The Bedford Buccaneer

Previous Issue of the Bedford Buccaneer

📨 Please note the new office email address is bhsstudentoffice@bedfordps.org 📨

• Tuesday, October 14: School Committee Meeting
• Thursday, October 16: Assembly, Class of 2029 (Students)
• Wednesday, October 22: Fall Sports - Student-Athlete Pictures (Students)
• Monday, November 3: School Picture Retakes (Students) - NEW DATE
• Tuesday, November 4: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
• Tuesday, November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• Friday, November 14: Homecoming Dance (Students)
• Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22: Fall Play (All Welcome)
• Wednesday, November 26: Community Day & Early Release (Students)
• Thursday, December 4: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences (Parents)

The Lunch Menu can be found here.

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.

The Bell & Lunch schedule can be found here.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 7:00 pm | LGI or Zoom

View the agenda here.

More information at https://www.bedfordps.org/district/school-committee.

School Picture Proofs

School picture proofs were sent home with students on Wednesday, October 8. Ordering information is included with the proofs.

Retakes / Absences

If your student was absent for picture day, or would like a retake, photos will be taken on Monday, November 3 (note the new day) during Flex block.

Retake photos automatically replace original photos. If a student chooses to retake their photo, please have them return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. We will replace it at no additional cost.

If this is the first time being photographed, students will go directly to the camera for their picture. A proof with ordering instructions will be delivered to the school approximately 4 weeks after retake day.

Order Support & Questions

📞 800-948-1120, ext. 1

📧 service@wearegeskus.com

🌐 www.geskusprint.com (school code: 2308)

Wednesday, October 22 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Pre-order photos by October 21 at 11:59 pm.

🌐 www.geskusprint.com (code: A7HZ7PF)

It's cold season, and we’ve "blown" through our tissue supply quickly. We would greatly appreciate donations of tissues for BHS. You can drop off donations in the main lobby vestibule or conveniently order through our Amazon Wish List. Thank you for your support!

Last week, an email from Bedford Public Schools and Superintendent Chuang via DocuSign was sent to parents. This message included your 2025–2026 Federal Impact Aid Survey form.

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!

The survey is fully electronic with e-signature. Parents/Guardians received 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. For all questions regarding this matter, please contact the Business Office at 781-275-7708 for assistance.

For more information, please visit our website: 2025–2026 Annual Federal Impact Aid Survey

Registration open until October 31 | Cost: $105

After Friday, October 31, 2025, registrations will include a $40 late fee.

REGISTRATION STEPS

1. Register to join your class in myAP

1. Visit https://myap.collegeboard.org/ to register with your class-specific Join Code, if you have not already. After signing into your AP Classroom, select ‘Yes’ if you intend to order/take this exam (updates to this can be made up to November 3, 2025 in your myAP account).

1. See your teacher for your specific class section Join Code.

2. Join Codes should not be shared between students as they are specific to each class section.

2. Pay your exam registration fee.

1. AFTER you have registered in myAP, payments will be processed with Total Registration.

1. Please be sure to register for your class-specific section.

2. Student ID numbers are required in order to complete the steps in Total Registration.

1. This number can be found in the student’s Aspen account under the “My Info” tab. The required ID number is labeled as “Local Identifier” followed by a number beginning with 5050…. Students will not be able to pay for their exams without this Student ID number.

3. If you qualify for financial assistance, please mark ‘yes’ when asked during the registration process.

2. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete.

SELF-STUDY EXAMS

The total cost per Self-Study Exam will be $150.00. Classes not associated with a BHS AP course are available for self-study. There is an additional test administration fee ($45.00) for Self-Study exams to offset the cost of proctors for small group test administration.

Bedford High School does not offer Self-Study Exams coinciding with classes offered as part of the BHS Program of Studies. For these exams, students should plan to enroll in the desired AP class so that it may be reflected on their transcript. If you are interested in taking one of these exams, you are encouraged to reach out to the surrounding school districts to see if they offer testing to out-of-district students; no contact lists can be provided.

Registration Process for Self-Study Exams

1. complete the Self-Study Exam Google Form BEFORE you will be able to pay for your exam in Total Registration. This form will be shared via email on October 1 and must be completed before October 31, 2025, at which time the form will stop receiving responses and no further Self-Study exams may be requested.

1. Note that this deadline differs from the late registration timeline to allow for course sections to be created.

2. This form may only be completed by students, not parents/caregivers, and students will be emailed directly with the next steps of the Self-Study registration process by the AP Coordinator.

3. Do not proceed to order this exam in Total Registration until you receive your join code from the AP Coordinator.

Please note that self-study exams will not appear on student transcripts or affect a student’s GPA, as the subject has not been formally instructed by a teacher at BHS. Colleges will know a Self-Study exam has been taken if and when the student chooses to send the final AP score directly to the college through the College Board website. BHS does not send any AP Scores to colleges regardless of whether or not a student has self-studied. It is strongly recommended that students have a conversation with their caregivers regarding whether or not self-studying an exam makes sense for the student’s school/life balance. It is also encouraged for students to review the AP Score usage policies to see if potential colleges accept AP credits.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to the AP Coordinator, Samantha Thyne at samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org.

Order Deadline: December 31, 2025

Order your yearbook online (school code:13423) or by phone 1-866-287-3096.

Don't miss out on a class t-shirt! The price is the same as last year, $17, and can be in the form of cash or check (made out to Bedford High School Class of 2028) and must be paid to Mrs. Halupowski (Counseling Office) or Mrs. Toomey (Room E202). All payments must be recived no later than 2:24 PM on Friday, October 17th to ensure you get your shirt. If you do not pay by by that day we will be unable to place your order.

Click here to order your shirt(s)

Apply by March 1, 2026

The Bedford School District is proud to be offering the State Seal of Biliteracy again this year. Participating in this program indicates to students and their families that their language(s) and culture(s) are valued in Massachusetts. This program affirms that all students and all languages are valid and valuable. Students of all language backgrounds, including English learners, former English learners, heritage speakers/signers of world languages, and students from monolingual English-speaking homes who have acquired world languages at school or in the community, are eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy and the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction.

The State Seal of Biliteracy and the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction recognize all dialects of world languages and do not elevate any one expression of a world language over another. The State Seal of Biliteracy thus supports academic achievement for all, providing representation for all students of all languages and cultures, and recognizing students for the essential, multilingual skills that they possess.

To qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy and the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, students must meet all graduation requirements and the English language and world language criteria described below:

Student Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy

1. Meet all graduation requirements
2. 472 or higher on Grade 10 ELA MCAS*
3. A score equivalent to or higher than Intermediate High on an approved world language assessment

Student Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction

1. Meet all graduation requirements
2. 501 or higher on Grade 10 ELA MCAS
3. A score equivalent to or higher than Advanced Low on an approved world language assessment

Upon graduation, students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will have it affixed on their high school diploma. The students will also be recognized on BHS awards night. To apply for the Seal of Biliteracy, students must complete this form: Seal of Biliteracy application by March 1, 2026. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Adam Bailey, World Languages Program Director, at 📧adam_bailey@bedfordps.org or call 📞(781) 275-1700, x4522.

Reminder: The Library is currently closed. Students may only enter if they are with a teacher. No individual passes will be issued for the Library at this time. Thank you.

Monday, October 13

Field Hockey (V) vs. Westford

Tuesday, October14

Soccer, boys (V/JV) @ Westford

Soccer, girls (V/JV) vs. Westford

Volleyball (V/JV/F) vs. Westford

Wednesday, October 15

Volleyball (V/JV/F) @ Groton-Dunstable

Friday, October 17

Field Hockey (V) vs. Acton-Boxborough

Football (V) vs. Westford

Volleyball (V/JV/F) @ Burlington

Saturday, October 18

Register for Winter / Spring sports

The recording and presentation from Senior Financial Aid Night on September 30 are now posted on the BHS Counseling Events page. The recording, presentation, and Q&A document from Senior College Application Night on September 18 are also available on this site.

Senior Portrait:

Pictures must be 2.5 X 3 with a DPI of 300. Submit your photo to https://yearbookshare.com/. Please note for parents who have been through this before it is the same place that HJeShare.com was before) using the school code "Bedford". You MUST select “Upload a PORTRAIT” (do NOT select general photo). Your name will be printed how you spell it upon upload so be careful, please! You should use your full name that is used in Aspen (unless you already sent us notification of a name change).

Deadline: October 25

Senior Siblings:

You can also share a picture of your senior WITH their sibling(s) who ALSO attend BHS. If the sibling does not attend BHS, we do not submit the photo. (If you have a sibling at BHS & a graduate or younger one it is ok if they are in the photo). The picture should be current and not when they were young kids. Please submit the siblings' picture by going to https://yearbookshare.com/, using the school code "Bedford," enter "12" for the grade, enter the senior name first and then the sibling(s) (example: for the first name enter. "Lisa ‘26 & Bart ‘28" and then for the last name enter "Simpson"), then in the box that says “baby or siblings” type in “siblings”.

Deadline: October 25

Family Congratulatory Ads Or Business Ad:

Here is a link to the flyer regarding ads. This is optional. Should you choose to participate, go to YearbookOrderCenter.com and use the school code 13423. Scroll down and click "Start My Ad". This ad is the place where you can include elementary pictures of your graduate if you so choose. Some families include pictures of their graduate through the years. Some families also have a business and choose to do an ad on behalf of the company, which you are welcome to do too.

Deadline: October 25

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

Please check your Naviance account to see which schools are sending representatives to BHS each week from mid-September to mid-November, and register online (Colleges tab --> Research Colleges --> College Visits).

Be mindful of what obligations you are missing to attend. And be sure to check-in with your teacher, showing your registration information, prior to attending the visit in the Counseling Office.

College Visits This Week

See Naviance App | See BHS Calendar for Details

Wednesday, October 15

University of Chicago - 8:45 am

University of Florida - 10:15 am

Dean College - 12:15 pm

Friday, October 17

Bates College - 9:15 am

Union College - 10:30 am

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science - 1:30 pm

October 22 | 6:00-7:30pm | Reed Room

The Bedford Public Schools, Health & Human Services and Youth & Family Services Departments will be hosting “Understanding Trauma & Grief: A Response Workshop,” presented by Joanna Wu from the Edinburg Center, on Wednesday, October 22nd, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Bedford Town Hall Reed Room. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and pizza will be provided. More information to follow soon.

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 📞 911.

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 needs someone to talk to, Cartwheel is here to help.

https://www.cartwheel.org/district/bedford-public-schools

Please keep your student home from school if any one of the following occurs:

• Vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours.
• Temperature of 100 degrees F or higher within the last 24 hours. Students with fevers may return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours, without fever-reducing medication.
• Positive throat culture for strep. Students may return 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has begun.
• Any symptoms of acute illness, such as a persistent cough, runny nose, and body aches.

Respiratory / COVID Guidelines

If Your Student Gets Sick at School, they should come to the health office to see the nurse. If your student calls a parent/guardian to be picked up and the student has not been evaluated in the health office, it will be considered a parent dismissal.

Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Reporting Communicable Illnesses: Please report all communicable illnesses to the attendance line or contact the health office directly at 📞781-918-4416.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Reach out to Nurse Vaughan at: 📞781-275-1700-4416, or email 📧bhsnurse@bedfordps.org

BHSPA is excited to announce that they will once again provide our school community with a complete BHS Student Directory.

This combined BHS/JGMS directory will be available on the BHSPA website free of charge. The schools will provide the following information to populate this directory: student names, year of graduation, caregiver names, caregiver emails, and caregiver phone numbers. If you opted out of media with your school, your information will not be shared.

Help us to provide support to our faculty, staff, and students all year long! We can't do it with you!

The Fall Appeal is our biggest fundraiser of the year!

Donations are accepted all year on our website. A donation of $25/family is suggested, but any amount is appreciated.

The BHSPA is a parent volunteer organization which raises and distributes funds to support the various initiatives, programs, and events for BHS. All caregivers are members of the BHSPA. We collect no dues, rather, we solely rely on donations and fundraising.

Thank you for supporting BHSPA!

Bedford Public Schools are looking to hire a:

• School Crossing Guard 5 days/week/2 hrs per day | $21.81/hr

https://www.applitrack.com/bedfordps/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Pupil+Services