The Bedford Buccaneer

Previous Issue of the Bedford Buccaneer

Seniors: See Class of 2026 section below for important dates

• Tuesday, April 14: School Committee Meeting
• Friday, April 17: Military Connect Breakfast
• Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24: Spring Break - School Closed
• Monday, April 27: Parent Focus Group - Skills Center/AAC Program
• Tuesday, April 28: Poetry Slam
• Thursday, April 30: Playwrights Festival
• Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3: K-12 Art Show
• Tuesday, May 5: School Committee Meeting
• Thursday, May 7: Chorus Concert
• Tuesday, May 12: Band/Orchestra Concert
• Tuesday, May 19 & Wednesday, May 20: Math MCAS (delayed start for grades 9, 11, & 12)
• Thursday, May 21: Junior Prom
• Friday, May 22: Last Day of Classes for Seniors
• Monday, May 25: Memorial Day - No School
• Tuesday, May 26 - Friday, May 29: Senior Finals
• Tuesday, May 26: Awards Ceremony - Dollars for Scholars
• Thursday, May 28: Senior Prom & Prom Stroll
• Tuesday, June 2 & Wednesday, June 3: Science MCAS (regular start)
• Thursday, June 4: Graduation & All Night Graduation Party
• Monday, June 8: AP Welcome Session for 2026-27 SY; Underclassmen Awards Ceremony
• Tuesday, June 9: School Committee Meeting
• Friday, June 12: Last Day of Classes (grades 9-11)
• Monday, June 15 - Monday, June 22: Final Exams (see schedule below)
• Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth - No School
• Monday, June 22: Last Day of School /End Term 4

The Lunch Menu can be found here.

The full Bedford High School calendar can be found here.

The Bedford Public School District calendar can be found here.

Monday, April 27 | 7:00 pm | LGI | RSVP Here

The district will be hosting a parent focus group for the Skills Center/AAC program to gather feedback from families. This is an opportunity to share your perspectives as the district works to maintain what is working well while thoughtfully evaluating how to best staff the program to maximize benefits for students.

We are seeking monetary donations to help the Class of 2026 cover the cost of caps and gowns for their graduation.

As graduation quickly approaches, we are preparing to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the Class of 2026. One of the most meaningful moments of this milestone is seeing each student walk across the stage in their cap and gown.

The Class of 2026 is busy raising money to cover the cost of caps and gowns for the entire senior class as well as the cost of their Senior Prom. The BHSPA would like to help the senior class reach their goals and make their graduation memorable.

The cost of a cap and gown is $26 per student. We invite you to consider sponsoring your senior at this level to help cover their cap and gown. Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated, but timely support is critical. Please consider making your donation by April 26 so we can meet our deadline and reduce the financial burden of these senior year traditions.

Thank you for your continued support of our seniors and for helping make their graduation experience truly special.

If you would like to donate, please do so by:

• Venmo: @BedfordHighSchool-ParentsAssoc
• Credit card: https://www.bedfordpco.org/packet/1512
• Check: Make check payable to BHSPA and drop off at BHS front office or mail to Bedford High School, 9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730

If you have any questions, please email the BHSPA at BHSBucsparents@gmail.com.

Thank you for being such a vital part of our school community and for supporting our students during this exciting time.

Graduation signs and banners can be ordered through April 24 at: https://jostens.typeform.com/BHS26signs

Proceeds from the sale will be donated back to BHS.

May 1 | 6 pm - 9 pm

May 2 | 10 am - 2 pm

May 3 | 11 am - 2 pm

This announcement contains important information regarding the upcoming Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. We understand the hard work and dedication our students have put forth this year, and we want to ensure a smooth and successful testing experience for everyone.

Testing Expectations

Please be aware that all students taking AP Exams are bound by the College Board's AP Exam Terms and Conditions. These terms outline the rules and regulations for taking the exams, including policies on conduct, prohibited items, and exam security. We strongly encourage both students and families to review these terms, which can be found on the College Board website. Familiarity with these guidelines is essential for all test-takers. Teachers have been encouraged to review these terms and conditions within their classrooms as well.

Exam Schedules and Room Assignments

Upon our return from April break, each student registered for AP Exams will receive a personalized exam schedule via email from TotalRegistration. This individual schedule will detail the specific date, time, and location for each of your registered AP Exams. Please check your email carefully upon our return to ensure you have all the necessary information.

For students who have been approved for testing accommodations by the College Board, please be assured that you have been assigned to testing rooms that align with your approved accommodations.

Attendance

Students will be marked as ‘Absent–Field Trip’ during their exam period only. Students are still expected to attend their classes outside of their assigned exam times and are responsible for missing work. Should a student choose to not attend school beyond their exam time, a parent or caregiver must report the student’s absence to the Main Office (absence is still not excused). Students who have elected to self study with an outside school district must also have their absences reported to the Main Office (absence is not excused).

Please note that students are not able to leave their exam room before being dismissed at the scheduled time. Per College Board exam policy, students who leave their exams prior to being dismissed may have their scores cancelled. Students should inform their coaches, employers or other activity advisors of their exam schedules in advance and plan accordingly.

We understand that AP Exams are a significant undertaking, and we are here to support our students throughout this process. If you have any general questions regarding the AP Exams, please do not hesitate to contact the AP Coordinator directly at samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org.

We wish all of our students the best of luck in their upcoming AP Exams!

All Night Graduation is a safe and substance-free evening on the night of graduation where our graduates can celebrate, reminisce, and enjoy their last hours together as a class. During this event, the new graduates will enjoy lots of delicious food from local businesses, incredible performers, hilarious games, fun activities, and exciting prizes. Each year over 90% of graduating seniors attend the party! For 36 years this truly special event has been made possible by 150+ volunteers as well as the financial and in-kind support from the entire Bedford community: families, organizations and businesses alike. To learn more about the All Night Graduation Party, please see this 2025 article from the Bedford Citizen.

For the 37th All Night Graduation Celebration, we are seeking financial contributions and donations so that we can bring this joyous and memorable event to a truly deserving class. As a parent/guardian of a BHS student, your financial support is essential since we are funded entirely through contributions and receive no financial support from the school budget. The estimated cost of this year’s All Night Event is $25,000. We are proud to say that no graduating senior is ever denied access to the All Night Grad Party based on financial need.

Financial contributions can be made via Venmo, PayPal, or by check. Please visit our website at https://www.bedfordpco.org/ang for more information about making a personal donation. Do you own a business that might like to sponsor All Night Grad? Please read our letter for details!

• PayPal - http://tinyurl.com/BedfordANG

• Venmo - www.venmo.com/BHS-AllNightGrad (@BHS-AllNightGrad)

• Checks - Checks can be made out to BHS All Night Graduation and mailed to: BHS All Night Graduation Committee, P.O. Box 175, Bedford, MA 01730

As we get closer to May, we will reach out with information about ticket sales, and we will be seeking other types of support for the party, both in terms of gathering food and prizes as well as the many volunteer opportunities. Please watch out for those communications.

Thank you for your contribution to make this special evening possible for the Class of 2026!

Save the dates for the following fundraisers, benefitting the Class of 2027:

• 4/13 & 4/27 - Not Your Average Joe's, Bedford - Proceeds will directly support the class of 2027. Make sure to print out and bring the flyer below.
• 4/25, 10 am - 2 pm - Car Wash - Anyone interested in volunteering to help or interested in getting their car washed, SAVE THE DATE.

Tuesday, April 28th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Library

All are welcome to attend! The night will be hosted by Jamele Adams and will be split into a few poetry activities, an open mic section, and then a competition. Please use this link to express interest in any of these activities/if you plan to attend.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 6:00 pm - Burlington Marriott

Tickets will go on sale in May. Students must complete the Handbook Acknowledgement before purchasing tickets. All prom guest forms must be turned into the office for approval by May 14.

Monday, April 13

Baseball (V/JV) vs. Newton South

Softball, girls (V/JV) @ Newton South

Tennis, boys (V) vs. Newton South

Tennis, girls (V) @ Newton South

Tuesday, April 14

Baseball (V/JV) vs. Lowell Catholic

Lacrosse, girls (V/JV) vs. Lincoln-Sudbury

Tennis, boys (V) vs. Gloucester

Wednesday, April 15

Baseball (V/JV) @ Lincoln-Sudbury

Flag Football (V) vs. Greater Lawrence Tech.

Softball (V/JV) vs. Lincoln-Sudbury

Track & Field vs. Boston Latin

Tennis, boys (V) @ Lincoln-Sudbury

Tennis, girls (V) vs. Lincoln-Sudbury

Thursday, April 16

Lacrosse, boys (V) vs. Wayland

Lacrosse, girls (V/JV) @ Wayland

Ultimate Frisbee, coed (V)

Friday, April 17

Baseball (V) vs. Burlington

The Athletic Department schedules can be found here.

Wednesday, May 20

Friday, May 22, 2026

Tuesday, May 26 - Friday, May 29

Tuesday, May 26

Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 4:15 pm - Stroll | 6:00 pm - Gibbet Hill

Tickets will go on sale in May. Students must complete the Handbook Acknowledgement before purchasing tickets. All prom guest forms must be turned into the office for approval by May 21.

Rehearsal: Monday, June 1

Graduation: Thursday, June 4 | Tsongas Center, Lowell

All Night Graduation Party: Thursday, June 4 - Friday, June 5

To see scholarships in Naviance, select: Colleges > Scholarships & Money > Scholarship Search

You can also check out other scholarships listed under College-Specific Scholarships and National Scholarships

Students are welcome to the BHS Counseling Office with a pass from their teacher, a pass from their counselor, or a digital/email pass for a counseling appointment.

Without a pass, Counseling is not open for students in Independent Directed Study or in classes with substitute coverage.

Counseling remains open, on a first-come, first-served basis, every Flex Block (16 spaces) and every Lunch (12 spaces)!

To book a meeting with your counselor, use the link below:

• Mr. DeChellis - booking link
• Ms. Halupowski - booking link
• Ms. Richards - booking link
• Ms. Say - booking link
• Ms. Thyne - booking link

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

After what seemed like a very long winter, spring is finally here and along with that, spring allergy season. I wanted to remind you to be proactive about your children's allergies. Please 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, anyone with seasonal allergies can feel pretty miserable and allergy symptoms can have a significant impact on learning. Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Thank you.

- Annmarie

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, without fever-reducing medication.
• Positive throat culture for strep. Students may return 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has begun.
• Any moderate to severe symptoms of acute illness, such as a persistent cough, runny nose with body aches.

Hand washing is the most effective means of preventing the spread of communicable illnesses.

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, and is not exempt.

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 x4416, or email 📧bhsnurse@bedfordps.org

Middlesex Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL)—a national organization dedicated to service, leadership, and meaningful connection between mothers and their high school–aged sons! Through shared volunteer work and leadership opportunities, YMSL fosters growth, responsibility, and lasting community impact. We will be hosting an upcoming prospective member gathering in early May and would love to connect with those interested in learning more. For meeting details, please reach out to middlesexYMSL@gmail.com

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Let’s celebrate the movement that has opened doors

and transformed lives for 60 years!

Friday, May 1, 2026

Artists for Humanity Epicenter, 100 W 2nd St., Boston, MA 02127

The METCO Opportunity Ball is more than a gala, it is a powerful gathering of champions who believe in educational equity, student achievement, and the transformative impact of opportunity. This year’s event is designed to raise critical funds that support METCO’s programs, ensuring that thousands of students continue to access high‑quality, integrated educational experiences that open doors, expand horizons, and strengthen communities across Massachusetts.

Proceeds from your ticket purchase expand academic, socio‑emotional, community, connectivity, and alumni initiatives.