Lane Notes

November 3 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Professional Development Day

November 4 - Student Council Meeting, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

November 4 - Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:30 - 7:00 PM

November 5 - Gr. 5 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

November 9 - Gr. 5 Band rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

November 10 - Gr. 4 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

November 10 - Lane School Veterans Day Assembly, Gym, 9:15 - 10:15 AM

November 11 - NO SCHOOL - Veterans' Day

November 12 - Gr. 5 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

November 12 - School Picture RETAKES (details below), 9:00 AM

November 13 - Green Team Meeting, Multipurpose Room, 7:20 - 8:15 AM

November 17 - Gr. 5 Band rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

November 18 - Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:30 - 4:00 PM

November 19 - Gr. 5 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

November 25 - Early Dismissal at 11:30 (no lunch served)

November 26 & 27 - NO SCHOOL

December 1 - Gr. 5 Band rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 2 - Student Council Meeting, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 3 - Gr. 5 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 7 - Gr. 4 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 8 - Gr. 5 Band rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 10 - Gr. 5 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 11 - Green Team Meeting, Multipurpose Room, 7:20 - 8:15 AM

December 15 - Gr. 4 Orchestra rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 16 - Gr. 5 Band rehearsal, Multipurpose Room, 7:30 - 8:15 AM

December 17 - Lane School Concert (Orchestra, Band, and Chorus), Bedford High School, 7:00 pm

December 23 -Early Dismissal at 11:30 (no lunch served)

December 24 - January 1 - NO SCHOOL

January 4 - School re-opens

ALL ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVALS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE OFFICE , BY 9 AM ON THE DAY OF. If it is a planned absence/late arrival, you can let us know ahead of time so you don’t have to remember the day of.

New this year, we have a dedicated email address for reporting your child's absence or late arrival, mailto:lane_attendance@bedfordps.org. Your email should include your full name, your child’s full name & teacher, and the reason for the absence or late arrival.

All office staff have access to this email account.

If a phone call is more convenient, you may still call the main number and leave a message on the Absence Line at any time of day or night, 781-275-7606. Your message should include your name and a call back number, your child’s name & teacher, and the reason for the absence or late arrival.

If you are at the school for your parent-teacher conference, please make sure to stop by the LOST & FOUND (located in the hallway outside the gym) and check for any of your child's belongings. THANK YOU!

Thursday, November 12th at 9:00am

If you would like your child's photo retaken, please return the entire original package (but keep your class group photo) to the photographer on retake day. Write the student’s name and the reason for the retake on the envelope and a new package will be ordered using the retake day photo. If your child does not return the original package, we will not print any new pictures until the original set has been returned to our office.

Students who were absent on original picture day and did preorder will have that order fulfilled with the retake day photo.

Students who were absent on original picture day and did not preorder will receive a card with the codes and instructions for placing an order at that point.

Any questions, please contact Hayward Photography mailto:info@haywardphotography.com

Lane School keeps a supply of snacks for students whose families may be experiencing financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances, and the occasional student that forgets a snack. BEST/PTO assists us with this effort and we also appreciate donations from families. Donations need to be store bought snacks, that are individually wrapped, nut-free, and be able to be stored without refrigeration. Please drop off any donations in the main office. Thank you.

Dear Lane Families:

At Lane, we have an annual November tradition of displaying the names of active duty service members and veterans on our main hallway bulletin board. It is always a meaningful display that allows our students to pause and recognize those who have served or are currently serving our country. If you would like to contribute a name to this display, please fill out the provided form.

On a personal note, I participate in this tradition by posting the names of my uncle and grandfather, both of whom have passed away, as well as my nephew, who is currently an officer in the Marines. Though my uncle and grandfather are no longer with us, I often imagine how proud they would feel knowing that elementary school students are pausing to read their names.

I hope you will join us in honoring the special people in your lives through this heartfelt tribute.

Sincerely,

Rob Ackerman

Principal

Dear Lane Families:

To honor the veterans in our families and community and to help our students understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who have served our country, Lane School will hold a Veterans Day assembly at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday November 10. We look forward to gathering as a school community to show our gratitude and respect for all who have served.

We extend a warm invitation to all Lane students' family members who have served or are presently serving in the armed forces to join our special Veterans Day assembly. This is an opportunity for them to be acknowledged and honored for their service and sacrifices. Please let us know if a guest can come. The more guests, the better.

Please contact Becky Ricci or Rob Ackerman for more information and to RSVP for guests by Wednesday, November 4th . Thank you!

Rob Ackerman

Principal

At Lane we enjoy sending out photos to Lane families so they can get a sense for what goes on at our school. If you do not wish for your child to be photographed and featured on any online platforms (e.g. website, school Instagram account, principal emails, class newsletters), please contact Rebecca_Ricci@Bedfordps.org. Please keep in mind that photo consent operates on an all-or-nothing basis across all school platforms. We are unable to accommodate partial opt-outs, such as allowing photos in class newsletters while excluding website.

Rob Ackerman

Principal

Dear Bedford Families,

In preparation for our first conference window, we want to share an overview of the district's universal assessments. At your fall conference, teachers will discuss literacy and math assessment data along with how your student is adjusting to the new school year.

Early Literacy Screening Guidelines:

Effective July 1, 2023, all Massachusetts schools are required to conduct literacy screenings a minimum of twice per year for all students in Kindergarten through at least third grade. In compliance with the Massachusetts guidelines, the Bedford Public Schools assesses each student's reading ability and progress in literacy skills, from Kindergarten through grade 5, using DIBELS 8th Edition. This screener is a developmentally appropriate screening instrument, approved by the Department of Education.

Bedford Early Literacy Screeners:

DIBELS 8th Edition (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a short screener made up of subtests that assess phonemic awareness, phonics, and oral reading fluency skills, depending on the grade administered. The DIBELS 8th Edition is given to all students K-5 in a 1:1 setting a minimum of 3 times per year.

Additional Screeners:

In addition to DIBELS, the Bedford Public Schools administers the Renaissance STAR assessment (grades 1-10) in reading and math three times per year. The Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education also approves this assessment. By using this assessment tool in grades 1-10, we can track student progress throughout their learning career.

Our Next Steps After Assessments:

Following each assessment period, all K-5 teachers engage in data meetings. At this time, both reading and math screening data are reviewed. Teachers determine instructional moves that will meet student needs, including differentiated instruction or supplementary, evidence-based instruction, and progress monitoring. Using identifying criteria, the next steps may include working with a reading specialist or a Title I math teacher, both general education services. If your child meets the criteria for intervention, you will be notified by your classroom teacher.

The goal of the Bedford Public Schools is that all of our students see themselves as lifelong learners and we are grateful for your continued support and partnership. Please reach out to Andrea or Annie with any questions regarding the screening assessments.

Annie Pumphrey , K-5 Math Curriculum Coordinator

anne_pumphrey@bedfordps.org

Andrea Salipante, K-5 ELA Curriculum Coordinator

andrea_salipante@bedfordps.org

Stay Ahead of Head Lice

Once a Week: Check & Comb

Head lice are common among young children and can occur any time of year. They spread mainly through close head-to-head contact during everyday activities such as school, playdates, sports, camps, and sleepovers.

We encourage families to make a weekly head check part of their routine. Keep a fine-toothed lice/nit comb at home and use it to carefully comb through your child’s hair. Regular combing is one of the best ways to find lice early.

If lice or nits are found, prompt treatment and careful combing and nit removal can help prevent them from spreading.

For more information about how to check for lice, what to look for, and what to do if you find lice, please visit our Head Lice Information & Resources page. For additional guidance, we also recommend the comprehensive Let’s Learn about Lice website.

Minted Partnership: Save 20% and Support BEST PTO

We’re excited to share that BEST PTO has partnered with Minted cards this season! Families receive 20% off all Minted cards and gifts using our code FUNDRAISEBESTPTO, and Minted will give 10% back to our PTO for every order placed with it.

This discount works for any occasion — holiday cards, birthday invitations, thank‑you notes, announcements, and more — and the offer is ongoing throughout the year, so you can use it whenever you’re ready.

Feel free to share the code with family and friends. It’s a great way to save on beautiful cards while giving back to our school community!

Attention 3rd and 4th grade families

Due to the number of families who reached out saying they had not yet had a chance to submit payment, we have extended the payment deadline for Lane Spirit Shirts.

Each classroom has been assigned a specific color, and these shirts help teachers and staff easily identify students during field trips, outdoor events, and school‑wide activities. They’re a simple, effective way to keep kids safe and ensure everyone stays together.

Note: No size selection needed! Teachers have already submitted sizes, so the Zeffy link will only ask for your child’s class and payment.

Since the order has already been submitted to the company, we cannot accept any additional shirt orders at this time.

Click to make your payment.

Volunteer Interest Survey

We're planning for volunteer opportunities throughout the school year, and we'd love to hear from you!

Please take a few minutes to complete our Volunteer Interest Survey and let us know which opportunities interest you. Some volunteer sign-ups are available now, while others will be shared through the BEST newsletter as event dates approach.

We're also looking for lead volunteers for select activities. If you're interested in taking on a leadership role, please be sure to include your name and email address in the survey.

The survey will remain open through November 16th.

Click here to complete the survey.

Stay Connected with BEST PTO (Bedford Elementary Schools Together PTO)

Whether you're a new family joining the school or a seasoned one who’s been with us for years, staying connected with BEST PTO is the easiest way to keep up with everything happening in our community.

Creating your free Membership Toolkit account takes just a minute. Once you’re in, you’ll have quick access to PTO newsletters, event sign‑ups, volunteer opportunities, school calendars, and important updates throughout the year. It’s also the best way to stay in the loop about school traditions, community events, and ways to get involved. For quick reminders, photos, and announcements, don’t forget to follow BEST PTO on social media!

Follow the steps below:

Click here to create your free account on Membership Toolkit (MTK)

After opening the link:

1. Click "Login” to create an account

2. Once logged in, go to Home Page and Click on the newsletter image

3. Choose your Newsletters and save your preferences

Connect with us on Facebook: BEST PTO (Bedford Elementary Schools Together)

Connect with us on Instagram: @best.pto.bedford

Questions? Email us at best.pto.bedford@gmail.com

Bedford Dollars for Scholars’ 2026 Fall Appeal is underway. Donations may be made through the following link or by scanning the QR code:

Donate Now | CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars

BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
Bedford’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) brings parents and caregivers together to share experiences, find resources, and advise the district on special education. Dr. Marianne Vines will join quarterly meetings this year to share updates on special education initiatives, hear from families, and answer questions.

To make it easier for families to participate, SEPAC will hold two morning meetings and two evening meetings:

• Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. Join on Zoom
• Thursday, February 25, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. Join on Zoom
• Thursday, April 8, 2027, at 9:15 a.m. In person, Superintendent’s Conference Room

Caregivers Night Out

Red Heat Tavern, Bedford MA

Friday November 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Caregivers Coffee: Support/Resources Discussion

Bruegger's, Bedford MA

Tuesday, January 12, 2026 at 9:15 a.m.

To connect with SEPAC, email: bedfordmasepac@gmail.com

Web: bedfordmasepac.org

Facebook group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/

• All adults (over 18 years of age) that are volunteering and/or visiting the school for programming must have a valid CORI, SORI, and signed confidentiality agreement on file before volunteering/visiting.
• Starting 9/20/24, the district adopted a 3-year expiration for the CORI/SORI. If your last CORI/SORI was processed on 9/20/24 or after, it is valid for 3 years. If you submitted your most recent CORI/SORI before that date, you will need to fill out new forms, and they will be valid for 3 years. You may call the Lane Office or email us to check if you have a valid CORI/SORI on file.
• We strongly suggest that anyone interested in volunteering at any time during the school year, complete this process in September.

To be in full compliance with our HR Department and the State, all CORI/SORI forms MUST BE SUBMITTED in person, with a valid picture ID, ONLY by the person whose name appears on the form. Forms will not be accepted via kid mail, email, or spouse, etc.

Please plan ahead and allow at least 1 week for processing, so that you don’t get stuck and are prohibited from volunteering.

Forms are applicable for all 4 schools in the district, so you only need to fill out forms at one school (i.e. if you fill out forms at Davis, you do not need to fill out forms at Lane).

For the 2026–2027 school year, BPS is introducing a single, unified Student & Family District Handbook. The new handbook replaces four separate school handbooks totaling more than 400 pages with one consistent resource while preserving important school-specific information. Key changes include:

• A consistent, developmentally appropriate PK–12 Code of Conduct that uses a shared framework and emphasizes restorative responses.

• Updated guidance for the responsible use of school-issued technology.

• A new districtwide safety rule requiring students to dismount and walk e-bikes, electric scooters, and similar motorized devices while on school property.

• An updated Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan and incorporation of the district’s Bias Incident Response Protocol.

We encourage families to review the handbook and discuss the sections most relevant to their children.