Dear Bedford METCO Families,
As we all know, this weekend marks the start of Daylight Saving Time. While it means we’ll lose an hour of sleep (and who needs that?), we do get an extra hour of daylight to enjoy! So, let’s look on the bright side—more time for outdoor activities, family walks, and possibly more time to catch up on sleep... eventually.
Now, on to some exciting updates from our talented students!
High School Production: Mean Girls
The high school theater department has been working tirelessly to bring a fabulous production of Mean Girls to the stage. After months of rehearsals and dedication, showtime is just around the corner, and we want to send a huge congratulations to all involved. In particular, we’d like to acknowledge Amelia Santos, one of our METCO students, who has a role in this exciting show! Amelia, we’re so proud of you—break a leg!
Interim Grades for High School Students
As the year continues to move quickly, we wanted to inform you that interim grades for high school students will be posted soon. Please be on the lookout for these updates and continue to support your students as we head into the home stretch of the school year. Time is flying by, and we want to make sure everyone stays on track!
Reminder: Full PD Day This Friday
A quick reminder that this coming Friday, March 14th, is a Full Professional Development (PD) Day for the district. There will be no school for students, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, we’d like to highlight Kimberly McLeod, a dynamic Boston-based journalist who has been an advocate for women’s representation in the media. As the founder of the multimedia platform Sister's Keeper, McLeod has been dedicated to empowering women of color through storytelling and broadcasting. Her work has helped amplify voices that are often unheard, and we are grateful for the example she sets for young women everywhere.
METCO Advocacy at the State House
METCO Inc. will be advocating for continued funding of the METCO Program at the State House. If you're interested in attending or learning more, please reach out to METCO Inc. directly for additional details. This is an important opportunity to show our support and ensure the longevity of the program, so if you're available, your presence will be greatly appreciated.
Late Bus Schedule
As always, we have included the late bus schedule for your reference. We hope this helps with your family's planning and transportation needs.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the METCO Program. Let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to create opportunities for all of our students to succeed.
Warm regards,
Bedford METCO Team
Davis School Family STEM Night!
Dear Families,
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming STEM Night on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:00 pm. This event is designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Whether your child is a budding scientist, engineer, or simply loves to explore, there will be something for everyone to enjoy! It's a fun evening full of hands-on, interactive and sometimes messy learning activities and challenges.
Please register here so we can make sure that we have enough materials for all students.
We are also asking for your recycling to assist in some of the STEM night challenges. We would love your cardboard toilet paper and paper towel rolls, washed and empty yogurt cups and other small containers. Please send them in with your child in a bag labeled “STEM Night” and we will collect them from classrooms.
Thank you! We hope to see you there!
Summer STEM Program Scholarship Opportunity from BBI and WPI
Through the generous Mark Thomas Memorial Fund established by one of our board members, BBI has partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to fund scholarships for their Frontier summer program. This residential two-week STEM program takes place on campus at WPI and is a fabulous opportunity for students with an interest in STEM who may have financial need.
Please review and share the attached flyer for more about this amazing program and the application process. When you share the information, please also be aware of the following criteria:
- Applicants should be rising 10th, 11th, 12th grade students in the summer of 2025.
- A high school transcript is required, and the application is considered incomplete without it.
- Students should be academically admissible to Frontiers (high achieving in math and science and have a demonstrated interest in STEM)
- Under Additional Information: “If you are applying through a college access program ....” students must choose Mark Thomas/BBI from the drop-down menu to indicate they are applying for this scholarship.
- Scholarship applicants must complete the Tuition Assistance portion of the application.
- The deadline to apply and be considered for the scholarship is March 15.
- WPI offers virtual information sessions every 2 weeks that students/families can register for, and there is an on-demand info session on our website. This can be found on the program's website here.
The deadline to apply and be considered for the scholarship is March 15.
2025 Eleanor W Morton Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Black Female Students (or those that identify as female) who are seniors in High School. Must demonstrate a high degree of scholarship, leadership, and community service. Applicants must have a 2.8 or higher-grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. The applicant must be a resident of and/or attend school in Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes or Nantucket Counties in Massachusetts and be a U.S. Citizen.
About the Scholarship:
The Norfolk-Plymouth County Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, will award two $2,500 scholarships.
Application Process:
Complete the online application https://bit.ly/3W5min1
For questions, contact: scholarship.npcaac@gmail.com
METCO University
METCO University offers free extended education opportunities to the whole METCO community! This winter, choose from a variety of courses about being online safely and responsibly, presented by Tyler-Lee, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator.
Winter 2025 Classes
NOTE: Class dates have been adjusted from the previous email based on feedback.
Introduction to the Digital World
February 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about the evolution of the internet and social media, common platforms, and how they have transformed over time. How are children interacting with these platforms and what are ways you can monitor them? What is a digital footprint and how does it affect your child?
Identify the Dangers and Risks
March 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about pervasive internet risks; scams, phishing, and identify theft; cyberbullying and what that looks like when a child is faced with it.
The Tools, Strategies, and Solutions for Staying Safe Online
April 17, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about setting parental controls while maintaining healthy boundaries with your child. Pick up meaningful ways in which you can teach digital safety and responsibility at home.
Building a Healthy Digital Environment at Home
May 15, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn how to ensure your child is maintaining healthy digital habits at home, with friends, and in school. Fostering healthy and open communication at home is also explained during this session.
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Tyler-Lee St. Leger, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator, at tstleger@metcoinc.org
- March 13: STEAM Night (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) PreK-2 Families 5:30-7:00pm
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- April 1: Kindergarten Orientation Night
- April 14: Kindergarten Screening
- April 21- April 25: No School - April Vacation Week
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- March 18: Strings Vertical Concert (Grade 4 & 5 Strings) 7:00pm BHS or JGMS (TBD)
- March 19: Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-7:00pm
- March 20: Band Vertical Concert (Grade 5 Band) 7:00pm BHS or JGMS (TBD)
- March 21: Grade 4 Movie Day
- March 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-4:00pm
- March 28: Grade 5 Movie Day
- March 31: Rising 6th grade parents - Middle School Math Parent/Caregiver Info Session 7:00-8:00pm @ JGMS, please RSVP.
- April 11: Sports Day - wear a shirt, hat, etc. from your favorite team!
- April 17: Grade 5 Talent Show Performance for Parents 6:00-8:00pm @ Lane
- April 21- April 25: No School - April Vacation Week
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- March 13: JGMS March Social
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- March 18: Strings Vertical Concert
- April 3 - April 5th: The Little Mermaid Jr.
- April 21- April 25: No School - April Vacation Week
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- May 10: Middle School Tenacity Challenge @ BHS
- June 16: Moving On Ceremony & Celebration
- June 17: Canobie Lake Park Trip
- March 12: through Sunday, March 15: Mean Girls Musical
- March 12: College Fair at Reading High School 6:30-8:30pm
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- March 18: Strings Vertical Concert
- March 20: Band Vertical Concert
- March 22: High School Tenacity Challenge
- March 25 & March 26: Grade 10 ELA MCAS
- March 26: BHS Student Wellness Day
- April 12: Women of Science Competition @ JGMS
- April 21- April 25: No School - April Vacation Week
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- May 5: New England College Fair (IEPs & 504s) 6:00-8:00pm @ BHS
- May 10: Middle School Tenacity Challenge @ BHS
- May 16: Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- May 19 - May 22: Senior Exams
- May 20 & May 21: Grade 10 Math MCAS
- May 23: Senior Class Field Trip - Whale Watch 8:00am
- May 29: Senior Prom 5:30pm held at Danvers Yacht Club, meeting at BHS
- June 3: Graduation Rehearsal 8:00am @ BHS
- June 4 & June 5: Grade 9 Science MCAS
- June 5: Graduation 6:00pm @ Tsongas Center in Lowell, student arrival time will be determined and is before Graduation time.
- June 5: All Night Graduation Party 10:30pm @ BHS
- June 12 - June 18: Final Exams
- June 18: Last Day of School for Grades 9-11 (tentative, dependent on additional closures)
BEST PTO Color Run
Saturday, May 3rd | 4:00PM | JGMS Fields
Early Bird Registration | $15 | Through January 31st
Regular Registration | $20
Join BEST PTO for a fun, family-friendly event full of vibrant color, community, and energy! This year’s Color Run will be more affordable than ever to ensure more families can join the fun! While we’ve simplified some offerings, our goal remains the same: to bring joy to our community and raise funds for our schools. Register here: https://runsignup.com/bestptocolorrun2025
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 Board
pdcbedford@gmail.com
President - Kelly Korenak
Vice President - Stacy Chandler
Treasurer - Allison C. John
Secretary - Anne Caron
Davis Chair - OPEN
Lane Chair - Roopa Bhusnurmath
JGMS Chair - OPEN
BHS Chair - Heather Leavell, seeking co-chair from Hanscom or METCO
Fundraising Chair - Mark Mullins
- Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - March 4, 2025
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of March 3, 2025
- John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #26 - 3/10/2025
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - March 10, 2025
- Assistant Superintendent's Update - February 2025
- Superintendent Update - March 7, 2025
- John Glenn Journal - Winter 2025
- The Lookout Newsletter - January 2025
METCO HQ & Boston University Future Leaders Program (High School Students)
The program will meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 18th to May 8th 2025 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 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.
Complete Interest Form to Learn More
In-person sessions take place at METCO HQ:
11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 02119For more information, contact Karli Janssen at kjanssen@metcoinc.org
FREE SAT Prep for Juniors!
METCO juniors: sign up for this six-week SAT course to prepare for your spring test date!
Program Schedule
Saturday, January 18th to March 5th (no classes on February 19th or 22nd due to Winter Break)
Classes are twice a week:
Wednesdays (virtual) from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
AND
Saturdays (in person):
10 am to 12 pm (with an optional hour of individual support following)
OR
1:30 to 3:30 pm (with an optional hour of individual support following)
Important dates:
- January 8th: Parent and Student Orientation (Virtual)
- January 18th: Start of Program
Official SAT target test date: Saturday April 8th 2025
All in-person sessions will be at METCO HQ (11 Roxbury St. Roxbury MA 02119)
For more information: contact Karli Jannsen, College and Career Coordinator, at kjanssen@metcoinc.org
METCO Advocacy Day - March 20th
Registration & Light Breakfast Items from 9:15 to 10 am
Event from 10 am to 1 pm
Pizza at 12:30
Location: Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02123, 2nd Floor, Great Hall of Flags
METCO relies on state funding, requiring advocacy and approval from the state legislature. It is essential to advocate for this funding to both maintain and enhance the impact of METCO’s programs. Share your personal impact stories, express your needs and meet with legislators!
Bring student groups, share with community advocacy groups and Friends of METCO. School committee members are essential voices too!
We welcome you to join us. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about the legislative process, the Historic METCO program’s impact and meet with their legislators.
We have four legislative champions at the State legislature to ensure our funding year after year. We are so grateful for their support.
Transportation will be provided from METCO HQ for those who need it.
Visit the Advocacy Day web page!
METCO University
METCO University offers free extended education opportunities to the whole METCO community! This winter, choose from a variety of courses about being online safely and responsibly, presented by Tyler-Lee, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator.
Winter 2025 Classes
NOTE: Class dates have been adjusted from the previous email based on feedback.
Introduction to the Digital World
February 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about the evolution of the internet and social media, common platforms, and how they have transformed over time. How are children interacting with these platforms and what are ways you can monitor them? What is a digital footprint and how does it affect your child?
Identify the Dangers and Risks
March 27, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about pervasive internet risks; scams, phishing, and identify theft; cyberbullying and what that looks like when a child is faced with it.
The Tools, Strategies, and Solutions for Staying Safe Online
April 17, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn about setting parental controls while maintaining healthy boundaries with your child. Pick up meaningful ways in which you can teach digital safety and responsibility at home.
Building a Healthy Digital Environment at Home
May 15, 2025 | 6 pm | Virtual
Learn how to ensure your child is maintaining healthy digital habits at home, with friends, and in school. Fostering healthy and open communication at home is also explained during this session.
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Tyler-Lee St. Leger, Academic & Enrichment Coordinator, at tstleger@metcoinc.org
METCO HEADQUARTERS PROGRAMMING & RESOURCES
New MassHousing Affordable Apartments
FREE RESOURCE│Database
MassHousing finances the construction and preservation of affordable rental housing throughout MA. Property Managers are responsible for the placement of tenants into available apartments at each development.
View Database HERE
Explore resources to meet your family’s basic needs.
Students are much more likely to succeed in school with stable access to basic needs. If you or anyone you know needs help meeting those needs, check out these Resources for Basic Needs.
Scholarship Database
METCO HQ has created a scholarship database for ALL students to use. Scholarships are broken down into categories to make it easier for students to navigate.
To view click HERE
College and Career Database
METCO HQ has created a College and Career Database for current high school students AND recent alumni including:
-College Access and Retention Programs
-Jobs and Internships
To view entire database click HERE
Considering HBCU’s Tip Sheet
You may have heard/read about HBCUs, but how do you know if this type of school is right for you? This tip sheet will provide a more comprehensive look into considering HBCUs
View Tip Sheet HERE
Soca Sundays
FREE EVENT │All Ages│ Sundays 1-3pm @ Community Art Center Cambridge, MA
Join for an afternoon of Soca! Dance, feel the Caribbean vibes, and bring the whole family—these classes are for everyone!
Learn More & Register HERE
Hate & Bias in K-12 Schools Resources
RESOURCES │ all ages
Governor Maura T. Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released updated guidance to K-12 schools on addressing hate and bias incidents in line with legal obligations.
Learn More HERE
Bullying Prevention Resources
RESOURCES │ all ages
Includes general bullying prevention resources, cyberbullying and internet safety as well as articles, books and videos.
Learn More HERE
Watch Video HERE
Summer STEM Program Scholarship Opportunity from BBI and WPI
Through the generous Mark Thomas Memorial Fund established by one of our board members, BBI has partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to fund scholarships for their Frontier summer program. This residential two-week STEM program takes place on campus at WPI and is a fabulous opportunity for students with an interest in STEM who may have financial need.
Please review and share the attached flyer for more about this amazing program and the application process. When you share the information, please also be aware of the following criteria:
- Applicants should be rising 10th, 11th, 12th grade students in the summer of 2025.
- A high school transcript is required, and the application is considered incomplete without it.
- Students should be academically admissible to Frontiers (high achieving in math and science and have a demonstrated interest in STEM)
- Under Additional Information: “If you are applying through a college access program ....” students must choose Mark Thomas/BBI from the drop-down menu to indicate they are applying for this scholarship.
- Scholarship applicants must complete the Tuition Assistance portion of the application.
- The deadline to apply and be considered for the scholarship is March 15.
- WPI offers virtual information sessions every 2 weeks that students/families can register for, and there is an on-demand info session on our website. This can be found on the program's website here.
The 19th Annual Israel Arbeiter Holocaust Essay Contest
Open to Students in Grades 6-12. Submissions Due April 4, 2025
Six Winners will receive an educational trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and their relevance today. By exploring the history of Holocaust, we can understand how hatred, prejudice, and dehumanization can escalate into violence and how we all play a role in preventing history from repeating itself.
School Year Youth Job Applications Are Now Live!
The SuccessLink School Year Youth Job applications are now live! Boston youth and young adults ages 14 - 24 can apply for school year job opportunities on FutureBOS, the youth jobs catalog created to help young people find and secure jobs.
Click here to access futureBOS, the best place to go to find jobs that offer opportunities to grow, explore new experiences, and get paid.
Save the Date: Youth Jobs and Resource Fair!
The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Complex! Each year, the City of Boston partners with hundreds of city agencies and community-based organizations across all Boston neighborhoods to provide meaningful employment opportunities for thousands of the city’s youth. The City of Boston Youth Jobs & Resource Fair equips Boston’s youth with unique job opportunities and essential workforce readiness skills. This free event offers young people the chance to connect directly with employers, access on-site application support, participate in free career development workshops, receive wrap-around youth services, and more!
Senior Deadlines
Cap & Gown Order Information
To order your cap and gown for graduation, click here.
May 23: Senior Class Field Trip: Whale Watch 8:00am, meet at BHS
May 29: Senior Prom, 5:30pm at Danversport Yacht Club, meet at BHS
June 3: Graduation Rehearsal 8:00am at BHS
June 5: Graduation 6:00pm at Tsongas Center in Lowell, student arrival will be earlier
June 5: All Night Graduation Party 10:30pm at BHS
2025 Eleanor W Morton Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Black Female Students (or those that identify as female) who are seniors in High School. Must demonstrate a high degree of scholarship, leadership, and community service. Applicants must have a 2.8 or higher-grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. The applicant must be a resident of and/or attend school in Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes or Nantucket Counties in Massachusetts and be a U.S. Citizen.
About the Scholarship:
The Norfolk-Plymouth County Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, will award two $2,500 scholarships.
Application Process:
Complete the online application https://bit.ly/3W5min1
For questions, contact: scholarship.npcaac@gmail.com
Middle School Math Parent/Caregiver Information Session
Intended Audience: Rising 6th grade parents (Current 5th grade students). All are welcome. On Monday, March 31st, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at JGMS math teachers, the math program administrator, the JGMS principal, and the Superintendent invite Lane School and JGMS parents and caregivers to a math information session. We will be presenting proposed changes to our math course structure for the 2025-2026 school year for 6th grade. These changes are part of Bedford’s strategic plan. This session is intended for parents and caregivers only. There will be a hands-on session and we ask, for our planning purposes, you RSVP. Thank you. Patrick Morrissey, Math Program Administrator, Grades 6-12 patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org