need extra practice or skill-building in a specific area such as reading, math, or organization.

• Tier 3 (Intensive Supports): Individualized interventions for students who need more focused help to succeed.

The goal of MTSS is prevention and early support. By paying attention to students’ academic and social-emotional needs right away, we can provide the right help at the right time. MTSS is not about labels or separate programs, it is about making sure every child gets what they need to learn and grow.

We will continue to share more about MTSS throughout the year, highlighting the ways it is already in place across our schools and how we are strengthening this work to support every student.

Each month, I’ll share a resource that I’ve found especially helpful or thought-provoking—whether it’s a podcast, article, webinar, or book. My hope is that these recommendations spark ideas, conversations, and supports for families and educators alike.

🎧 This Month’s Listening Picks

• Flusterclux Podcast with Lynn Lyons – Concrete Reminders about Avoidance and Accommodation
  In this episode, Lynn Lyons explores how avoidance and well-intentioned accommodations can sometimes increase anxiety for kids and what families can do instead. Listen here.

• Cartwheel Webinar with Dr. Lisa Damour – Managing Back-to-School Anxiety and Avoidance
  Dr. Damour offers practical advice for parents as children transition back to school and shares strategies to help families navigate anxiety and avoidance. Watch here.

Dr. Damour also hosts her own podcast, where she provides down-to-earth guidance on parenting and mental health.

✨ Both of these resources were excellent—if you haven’t checked them out yet, I highly recommend them!

Did you know that federal law protects the rights of students experiencing homelessness? Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence have the right to:

• Stay in their school of origin (the school they attended before becoming homeless), or enroll in the school where they are currently living.

• Receive transportation to and from school, if needed.

• Access the same programs and services as all other students, including special education, meals, and extracurricular activities.

• Be immediately enrolled in school, even without typically required documents.

If your family is experiencing housing instability, or if you know of a family who might benefit from these supports, please reach out. All conversations are confidential, and our goal is to make sure every child has uninterrupted access to education.

📩 For more information, please contact Marianne Vines, McKinney-Vento Liaison, marianne_vines@bedfordps.org, (781) 275-5296

The Bedford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) extends a warm welcome to you for the 2025-2026 school year. Bedford SEPAC is an all parent volunteer group that strives to create a welcoming and engaging space for parents and caregivers of children with special education needs and to provide opportunities to share information, support, provide resources and discuss important topics.

We do that in a variety of ways, general meetings (share information, ask questions), topic specific meetings or presentations, and parent/caregiver meet ups. If you would like to plan (or have an idea) for a particular topic, let us know! At times throughout the year, our individual family needs ebb and flow, which correlates with the meetings and events we have the bandwidth to coordinate and offer. Please consider volunteering to help support SEPAC this school year (whether it’s 15 minutes or more, we appreciate it!). We need a volunteer to add upcoming events to our website. We also encourage you to lead a small group meet-up or topic specific meeting. For potential speakers, reach out to bedfordmasepac@gmail.com so that we can support the event within our budget.

BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council)

SEPAC is a group of parents & caregivers of children receiving special education support and/or children with disabilities. All parents & caregivers welcome! We meet for support, education, networking, and resource sharing.

Bedford SEPAC General Meetings: Virtual

Come and discuss special education programming in Bedford and how we can best support our children.

Thursday, October 16 @ 7:00 PM with Marianne Vines, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Join Zoom Meeting: https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/2922114144

Email: bedfordmasepac@gmail.com

Web: bedfordmasepac.org

Facebook group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/