BUCCANEER NEWS Vol. #9 10/27/2025

• Here is a list of the sporting events for this week (UPDATED)
• Weekly Staff and Parent Bulletin Requests

1)[NEW] Nature's Classroom Review

2) [NEW] Spirit Week

3) [NEW] Science Club

4) [NEW] Feedback For Our School Nutrition Team

5) [NEW] Children's Grief and Loss Awareness Day-November 7th

6) [UPDATE] Parent/Teacher Conferences

7) [REMINDER] Shawsheen Tech Open House, November 5th From 6:00-8:00pm

8) [REMINDER] Applications open for The Beacon Santa (deadline October 31)

9) [REMINDER] Impact Aid Survey October 1 - October 31

10) [REMINDER] MSPA Fund Raiser

11) [UPDATE] Save the Dates

This Week:

Spirit Week See #3

Next Week (So Far):

11/5 (W) 4:00-7:30 Parent Teacher Conferences

The 6th-grade had a successful journey to Nature's Classroom in Freedom, New Hampshire last week. Approximately 160 students spent 3 days and 2 nights exploring the outdoors and participating in activities that are not traditionally able to be done at school. The students sang, dissected, learned to make fire, used natural night vision, used all of their senses in creative ways, learned about native plants and the organisms that depend on them, tried woodworking, bonded with new friends, and had amazing food! The 6th-grade teams and the JGMS administration would like to say thank you to everyone who made this trip possible, from the kids who were engaged and had fabulous behavior, the parents who supported the trip, and a huge thank you to the chaperones

A big thanks to Mr. McGrath and Ms. Naylor who planned the trips that supported the students who did not go to Nature's Classroom. These students had lunch at Ken's Deli, went candlepin bowling in Cambridge, and went to a movie in Salem!

I want to say thank you to Ms. Tracy Fernald and our nursing staff for supporting the trip and all the medical needs of our students. Preparing for the trips was a huge undertaking which was done in addition to their daily responsibilities. We are so fortunate to have the support and caring health care professionals who care so much about our students.

It's important to acknowledge that his trip does not occur without the careful planning of our trip coordinator, Nadine Coletta. Ms. Coletta put in months of work to prepare this trip for our students. She knows each student and their needs and takes on the responsibility of caring for your children as if she was caring for her own. We are grateful for her effort to make the trip safe and special for all who attended.

This week is a spirit week!

As it relates to Halloween on Friday, October 31.

The expectations for Halloween time are the same for any time of the year and this is what we are telling students:

• You will be allowed to express yourself with your clothing.

• Our dress code still applies which means hats and hoods are not allowed. Hats as part of a costume are acceptable.

• Face coverings are allowed. Halloween masks are not allowed.

• The expression of clothing on Halloween is likely a unique choice only to be worn to celebrate Halloween. If your chosen wardrobe is distracting or disruptive, an adult may ask you to change or remove some part of your wardrobe. It is expected you will comply.

• Candy is not to be eaten outside of snack time or the cafeteria.

We are excited to announce we have an advisor for the Science Club, Ms. Bharatan. The Science Club will start on Tuesday, October 28th from 2:25 PM-3:25 PM in room B115. Science Club will meet every Tuesday till April 28th

The School Nutrition Team would like to hear from you.

Please email thomas_houle@bedfordps.org with your ideas, suggestions and questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

November is National Children's & Teen Grief Awareness Month!

This month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact that the death of a family member

has on the life of a child or teen. It also provides a space for them to show support and

encouragement to others.

Staff and interns from The Children's Room (TCR) will be partnering with JGMS counseling

staff from our school to host activities and an awareness table during lunch on November 7th.

Students who would like to participate will have the opportunity to anonymously represent

anyone in their life who has died and/or write a message of support for peers.

We hope that this event may also be an opening for family discussion. Consider asking your

student what they drew/wrote on their blue heart honoring or supporting someone. Share with

them about the individuals your family remembers and the memories you hold.

The color for Grief Awareness Month is Blue. Please encourage your child to join us by wearing

BLUE on November 7th to show support for their friends & classmates who have experienced

grief.

If you would like more information about ways to be supportive of a child/teen who is grieving,

please click here.

Please feel free to contact The Children’s Room for information about grief support services

available free of charge for children, teens, and families. Click here for the contact form.

We will hold Parent/Teacher Conferences this year on the following dates:

1. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:00-7:30 Parent Teacher Conferences

2. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 2:15-4:15 Parent Teacher Conferences

***UPDATE: Please look for an email on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 5:00pm for sign up opportunities.***

It is important for me to inform incoming families and remind returning families that it is your choice whether you schedule a conference for your child and there is no requirement to schedule a conference for your middle schooler. Our goal is to ensure that conferences are meaningful and useful to you and for your family. Therefore, I ask you to consider your child and whether:

• You feel they are developing appropriately at grade level academically and socially.

• You have received or are actively receiving ample/sufficient communication from your teachers regarding your child’s learning and middle school experience thus far.

If you answer yes to either of the bullets above, please consider emailing your teachers to ask if they think a conference is necessary for your child before taking a slot or requesting an alternate time. Oftentimes a check in with a teacher via email or telephone will provide the information you need to support your child in lieu of a scheduled conference.

After we send out sign up links next, we invite all families to sign up for a conference or request one via email to your child's team leader if the slots fill up before you can sign up. As we have done in previous years, if you are not able to schedule a time on November 5 or 19, and feel a conference will be helpful, we will accommodate you at times that have yet to be determined.

Finally, to ensure all families have access and we can maximize time allotted, all conferences will be via zoom. We look forward to communicating more next week.

Ahead of our annual field trip to Shawhsheen on 11/12, we encourage interested students to attend Shawsheen's Open House. Parents and students welcome!

Tour classrooms, meet teachers and students, explore all of the program offerings that prepare graduates for college, careers and beyond...

The Beacon Santa is a program that provides vouchers to area stores that can be used to provide food, clothing and toys for the holidays to families in our community. If you would like to apply, all completed applications and letters for the Beacon Santa must be submitted to the organization by Friday, October 31. Applications will not be accepted after this date. Please read all requirements and be sure handwritten signatures are gathered in time for your application to be submitted by the October 31 deadline. The application can be accessed at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QI9L-eycNlbFy_OtH4K4-izS51wvcr7P/view?usp=sharing

As we do each October, we are asking for parent/guardian cooperation in filling out a survey form to meet the requirements of Public Law 874. Under the provisions of Public Law 874, Bedford Public Schools must conduct an annual Federal Military Impact Aid Survey. The Town of Bedford receives a substantial sum of money under this provision, which lowers the cost of education to the taxpayers. Please help us identify all federally connected students whose families are Active Duty Military, live on Hanscom AFB, OR work on federal facilities - including Hanscom AFB, Bedford VA, Boston VA, Lincoln Public School on HAFB, Lincoln Labs, MITRE and more!

Our yearly survey is fully electronic with e-signature. Your survey will be sent by email via DocuSign. Parents/Guardians will receive a unique survey for each enrolled child. It is very important that all surveys are completed and electronically signed for each student, as reimbursement is made for all eligible students on a per pupil basis. You may request a paper survey copy. We thank you very much for your assistance with this important annual survey.

https://www.bedfordps.org/district/business-office/pages/202526-annual-federal-impact-aid-survey

Click on Picture for more Information

📌 Save the Date: Our Biggest Fundraiser Opens 10/1 We’ve partnered with Meadow Farms to bring you over 1,000 gift ideas — from gift wrap and kitchen essentials to gourmet treats and personalized gifts. The sale opens 10/1 (more details & links to shop will be emailed out once the store opens).

💵 Our goal is to raise $5,000 through this fundraiser. This is MSPA’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it allows us to fund important programs and events for our students and staff, including: Homework Club Student Socials & Events Teacher Grants & Enrichment Programs Hospitality for Students & Staff 8th Grade “Moving On” Celebration Discretionary funds for school improvements

✨ I don’t want to buy anything from the sale. Is there another way to help out? Yes! You can make a direct donation at anytime instead: Online at bedfordpco.org Venmo: @JohnGlennMSPA Credit Card: bedfordpco.org

By check, made out to MSPA (drop off at the JGMS office or mail to MSPA, c/o JGMS, 99 McMahon Road)

1. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:00-7:30 Parent Teacher Conferences

2. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8th Grade Shawsheen Field Trip

3. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 2:15-4:15 Parent Teacher Conferences

On the rare occasion you are requesting an item be placed in a weekly bulletin, please refrain from email and please use the Google Form listed as

• Weekly Staff and Parent Bulletin Requests

It is listed above so you may access it from these bulletins anytime.

Using the link will ensure your item is considered in a timely manner. I typically check them every Sunday. Any item I have questions about may need to wait so please give 2 weeks notice as

Think ahead and order a yearbook for your child! Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and put in code 4008 for John Glenn middle school. We do order extras and do not always have enough to go around in June so secure yours now! As we get closer to to the end of the year, the price will increase to ensure we meet our ordering quota. Please purchase now and get them when they are at their lowest! Email Ms.Beinert with any questions or if you require financial assistance this year.

CLUBS

JGMS has a variety of clubs and sports that meet outside of school hours. The list of clubs are listed here

SPORTS

For students who want to compete in sports at JGMS, please sign up here

Sports Opportunities at JGMS: Students have a variety of options. Here is a list of sports that we offer at JGMS throughout the year.

Coaching Staff: JGMS offers four sports in the fall. Please contact the JGMS coach with questions. Please contact your child's coach via email for information regarding games, practices, or changes to schedules. Sports schedules can be found each week at the link at the top of bulletin listed as "This week's sports schedule - Click "view Schedules" on right to find Middle School schedules. Practice/Tryout information for sports are listed below.

GENERAL:

JGMS Athletic Coordinator: Ken Norling

FALL:

JGMS Cross Country: Ken Norling

JGMS Boys Soccer: Pete Simonini

JGMS Girls Soccer: Paul Harrington

JGMS Field Hockey: Indigo FoxTree indigo_foxtree-mcgrath@bedfordps.org

JGMS Football: Joe Curran joseph_curran@bedfordps.org

WINTER:

JGMS Boys Basketball: Vinnie McGrath

JGMS Girls Basketball: Greg Hinz

SPRING:

JGMS Boys Baseball: TBD

JGMS Girls Softball: TBD

JGMS Co-Ed Outdoor Track: Ken Norling

Please be aware and follow the drop off and pick up routines designed to provide a safe environment for entry and exit of students.

DROP OFF: Please see the drop off routines below

Students who:

• walk/bike to school may enter in the front by the School Administration wing or the parking lot door

• ride the bus to school should enter in the front by the School Administration wing

• ride in a car to school should enter in the back parking lot. Caretakers should follow the traffic pattern laid out below in the morning

PICK UP: Please see the pick up routines below

Student who:

• walk/bike from school may exit any door that is most convenient.

• ride the bus from school may exit may exit any door that is most convenient. These students will walk to Bedford High School to pick up the bus. Dismissal at JGMS is at 2:16 and the dismissal at BHS is at 2:24. Busses will depart from Bedford High School at 2:28.

• ride in a car from school should exit the school by the parking lot. Caretakers should follow the traffic pattern laid out below in the afternoon.

Attendance: Please let us know when your child will be absent, late, or dismissed by emailing JGMS_Attendance@bedfordps.org. If for a dismissal, please indicate a time as well. You can also send a note with your child to be dropped off in the main office prior to going to class. If we know of a dismissal ahead of time we will attempt to have your child ready when you arrive.

Religious Holidays: Please follow the directions explained here.

Tech Support: If your child is having technical trouble throughout the school year please send an email to tech_support@bedfordps.org.

Taking the Bus: Please see the guidance on the district’s transportation website. Please review the transportation guidelines with your children as we hope families will choose to ride the bus again.

Sports schedules: Please visit the sports section of the website to access the schedules of the upcoming seasons. You can click on “view schedules” under the calendar on the right. You should look for “middle school” teams when searching for your child’s sport.