Important information regarding youth summer jobs
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
(617) 727-2200
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As the summer jobs season approaches, we at the Attorney General’s Office and your superintendent’s office want to make sure that students and their parents and guardians are aware of the laws that are designed to protect young workers.
The Attorney General’s Office enforces laws relating to the employment of workers under 18 and
the payment of wages, including, but not limited to, the following:
Minimum wage. The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $15.00 an hour.
Minors younger than 14 may not work. There are few exceptions to this prohibition, including
babysitting, working as a news carrier, agricultural work or working in entertainment (with a special
waiver).
Work permits. Workers under 18 need a new work permit for every job. The application for a work
permit must be filled out by the parent/guardian, child and employer and then submitted to the school district where the child lives or attends school. Minors who are 14 or 15 also need a physician’s signature on the work permit. For more information about work permits and to download an application, visit www.mass.gov/dols/youth.
Hazardous Jobs. Teens under 18 years of age may not do certain kinds of dangerous work. For a list of prohibited jobs, please visit the Attorney General’s website (www.mass.gov/ago/youthemployment).
Supervision. After 8:00 pm, all workers under 18 must have the direct and immediate supervision of an adult supervisor who is located in the workplace and is reasonable accessible to the minor, unless the minor works at a kiosk/cart/stand in the common area of an enclosed shopping mall with on-duty security.
Legal Work Hours. Massachusetts law controls how early and how late minors may work and how
many hours they may work. These laws are based on the minor’s age. For more detailed information,
please visit www.mass.gov/ago/youthemployment.
Immigration Status. These protections apply to all workers, regardless of immigration status, including undocumented workers.
Reviewing this information with your child is the first step toward ensuring a safe work experience. If you are concerned about a possible violation of these laws, please file a complaint at www.mass.gov/ago/fld, or contact the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division at (617) 727-3465.
Together, we can help our teens make a safe, informed, and successful transition into the working
world.
Sincerely,
Andrea Joy Campbell
Attorney General
May 23rd Presenters
On Thursday May 23rd BHS students had the opportunity to hear from Bob Kalantari, President and CEO of Engineering and Planning Management, Inc. and Doug Seed, UMASS Lowell Admissions Representative. Bob gave an in depth presentation on nuclear energy and its role it can play in decarbonization. Bob also spoke about public misconceptions, the geopolitical impact, and careers in the field. Doug gave an overview of the Engineering Programs at ULowell and an overview of their admissions process.
Both presenters made the connection between the high school classroom, higher education, and the real world application of what is being taught in schools.
Congratulations!
On Monday May 20th, thirty-six seniors who participated in the High School Senior Internship in Education Program (HSSIEP) received a $2,000.00 scholarship as part of completing the program. BHS handed out over $72,000.00 to its graduating seniors.
HSSIEP is a program that is funded by the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education and managed by MASSHIRE, Youth Connections Department. The program was created to help grow the educator pipeline by engaging aspiring educators with paid internships that provide opportunities to explore the teaching profession in an authentic and meaningful way.
Bedford High School has been participating in the program since 2021.
Graduation Photos
Geskus Studios will be taking the pictures at graduations. If interested in ordering your students photos:
1. Create your account at: my.photoday.com
2. Click "Add Gallery" with Access Code: PGKH26757
You will receive a text or email once your photo is available
3. Once your photo is available, upload a photo of your graduate then select your packages, prints and novelties an check out.
Any questions please contact Geskus Studios at 1-800-948-1120 ext 1
When calling the absence line please school due to an illness, could you please specify whether the illness is Flu, cold/respiratory, gastrointestinal or COVID related.
Absence Line: (781)918-4561
or select #1 from the main menu of (781)275-1700
Seasonal Allergies
Dear parents/guardians, as most of you know, spring allergy season is upon us and some people are affected to different degrees. I just wanted to remind you that I do not provide allergy medication, including nasal sprays, antihistamines or eye drops. Please be proactive about your student’s allergies and have them take their prescribed allergy medication before school, so they will be comfortable for the duration of the school day. Depending on the severity of the pollen allergy, those with seasonal allergies can feel pretty miserable during this time of the year and allergy symptoms can have a significant impact on learning. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you. - Annmarie
New Covid-19 Guidelines from DESE (4/2024)
At the end of last week (3/28/24) the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released updated guidelines for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses to reflect the recently updated CDC guidance. Instead of guidance specific to testing positive for COVID-19, this updated information is for respiratory viruses like Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 as they share similar transmission methods, symptoms and prevention strategies.
Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
There is no longer the requirement to stay home for 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19.
When you have ANY respiratory virus- stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache.
Return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
𐄂 Your symptoms are improving and,
𐄂 At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without the use of
fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol and Motrin
It is important to note that the guidance doesn't end with staying home and away from others when sick. The guidance recommends taking added precautions over the next 5 days. Some recommendations for schools are:
Wear a well-fitting mask except when actively eating, drinking or outside.
Keep distance from others, especially the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
As always, practice good respiratory hygiene and wash hands or use sanitizer frequently.
Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN
HighSchool Nurse
Bedford Public Schools
BHSPA Grants for the BHS Community
As part of our mission to contribute to different initiatives, programs, and events that impact the students, faculty, staff, and supporting the community at BHS, the BHSPA has many events that we regularly fund and support. We also invite faculty, student groups, and individuals to submit grant requests for special projects, programs, and tools that will have a positive impact on the BHSPA community. If you have an idea to propose, please download, fill out the application and follow the instructions.
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: Bedfordsepac.com
Get dismissed? Please bring a note to the main office in the morning. (or call 781-918-4561) Students will be given a dismissal pass to show the teacher and head right out of class at the dismissal time. This helps us to reduce the number of class disruptions.
Get a locker? Your Advisor will supply you with a lock. You will select a locker, then your Advisor will record your locker number and combination just in case you forget it. It happens!
Get a Parking Sticker? The Parking Sticker application may be found here.
Get my Aspen ID? If you need your ID or are having trouble logging in please contact tech_support@bedfordps.org
Find my lost items? The lost and found bin can be found in the student office.
Pick up a dropped off item? We encourage you to try to meet your student after school for the items but in the event that does not work please leave items on the table right inside the vestibule. (Parents/Guardians, please label item your dropping with name) Please note; we do not interrupt classes for drop offs. Students can check for the item dropped off in between classes and at lunch.
Bedford High School Parent/Guardian & Student Sign off Agreement Form here
Find out more about grading and courses? You may find this and many other helpful pieces of information in your Program of Studies found here
The 2023-24 Bus Routes have been posted on the Transportation Web Page
Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)
Bedford High School
Bedford High School Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:45am - 2:24pm
Wednesday 7:45 am - 12:55 pm
9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561
Fax: 781-275-6664