METCO Newsletter
Bedford METCO | October 2025 | Week 10/6
METCO Parents and Families,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to start by thanking our Davis and Lane families for your patience and understanding as we’ve worked through adjustments to the afternoon bus routes. We know how much time your children spend on the road each day, and we’ve been listening to your feedback. With Bedford Charter, we’ve re-designed the afternoon routes in hopes of easing traffic challenges and getting our students home in a smoother, more predictable way.
We’ll continue to keep an eye on how the changes are working, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if something feels off. Your voices help us make the system stronger for everyone.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Please remember that schools will be closed on October 13.
Day-to-day, each school (Davis, Lane, JGMS, and BHS) has its own clubs, events, and classroom happenings, so please also check your child’s school calendar for the latest updates.
A quick reminder that the PSAT will take place this Saturday here in Bedford.
Please make sure your student:
Arrives on time and well-rested
Brings pencils, a calculator, and a photo ID
Thank you, as always, for your partnership. The Bedford METCO connection is built on strong relationships, and your support helps us provide the best experience possible for every student.
As always, thank you for your continued support,
The METCO Team
Davis ~ Back to School Night
JGMS ~ Back to School Night
October 9: Back to School Night 6:00-8:30pm
COLLEGE VISITS THIS WEEK @ BHS
Monday, October 6
10:30 am - Endicott College
1:30 pm - Colby College
Tuesday, October 7
8:00 am - University of Connecticut
9:15am -Dickinson College
1:30 pm - Quinnipiac University
Wednesday, October 8
10:15am - Worcester Polytechnic University
12:15pm - Roger Williams University
Thursday, October 9
8:00 am - Emmanuel College
9:15am - Johnson & Wales University - Providence
- October 9: Back to School Night 6:00-6:45pm - Kindergarten (Students & Caregivers)
- October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
- October 16: School Picture Day
- October 23: PDC Multicultural Potluck Picnic @ Davis School
- October 30: Flu Clinic
- November 4: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 26: Early Release 12:05pm
- November 27 & 28: No School
- October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
- October 16: Student Flu Vaccine Clinic 9-11am (Registration needed)
- November 4: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 26: Early Release
- November 27 & 28: No School
- October 9: Back to School Night 6:00-8:30pm
- October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
- October 14: Picture Day
- October 17: Middle School Social 6:00-8:00pm
- October 22 - October 24: 6th Grade Nature's Classroom Trip
- November 4: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 5: Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:30pm
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 12: 8th Grade Shawsheen Field Trip
- November 19: Parent Teacher Conferences 2:15-4:15pm
- November 26: Early Release
- November 27 & 28: No School
- October 8: PSAT registration closes (10th & 11th graders only)
- October 10: Student Flu Clinic
- October 11: PSAT @ BHS (10th & 11th graders only)
- October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
- October 16: Assembly, Class of 2029
- October 27: School Picture Retakes
- November 4: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
- November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
- November 14: Homecoming Dance
- November 21 - November 22: Fall Play
- November 26: Community Day & Early Release
- November 27 & 28: No School
- December 4: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences
Multicultural Potluck
Davis families, you are invited to our first multicultural potluck!
Free! RSVP requested - see details below.Thursday, Oct. 23, 5-6:30 PM
Davis School
Davis families are invited to our very first Passport To Culture! The Davis School, Parents Diversity Council and BEST PTO are hosting this event to give families the opportunity to celebrate and learn from each other’s identities, culture and traditions.
Click here to RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/mmanzx9y
Multicultural Potluck 5:00-5:45 PM - Outdoor in front of Davis School - Try some dishes from around the world - this will not be a full dinner, just a tasting to celebrate different cultures. Sign up by October 15 if you want to bring a dish to share: https://tinyurl.com/mpb53pdb
Please bring a card identifying your dish with a list of all ingredients (for food allergies), and avoid dishes with peanuts and treenuts. All food and drink will be generously provided by families, and guests should enjoy at their own discretion.
Cultural Pavilion 5:30-6:15 PM – Cafeteria – Featuring booths to showcase families’ cultures, traditional dress, pictures, maps and other treasures. (Please, NO food at booths) Sign up by October 15 to host a booth: https://tinyurl.com/4k5sed9s
Evening Performance 6:15-6:30 PM – Cafeteria – a dance performance from Cultura Latina Dance Academy in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month will be the capstone to our evening.
This is not a drop-off event. Families should stay together and supervise their children as they "travel" together throughout the evening.
Questions? Email pdcbedford@gmail.com
JGMS Parent and Caregiver Social
Friday, Oct. 17, 6-8 PM @ Red Heat Tavern
While our kiddos are at the JGMS Fall Social, the Parents Diversity Council invites JGMS parents and caregivers from Boston and Bedford to have a social of our own and get to know each other better. From 6-8 PM at Red Heat Tavern in Bedford.
RSVP here:
https://evite.me/BHM7Bruq5N
Honor Indigenous Peoples Day - October 13, 2025
Greater Boston hosts a number of wonderful events to honor Indigenous Peoples Day - to learn about Indigenous cultures, honor their contribution to New England and the US, and acknowledge harms, both in the past and continuing today, against Indigenous people. Please consider attending one or more of these many events over the next month.
Events are organized chronologically; click links for more details.
Oct. 7, 5 PM - Red Hawk Singers and Dancers @ Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Oct. 11, 1-2:30 PM, Arlington, MA (see image)
Oct. 11, 10AM - 4PM, IPD Celebration @ Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Oct. 11, 12-4PM, Indigenous Peoples Day March, Boston
Oct. 13, 10AM - 12PM, IPD Family Celebration, Winchester, MA - Wright Locke Farm
Oct. 13, 11AM - 5PM - huge festival and celebration, Newton, MA
Oct. 13 - all day - free museum admission and IPD events at Boston museums:
Museum of Fine Arts
Institute of Contemporary Art - the ICA also has a new exhibit focusing on Indigenous art, so there are additional events throughout the next months
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
For a FULL list of events statewide, check the resource page from Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day.
Family Bowling Party
Back by popular demand! We are exploring dates - possible November/Dec or early spring - and will share how to sign up later in the fall. If you have a preference to party on a Saturday in late fall vs. early spring, let us know! And please feel free to share other ideas for social events - pdcbedford@gmail.com.
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
Parents Diversity Council Board
pdcbedford@gmail.com
President - Kelly Korenak
Vice President - OPEN
Treasurer - Allison C. John
Secretary - Anne Caron
Davis Chair - OPEN
Lane Chair - Roopa Bhusnurmath
JGMS Chair - Anne Caron
BHS Chair - Heather Leavell, seeking co-chair from Hanscom
Fundraising Chair - OPEN
METCO Representatives - Beatrice Claude, PeterAnn Williams
- Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - September 30, 2025
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of September 22, 2025
- John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #6 - 10/6/2025
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - October 6, 2025
- Superintendent Update - September 26, 2025
- Student Service Spotlight - September 2025
- Parents Diversity Council - October 2025 Newsletter
Back To School Nights
Thursday, October 9 - Back to School Night - Kindergarten and Preschool 6:00-6:45 (Students and caregiver)
Over the past couple of years we have tried to make our Back to School nights more informative and engaging. This year we are asking you to come with your children and let them be the leaders to show you the spaces in which they are settling in! Throughout the fall we will share more information about curriculum and what to expect this year. During the Back to School Night, classrooms will have more information for you to see and learn about. Later we will have a more in depth opportunity to hear about our Literacy program.
Back to School Night
October 9: Back to School Night 6:00-8:30pm
U.S. Senate Youth Program
Application Period Begins: September 5
Information Session: September 10 | 3:00 pm | Zoom (register here)
High school juniors and seniors actively serving in an elected or appointed leadership role are invited to apply for the 64th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program. The application will open on Friday, September 5. Those selected will represent Massachusetts at Washington Week, which will take place in Washington, D.C. from March 7-14, 2026. The two delegates chosen to represent the state at Washington Week will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. An information session about USSYP will be offered from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10. Please email any questions to Juin Liu.
Senior Class Deadlines
Senior Thanks
Members of the Class of 2026 can access directions and make submissions here. Please encourage your senior to submit theirs to us.
Deadline: October 4
Submit Your Baby Photo
Submit one baby picture using the same submission method as the senior portraits, enter "Baby" for the grade information, and spell the student's name as you would like it displayed with the picture.
Deadline: October 4
Senior Portrait:
Pictures must be 2.5 X 3 with a DPI of 300. Submit your photo to https://yearbookshare.com/. Please note for parents who have been through this before it is the same place that HJeShare.com was before) using the school code "Bedford". You MUST select “Upload a PORTRAIT” (do NOT select general photo). Your name will be printed how you spell it upon upload so be careful, please! You should use your full name that is used in Aspen (unless you already sent us notification of a name change).
Deadline: October 25
Senior Siblings:
You can also share a picture of your senior WITH their sibling(s) who ALSO attend BHS. If the sibling does not attend BHS, we do not submit the photo. (If you have a sibling at BHS & a graduate or younger one it is ok if they are in the photo). The picture should be current and not when they were young kids. Please submit the siblings' picture by going to https://yearbookshare.com/, using the school code "Bedford," enter "12" for the grade, enter the senior name first and then the sibling(s) (example: for the first name enter. "Lisa ‘26 & Bart ‘28" and then for the last name enter "Simpson"), then in the box that says “baby or siblings” type in “siblings”.
Deadline: October 25
Family Congratulatory Ads Or Business Ad:
Here is a link to the flyer regarding ads. This is optional. Should you choose to participate, go to YearbookOrderCenter.com and use the school code 13423. Scroll down and click "Start My Ad". This ad is the place where you can include elementary pictures of your graduate if you so choose. Some families include pictures of their graduate through the years. Some families also have a business and choose to do an ad on behalf of the company, which you are welcome to do too.
Deadline: October 25
Yearbook Orders
Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423 or call 1-866-287-3096.
Deadline: December 31
Directions:
-Go to YearbookOrderCenter.com
-use the school code 13423
-If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096
Building Bridges
Facilitator: Dominque Harrison, Director of Admissions, North Carolina A&T
Date: Thursday, October 2 @7pm
This session will walk students through the college application process, share tips on building a strong application, and provide guidance on scholarships and financial aid. Students will also gain insight into how HBCU's offer supportive communities that foster academic, social and personal growth.
Building Bridges
For Families:
Facilitator: Chelsea Holley, Director of Admissions, Spelman College
Date: Wednesday, October 8 @7pm
Learn how to support your children's application journey, explore scholarships, and see how HBCU's create environments where students thrive.
Building Bridges HBCU College Fair
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Location: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center | 1350 Tremont St., Boston
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Doors Open at 8:30am
Student Registration is Now Open!
Steps to Register: Click the link below to access the College Fair Registration page. Complete the registration form in its entirety to secure your seat. Search for and select "2025 Building Bridges Education HBCU College Fair"
What to Expect: Discover new opportunities for scholarships & financial assistance. Meet Admission Leaders & Representatives from HBCU's. Learn about campus life, including fraternities and sororities. Attend college readiness workshop sessions.
List of Institutions that have already confirmed!
Alabama State University
Bethune-Cookman University
Bowie State University
Cheyney University
Clark Atlanta University
Coppin State University
Delaware State University (DSU)
Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Grambling State University
Hampton University
Howard University
Livingstone College
Morehouse College
Morgan State University
Morris College
Norfolk State University
North Carolina A&T (NCAT)
Spelman College
Tuskegee University
Virginia Union University
Xavier University of Louisiana
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ON-SITE INTERVIEWS (Seniors Only)
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Location: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center | 1350 Tremont St., Boston
Time: 9:00-12:00pm Doors Open at 8:30am
About the Process:
How the Process Works: Interviews will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will arrive and sign up for available open-slot interview times. No Pre-Registration is Needed!
What to Bring:
Copies of your Unofficial High School Transcript. Copies of a Written/Graded Assignment. Copies of your SAT & ACT Scores. Bring any other necessary documents that showcase your academic achievements and qualifications.
Tips for Interviewing:
Research the Schools before you interview. Dress for Opportunity. Ask thoughtful, personalized questions. Be ready to share your story. Show confidence and curiosity.
HBCU College Tour ~ Journey to HBCUs
My name is Candra Dixon, and I’m the founder of Journey to HBCUs. I’m excited to share that enrollment is now open for our 6th Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Tour!
We’re reaching out to see if you have students who may benefit from and be interested in this enriching and empowering experience. The program is open to students in grades 9 through 12, and we would be grateful for your support in sharing this opportunity with your students and their families.
To get started, families can scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up for the program and join us in person at our first workshop:
First Workshop Details:
Date: Wednesday, September 24th
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Mildred Avenue Community Center
5 Mildred Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126
At Journey to HBCUs, we believe that early exposure to HBCUs can be life changing. Our mission is to help students explore their options, build community, and step confidently into their futures.
If you’re interested, I would love to schedule time to meet with you directly to share more about the program and discuss how we can best support your students together.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to set up a time to connect. Thank you for your continued commitment to student success, we truly appreciate your support in helping us reach the next generation of leaders.
Warm regards,
Candra D. Dixon
Founder/President
617-751-0951
PAID OPPORTUNITY: Boston University Future Leaders Program (FLP)
Interested in being in a research study and an engaging after school program for high school students?
- The program will meet in person on Tuesdays & Thursdays starting October 14th 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 either 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.
- Unfortunately, if you participated in this program before, you cannot participate a second time.
For more information, contact Kiara Santos at ksantos@metcoinc.org
