The Bedford Buccaneer

Previous Issue of the Bedford Buccaneer

Dear BHS Community,

I am writing to share that I returned to work on Monday, September 8. I am excited to be back at BHS, my home away from home, and have reconnected with returning staff and students, and am excited to get to know those who are new to our school community. My focus, as always, is leading the building by supporting faculty and staff while continuing to serve our students and families.

Words cannot fully express the immense gratitude I feel for the outpouring of support that I received from the BHS community during my medical leave. My heart is full as I step into my 10th year as the principal of BHS.

Thank you to the main office team, Ms. Tate, Ms. Haggar, Ms. Powell, Ms. Gallagher, Ms. O’Grady, and Mr. Kohut, for successfully opening school. I had every confidence in them. They stepped in and stepped up, as did the Instructional Leadership Team and our faculty and staff. Relationships are at the core of the work we do, and I certainly leaned on those connections with colleagues during the past few weeks.

This was the first time since 1980 that I missed the first day of school. I am thrilled to be back to continue the important and joyful work of leading and learning. A new school year means a fresh start and new possibilities. While I know getting up early and back into the rhythm of school can be a transition, our students have started the year strong and have infused some wonderful energy into the building. I look forward to embracing our theme, "Back to Basics and Building Community," where we will focus on health and wellness, increasing engagement, and building on our already strong foundation.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Back to School Night, scheduled for September 25 at 6:30 PM, and at additional school events throughout the year. We have held our opening assemblies for grades 10-12 and 9th graders will have theirs in the coming weeks. Our student activities fair is scheduled for tomorrow during flex. There are so many opportunities for students to participate in this vibrant school community.

I want to express my deepest thanks for your partnership. As parents and caregivers, you are acutely aware that this work can be challenging. However, the rewards are worth it. The joy and success we celebrate are a testament to our collective effort and to the incredible community that makes Bedford High School such a special place.

With gratitude,

Heather Galante

• Monday, September 15: Senior Transcript Releases Due (Students)
• Tuesday, September 16: Student Activities Fair (Students)
• Thursday, September 25: Add/Drop Deadline (Students) / Back to School Night (Parents)
• Tuesday, September 30: Financial Aid Night (Seniors & Parents)
• Saturday, October 11: PSAT (Juniors /Sophomores)
• Monday, October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• Thursday, October 16: Assembly, Class of 2029 (Students)
• Tuesday, October 27: School Picture Retakes (Students)
• Tuesday, November 4: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
• Tuesday, November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• Friday, November 14: Homecoming Dance (Students)
• Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22: Fall Play (All Welcome)
• Wednesday, November 26: Community Day & Early Release (Students)
• Thursday, December 4: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences (Parents)

The Lunch Menu can be found here.

The full Bedford High School calendar can be found here.

The Athletic Department schedules can be found here.

The Bedford Public School District calendar can be found here.

Deliveries of any kind are not permitted during school hours. Parents/caregivers are asked not to drop off food, personal items, or place delivery orders for students during the day, as these will be turned away and not accepted.

Items may be dropped off before or after school. If a student forgets an iPad, it should be brought directly to the Main Office. If you are unsure, please call the Main Office at 781-275-1700.

Bedford High School is not responsible for any items left for students.

Registration Closes: Wednesday, October 8 | 11:59 pm

Exam: Saturday, October 11

The "Preliminary SAT(PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)" is a tool for students considering college. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills.

Bedford High School recommends that students take the PSAT/NMSQT to receive feedback about strengths and weaknesses, enter the competition for National Merit Scholar scholarships (11th graders only), and help prepare for the SAT.

Bedford High School will be administering the PSAT on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Students should arrive at the high school no later than 7:45 am with their fully charged school-issued iPad.

Registration

Students at Bedford High School will register and pay for the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT online. This registration will only take a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access.

The cost of the PSAT is $30.

To register, students should use the following link: https://user.totalregistration.net/PSAT/220112

Here are the important dates for the registration process:

• Friday, September 12 at 12:00 AM - Registration opens

• Wednesday, October 8 at 11:59 PM - Registration closes

• Thursday, October 9 - Registrations that have not been paid for will be canceled and exams will not be ordered.

Additional PSAT Information

• The PSAT will be administered electronically. There is no paper and pencil option available.

• All students must bring their fully charged SCHOOL-ISSUED iPad on the day of the test.

• Bedford High School will NOT provide iPads, charging devices, or any other technical support on the day of the test.

• If you arrive without your iPad or your iPad shuts down because it is not fully charged, your exam will be canceled.

• Make sure you have the BlueBook App downloaded onto your iPad.

Please contact Mr. Brian DeChellis, brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org, if you have questions or require financial assistance.

Now through September 25

The Add-Drop Period runs from September 2 through September 25. After September 25, no schedule changes will be made unless they are teacher-initiated. All waitlists for full classes will also close on September 25.

There are two ways to make a Schedule Change Request with your school counselor. Please know that the Counseling Department attempts to make every requested change. However, due to class limits and scheduling constraints, this is not always possible. We appreciate your understanding that we might not be able to honor all changes.

Options for Schedule Change Requests:

1. Email your counselor with details about the requested changes. Counselors will respond to email requests within two school days.

1. If you are missing a class from your schedule, send your top three choices in order.

2. If you would like to change a class that you are currently enrolled in, include the course you would like to drop and why, plus your top three choices, in preference order, to take its place.

2. Schedule a 15-minute appointment with your counselor. Please be mindful of the class you are missing for this appointment. Students who are missing a class are encouraged to schedule during that period.

1. Mr. DeChellis: brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org or Book Online

2. Ms. Halupowski: janel_halupowski@bedforps.org or Book Online

3. Ms. Richards: julia_richards@bedfordps.org or Book Online

4. Ms. Say: khunravy_say@bedfordps.org or Book Online

5. Ms. Thyne: samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org or Book Online

Thursday, September 25 | 6:30 pm - 8:40 pm

For parents/caregivers of all students.

Due by September 26

Bedford High School will help students who need financial assistance pay for iPad insurance. The process is as follows.

• Email a request including your student's name & grade to brenda_sweetland@bedfordps.org

If you do not have iPad insurance, you will be responsible for covering the full cost of any repairs or replacement if the device is damaged, lost, or stolen. The charging cord, block, and cover are not covered under any insurance.

Order Deadline: December 31, 2025

Order your yearbook online (school code:13423) or by phone 1-866-287-3096.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Please stop by the Class of 2029 booth on Bedford Day! Mr. Hagan is donating this painting to the class and can be bid on through a silent auction at the 2029 table, where there will be fun activities and things to purchase. Spread the word!

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | BHS

Submissions due by September 30

Submit an original, non-digital, non-photographic artwork of your pet for a chance to win a prize pack worth more than $300.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Tennis Courts

More information and registration coming soon.

Monday, September 15

Field Hockey (V/JV) @ Concord-Carlisle

Soccer, boys (F) vs. Newton South

Volleyball (JV/F) @ Concord-Carlisle

Tuesday, September 16

Golf (V) @ Acton-Boxborough

Soccer, boys (V/JV) vs. Concord-Carlisle

Soccer, girls (V/JV) @ Concord-Carlisle

Wednesday, September 17

Field Hockey (V/JV) @ Newton South

Soccer, boys (F) @ Lincoln-Sudbury

Volleyball (V/JV) vs. Groton-Dunstable

Thursday, September 18

Golf (V) vs. Boston Latin

Soccer, boys (V/JV) vs. Newton South

Soccer, girls (V/JV) @ Newton South

Volleyball (V/JV/F) @ Newton South

Friday, September 19

Field Hockey (V/JV) @ Waltham

Football (V) @ Canton

Soccer, boys (V) vs. Wayland

Saturday, September 20

Cross County

Football (JV) vs. Canton

Register for Winter / Spring sports

Transcript Releases

All seniors, regardless of postsecondary plans, need to complete the following process. Please note that GPAs will be recalculated after Terms 1 and 2. Term 2 is the final GPA recalculation for the Class of 2026.

1. Review the three-year transcript that was mailed to you. If you notice any discrepancies, please reach out to your Counselor before Monday, September 15.
2. If all of the transcript information is correct, please complete the "Permission for Release of Records" form
3. Return completed releases to Ms. Blair in the Counseling office.

Deadline: September 15

Senior Parent Night

Thursday, September 18 | 6:00 pm | Auditorium

Financial Aid Night

Tuesday, September 30 | 6:30 pm | LGI

Please check your Naviance account to see which schools are sending representatives to BHS each week from mid-September to mid-November, and register online (Colleges tab --> Research Colleges --> College Visits).

Be mindful of what obligations you are missing to attend. And be sure to check-in with your teacher, showing your registration information, prior to attending the visit in the Counseling Office.

College Visits This Week

See Naviance App | See BHS Calendar for Details

Monday, September 15

Nichols College @ 1:30 pm

Tuesday, September 16

Merrimack College @ 8:00 am

High Point University @ 10:30 am

Worcester State University @ 1:30 pm

Wednesday, September 17

Fitchburg State University @ 8:45 am

Thursday, September 18

Boston University (in LGI) @ 8:00 am

Hobart and William Smith Colleges @ 9:15 am

Wellesley College @ 1:30 pm

Friday, September 19

Hofstra University @ 8:00 am

University of Maine, Farmington @ 10:30 am

University of Vermont @ 1:30 pm

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 (see below), 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

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.

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

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

Respiratory / COVID Guidelines

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.

Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Reporting Communicable Illnesses: Please report all communicable illnesses to the attendance line or contact the health office directly at 781-918-4416.

Emergency Forms: Please send in completed emergency forms as soon as possible. Reach out to the School Nurse if there is a new medical diagnosis or health concern you would like to share. Completing the form allows the Nurse to administer Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen in school if needed.

Physicals

• Incoming 9th graders are required to have an updated physical for high school.
• Students who plan to participate in sports are required to have a physical every year.
• Physicals completed within the past 12 months are acceptable.

Epi-Pens

• Students with an epinephrine rescue device, send in an unexpired device along with the doctor’s orders (Allergy Action Plan) for the current school year. Students should be sure to carry an EPI-Pen on their person as well.
• Please complete a: Food and Insect Allergy Action Plan Bedford Public Schools, and an Epinephrine Form.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Reach out to Nurse Vaughan at: 781-275-1700-4416, or email bhsnurse@bedfordps.org

If you need your ID or are having trouble logging in visit our website, please contact tech_support@bedfordps.org.

Visitors

Visitors to our building are limited to emergencies only. If a student forgets an item, you may meet them before or after school to deliver it.

Morning Arrival

• Students may enter through the front or side doors before 7:45 am.
• After 7:45 am, all students must use the main lobby doors.
• All external doors remain locked during the day. If you need access, ring the bell to the right of the main entrance.
• Vans for the LABBB program drop off at the side entrance and have priority. They may pull up directly in front of this entrance.

Afternoon Dismissal

• The bus loop closes to cars at 1:45 pm (12:15 pm on Wednesdays). Do not enter the bus loop after this time - it creates serious safety hazards for buses and pedestrians.
  
• If you're picking up a student, please use the side parking lot near the public library.
• Vans for the LABBB program pick up at the side entrance and have priority. They may pull up directly in front of this entrance.

Parking & Idling

• All students who drive to school must have a 2025-26 BHS parking permit by October 1, 2025, and can only park in designated student parking (front and side parking lots).
• Visitor parking is in the front lot.
• No parking or idling in front of the main entrance - this area must remain clear for buses and emergency vehicles.
• Parking in restricted areas may result in ticketing by the Bedford Police Department.

Your caution and patience are essential to keeping our students safe. Please drive slowly, stay alert, and be patient - student safety is our top priority. Thank you for helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe, smooth, and respectful for everyone.

The 2025-26 Bus Schedule is posted on the BPS website.

Bedford Schedule

Boston Schedule

Hanscom Schedule

Late Buses

Deliveries and item drop offs of any kind are not permitted during school hours. Parents/caregivers are asked not to drop off food, personal items, or place delivery orders for students during the day, as these will be turned away and not accepted.

Items may be dropped off before or after school if needed. If a student forgets an iPad, it should be brought directly to the Main Office. If you are unsure, please call the Main Office at 781-275-1700.

Bedford High School is not responsible for any items left for students.

Student forms can only be accessed by students while logged onto the BPS network. Parents and caregivers will not have access to student forms. All can access Parent forms.

Student Forms

Student Handbook Agreement

Locker Requests

Student Parking Application

iPad User Agreement
Community Service Form

Parent Forms

Parent Handbook Agreement

Reduced-Free Lunch Applications

Emergency Contact Form

Allergy Action Plan

Epinephrine Form

Athletics Registration

Community Service App Consent

Field Trip Consents & Waivers

iPad Insurance Information

Check out the 2025-26 Program of Studies. You can also reach out to the Program Directors:

• Academic Achievement Center: Ms. Tracy (kristen_tracy@bedfordps.org)
• Counseling: Ms. Shadeed (nicole_shadeed@bedfordps.org)
• English: Ms. McCarthy (kelsey_mccarthy@bedfordps.org)
• ELL: Ms. Nichols (hilary_nichols@bedfordps.org)
• Math & Business: Mr. Morrissey (patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org)
• Performing Arts: Ms. O'Toole (nicole_otoole@bedfordps.org)
• Physical Education, Health, & FAMCO: Mr. Mangan (keith_mangan@bedfordps.org)
• Science, Engineering, & Technology: Dr. Prince (nicole_prince@bedfordps.org)
• Social Studies: Dr. Butler (christine_butler@bedfordps.org)
• Visual Arts: Mr. Hagan (sean_hagan@bedfordps.org)

The lost and found is in the main lobby. Small items like car keys, electronics, and jewelry can be found in the Student Office. Unclaimed items will be donated twice a year.

You can now pay online for:

• Field trips and activities
• Prom and Yearbooks
• Pre-School
• Insurance and repairs for school-issued iPads
• Make Donations to the department of your choice – Performing Arts, Athletics, or other general Gifts made to support our schools

Payments are accepted using Electronic Checks, Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, and Venmo. To get started, click the Online Payment link. Create an account, register your payment type, and you are all set. (Convenience fees apply)

Need Assistance? Call: 1-877-227-1157, Monday - Friday: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, or Email: support@unipayteam.com.

Bedford School Nutrition would like to help families to understand the Free Meal Process.

All students can receive one free lunch and one free breakfast each school day. Students must take a complete meal for it to be free. A complete meal contains at least 3 of the 5 offered components, and 1 has to be a fruit or vegetable. This means if a student doesn’t take a complete meal, they will be charged the à la carte price for the items they have. Please take advantage of the no-cost free meal option. Fill out a free/reduced meal application If you are not sure, please fill out the application, send it in, or call the Nutrition Office at 781-275-9129 for assistance, or thomas_houle@bedfordps.org or olivia_marks@bedfordps.org

Adding Funds to MySchool Bucks

Students are asked to add funds to their MySchool Bucks accounts for other food items such as snacks, additional water, or milk. Parents or guardians may add funds to their student’s accounts by at MySchoolBucks.

Students and guardians must review the handbook and then complete the Student Handbook Agreement, and parents must complete the Parent Handbook Agreement.

Swing by the student office to grab your copy!

Check out our Protocols for Communications for information on who to contact and when.