The Bedford Buccaneer
August 26, 2024
Weekly Newsletter: Thursday, January 2, 2025
Save the Dates
- Tuesday, January 7: All Night Grad Party Planning Meeting
- Wednesday, January 8: National Honor Society Induction
- Wednesday, January 15: Scholars Breakfast
- Monday, January 20: No School, MLK Jr. Day
- Tuesday, January 21: Author Visit, Janet Singer Applefield
- January 23: Post-Secondary Planning Presentation
Announcements
Library Changes...
The Library Will No Longer Be Open For Lunch
Our librarian, Ms. Connelly, uses the library for teaching, and we have an increase in the number of classes using the library as a learning space. We're mindful that this change may impact some students who eat lunch in the library. We want to be sure that all students have a safe place to eat where they feel comfortable. Please talk with your counselor if you have questions or concerns.
New Process for Library Passes During Classes Covered by Substitutes
A limited number of students will be able to go to the Library during a class that is being covered by a substitute. Information was sent in earlier communications.
JGMS/BHS Bus Consolidations
Effective Monday, January 6, 2025
This change impacts riders on JGMS/BHS Buses - #14 (all routes moved) and Bus #5 (Hemlock Ln and Hilltop Road stop only) and has a limited impact on JGMS/BHS Bus #2, #3 #5 and Bus #15. In the afternoon, this will also impact Bus #50 going to Lowell.
As of January 6, 2025, the JGMS/BHS Bus #14 routes are being consolidated on other buses that have excess capacity. This is a mid-year change, so an additional targeted special notice to families living on specific streets will be sent in order to ensure a smooth transition. All riders on Bus #14 (consolidated) and Bus #5 (one stop moved to Bus #3) will receive a special targeted email with more specific information about the new bus your stop is being moved to. Riders who may be minimally impacted on Bus #2, #3, #5 will also receive an additional email. The two buses in the afternoon going to Lowell will be consolidated into one bus and impacted families will receive a special targeted email with more specific information. Please note that this change is separate from any consideration of fees by the School Committee.
The modified bus routes are posted on the Bedford Public Schools Transportation Web Page, as well as a chart that shows consolidated information about the changes. Thank you very much for your attention. If you have any questions, please email BPS TRANSPORTATION.
All Night Grad Celebration: 1st Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 7 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm | BHS Library
Please join us in the planning fun! All are welcome to attend! The committee meets monthly from January through June, culminating in the best event of the year for our graduating seniors!
Email Dawn Kociubes and Leah Walton at bedfordang@gmail.com with any questions and/or to get on the mailing list for future meetings.
National Merit Awards / Scholars Breakfast
Help Needed for Career Pathways Program
The BHS Counseling department is looking to support BHS students as they explore future career options by building connections between students & professionals in our community. Students become motivated & self-directed when they discover a potential career field of interest. Hands-on exposure and/or hearing from an expert in the field allows students to make informed post high school plans.
Would you be willing to introduce your field to high school students that are exploring potential careers & are interested in learning more about your profession or industry?
We are currently considering four avenues of participation & we would welcome you to join any or all of these options:
- EXCHANGE & SHARE - Would you be willing to have one on one conversations with a high school student who has interests that lie within your career path?
- CAREER SPEAKER SERIES - Would you consider coming into BHS for a small group presentation, introducing your career &/or exploring how specialized classes connect to real world opportunities?
- JOB SHADOW - Could you offer a student the opportunity to shadow you for a ½ day to give them a sense of what it’s really like to work in your industry?
- INTERNSHIP - For our Seniors, would you consider offering an internship to a student who has demonstrated interest in your particular field?
If you are interested in participating on any level, please complete this GOOGLE form or contact Brian DeChellis at 781 275-1700 ext. 4414 or brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org
Student Activities
Author Visit: Janet Singer Applefield - Becoming Janet Finding Myself in the Holocaust
Tuesday, January 21 | Flex | Library
Holocaust survivor, Janet Singer Applefield will be discussing her memoir Becoming Janet Finding Myself in the Holocaust. Copies of the book are available in the Library. All students and staff are invited to attend.
Please sign up if you will be attending.
Student Fundraisers
Veterans Candy Drive for Never Ending Poppies
December 16 - January 17
Collection boxes: main lobby, AFJROTC room, & art office
Athletics This Week & During Break
Thursday, January 2
Gymnastics (V) @ Reading
Hockey, boys (JV) @ Shawsheen
Friday, January 3
Alpine Skiing: Varsity Omega Giant Slalom @ Nashoba Valley
Basketball, boys (V/JV/F) vs. Lincoln-Sudbury
Basketball, girls (V/JV) @ Lincoln-Sudbury
Saturday, January 4
Ice Hockey, boys (V) @ Scituate
Ice Hockey, girls (V) @ Waltham
Wrestling: Varsity Invitational @ Burlington
American History & Civics Contests
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is running two American history and civics contests. To learn more, you can visit the contest pages.
Reminders From The School Nurse
SBIRT Screening for 9th Graders
Starting on January 21, 2025, the school nurse and school counselors will begin the health screening called SBIRT. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment. It is used to screen for alcohol, nicotine, tobacco and other drug use. This health screening is required by Massachusetts law. If you choose to opt your child out of the SBIRT screening, please email the high school nurse at Annmarie_vaughan@bedfordps.org
Details were sent to caregivers on 1/2/25.
Guidelines for When a Student is Sick
Please keep your your student home from school if any one of the following occurs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
- Temperature of 100 degrees F or higher within the last 24 hrs., without fever medication.
- Positive throat culture for strep. Students may return 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has begun.
- Any symptoms of acute illness, such as persistent cough, runny nose with body aches.
Detailed information regarding Covid/Respiratory illnesses: Respiratory Illness Protocol
REMEMBER: Hand washing is the most effective means of preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Please report all communicable illnesses to the absent line or contact the health office directly. Thank you.
Counseling Corner
Schedule an Appointment with Your Counselor
- Mr. Alperin - https://calendar.app.google/DbXNaJezL8XK5tFdA
- Mr. DeChellis - https://calendar.app.google/MR9y23GmsDLtuNsUA
- Ms. Halupowski - https://calendar.app.google/GdG73jhYESNRPF1H6
- Ms. Richards - https://calendar.app.google/67rsBvNX89yPasDA8
- Ms. Say - https://calendar.app.google/BRv278Es6gwUufZ18
- Ms. Thyne - https://calendar.app.google/NEJfauASCKyS6ZDF9
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 9-1-1.
If you are seeking counseling support for your child, please reach out to one of these resources:
- Your child’s pediatrician to ask for a counseling referral
- Bedford Youth and Family Services at 781-918-4328
- Eliot Community Human Services at 978-369-1113
Bedford Youth & Family Services
Check out the services available to BPS students and their families.Student Forms
Please check the list below and ensure you've completed any online forms and submitted any paper forms. Contact information for each form is provided if you have questions.
- Allergy Action Plan - complete online (parent/guardian)
- App Consent for MobileServe - print, complete, & drop in main office (parent/guardian)
- Emergency Form - print, complete, & drop in main office (parent/guardian)
- Locker Request Form - complete online (student)
- Medication Release - complete online (parent/guardian)
- Parent Handbook Acknowledgement Form - complete online (parent/guardian)
- Senior Flex Sign In - complete online (student)
- Sports Registration - complete through FinalForms (parent/guardian)
- Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form - complete online (student)
- Student Parking Permit Application - complete online (student)
- Work Permit - complete, print, & bring to main office (student & parent/guardian)
Other Notifications
Student Discount: Energy Plus
Energy plus is offering a student discount on Wednesdays for BHS students. Just show your student ID at checkout.
School Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:45 am - 2:24 pm (bus loop closed to traffic @ 1:45 pm)
Wednesday 7:45 am - 12:55 pm (bus loop closed to traffic @ 12:00 pm)
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561