BUCCANEER NEWS Vol. #6 10/06/2025

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

1) [NEW] Back to School Night October 9, 2025

2) [NEW] JGMS Picture Day - Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

3) [NEW] Impact Aid Survey October 1 - October 31

4) [NEW] Beford Public Library Closure

5) [NEW] Donations and Volunteers needed for JGMS Fall Social: 6

6) [NEW] Student Drop Off Safety Request

7) [REMINDER] Sports Equipment and Bulb Donation Requests

8) [REMINDER] MSPA Fund Raiser

9) [REMINDER] Career & Technical Education (CTE)

10) [NEW] New At Lunch

11) [UPDATE] Save the Dates

12) [REMINDER] Requesting Bulletin Items

13) [REMINDER] Yearbook

14) [REMINDER] JGMS Extra Curricular Activities

15) [REMINDER] Student Drop Off and Pick Up

This Week:

10/7 (T) Anti-Hate/Bias Task Force 7:00-9:00pm

10/9 (Th) Healthy Hours Working Group 3:00-5:00pm

10/9 (Th) Back To School Night 6:00-8:30pm

Next Week (So Far):

10/13 (M) No School - Indigenous People's Day

10/14 (T) Picture Day (Staff and Students)

10/16 (Th) Healthy Hours Working Group 4:00-6:00pm

10/17 (F) Middle School Social 6:00pm-8:00pm

We are excited to be holding this important event and also understand that some families may not be able to attend. Following the evening, teachers are prepared to share the information that they present so that all families will have access.

Families will start their evening in the auditorium. After the opening remarks, they will follow their child's Day 4 schedule. Below is what families can expect as it relates to their child's schedule for the evening. In addition, please see a BLANK version of the schedule for your information.

• An email of the student's day 4 schedule will be sent home Thursday.
  
• We will have counselors available to provide hard copies of schedules available for families who need one as they enter the building Thursday.

Here is the schedule for the evening:

5:45 - 6:05 - Entry into Auditorium

6:05 - 6:25 - Opening Remarks (Principal, MSPA, Superintendent, Counselors, Bedford Youth and Families)

6:35 - 8:15 - Classroom Visits

The password for JGMS is JGMF25 and sent out to you via email as well.

Please click the link here or the picture for access directly to the pre-order site.

Please note, Hayward Photography will offer a pre-sale with pricing that is better than if you purchase after picture day. JGMS only benefits from pre-sales, which means that if you want to take advantage of the lowest prices and have some money go back into the school, you must take advantage if the pre-sale.

We are excited to announce that we are entering the 3rdd year in our partnership with Hayward Photography for our annual school pictures. I have had a wonderful experience with Hayward Photography throughout my career and I am confident you will also be happy with their services.

All students will have their picture updated for our student database and yearbook. In addition, the pictures serve as an opportunity for families to purchase pictures of their children through the years. Purchasing pictures is not a requirement however it's worth sharing that a percentage of sales (up to 25%) comes back to JGMS and the proceeds go back to supporting the student experience at JGMS. So you can plan for picture day haircuts and/or an outfit, picture day is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

To read more about Hayward Photography, please visit their website: https://www.haywardphotography.com/

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

The public library has limited hours this week and will be closing at 3pm Tuesday through Friday so our Main Lobby and Atrium can be painted. As our students make up most of our afterschool crowd, we thought families should be aware!

The JGMS Fall Social is Friday 10/17 from 6-8pm and MSPA needs your help! Please use the sign-up link below to drop off snacks or gift cards, make a financial donation, or volunteer at the social. Thank you for your support!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4DA9AA23A1FF2-59102852-fall

Over the past few weeks, the front parking lot has become increasingly congested and unsafe during morning arrival. Cars are pulling into spaces to drop off students, which prevents staff from parking and leads to cars idling while waiting for a spot. Additionally, students are crossing between vehicles, creating unsafe conditions. Last week, several cars have entered the bus drop-off lane, even as buses were arriving. Even when our School Resource Officer was present to redirect traffic, a vehicle entered the bus lane, reversed back into the street, then drove through the exit into the staff lot to idle.

This pattern is creating unnecessary risk for both students and staff and we ask families to follow the drop off procedure outlined below.

Cleaning out your garage or shed? Buying fall bulbs for a spring bloom?

At times we have clubs or activities that could benefit from donations. Be it clearing out the garage or digging through the shed, we hope that a donation can be a win for us and a victory against clutter.

Outside Time Request

As many of you know, we take students outside during lunch time and they enjoy running around and playing a variety of games. Unfortunately, some of the balls are at the end of their usable life or they have gone missing. If anyone has extras balls that need a home, we are happy to take them. This includes, soccer balls, footballs, tennis balls, volleyballs, kickballs. Our students are resourceful and have been enjoying their time outside and it helps to have a surplus to ensure everyone can be active.

Environmental Garden Club

The Garden club is hoping for donations of bulbs to plant in our courtyard to brighten things up in the spring. As you’re shopping, if you pick up any extra bulbs (or if you have any extra that you are digging up now) and want to donate them, it would greatly appreciated!

Where to Drop Off Donations

All donated balls or bulbs can be dropped off in the main office.

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)

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

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 student's information, be sure to complete this Google form no later than October 14 and select "Technical School Information."

All snacks and ice cream are compliant with all USDA and State laws regarding Nutrition and listed on the John C. Stalker A List.

• Snack items will be served daily during lunch periods and cost $1.25.
• Ice Cream will be sold Wednesdays and also cost $1.25

Please have funds in your My School Bucks account to make the line flow smoothly. Funds may be added at the point of sale with cash or check and change will be added to your My School Bucks account.

Don't forget, Breakfast is Served daily at no cost to students. Each day's breakfasts consist of Whole Grains, Fresh Fruit, Milk and Protein. Please have your children join us.

We want to hear from you! Students, parents, guardians, please send any questions, ideas or suggestions to thomas_houle@bedfordps.org or olivia_marks@bedfordps.org.

We look forward to hearing from you

1. Thursday, October 9, 2025 6:00pm-8:30pm: Back To School Night

2. Tuesday, October 14, 2025: Picture Day (Staff and Students)

3. Friday, October 17, 2025: Middle School Social 6:00pm-8:00pm

4. [NEW] Tuesday, October 21, 2025: 7th grade Boundless Adventures field trip

5. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 to Friday, October 24, 2025 - 6th Grade Nature's Classroom Trip

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

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

8. 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.