Welcome Back from February Break!
We hope all our METCO students were able to unwind and relax during the February break and are feeling refreshed as they gear up for the remainder of the school year. We’re excited to see them back in their respective schools, learning, socializing, and growing!
A quick reminder: tomorrow evening, from 6-8 PM, we’ll be celebrating Black History Month at the Bedford High School, 9 Mudge Way. We encourage all families to join us for this special celebration filled with history, culture, and delicious food. Plates will be sold for $20, and we will be accepting Venmo, Cashapp, and cash. We hope to see you there!
As we say goodbye to winter, and winter sports we want to let you know that we’ll be limiting our late buses to Tuesdays and Thursdays only until the start of the Spring Sports season. We kindly ask that parents continue to inform us if their middle school scholar will be staying after school.
As always, we have the late bus schedule attached to this newsletter and we ask that you continue to read up on this as we will be sending out important information and correspondence this way.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the office or to the Coordinators of your scholar’s school. We look forward to a strong finish to the school year!
Sincerely,
Bedford METCO Program
Teen Ambassador Program (TAP) 2025
METCO HQ's Teen Ambassadors Program (TAP) is a youth organizing and engagement program designed to create an affinity space for METCO high school students from our 33 districts.
Students will build leadership skills, while working on meaningful projects like community service, new student enrollment support, event planning, spokesmanship and racial equity advocacy.
Complete the interest form and join our **mandatory** virtual information session on Thursday, February 6th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to learn more about this fantastic opportunity.
Still fill out the Interest Form if interested
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Nia Simpson, Community Organizer & Engagement Coordinator, at nsimpson@metcoinc.org
Everyone250 Launch
Event Invitation:
Everyone250 is a call to action and a celebration of justice, anti-racism, and belonging. Together, we will embark on a journey to ensure that Boston’s story—and America’s legacy—reflect all its people's diversity, resilience, and creativity.
The launch event will feature:
- Inspiring Speakers sharing their vision for Everyone250
- A Live Screening of the Everyone250 Story Video
- Opportunities to Connect with partners, artists, and community leaders
Event details: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM at 40 Water Street, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02109.
RSVP ASAP using this link here: E250 Registration
METCO University
METCO University offers free extended education opportunities to the whole METCO community! This winter, choose from a variety of courses about being online safely and responsibly, presented by Tyler-Lee, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator.
Winter 2025 Classes
NOTE: Class dates have been adjusted from the previous email based on feedback.
Introduction to the Digital World
February 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about the evolution of the internet and social media, common platforms, and how they have transformed over time. How are children interacting with these platforms and what are ways you can monitor them? What is a digital footprint and how does it affect your child?
Identify the Dangers and Risks
March 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about pervasive internet risks; scams, phishing, and identify theft; cyberbullying and what that looks like when a child is faced with it.
The Tools, Strategies, and Solutions for Staying Safe Online
April 17, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about setting parental controls while maintaining healthy boundaries with your child. Pick up meaningful ways in which you can teach digital safety and responsibility at home.
Building a Healthy Digital Environment at Home
May 15, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn how to ensure your child is maintaining healthy digital habits at home, with friends, and in school. Fostering healthy and open communication at home is also explained during this session.
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Tyler-Lee St. Leger, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator, at tstleger@metcoinc.org
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- March 8: BEST PTO Winter Social for Davis @ BHS 4:00-5:30pm
- March 13: STEAM Night (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) PreK-2 Families
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- March 5: Zoom meeting at 6:00pm for Grade 5 Parents - Grade 5 Health Curriculum (see Lane's newsletter for all details
- March 7: Grade 3 Movie Day
- March 8: BEST PTO Winter Social for Lane @ BHS 6:00-7:30pm
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- March 18: Strings Vertical Concert (Grade 4 & 5 Strings) 7:00pm BHS or JGMS (TBD)
- March 19: Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-7:00pm
- March 20: Band Vertical Concert (Grade 5 Band) 7:00pm BHS or JGMS (TBD)
- March 21: Grade 4 Movie Day
- March 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-4:00pm
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- March 4: Future First Years Night - BHS Class of 2029 6:30-8:00pm @ BHS Auditorium
- March 13: JGMS March Social
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- March 18: Strings Vertical Concert
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- May 10: Middle School Tenacity Challenge @ BHS
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- February 26: Prom Pop Up Shop during Flex Back Cafe
- February 26: Bystander or Upstander Speaker 7:00-8:30pm @ BHS Auditorium
- March 4: Future First Years Night - BHS Class of 2029 6:30-8:00pm @ BHS Auditorium
- March 12: through Sunday, March 15: Mean Girls Musical
- March 12: College Fair at Reading High School 6:30-8:30pm
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- March 18: Strings Vertical Concert
- March 20: Band Vertical Concert
- March 22: High School Tenacity Challenge
- March 25 & March 26: Grade 10 ELA MCAS
- April 12: Women of Science Competition @ JGMS
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- May 5: New England College Fair (IEPs & 504s) 6:00-8:00pm @ BHS
- May 20 & May 21: Grade 10 Math MCAS
- May 23: Senior Class Field Trip - Whale Watch 8:00am
- May 29: Senior Prom 5:30pm held at Danvers Yacht Club, meeting at BHS
- June 3: Graduation Rehearsal 8:00am @ BHS
- June 4 & June 5: Grade 9 Physics MCAS
- June 5: Graduation 6:00pm @ Tsongas Center in Lowell, student arrival time will be determined and is before Graduation time.
- June 5: All Night Graduation Party 10:30pm @ BHS
- June 12 - June 18: Final Exams
BEST PTO Winter Social
Saturday, March 8th | BHS Cafeteria
Davis School Students | 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Lane School Students | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Get ready for the Bedford Beach Party! This is our annual winter Davis/Lane family social. Tickets will go on sale February 3rd and a link to purchase tickets will be made public on that date. For any questions, please reach out to julies31@gmail.com.
BEST PTO Color Run
Saturday, May 3rd | 4:00PM | JGMS Fields
Early Bird Registration | $15 | Through January 31st
Regular Registration | $20
Join BEST PTO for a fun, family-friendly event full of vibrant color, community, and energy! This year’s Color Run will be more affordable than ever to ensure more families can join the fun! While we’ve simplified some offerings, our goal remains the same: to bring joy to our community and raise funds for our schools. Register here: https://runsignup.com/bestptocolorrun2025
METCO Office: 781-275-1700 x4435
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 Board
pdcbedford@gmail.com
President - Kelly Korenak
Vice President - Stacy Chandler
Treasurer - Allison C. John
Secretary - Anne Caron
Davis Chair - OPEN
Lane Chair - Roopa Bhusnurmath
JGMS Chair - OPEN
BHS Chair - Heather Leavell, seeking co-chair from Hanscom or METCO
Fundraising Chair - Mark Mullins
- Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - February 11, 2025
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of February 10, 2025
- John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #24 - 2/24/2025
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - February 24, 2025
- Assistant Superintendent's Update - February 2025
- Superintendent Update - February 14, 2025
METCO HQ & Boston University Future Leaders Program (High School Students)
The program will meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 7th to February 27th 2025 at METCO HQ (11 Roxbury St., Roxbury, MA 02119)
- Students will be paid $15 an hour for their time in the program, and will be paid to complete surveys and interviews
- Total compensation can be up to $599
- Students will learn about Civic Engagement & Mindfulness or College & Career Readiness.
- This internship is a part of a research study conducted by Boston University faculty that will require students to provide feedback via surveys and interviews.
Complete Interest Form to Learn More
Apply HERE
View Flyer HERE
In-person sessions take place at METCO HQ:
11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 02119For more information, contact Karli Janssen at kjanssen@metcoinc.org
FREE SAT Prep for Juniors!
METCO juniors: sign up for this six-week SAT course to prepare for your spring test date!
Program Schedule
Saturday, January 18th to March 5th (no classes on February 19th or 22nd due to Winter Break)
Classes are twice a week:
Wednesdays (virtual) from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
AND
Saturdays (in person):
10 am to 12 pm (with an optional hour of individual support following)
OR
1:30 to 3:30 pm (with an optional hour of individual support following)
Important dates:
- January 8th: Parent and Student Orientation (Virtual)
- January 18th: Start of Program
Official SAT target test date: Saturday April 8th 2025
All in-person sessions will be at METCO HQ (11 Roxbury St. Roxbury MA 02119)
For more information: contact Karli Jannsen, College and Career Coordinator, at kjanssen@metcoinc.org
Literacy Liberates: Bringing Literacy To The Light
Event Invitation:
What will be written in the history books about how we cared for our kids?
Presented in partnership with Concord-Carlisle Regional SEPAC and their co-sponsors, this event is part of the Transforming Childhood: Expertise, Innovation, and Community Engagement series.
Speakers:
- Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder & Executive Director of FULCRUM, an educator and community advocate with extensive experience leading schools and systems in district, juvenile justice, and managed-care settings.
- Milly Arbaje-Thomas, MSW, President & CEO, METCO
- Katherine Tarca, M.Ed., Director of Literacy & Humanities, MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
- Eavan Miles Mason, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist CEO, KidCenterEd
Event Details: March 6th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
CCHS Auditorium, 500 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
To register or for more information click here or contact concordsepac@gmail.com
METCO University
METCO University offers free extended education opportunities to the whole METCO community! This winter, choose from a variety of courses about being online safely and responsibly, presented by Tyler-Lee, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator.
Winter 2025 Classes
NOTE: Class dates have been adjusted from the previous email based on feedback.
Introduction to the Digital World
February 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about the evolution of the internet and social media, common platforms, and how they have transformed over time. How are children interacting with these platforms and what are ways you can monitor them? What is a digital footprint and how does it affect your child?
Identify the Dangers and Risks
March 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about pervasive internet risks; scams, phishing, and identify theft; cyberbullying and what that looks like when a child is faced with it.
The Tools, Strategies, and Solutions for Staying Safe Online
April 17, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about setting parental controls while maintaining healthy boundaries with your child. Pick up meaningful ways in which you can teach digital safety and responsibility at home.
Building a Healthy Digital Environment at Home
May 15, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn how to ensure your child is maintaining healthy digital habits at home, with friends, and in school. Fostering healthy and open communication at home is also explained during this session.
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Tyler-Lee St. Leger, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator, at tstleger@metcoinc.org
METCO HEADQUARTERS PROGRAMMING & RESOURCES
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.
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
Snowport
EVENT|Open from Nov 8-Feb 25 │ Seaport Blvd & Boston Wharf Rd
The Holiday Market at Snowport features over 120 businesses and 17 food and beverage options for the whole family to enjoy this winter season.
Learn More 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
Summer STEM Program Scholarship Opportunity from BBI and WPI
Through the generous Mark Thomas Memorial Fund established by one of our board members, BBI has partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to fund scholarships for their Frontier summer program. This residential two-week STEM program takes place on campus at WPI and is a fabulous opportunity for students with an interest in STEM who may have financial need.
Please review and share the attached flyer for more about this amazing program and the application process. When you share the information, please also be aware of the following criteria:
- Applicants should be rising 10th, 11th, 12th grade students in the summer of 2025.
- A high school transcript is required, and the application is considered incomplete without it.
- Students should be academically admissible to Frontiers (high achieving in math and science and have a demonstrated interest in STEM)
- Under Additional Information: “If you are applying through a college access program ....” students must choose Mark Thomas/BBI from the drop-down menu to indicate they are applying for this scholarship.
- Scholarship applicants must complete the Tuition Assistance portion of the application.
- The deadline to apply and be considered for the scholarship is March 15.
- WPI offers virtual information sessions every 2 weeks that students/families can register for, and there is an on-demand info session on our website. This can be found on the program's website here.
School Year Youth Job Applications Are Now Live!
The SuccessLink School Year Youth Job applications are now live! Boston youth and young adults ages 14 - 24 can apply for school year job opportunities on FutureBOS, the youth jobs catalog created to help young people find and secure jobs.
Click here to access futureBOS, the best place to go to find jobs that offer opportunities to grow, explore new experiences, and get paid.
Save the Date: Youth Jobs and Resource Fair!
The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Complex! Each year, the City of Boston partners with hundreds of city agencies and community-based organizations across all Boston neighborhoods to provide meaningful employment opportunities for thousands of the city’s youth. The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair equips Boston’s youth with unique job opportunities and essential workforce readiness skills. This free event offers young people the chance to connect directly with employers, access on-site application support, participate in free career development workshops, receive wrap-around youth services, and more!
Senior Deadlines
Cap & Gown Order Information
To order your cap and gown for graduation, click here.
Senior Class Field Trip: Whale Watch Friday, May 23rd 8:00am, meet at BHS
Senior Prom: Thursday, May 29th 5:30pm at Danversport Yacht Club, meet at BHS
Graduation Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 3rd 8:00am at BHS
Graduation: Thursday, June 5th 6:00pm at Tsongas Center in Lowell, student arrival will be earlier
All Night Graduation Party: Thursday, June 5th 10:30pm at BHS
2025 Eleanor W Morton Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Black Female Students (or those that identify as female) who are seniors in High School. Must demonstrate a high degree of scholarship, leadership, and community service. Applicants must have a 2.8 or higher-grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. The applicant must be a resident of and/or attend school in Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes or Nantucket Counties in Massachusetts and be a U.S. Citizen.
About the Scholarship:
The Norfolk-Plymouth County Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, will award two $2,500 scholarships.
Application Process:
Complete the online application https://bit.ly/3W5min1
For questions, contact: scholarship.npcaac@gmail.com