The Bedford Buccaneer

Previous Issue of The Bedford Buccaneer

This weekly newsletter is the main communication for the entire BHS Community.

• 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)
• Tuesday, September 29: Financial Aid Information Night (Seniors/Caregivers)
• Thursday, October 8: Back to School Night (Caregivers)
• Monday, October 12: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• Wednesday, October 14: Chamber Orchestra Concert
• Tuesday, November 3: No School (Staff Professional Development)
• Monday, November 9: End Term 1
• Wednesday, November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• Friday, November 13 - Saturday, November 14: Fall Play
• Wednesday, November 25: Early Dismissal
• Thursday, November 26 - Friday, November 27: No School (Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend)
• Thursday, December 3: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Wednesday, December 9: Instrumental Concert
• Thursday, December 10: Choral Concert
• Wednesday, December 23: Early Dismissal
• Thursday, December 24 - Friday, January 1: No School (Winter Break)

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.

Pick up a copy in the main office!

Students attending Orientation on August 25 at 6:30pm should bring a printed copy of their schedule.

Please make sure to have a printed copy available for the first day of school.

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.

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.

• 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

The first day of school is Wednesday, September 2, 2026. This will be a Day 1, and dismissal will be at 12:55 pm.

Google Additional Services Opt-Out

Bedford Public Schools uses Google Workspace for Education, which includes essential educational tools, such as Classroom, Docs, and Drive. In addition, we provide access to additional Google Services that support teaching and learning.

Google now requires parental consent for students under 18 to use any of their Additional Services independently. Bedford students currently have access to the following nine Additional Services, supporting differentiation, communication, collaboration, and creativity while helping students develop research, critical thinking, literacy, digital literacy, and information literacy skills.

• Google Translate
• Google Earth
• Google Maps
• Google My Maps
• Google Books
• Google Arts and Culture
• YouTube
• Google News
• Google Applied Digital Skills

Students use these tools to support various learning styles and needs; supplement and/or expand upon lessons and prior knowledge; deepen understanding of content; make real-world connections to learning; and provide personalized, self-paced learning opportunities. Teachers will continue to utilize these tools in their instruction and can provide students with access to some content for educational purposes.

Please note that it is not possible to pick and choose among the additional Google services, so you will need to decide whether to opt out of all of the Google services or none.

Information Opt-Out

Families may also choose to withhold their student’s name, address, and/or telephone number from being shared with:

• Media
• Social media
• Military recruitment

As with Google Services, it is not possible to opt out of only one category; you will need to decide whether to opt out of sharing with all or none.

How to Opt-Out

Parents who wish to opt out must notify their school principal in writing by October 26, 2026. You must indicate if you do not want:

1. Your child to access the nine Google Additional Services independently.
2. Your child's information shared with the media, social media, or 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.

With her grant award of $2,300, Jill Butler will purchase news studio production equipment for BHS Now. The new equipment will provide the high school’s student-run news program with greater access to content creation, editing, scriptwriting, graphic design, and production tools. Students will gain authentic experiences with journalism, broadcasting, digital media, storytelling, and collaborative project management. Congratulations!

From eyesore to artwork! BHS art teacher Heather Beattie is receiving a grant of $503 to support National Art Honor Society students painting the generator facing the BHS sports fields, creating a public art project showcasing Buccaneer pride. Students will learn how to work with the town, plan a design, organize materials, delegate work, and implement the final product. Congratulations to Ms. Beattie and her students!

Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Bus Loop

Saturday, September 5 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | Bus Loop

Tuesday, September 8 | After school

Auditions for BHS's Fall Play, Radium Girls, are September 8th after school. The audition packet and more information can be found at https://sites.google.com/bedfordps.org/bhstheater. Crew information will be posted there soon.

Students who are interested in being involved in Radium Girls or our March musical, Bright Star, should join the Google Classroom with code: 6imlo3up

September 10 | Flex Block | Auditorium

September 15 | Flex Block | Auditorium

September 15 | Flex Block | Auditorium

Tuesday, October 6 | Flex Block | Jenks Trail

Friday, October 16 | Flex Block | Auditorium

Fall sports begin this week - check out the Athletic Calendar for details.

More information can be found on our website.

Any pertinent information will be shared here.

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.

Thursday, October 1 | 8:00 am | Sabourin Field

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

(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.

• 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)

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.

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

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 (12:55 pm on Wednesdays).
• 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.

Tardies

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

Dismissals

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.

Absences

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.

Attendance Questions?

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

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

No deliveries and item drop offs 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

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.

Parking at Bedford High School is $125 per semester, by permit only, and a privilege for students who are licensed drivers. Learn more about Parking Permits on our website.

• 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.
• 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 or come to the main office during break or lunch.

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)

• 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, and 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

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

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/