METCO Newsletter
Bedford METCO | October 2026 | Week 10/26
Dear METCO Community,
As we close out October and prepare to welcome November, I want to take a moment to recognize our METCO students and families across Davis, Lane, John Glenn Middle School, and Bedford High School. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or participating in school activities, our students continue to contribute to the Bedford community in meaningful ways. Let's continue encouraging them to stay engaged, challenge themselves, and take advantage of the opportunities available throughout the district.
A few important reminders and upcoming events:
- PDC Community Bowling: We're looking forward to bringing families together in November for an evening of fun, connection, and community. Stay tuned for additional details.
- Community Film & Dialogue Series – November 18: We are excited to introduce this opportunity for students, families, educators, and community members to come together for meaningful conversations centered on identity, belonging, and shared experiences.
- 8th Grade Families – Career & Technical Education: Our upcoming visit to Madison Park on November 12 will provide families an opportunity to learn more about career and technical education pathways. Families interested in attending are encouraged to communicate their interest as soon as possible.
- Transportation Reminder: Please continue having students at their designated bus stops at least 10 minutes before their scheduled pickup time. The late bus schedule remains available for students in grades 6–12.
As always, thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for your continued support. Building a strong METCO program goes beyond academics. It's about relationships, opportunities, and making sure every student knows they belong.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin
Warmly,
Akil Mondesir
Director of METCO & Community Engagement
Late Bus Schedule for the Week
Monday. October 26: 6:30pm @BHS
Tuesday, October 27: 7:00pm @BHS
Wednesday, October 28: 6:30pm @BHS
Thursday, October 29: 7:15pm @BHS
Friday, October 30: 9:00pm @BHS
Upcoming This Week!
Davis
Lane
JGMS
- October 27: 7th Grade Field Trip - Boundless Adventure
- October 30: Middle School Halloween Social 5:00-7:00pm JGMS
BHS
- November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 4: Parent Teacher Conferences
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 18: Parent Teacher Conferences
- November 25: Early Release for Davis Students at 12:05pm
- November 26 & 27: No School
- December 23: Early Dismissal
- December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)
Lane School Important Dates
- November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 4: Parent Teacher Conferences, 1:30-7:00pm
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 18: Parent Teacher Conferences, 1:30-4:00pm
- November 25: Early Release at 11:30am (no lunch served)
- November 26 & 27: No School
- December 23: Early Dismissal
- December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)
JGMS School Important Dates
- October 27: 7th Grade Field Trip - Boundless Adventure
- October 30: Middle School Halloween Social 5:00-7:00pm JGMS
- November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 4: Parent Teacher Conferences 2:30-4:30pm (via Zoom)
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 12: Madison Park Technical Vocational High School Tour
- November 18: Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30pm (via Zoom)
- November 25: Early Release
- November 26 & 27: No School
- December 23: Early Dismissal
- December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)
- May 25-28: 8th Grade Washington DC Trip
- June 15: Grade 7 Kimball Farms Field Trip
Bedford High School Important Dates
- November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 9: End Term 1
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 12: Math MCAS Retakes
- November 13-14: Fall Play
- November 13: Virtual HBCU College Fest
- November 16: Picture Retakes
- November 24: Homecoming Dance
- November 25: Early Dismissal
- November 26 & 27: No School
- December 3: Parent-Teacher Conferences
- December 9: Instrumental Concert
- December 10: Choral Concert
- December 23: Early Dismissal
- December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)
School Newsletters
- Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - October 27, 2026
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of October 19, 2026
- John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #9 - 10/26/2026
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - October 20, 2026
- Superintendent Update - October23, 2026
- Student Service Spotlight - October 2026
- Bedford High School Lookout Newsletter
Bedford METCO Office Contact Information
METCO Office: 781-275-1700 x4417
Akil Mondesir, METCO Director
Chauncey Williams, METCO Coordinator Davis & Lane
Chauncey_Williams@bedfordps.org
Jonathan Brome, METCO Coordinator JGMS
Davis Main Office# 781-275-6804
Lane Main Office# 781-275-7606
JGMS Main Office# 781-275-3201
BHS Main Office# 781-275-1700
Parents Diversity Council
Parents Diversity Council Board
pdcbedford@gmail.com
President - Kelly Korenak
Vice President - OPEN
Treasurer - Allison C. John
Secretary - Anne Caron
Davis Chair - Saritha Athmakur
Lane Chair - Roopa Bhusnurmath
JGMS Chair - Anne Caron
BHS Chair - OPEN
Stay & Play Coordinator - Lilly Wong Younger
Fundraising Chair - OPEN
METCO Representatives - Beatrice Claude & PeterAnn Williams
Hanscom Representative - OPEN
PDC Events
If you would like to be added to the PDC Newsletter, please email: pdcbedford@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
October 30
JGMS parents and caregivers!
During the student Halloween social THIS FRIDAY, Oct. 30, the PDC will be hosting a parent meetup at Not Your Average Joe's. While your student is enjoying themselves, come meet up with other parents for dinner and/or drinks!
RSVP required by Thursday, Oct. 29 at the evite link below so we can book a table. From 5-7 PM
November 7
Annual PDC family bowling party from 2:00-4:00pm @ Urban Wild, 100 Hood Park Dr., Boston
We are excited to invite you and your family to a fun-filled afternoon of bowling and socializing hosted by the Parents Diversity Council (PDC) and the Bedford METCO Team! This special event is designed to bring the communities of Boston and Bedford together, providing a wonderful opportunity for children to interact and have fun.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Location: Urban Wild, 100 Hood Park Drive, Somerville
We would love to see as many of our students along with their families there as possible! It will be a great time to watch the kids enjoy some friendly bowling, along with tasty snacks like pizza and sliders.
In order to help cover a small portion of the costs to reserve the location, we ask each family to RSVP and pay a $35 per family fee. This will help ensure we have enough space for everyone. The remainder of the costs are paid by Boston Bridges Initiative, and we thank them for their support!
We truly hope you take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other families, enjoy some quality time, and have a blast! Please RSVP and submit your payment by November 1 so we can prepare accordingly.
**There is a max of 75 people allowed, and we will start a waiting list if necessary, so sign up today!
RSVP link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzUzw4jUURyGPxTbKQ_l0B1fEvHKhq1alEZvt-LdZ-ZVyUKQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102448669055166252631
November 18
Film/Discussion Series
Davis
November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
November 7: Annual PDC family bowling party 2:00-4:00pm @ Urban Wild, 100 Hood Park Dr., Boston
Lane
November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
November 7: Annual PDC family bowling party 2:00-4:00pm @ Urban Wild, 100 Hood Park Dr., Boston
JGMS
November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
November 7: Annual PDC family bowling party 2:00-4:00pm @ Urban Wild, 100 Hood Park Dr., Boston
JGMS Clubs
BHS
November 7: Annual PDC family bowling party 2:00-4:00pm @ Urban Wild, 100 Hood Park Dr., Boston
November 13: Virtual HBCU College Fest
College Visits
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.
Upcoming College Visits
See Naviance App | See BHS Calendar for Details
Monday, October 26
Tuesday, October 27
1:30pm - Providence College - LGI
Wednesday, October 28
10:15am - George Washington University - Counseling Office
Thursday, October 29
Friday, October 30
To Register use www.StriveFair.com. Upon registration, StriveScan will text and email a barcode. This code is shown to college representatives at each fair. Registering for a barcode provides students with more information on each institution and allows them to connect with schools even after the event. There is no cost to register for a barcode.
Senior Class Deadlines
October 31: Congratulatory Ads
December 31: Deadline to order Yearbooks
Senior Financial Aid & Scholarships
METCO, HQ/Inc Updates
METCO HEADQUARTERS PROGRAMMING & RESOURCES
Want to get closer to the METCO community and contribute to this historic program? We have a number of opportunities to work for us or volunteer.
Throughout the year, our various districts are looking for bus drivers and/or bus monitors and other roles as they arise. Please take a look for various opportunities.
In addition, you can also look for job opportunities at school districts at Schoolspring and enter METCO in the search box.
Volunteer
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.
Student & Family Resources for Civil Rights, Education, Elder Rights, Emergency, Employment, Health, Immigration & Legal, and Mental Health.
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
Scholarship Database
METCO HQ has created a scholarship database for ALL students to use. Scholarships are broken down into categories to make it easier for students to navigate.
To view click HERE
College and Career Database
METCO HQ has created a College and Career Database for current high school students AND recent alumni including:
-College Access and Retention Programs
-Jobs and Internships
To view entire database click HERE
Considering HBCU’s 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
Soca Sundays
FREE EVENT │All Ages│ Sundays 1-3pm @ Community Art Center Cambridge, MA
Join for an afternoon of Soca! Dance, feel the Caribbean vibes, and bring the whole family—these classes are for everyone!
Learn More & Register HERE
Hate & Bias in K-12 Schools Resources
RESOURCES │ all ages
Governor Maura T. Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released updated guidance to K-12 schools on addressing hate and bias incidents in line with legal obligations.
Learn More HERE
Bullying Prevention Resources
RESOURCES │ all ages
Includes general bullying prevention resources, cyberbullying and internet safety as well as articles, books and videos.
Learn More HERE
Watch Video HERE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BCYF Youth Programming
FREE | Various Dates, Programs & Locations │ All Ages
Boston Centers for Youth & Families offers many classes, programs and special events for Boston residents. Many require pre-registration.
Learn More & Browse Database HERE
The B.A.S.E Basketball
SPORTS │ Registration Open │Grades 3-12
Students ages 6-19 can engage in year-round with league play, skills training, academics, and mentoring.
Learn More & Register HERE
826 Boston Tutoring
FREE TUTORING │ Grades 1-12 @ 826 Boston
Various after-school and evening offerings strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively, and confidently.
Learn More HERE
Step Into Culture
Applications Open │ All Ages
Teaching students caribbean dance, african, afrobeats, soca and hip hop all are welcomed to join and no experience is necessary.
Contact Wilma Clouden for more information
Phone: 617-212-5247
Email: wclouden@gmail.com
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. Under Schools Tab
Learn More and Register HERE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mathcounts: National Math Club
FREE PROGRAM │ 2024-25 Registration Open │Clubs in Various Districts│6-8th
Mathcounts provides game instructions, math explorations, problem sets and monthly challenges that can be enjoyed by students of all skill levels. There are established clubs in various districts but new teams can be formed if needed with a club leader.
View Participating Teams HERE
Learn More & Apply HERE
Youth Opportunity Developing Achievers (YODA)
FREE PROGRAM │ School-year Applications Open │ 6-12th Graders @ Urban League Boston
YODA empowers talented minority students to excel in STEM by providing training, mentorship, and confidence-building opportunities. Through Saturday sessions, summer camps, and year-round programs, students learn from diverse STEM professionals and gain the skills needed to become future leaders in the field.
Learn More & Sign Up HERE
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
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
Boston Red Sox Baseball & Softball RBI Nike Interest Form
FREE |Interest Form Now Open│13-18 years old
Nike RBI provides team equipment, uniforms, field access and umpires at no cost to players and their families, and supports a cohort of dedicated coaches who use baseball and softball as a platform to teach core values of teamwork, respect and leadership.
Complete Interest Form HERE
HIGH SCHOOL
Boston Red Sox Baseball & Softball RBI Nike Interest Form
FREE |Interest Form Now Open│13-18 years old
Nike RBI provides team equipment, uniforms, field access and umpires at no cost to players and their families, and supports a cohort of dedicated coaches who use baseball and softball as a platform to teach core values of teamwork, respect and leadership.
Complete Interest Form HERE
Boston University Upward Bound
FREE PROGRAM | Applications Open | 9th-11th Graders
Do you want to go to college? Holistic college-prep program with classes, tutoring, mentoring, social and personal support. For students who live in Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, or Roxbury.
View Info Video HERE
Request application HERE
Summer Search Program
PAID PROGRAM│Applications Open│10th Graders
Engage in a free summer program to help students discover their passions, develop essential life skills and position themselves for post-secondary success.
Learn More & Apply HERE
Fresh Films: Weekly Filmmaking
FREE PROGRAM │ Applications │ Ages 13-19
Want to work in film, TV, or as a content creator? Join Fresh Films this January to make movies, use pro equipment, and connect with Hollywood pros from Sony, Paramount, and more.
Learn More & Apply HERE
College Prep Scholars Program
FREE PROGRAM │ Applications │ 11th Graders
Get a head start preparing for The College Prep Scholars Program. This program helps high-achieving, low-income juniors gain the knowledge and resources to apply to top colleges, with a holistic review process.
Learn More HERE
CSR You Got This Center
FREE PROGRAM │ Drop In Center │ Ages 16-26
The You Got This Center provides young adults with resources like job searches, scholarship assistance, food insecurity, homelessness and gives the youth a place to build community. They have monthly events for all to drop in and attend.
Learn More HERE
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
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
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
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
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