The Bedford Buccaneer

This email 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.

Dear BHS Families,

While summer may be winding down, the Bedford High School team has been hard at work preparing for an exciting new year. For us, the start of the school year feels like a new beginning, and we are eager to welcome students into the building for the start of school on September 2. The theme this year is Back to Basics & Building Community, with a focus on health, wellness, and creating strong connections. As we welcome new faculty, staff, and students, we are dedicated to celebrating what makes BHS so special while continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of our students.

We have been reflecting on the success of Bedford High School and are proud to share some great news. Our "small but mighty" community has been recognized as a top public high school, rising to #15 in Boston Magazine's rankings (up from #20 last year). This recognition validates our community's commitment to manageable class sizes, academic rigor, and a personalized approach for each student. This accomplishment is a result of collective efforts and the dedication of our highly qualified BHS administration, faculty, and staff, who pride themselves on creating a positive school culture and learning environment. It is thanks to the incredible support from our Bedford, Hanscom, and Boston communities that we can empower all of our students to succeed both now and in their post-secondary endeavors.

This year, you can expect some new updates and continued focus on student success. We have refined our attendance procedures, will be introducing a new Cell Phone Policy (approved by our School Committee in June, 2025), and are constantly evaluating how to best equip our students with the skills they need to thrive after graduation.

We want to extend gratitude to the main office, the custodial team and to the Technology Department for their work this summer. BHS will soon be ready for faculty, staff and students. Please read through the entire newsletter and be sure to fill out all of the requisite forms prior to the start of school.

Looking forward to partnering with all of our families over the next year. Please enjoy what remains of the summer months.

Sincerely,

Heather Galante (Principal), Dennis Kohut & Maurin O’Grady (Assistant Principals)

• Wednesday, August 13 & Thursday, August 14: Building Tours for New Students
• Friday, August 15: Football/Cheerleading Practices Begin
• Monday, August 18: All Other Fall Sports Begin
• Tuesday, August 26: Class of 2026 Senior Boot Camp & New Student Orientation
• Tuesday, September 2: First Day of School
• Monday, September 8: School Picture Day
• Thursday, September 25: Back to School Night
• Monday, October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• Tuesday, November 4: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
• Tuesday, November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• Wednesday, November 26: Community Day & Early Release
• Thursday, December 4: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences

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.

Monday, September 8, 2025 during Flex Block

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

The 2025-26 Student Handbook is now available. A few key updates for this year include:

1. Updated: Attendance Policy - page 25
2. Updated: Cell Phone / Personal Device Policy - page 74
3. Added: Massachusetts Access to EEO - page 96

Students and guardians should review the handbook before the start of school. After reviewing, students must complete the Student Handbook Agreement, and parents must complete the Parent Handbook Agreement.

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.

Morning Arrival

• Students may enter through the front or side doors before 7:45 am.
• Vans for the LABBB program drop off at the side entrance and have priority. They may pull up directly in front of this entrance.
• After 7:45 am, all students must use the main lobby doors.
• All external doors remain locked during the day. If you need access, ring the bell to the right of the main entrance.

Afternoon Dismissal

• The bus loop closes to cars at 1:45 pm (12:00 pm on Wednesdays).
• If you're picking up a student, please use the side parking lot near the public library.
• Do not enter the bus loop - it creates serious safety hazards for buses and pedestrians.
• Vans for the LABBB program pick up at the side entrance and have priority. They may pull up directly in front of this entrance.

Parking & Idling

• All students who drive to school must have a 2025-26 BHS parking permit by October 1, 2025.
• • You can find the Parking Permit application here.
• Students must park only in designated student parking in the front and side parking lots.
• Visitor parking is in the front lot.
• No parking or idling in front of the main entrance - this area must remain clear for buses and emergency vehicles.
• Parking in restricted areas may result in ticketing by the Bedford Police Department.

Thank you for helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe, smooth and respectful for everyone.

Please view the entire attendance policy on pages 20-27 of the Student Handbook.

Attendance Questions?

Contact Kara Gallagher in the student office at ext. 4405 or kara_gallagher@bedfordps.org

Absences

• Parents: call the Attendance line at 781-918-4561 by 8:30 am to report your student absent.
• When calling the absence line, please state the reason for the absence.
• 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.

Dismissals

• Submit a note to the Student Office in the morning, or call the Attendance line at 781-918-4561 by 8:30 am.
• Students will receive a dismissal pass to show their teacher and may leave class at the designated time.
• This process helps us to minimize class disruptions.

Tardies

• Students arriving after 7:45 am must sign in at the Student Office.

Bell to Bell, No Cell

Please view the NEW cell phone policy on page 74 of the Student Handbook.

To help maintain a focused learning environment, Bedford High School will be enforcing 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 and Advisory

• Passing periods and breaks

• Lunch

• Before and after school

If you wish to withhold your student’s name, address, and/or telephone number from being shared with:

• Media
• Social media
• Military recruitment

More information can be found on page 80 of the Student Handbook.

Please send a written request to Assistant Principal Dennis Kohut at dennis_kohut@bedfordps.org

Deadline: October 25, 2025. Be sure to clearly state your request in the email.

Students are not pre-assigned a locker. If you would like a locker, please complete the Locker Sign Up form below.

iPad Repair, Replacement, & Insurance

• 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.
• Because of the high cost of repairs or replacements, we strongly recommend purchasing insurance for your student's iPad.
• Insurance is available through Worth Avenue Group.
• If you already have a policy, renewal notices were sent in July.

Technology Questions?

• Call ext. 4449 or
• Email techsupport@bedfordps.org

Free Meals for All Students

• Every student can get one free lunch and one free breakfast (when available) each school day.
• This is funded by the USDA and the State of Massachusetts.
• To be free, a meal must be a complete meal, take at least 3 of the 5 offered components. One must be a fruit or a vegetable.
• If a student doesn't take a complete meal, they'll be charged a la carte prices for the items chosen.
• Please encourage your student to take advantage of the no-cost meal option.

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?

All families are asked to complete an application, even if you don't think you qualify. This information helps Bedford secure important federal funding for other district programs. If you're unsure whether you qualify, please apply.

Need Help with School Lunch Information?

• Call the Nutrition Office at 781-275-9129
• Or email thomas_houle@bedfordps.org.

Schedule Changes & Requests

• Schedules were released in June, and students were able to meet with their counselor to make changes before 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 requests upon their return in mid-to-late August.

• Returning students, email your counselor.

• New students from JGMS or transferring in from another school, please reach out to Ms. Shadeed at nicole_shadeed@bedfordps.org.

• New students from Hanscom Air Force Base, please reach out to Mr. DeChellis at brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org.

Advisories & Flex

Advisory & Flex class assignments will be available on Aspen by August 25. Look for a communication about this closer to that date.

Supply Lists

• There is no school-wide supply list - supplies vary by class.
• New students will receive iPads during Orientation. If you are unable to make Orientation, iPads will be issued on the first day of school.
• 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

• You can pre-order a Student Planner through the BHSPA.
• Planners will be delivered to students at school early in the school year
• Cost: $18
• Order online at the BHSPA website

Visitors to our building are limited to emergencies only. If a student forgets an item, you may meet them before or after school to deliver it.

Please note: Deliveries of any kind during school hours are not permitted. Food deliveries will be turned away, and students will not receive them. Parents are asked not to place delivery orders or drop off items during the school day.

Bedford High School is not responsible for any items that are left for students.

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: 12/31/25

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 Protocols for Communications 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.

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Where can I find out more about grading and courses?

Check out the 2025-26 Program of Studies. You can also reach out to the Program Directors:

• Academic Achievement Center: Ms. Tracy (kristen_tracy@bedfordps.org)
• Counseling: Ms. Shadeed (nicole_shahdeed@bedfordps.org)
• English: Ms. McCarthy (kelsey_mccarthy@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: Dr. 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.

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

Emergency Forms

• New students, send in an emergency form ASAP.
• Returning students, update Ms. Vaughan with any new medical diagnoses or health concerns, and complete a new emergency form if any information has changed.

Physicals

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

Epi-Pens

• Students with an epinephrine rescue device, send in a unexpired device along with the doctor’s orders (Allergy Action Plan) for the current school year.
• Students should be sure to carry an EPI-Pen on their person as well.
• Food and Insect Allergy Action Plan Bedford Public Schools

Questions?
Reach out to Nurse Vaughan at:

• ext. x4416, or
• email annmarie_vaughan@bedfordps.org

Class of 2026, please check your school email in August for information about upcoming college planning seminars on August 26, 2025.

Senior Thanks

Members of the Class of 2026 can access directions and make submissions here. Please encourage your senior to submit theirs to us.

Deadline: October 4

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 as you would like it displayed with the picture.
Deadline: October 4

Yearbook Orders

Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423 or call 1-866-287-3096.

Deadline: December 31

The Counseling office is closed for the summer, and will reopen on September 2, 2025. 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.

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 following information and complete the requested forms prior to September 2.

Students

1. Review the Student Handbook
2. Complete the Acknowledgement Form

Parents/Guardians

1. Review the Student Handbook
2. Complete the Acknowledgement Form

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.

• New Students and those with updates to make need to submit an Emergency Information Form.
• Please fill out the Emergency Information Form and return it to the Student Office.

New students only.

• Review the iPad User Policy & Repair Information, and consider purchasing additional device insurance.
• NEW Students: Complete the iPad Agreement online or print a copy.

Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 11:00 am

Back-to-school time can be hard for teens with so much transition and worry about how to fit in, academic challenges, and bigger global concerns. It has always been hard to be a teenager…and it has always been hard to raise a teenager!

As the new school year starts, Cartwheel is partnering with Dr. Lisa Damour to host a special webinar on teen mental health. Dr. Damour’s years of experience as a psychologist, combined with the latest research on youth mental health, will offer practical guidance for families and school professionals to help navigate and support teens through this critical developmental stage.

Educators, parents, and caregivers are encouraged to join this special webinar event to learn:

• Strategies for supporting teens to help them manage their emotions.
• How to approach common challenges that come with adolescence, such as friction at home, spiking anxiety, risky behavior, navigating friendships and romances, the pull of social media, and more.
• The best ways to stay connected to teens and how to provide the kind of relationship that adolescents need and want from educators and parents.

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.

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/