March 2026
2025-2026
Special Education
National BCBA Recognition Week March 16–March 20
This month, we recognize and celebrate our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and the important work they do on behalf of students, families, and staff.
What Is a BCBA?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a highly trained professional who specializes in understanding behavior and applying evidence-based strategies to support positive outcomes. BCBAs hold advanced degrees and complete extensive coursework, supervised fieldwork, and a national certification process.
Their work is grounded in the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which focuses on:
• Understanding why behaviors occur
• Teaching replacement skills
• Increasing positive behaviors
• Reducing behaviors that interfere with learning
• Using data to guide decision-making
What Do BCBAs Do in a School Setting?
In schools, BCBAs play a critical role in supporting students with a range of needs, including students with autism, social-emotional challenges, and complex learning profiles.
Their work includes:
• Conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs)
• Developing and monitoring Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Coaching teachers and Educational Support Professionals
• Supporting inclusive classroom practices
• Training staff in de-escalation and proactive strategies
• Analyzing data to ensure interventions are effective
• Collaborating with families as part of the IEP process
BCBAs are problem-solvers and partners. They help teams move from reacting to behavior to understanding it. They ensure that interventions are thoughtful, individualized, and grounded in data rather than assumption.
Our Gratitude
Our BCBAs work quietly and consistently behind the scenes. They spend hours observing, analyzing, coaching, and supporting. They help students access instruction. They build staff confidence. They strengthen our inclusive practices. Most importantly, they remind us that behavior is communication.
We are grateful for their expertise, their patience, and their unwavering commitment to students.
Thank you to our BCBAs for the meaningful difference you make in our schools every day.
SAIL Cafe- 14 amazing years?!🤩👏
By: Angela Franklin, Interim Program Director, JGMS
Did you know the SAIL Café has been part of JGMS for 14 amazing years?
That’s 14 years of:
✨teamwork
✨ responsibility
✨growing independence
✨ and lots of smiles
The SAIL Café isn’t just about tasty treats and coffee (although… they are pretty great
👀). It’s a hands-on learning experience where our middle school students take the lead in greeting customers, taking orders, handling money, organizing materials, and working together to make it all happen.
The SAIL Café provides structured, authentic opportunities for students in our autism program to generalize social communication, executive functioning, and functional academic skills in a real-world context. Through repeated practice and supported independence, students build transferable skills that strengthen both classroom performance and community readiness. Students can practice:
Social communication and conversation skills
Functional math and money handling
Task initiation and follow-through
Flexibility when things don’t go as planned
Collaboration and problem-solving
Building confidence through success
Each shift is an opportunity to strengthen social-emotional skills in authentic ways — learning how to navigate interactions, manage responsibilities, and feel proud of a job well done. Plus, it is a cherished weekly tradition enjoyed by our JGMS team!
Don’t take our word for it though, hear it directly from our café stars⭐
Best Buddies- Game Day!⛹️
By: Louise D'Amato, Special Education Program Director, BHS
The Best Buddies Chapter at Bedford High School is delighted to host its very first “Game Day” on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the high school turf field.
Game Day is specially designed for Bedford students in Pre-K through Grade 8 who participate in Autism and social-emotional programming. Each activity will be sensory-friendly, inclusive, and thoughtfully planned to ensure that every student feels supported, celebrated, and successful. Our goal is simple: to create a morning where all students can shine, connect with peers, and make joyful memories together to celebrate all accomplishments inside and outside of the classroom.
The event will begin with a short kickoff ceremony honoring our students and the spirit of inclusion that makes our community so special. We warmly invite members of the Bedford community to join us for this celebration.
While this is our pilot year, we are excited about the possibility of making Game Day a beloved annual Bedford tradition. We are currently seeking volunteers and community partners who would like to help make this meaningful, community-wide event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, or making a contribution please contact louise_damato@bedordps.org or cameron_shelmire@bedfordps.org
The Student Co-Presidents, Nadia Thacore & Elyse Tassinari, along with staff advisors Cameron Shelmire and Louise D’Amato, look forward to a morning filled with laughter, teamwork, and the true spirit of friendship and inclusion as we come together to celebrate as a community.
Save the Date: SEPAC Postsecondary Night, May 14, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 PM
Bedford SEPAC invites families of students with IEPs and 504 plans to attend our second annual Postsecondary Night on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in the Bedford High School Cafeteria.
This informative evening offers families the opportunity to connect directly with college and vocational institutions to learn about the supports and services available to students with learning differences as they transition from high school to higher education. Representatives will be available to answer questions about academic accommodations, student support programs, and campus resources.
New this year: We are excited to expand the event to include technical and vocational schools, offering families an even broader range of postsecondary pathways to explore.
If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to reach out to Louise D’Amato louise_damato@bedfordps.org or Nicole Shadeed nicole_shadeed@bedforps.org
MassPAC All-Access Workshops – March 2026
MassPAC is offering a series of virtual workshops this March to support families in navigating special education processes and planning for their child’s future. Topics include Evaluation and Eligibility, Understanding the IEP, Transition Planning, and Introduction to MassHealth. These sessions are designed to build knowledge, strengthen advocacy skills, and help families feel confident and informed as members of their child’s team.
To view the full schedule and register, please visit: https://fcsn.org/calendar/
Counseling
March Highlights K-5 Counseling 2026
By Paula Francis-Springer, School Psychologist/Counselor & K-5 Counseling Coordinator
Hello K-5 Families!
I hope this note finds you all well and looking forward to the change in seasons. As we think about this upcoming spring semester, our social-emotional learning focus is on sportsmanship and healthy social relationships. We address these skills during K-5 classroom SEL lessons, social skills groups, counseling sessions, school-wide assemblies, and interactive modeling both in and outside of the classroom. Here are some very simple ways for you to nurture these skills at home:
Family Game Nights
Keep it light and fun
Emphasize laughter and connection over winning, so children see games as bonding time rather than competition. Celebrate good plays
Praise effort, strategy, and clever moves regardless of who wins
Model gracious behavior
Show your child how to handle both winning and losing with kindness and respect
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome. Highlight effort and improvement
Comment on how hard they tried, strategies they used, or skills they're developing
Ask reflective questions like "What did you do well?" or "What would you try differently next time?" instead of "Did you win?"
Normalize mistakes; frame errors as learning moments: "Great attempt! Now you know what works better."
View Loss as an Opportunity to Grow
Reframe "losing" by using language like "You learned something new today" or "That's practice for next time". Discuss what they'd do differently next time
Help them identify one skill to work on rather than dwelling on disappointment
Share your own experiences by telling your child about times you lost and what you learned, showing that resilience is normal
Play Dates: Set expectations beforehand
Talk about taking turns, using kind words, and including everyone
Coach during play and gently guide children toward problem-solving: "How can you both play together?"
Debrief afterward by asking what went well and what was challenging, reinforcing positive interactions
Social Coaching & Role Modeling
Narrate your own social choices, e.g., "I'm listening to your sister's idea even though I have a different one," or "I made a mistake, and I'm going to apologize."
Practice conversations by role-playing tricky social situations (sharing, disagreeing respectfully, joining a group)
Be consistent. Children learn sportsmanship best when they see adults demonstrating it in everyday life
Key Takeaway: When families prioritize character, effort, and kindness over wins and losses, students develop confidence, resilience, and genuine friendships that extend far beyond the game.
Good luck and have fun with your children!
Paula Francis-Springer
Counseling 6-12
By Nicole Shadeed, Director of Counseling 6-12
Free Spring College Fairs
- Bedford students and their families are invited to attend the 40th Annual Cooperative College Fair, hosted by Reading Memorial High School, on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30-8:30pm (62 Oakland Rd, Reading)! Over 120 colleges will be in attendance and the RMHS Counseling Department has shared this guide to help attendees prepare.
- NEACAC College Fair on Wednesday, March 25 from 6:30-8pm at Bishop Guertin High School (Nashua, NH): if interested in attending use this link to see the list of colleges attending and to register via StriveScan.
- NEACAC College Fair on Sunday, May 3 from 6-8pm at Merrimack College (North Andover, MA): if interested in attending use this link to see the list of colleges attending and to register via StriveScan.
- NEACAC College Fair on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:30-7:30pm at Assumption University (Worcester, MA): if interested in attending use this link to see the list of colleges attending and to register via StriveScan.
Grade 8: Preparing for Bedford High School
- Course Selection: Presentations will be shared with Grade 8 students about course offerings, how to use the BHS Program of Studies, information about the BHS daily schedule, graduation requirements, and instructions for requesting classes.
- On March 2 and 3, Ms. Day, the JGMS Grade 8 School Counselor, joins JGMS Grade 8 students in their Civics class.
- On March 4, Mr. DeChellis, the BHS School Counselor for military-connected students, joins HMS Grade 8 students at Hanscom Middle School.
- Future First-Year Student Night: Current Grade 8 students and their families are invited to attend the BHS Future First-Year Student Night on Thursday, March 5 from 6:30-8pm to learn about BHS, hear from current students, and explore the academic and extracurricular offerings.
BHS Academic Advising for 2026-27
This month, current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will have one-on-one Academic Advising meetings with their school counselor to request courses for the 2026-27 school year. A video to be watched prior to their meeting, reviewing the process and additional course information, will be shared with students and families.
- Class of 2027: March 9-13 by English class
- Class of 2028: March 16-19 by Social Studies class
- Class of 2028: March 23-31 by Social Studies class
Second Annual BHS Career Pathways Day - March 18
Over 100 volunteers will join the BHS community on the morning of March 18 to share about their career as well as the path they took to their current role. Each student will attend two panels to learn about as many different careers as possible. Thanks to BHS School Counselor Brian DeChellis for spearheading the planning for this event!
JGMS Mental Health Speaker/Artist Visit - March 19
On Thursday, March 19, speaker and artist, Cara Bean, will promote mental health awareness in two all-grade assemblies (Grade 6 and 8) as well as offer two mindful doodling workshops (Grades 6, 7, 8; up to 90 students total).
Thanks to the Bedford Education Foundation for sponsoring this engaging and relevant presentation, along with 50 copies of Cara Bean's book, "Here I Am, I Am Me."
On February 4, the JGMS Counseling Team provided students a moment to reflect on how they stay well or treat themselves during the winter season. The approximately 400 students who participated during lunch received a prize of their choice at the end of the school day. Student responses are on display on the bulletin board outside of the JGMS Counseling Office. Thanks to the MSPA for sponsoring this event!
National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Congrats to three members of the BHS Class of 2026 recently named as National Merit Scholarship Finalists! Tyler Munsie, Daniel Nappi, and Niall Wang are among the highest PSAT scorers in Massachusetts and rank within the top ~15,000 students nationwide.
BHS Counseling Events Webpage
The Counseling Events page is a resource for slides and videos from this year's School Counseling parent/caregiver presentations, including our February Postsecondary Kickoff for the Junior class.
Health Awareness in March
March marks a month of raising awareness and support for health and well-being, including Self-Injury Awareness Day (March 1); World Teen Mental Wellness Day (March 2); National Sleep Awareness Week (March 8-14); and World Bipolar Day (March 30).
Cartwheel Care
Cartwheel Webinar Series
March Webinar: Navigating Tough Talks About Substance Use
Talking to teens about substance use can feel uncomfortable, or even overwhelming. Questions about peer pressure, experimentation, and safety don’t always come with easy answers, and many parents aren’t sure where to begin.
Join Cartwheel and Amy McCarthy Baluch, LICSW, for a free, live webinar: Navigating the Tough Talks: Strategies for Talking to Teens about Substance Use on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 12–1 pm ET
Parents and caregivers will learn practical strategies for starting conversations, responding calmly to tough questions, and helping teens make safer, healthier choices, while keeping trust and communication strong at home.
See the attached flyer for details and register here.
English Learner Education Department
March Highlights and Updates
By: Hilary Nichols, Director of English Learners K-12
As we welcome March, the English Learner Education Department is pleased to share several updates and highlights from across the district.
English Learner Progress Reports
Families recently received their students’ English Learner progress reports alongside report cards. These reports provide information about students’ growth and progress in English language development across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
We are proud of the progress our students continue to make as they engage in language-rich learning experiences and apply their skills across content areas.
ACCESS for ELLs Testing
Our English Learners did an outstanding job during ACCESS for ELLs testing this winter. We are incredibly proud of the focus, perseverance, and effort they demonstrated throughout the assessment process.
ACCESS results are typically released toward the end of the school year. We look forward to celebrating students’ continued growth when scores become available.
BPS Adult ESL - Program Highlight
Our Adult ESL Program recently enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge to see the musical Wonder. This memorable experience provided adult learners with an opportunity to engage with language through storytelling, build community, and enjoy a live performance together.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped coordinate this special evening and to our adult learners for their enthusiasm and participation. *Photo highlight below.
READ 180 After-School Literacy Program
Our READ 180 after-school reading program has officially begun for secondary EL students. Students will receive systematic, explicit instruction and practice foundational literacy skills to develop their fluency, expand vocabulary and strengthen comprehension skills. The program is designed to accelerate literacy development and build confidence as readers while supporting students’ success across their academic classes.
If you believe your secondary EL student would benefit from after school reading support or are interested in learning more, please contact EL Director, Hilary Nichols at hilary_nichols@bedfordps.org.
ESL Summer School Program
Information about our ESL Summer School Program was recently shared with families. The program will be offered to incoming Grade 1-12 English Learners and focuses on strengthening English language development through reading support, hands-on learning, and engaging academic enrichment in a supportive environment.
Families interested in having their child participate are encouraged to contact EL Director, Hilary Nichols at hilary_nichols@bedfordps.org. Confirmation emails will be sent to registered families during the first week of March with additional details.
Stay Connected
Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions about programs, services, or opportunities for your EL student. We value our partnership with families and appreciate your continued support!
With gratitude,
The English Learner Education Department
Academic Achievement
By: Kristen Tracy, Director of Academic Achievement 6-12
Getting started with homework can feel as daunting as looking out at a snow-covered driveway after a blizzard. Persisting with that same assignment may be analogous to the way your body feels when you see you still have half the driveway to do, and your neighbor with the snow blower is headed inside.
The following checklist won’t solve your shoveling woes, but it may help your student in getting started and persisting with their homework.
🔲 Create a space for work. Have a consistent space to do work, free of distractions, with a checklist of things to do to get started.
🔲 Use a checklist or other visual to get started (for example, a picture of the student at their desk with all their study space materials present, or a whiteboard with three tasks that need to be completed written on it).
🔲 Identify the first step. Have your student ask themselves: on this assignment, what materials do I need? And then what do I need to do first?
🔲 Provide brief and frequent, then fading prompting.
🔲 Work in tandem with your student (if this is possible or desirable).
🔲 Set a timer to start, and then use short, timed work periods (10-20 minutes, and work up).
🔲 Help your student break tasks into smaller steps.
🔲 Periodically check in with questions about next steps.
🔲 Plan brief, intentional breaks. (For example, after 15 minutes, stretch and hydrate, take a walk around the space, and then return to work.)
🔲 Celebrate completion of smaller steps, not just the final product.
In a nutshell, routines, checklists, and predictability are key, as is phasing out support over time. Know that every learner is unique, so you may need to try different things out to see what works best with your student.
Best,
Kristen Tracy
What I’m Reading / Watching / Listening
Parenting often means navigating competing demands on attention, emotional regulation, and daily routines—both for children and for adults. This month’s listening recommendations offer practical, research-informed guidance to support families as they navigate technology use, daily transitions, and the emotional weight of the world around us. 🎧📖
📚 This Month’s Picks
Recently, I came across a thoughtful series on the TED Health Podcast titled The Science of Raising Kids. It’s a three-part series that brings research into practical conversation for parents and educators.
Part 1: Are You Raising Anxious Kids? With Lenore Skenazy and Mathilde H. Ross (2/10/26)
This episode explores how well-intentioned adult involvement can sometimes unintentionally limit children’s independence. The conversation challenges us to consider how risk, autonomy, and everyday problem-solving build confidence and resilience.
Part 2: How to Raise Healthy Kids With Shari Barkin (2/17/26)
Dr. Barkin discusses the science behind raising physically and emotionally healthy children. The episode emphasizes modeling, connection, and the small daily habits that support long-term well-being.
Part 3: Why Adolescent Brains Are Wired Differently With Jennifer Pfeifer
This conversation explains the neuroscience behind adolescent behavior. Understanding how teen brains process risk, reward, and social feedback differently can help adults respond with clarity and empathy.
Bonus Episode
Practical Ways to Discipline (Not Punish) Toddlers Through Teens (#565) Calm Parenting Podcast by Kirk Martin
This episode reframes discipline as skill-building rather than punishment. It offers concrete strategies that align with what we know about brain development and emotional regulation.
Why This Matters
Across all four conversations, a consistent theme emerges:
• Independence builds confidence
• Connection strengthens regulation
• Brain development influences behavior
• Adults play a critical role in scaffolding, not controlling
As we continue to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, these conversations reinforce the importance of developmentally responsive practices at home and at school.
If you’re looking for something thoughtful and research-based to listen to on a walk or commute, this series is worth your time.
The Bedford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) wishes you a warm and wonderful fall season ahead. Bedford SEPAC is an all-parent volunteer group that strives to create a welcoming and engaging space for parents and caregivers of children with special education needs and to provide opportunities to share information, support, provide resources, and discuss important topics.
We do that in a variety of ways, general meetings (share information, ask questions), topic-specific meetings or presentations, and parent/caregiver meetups. If you would like to plan (or have an idea) for a particular topic, let us know! At times throughout the year, our individual family needs ebb and flow, which correlates with the meetings and events we have the bandwidth to coordinate and offer. Please consider volunteering to help support SEPAC this school year (whether it’s 15 minutes or more, we appreciate it!). We need a volunteer to update events on our website. We also encourage you to lead a small group meet-up or topic-specific meeting. For potential speakers, reach out to bedfordmasepac@gmail.com.
Bedford SEPAC General Meetings:
Come and discuss special education programming in Bedford and how we can best support our children.
Thursday, April 9, 2026 @ 7:00 PM with Dr. Marianne Vines, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Zoom Meeting: https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/2922114144
Upcoming Events: Early 2026: Lenora Campoli Speaker Series Presentation
☕ SEPAC Parent Coffee
Friday, April 17, 2026
9:00 AM
Superintendent’s Office
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) invites parents and caregivers to join Cliff Chuang and Marianne Vines for an informal morning conversation.
This parent coffee is an opportunity to:
• Ask questions about district programming and priorities
• Share feedback and perspectives
• Learn more about ongoing initiatives in Student Services
• Connect with other families in a small-group setting
There is no formal presentation. The goal is open dialogue in a welcoming and respectful space.
We hope you will consider joining us for coffee and conversation.
Email: bedfordmasepac@gmail.com
Web: bedfordmasepac.org
Facebook group: https://www.facebook. com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/