Dear METCO Parents,

As we approach the end of the fall semester, we want to keep families informed about some important updates across the program:

• High School & Middle School Grades Closing: The grading period for both high school and middle school students have closed. Please, we encourage you to check your child's ASPEN and for your students to check in with their teachers and make sure all assignments are up to date as report cards will be sent out shortly.

• Fall Sports Closing: As we wrap up the spring sports season, we want to congratulate all our student-athletes for their hard work and dedication. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and team celebrations.

• Winter Sports Starting Soon: Winter sports will kick off the Monday after Thanksgiving break, so please be on the lookout for schedules and information about tryouts or team practices and late buses.

• Stay n' Play for Elementary Students: We're excited to announce that we'll be launching a Stay n' Play program with the PDC for our elementary school students! This program will provide after-school activities to keep kids engaged and active. Keep an eye out for more details coming your way soon!

As always, thank you for your continued support of the METCO Program. We look forward to a successful winter season ahead!

Best regards,
The METCO Team

--

~Akil

• • November 11: No School - Veteran's Day
  • November 13: Fall Conferences - reach out to your child's teacher
  • November 14: METCO Parent Meeting Davis & Lane, 6:30pm
  • November 27: Early Release
  • November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
  • December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break

• November 11: No School - Veteran's Day
• November 13: Parent Teacher Conferences 1:30-4:00pm
• November 14: METCO Parent Meeting Davis & Lane, 6:30pm
• November 20: Parent Teacher Conferences 1:30-7:00pm
• November 27: Early Release (no lunch served)
• November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
• December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break

• November 11: No School - Veteran's Day
• November 20: Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 27: Early Release
• November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
• December 18: Parent Teacher Conferences 2:15-4:15pm
• December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break

• November 11: No School - Veteran's Day
• November 13: AP Exam Registration Closes
• November 14: Winter Sports Meeting @ BHS Cafe 6:00pm
• November 14 - 16: The Play That Goes Wrong (BHS Play)
• November 19: Freshman Seminar (Flex Block)
• November 22: Freshman Seminar (Flex Block)
• November 27: Community Day & Early Release
• November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
• December 3: Conference Sign Ups Close
• December 5: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences
• December 10: Instrumental Concert
• December 12: Vocal Concert
• December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break
• January 7: All Night Grad Party Planning Meeting

METCO HQ and Nubian Square Walking Tour

Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 AM
11 Roxbury Street, Roxbury, MA
Families from Bedford, Boston, and Hanscom are invited to gather at METCO's new headquarters followed by a special viewing of an in-depth exhibit on the history of educational activism in Boston - relevant in this 50th anniversary year of busing in Boston. METCO staff will lead a walking tour of historic Nubian Square highlighting stories of Black artistry, activism, and achievement. Free, includes light refreshments. RSVP required to pdcbedford@gmail.com.

New Exhibit: Re/Presenting: Art Beyond the Color Line
Amherst College's Mead Museum
Starts November 12, 2024

What does it mean to truly observe a person, and to depict them—or ourselves—with love and care?

Systems like colonialism and white supremacy categorize, label, and create hierarchies among different bodies that can shape or distort our perceptions of ourselves and each other. The art we consume and make can also create or reinforce ideas about who is visible, valuable, or beautiful. So how might we learn to see and represent all people in ways that foster more peace, justice, and respect?

Re/Presenting takes inspiration from EmbraceRace’s innovative curriculum Drawing Differences. The curriculum provides a framework for addressing the underrepresentation of diverse characters in children's drawings through hands-on activities that encourage a wide range of depictions of skin colors, hair textures, and facial features.

To view the FREE Drawing Differences art curriculum from Embrace Race, click here.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, took place last week and several families from the PDC and the South Asian Association of Bedford collaborated with the Bedford Free Public Library to decorate the sidewalks outside the library with rangoli chalk art to celebrate the holiday. Stop by soon to catch their beautiful artwork! And check the Bedford Citizen this week for an article about the holiday and some history of rangoli art.

Thanks to all who joined our Blue Hills hike. It was a beautiful October day, and we got to enjoy views of Boston along with the fall leaves! Let us know if you have an idea for an outing or social activity to bring families together - email us at pdcbedford@gmail.com.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Chi Eta Zeta Chapter's 4th annual, “I Got the Keys to College Bootcamp.” This free, discussion-based event will equip high school students with essential tools and resources for the college application process.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 16th, 2024
• Time: 10 AM to 3 PM
• Location: Tufts University, Joyce Cummings Center

Our panelists are experts in their fields, ready to provide valuable insights to your expected audience. There will be raffled prizes with college swag, opportunities to apply for scholarships, and a resource fair to speak to professionals representing local colleges and universities within Massachusetts!

Click here to find the registration link.

METCO Office: 781-275-1700 x4435

Akil Mondesir, METCO Director

Akil_Mondesir@bedfordps.org

Chauncey Williams, METCO Coordinator Davis & Lane

Chauncey_Williams@bedfordps.org

Jonathan Brome, METCO Coordinator JGMS

Jonathan_Brome@bedfordps.org

Jennifer_Ilchuk@bedfordps.org

Davis Main Office# 781-275-6804

Lane Main Office# 781-275-7606

JGMS Main Office# 781-275-3201

BHS Main Office# 781-275-1700

• Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - November 7, 2024
  
• Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of November 4, 2024
• John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #11 - 11/4/2024
• Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - November 12, 2024
• Special Education Dept. - Director's Update - October 2024
• Superintendent Update - November 8, 2024

New METCO HQ Saturday Tutoring

FREE │Limited Space Availability │Beginning Nov. 16th @ METCO HQ

METCO is partnering with Boston Partners in Education to bring students premier tutoring and mentorships on Saturday's for the 24'-25' school year! Subjects consist of ELA, Mathematics, History, and Science.

View Flyer HERE

Complete Interest Form HERE

Scholarship and College & Career Databases

METCO HQ has created a scholarship database and College & Career Databases for ALL students to use.

• Scholarship Database: HERE
• College & Career Database: HERE

New MassHousing Affordable Apartments

FREE RESOURCE│Database

MassHousing finances the construction and preservation of affordable rental housing throughout MA. Property Managers are responsible for the placement of tenants into available apartments at each development.

View Database HERE

Explore resources to meet your family’s basic needs.

Students are much more likely to succeed in school with stable access to basic needs. If you or anyone you know needs help meeting those needs, check out these Resources for Basic Needs.

New Young Dancers Program

Registration Open│Ages 3-18│Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre Dorchester, MA

The Young Dancers Program offers an innovative, challenging curriculum. Individualized instruction in ballet technique, conditioning, and repertory. Financial Aid Available.

Learn More and Register HERE

New All Hands Allston

Registration Open│Grades K-8th

All Hands Allston offers various crafting programming for students after school and for school holidays.

Learn More & Register HERE

Scholarship Form Available HERE

New Catholic Charities Teen Center @ St. Peters

FREE│Open Monday-Friday 2-9pm│Students grades 7-12

Open to all backgrounds and faiths, the goal of the center is to interrupt the cycle of violence by providing youth with personalized attention, academic tutoring, and personal mentoring support.

Learn More HERE

New MassArt Artward Bound

FREE│Applications Open for current 8th, 9th & 10th graders

A four-year college prep program for Boston high school students interested in a college education focused on art and design. Students participate in art classes, career workshops, academic tutoring, visits to museums and artist studios, and more.

Learn More & Apply HERE

New Considering HBCUs Tip Sheet

You may have heard/read about HBCUs, but how do you know if this type of school is right for you? This tip sheet will provide a more comprehensive look into considering HBCUs

View Tip Sheet HERE

New BioBuilderClub

Applications Open│Season Starts October 15th

FREE for students attending Title 1 Schools Using Code: BBC2024

BioBuilderClub offers current biological engineering challenges so that students may experience scientific problem-solving in the context of authentic and meaningful investigations.

Learn More HERE

Apply HERE

New City of Boston College & Career Calendar

Various Events October 1st - December 8th

This calendar provides information regarding college and career resources in the Greater Boston Area. View Calendar HERE

New FutureBOS

School-year Applications Open│Ages 14-24

FutureBOS has hundreds of opportunities for youth ages 14 - 18 and young adults ages 19 - 24 living in Boston. Check listings regularly as new opportunities will be added through October.

Learn More HERE

New SAT, ACT & College Application Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available to low-income 11th- and 12th-grade students in the U.S.

SAT

Learn More & Request HERE

ACT

Learn More & Apply HERE

College Application

Complete Request Form HERE

New Mothers for Justice & Equality Youth Peer Leadership

PAID School-year Applications Open│Ages 14-18│Oct. 21st - Apr. 18th

This job opportunity will focus on personal development, gun violence prevention, financial literacy, workforce development, advocacy & community as well as mobilization events.

Learn More & Apply HERE

New MassArt Artward Bound

FREE │Applications Open for current 8th, 9th & 10th graders

A four-year college prep program for Boston high school students interested in a college education focused on art and design. Students participate in art classes, career workshops, academic tutoring, visits to museums and artist studios, and more.

Learn More & Apply HERE

New Info Session: Harvard Summer 2025 Programs

Free Virtual│Registration Open│November 18th 7-7:45pm

Program directors and staff will discuss how Harvard’s programs can help you meet your academic goals.

Learn More & Register HERE

New Youth Neurology Education & Research Program

PAID│Applications Open: Nov. 1st│Rising 12th graders │Mass General Hospital

This summer internship engages youth from communities underrepresented in neurology. Focusing on offering educational and research opportunities to Massachusetts high school students.

Learn More HERE

New Youth Empowered Scientist for CURE

Application Deadline: Nov. 11th │10th & 11th graders│Mass General Hospital

This program is a three-year training initiative for highly motivated high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in scientific research.

Learn More & Apply HERE

New Jumpstart Fellowship

Application Deadline: Nov. 12th │Females Ages 16+│MassRobotics

An opportunity for students to learn about STEM careers in robotics and develop their professional networks through direct engagement with industry professionals.

Learn More & Apply HERE

New Thrive Scholars Programming

FREE │Application Deadline: December 15th

OnRamp - A pre-college program for 10th graders

6-Year Program - A highly personalized college and career success program for 11th graders

Learn More & Apply HERE

Throughout the year, our various districts are looking for bus drivers and/or bus monitors. If you have experience in either field and would like to be considered for one of these job openings when they become available, please fill out this interest form. We will follow up with you if an opportunity arises.

METCO has a number of ways in which you can get involved. We invite volunteers who have a variety of skills, talents and interest to give their time to METCO. You can engage in a variety of ways, from tutoring, volunteering, speaking at events, or sharing your METCO experience for marketing purposes.

through November 15

Visits will be held in the BHS Counseling office unless otherwise noted. Sign up through Naviance and notify your teacher at least 24 hours in advance of the visit. If you are unable to attend due to an exam, presentation, etc. Please let your counselor know if you are interested in a visit, but are unable to attend so we can connect with the representative on your behalf.

Tuesday, November 12

The University of Alabama (8:00 am)

Friday, November 15

Salem State University

Yearbook Orders

Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. All sales will be correctly priced online. If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.

Deadline: December 31

https://www.bedfordps.org/high-school/guidance/pages/scholarship-information

Broad Summer Scholars Program

Broad Summer Scholars Program invites students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute, working side-by-side with scientific mentors to conduct a research project in areas such as cancer, infectious disease, therapeutics, psychiatric disease and more. Students also attend interesting scientific talks and career exploration events, attend a college fair, participate in fun social activities, present their research in a scientific poster session, and meet other students who share similar interest.

Important Dates:

Application Available: Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Notifications: Early March 2025

Program Dates: June 20-August 8, 2025

How to Apply

To apply visit: www.broadinstitue.org/bssp

For more information, contact: bssp@broadinstitute.org