The Bedford Buccaneer
August 5, 2024
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026
Previous Issue of the Bedford Buccaneer
IMPORTANT DATES
- Thursday, May 7: Chorus Concert
- Tuesday, May 12: Band/Orchestra Concert
- Thursday, May 14: Rock Band Concert
- Monday, May 18: Post Secondary Planning Panel
- 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
- Friday, May 29: Senior BBQ
- 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rock Band Concert
Tuesday, May 14 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium
BHSPA Post-Secondary Planning Panel
May 18 | 7-8 pm | LGI Before our seniors graduate, let's find out what they have learned about the post-secondary planning process. We have gathered some seniors and their caregivers to talk about their experiences with a variety of different paths. Our panelists will have perspectives on: Come and learn about how they handled researching their options, testing, essay writing and more. Caregivers and students from all BHS classes are welcome. This event is organized by the BHSPA. Please join us live in the LGI room as we do not have zoom available for this session. If you have any questions, please email the BHSPA at BHSBucsparents@gmail.com.
MCAS Information
Math: May 20-21 (late arrival for non-test takers)
- Tuesday, May 19
- 7:45 am for grade 10
- 10:29 am for grades 9 & 11
- Wednesday, May 20
- 7:45 am for grade 10
- 10:15 am for grades 9 & 11
Bus service will NOT change for MCAS days. Students who need bus transportation will need to take it at the regular time. The cafeteria will be open to students coming early.
Science: June 2-3 (regular start for all students)
Junior Class End of Year Field Trip
Tuesday, June 9 | Canobie Lake Park | $55/student - pay here
See attached letter for details.
Permission slips available from Ms. Myles in E204.
Congratulations to the BHS National History Day Team!
The BHS National History Day team competed in the Massachusetts State Finals in April at Winchester High School. The team did amazing and our students all represented themselves and the school with aplomb.
The following students were recognized for their achievements:
- Navya Karki - Medalist, Individual Exhibit, Qualified for National Finals
- Aanya Jain - Medalist, Individual Exhibit, Qualified for National Finals
- Mahi Busa, Katherine Cheng, Ayah Rizk, Jana Safieddine - Medalist, Group Exhibit, Qualified for National Finals
Logan Toth - Honorable Mention, Individual Performance
Mia Falco - Honorable Mention, Individual Documentary
Noah Anderson-LaPorte - Special Award, Outstanding Project in Music History
Joanna Nakirya, Jadyn Robinson - Special Award, Outstanding Project in Post-WWII History
Congratulations to these outstanding students on their accomplishments.
Adventure Awaits: Costa Rica April 2027!
Due to the incredible response from our initial announcement, we are excited to officially open the second round of applications for our April 2027 expedition to Costa Rica!
While the first round was reserved for upperclassmen, this opportunity is now open to all students who are ready for a high-energy exploration of the rainforest, volcanoes, and coastal wildlife.
Why Join the Expedition?
This isnβt just a vacationβitβs an immersive adventure through one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Our itinerary includes:
High-Adrenaline Scenery: Ziplining through the Monteverde cloud forest and whitewater rafting down tropical rapids.
Active Ecology: Kayaking across Lake Arenal and trekking through the Manuel Antonio National Park.
Cultural Immersion: Exploring the artisan village of SarchΓ and supporting local reforestation by planting your own tree.
Important Details & How to Apply
We are looking for motivated studentsβwhether you are a budding biologist or an aspiring adventurerβto fill our remaining spots.
View the Full Itinerary: See the day-by-day breakdown of our Costa Rica April 15, 2027 journey (linked below).
To apply: Ready to secure your spot? Head to Costa Rica 2027 application to begin your application. Applications due on or before May 22, 2026.
Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Billouin beth_billouin@bedfordps.org or Mr. Olson gunnar_olson@bedfordps.org with any questions regarding safety protocols or total costs.
Donβt miss your chance to experience the "Pura Vida" lifestyle firsthand. We look forward to seeing your applications!
Travel to Ecuador: February 2028
Hello BHS students and families!
Travel to Ecuador with BHS in February 2028! We'll explore the city of Quito before heading out to explore both the Andes and the Amazon. We'll soak in hot springs, visit a local school, take a hike in the jungle, visit an Indigenous Kichwa community, whitewater raft down the Napo River, and more. Check out the full itinerary and our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
This trip will be open to all BHS students with priority given to the Class of 2028 and the Class of 2029. Incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to apply to the trip in the fall if space is available.The total cost is $3614 with an additional $150 collected prior to the trip for tips.
Interested in finding out more? We're hosting Trip Overview Meetings at 6:30 pm on Monday, May 11th and on Tuesday, May 19th for students and caregivers on Google Meet. Please use the following link to join: meet.google.com/opw-gsah-vve
Students who are interested should fill out our online application form. The first round of applications will be accepted through May 15, 2026. The trip has a max capacity of 32 students - if we have more applications than spaces, a lottery will be used to select students. Students will be notified of their acceptance status via school email after review of the applications. Students accepted will receive an email on how to register for the trip on Exploricaβs website.
If additional spaces are available after May 15th, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the trip is full! We are opening registration early to take advantage of the current discounted tour price.
Please reach out to Ms. Leshay at sarah_leshay@bedfordps.org with any questions.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES & FUNDRAISERS
Junior Prom
Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 6:00 pm - Burlington Marriott
Tickets will go on sale in May.
Eligible Students:
- Handbook Acknowledgement completed before purchasing tickets.
- No outstanding detentions.
Prom guest forms must be turned into the office for approval before May 14.
Summer Paid Internship Opportunity
The Bedford IT department is looking for interns to join their team this summer.
This is a full-time position (30 hours per week) with a schedule of 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The position pays $15 per hour and runs from Monday, July 6th, through Friday, August 21st.
If you are interested, please apply via the following link by Friday, May 8th, 2026: Application link.
Athletics This Week
Monday, May 11
Softball (V/JV) vs. Billerica
Track & Field @ Weston
Tuesday, May 12
Baseball (JV) @ Shawsheen
Lacrosse, boys (V) @ Acton-Boxborough
Lacrosse, girls (V/JV) vs. Acton-Boxborough
Tennis, boys (V) vs. Lexington
Tennis, girls (V) @ Arlington
Wednesday, May 13
Baseball (V/JV) @ Cambridge Latin
Softball (V) vs. Cambridge Latin
Tennis, boys (V) @ Cambridge Latin
Tennis, girls (V) vs. Cambridge Latin
Track & Field (V) vs. Acton-Boxborough
Thursday, May 14
Lacrosse, boys (V) @ Cambridge Latin
Lacrosse, girls (V) vs. Cambridge Latin
Softball (V/JV) @ Lincoln-Sudbury
Friday, May 15
Baseball (V) vs. Boston Latin
Softball (V/JV) @ Boston Latin
Tennis, boys (V) vs. Boston Latin
The Athletic Department schedules can be found here.
πCLASS OF 2026: Information for the Senior Class and their Families
Senior Awards Night
Wednesday, May 20
Senior Finals
Tuesday, May 26 - Friday, May 29
Bedford Dollars for Scholars Awards
Tuesday, May 26
Senior Prom
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 4:15 pm - Stroll | 6:00 pm - Gibbet Hill
Tickets will go on sale in May.
Eligible Students:
- Handbook Acknowledgement completed before purchasing tickets.
- No outstanding detentions.
Prom guest forms must be turned into the office for approval before May 21.
Senior BBQ
Friday, May 29, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
COUNSELING CORNER
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:
Community Mental Health Supports
If there is a mental health emergency, please call: πAdvocates Psychiatric Emergency Services (available 24 hours) at π(800) 640-5432, or Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline (available 24 hours) at π833-773-2445 (call or text), or Call π911.
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 β weβre 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.
πhttps://www.cartwheel.org/district/bedford-public-schools
REMINDERS FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
REMINDER FOR 9th GR. PARENTS: POSTURAL SCREENING
During the week of May 11th, the school nurse will be conducting postural screenings for those 9th graders whose parents/guardians opted them in for the screening. This program provides for early detection and regular monitoring. It is not meant to be a medical diagnosis, but rather to detect possible early signs of spinal problems, which should have further medical evaluation. Typically pediatricians screen their patients during annual office visits.
Please let Nurse Vaughan know if your child is already being followed either by their primary care physician or a specialist for any spine curvature concerns.
Feel free to reach out to Annmarie Vaughan if you have any questions about the postural screening program at school.
A Message About Seasonal Allergies
Please be proactive about your children's allergies, and 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.
When Your Child Is Sick...
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 π781-918-4416.
Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Reach out to Nurse Vaughan at: π781-275-1700 x4416, or email π§bhsnurse@bedfordps.org
π¦ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:45 am - 2:24 pm (bus loop closes to traffic at 1:45 pm)
π Wednesday: 7:45 am - 12:55 pm (bus loop closes to traffic at 12:00 pm)
π Office: 781-275-1700
π Attendance: 781-918-4561
