Superintendent Update
May 9, 2025
Cliff's Notes
Dear Bedford Public Schools Community,
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are pleased to share additional resources for families (see below). In addition, the opportunity to provide feedback on the district's strategic initiative 2.1 to consider a shift in school hours to improve student wellbeing is open through May 16th, with the School Committee taking up the issue in the final two meetings of the year. Finally, I am pleased to report that last night, the Finance Committee unanimously approved the School Committee's reserve fund transfer request to help the district close out FY25. We continue to appreciate the community's strong support of our schools.
Best,
Cliff Chuang (he/him) 莊 宏 毅
Superintendent, Bedford Public Schools
Upcoming Events
- May: Asian-American & Pacific Islander Month, Jewish American Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
- May 17: Armed Forces Day
- May 18: Speech-Language Pathologists Day
- May 26: No School - Memorial Day
- May 27: Bedford Dollars for Scholars Awards Ceremony
- May 28: School Committee Meeting
- June 5: Graduation & All Night Graduation Pary
- June 11: School Committee Meeting
- June 18: Last Day of School - Early Release
- June 19: District Closed - Juneteenth
At the May 6th school committee meeting, the committee reviewed proposed shifts to the 6th grade math course structure and considered the safe workplace memorandum of understanding (MOU) developed in conjunction with the Bedford Education Association. The final two meetings before the summer will be Wednesday, May 28th and Wednesday, June 11th. As always, meeting agendas, schedules, and supporting documents are available on the School Committee - Meeting Schedule & Supporting Documents.
We are pleased to share a new way for families to access mental health support through our existing partnership with Cartwheel Care. While students have previously been referred by school counselors, parents and guardians can now directly request services by completing a simple online form. Cartwheel provides virtual therapy with licensed clinicians and offers care that is timely, inclusive, and accessible—with no waitlists and support for all families, including those without insurance. Submit a Request for Cartwheel Services To learn more, view this flyer or reach out to your school’s counseling team.
How Trauma Affects Family Mental Health Plus How to Support Yourself & Your Kids
*NEW DATE AND TIME!* Thursday, May 15th, 12-1 pm
Trauma doesn't just affect the individual – it ripples through families and communities, influencing physical health, relationships, communication, and mental wellbeing. By understanding trauma's impact and recognizing common responses, you can develop effective strategies to support healing for yourself and your loved ones. Join Cartwheel and guest speaker Chris Smith, LCSW, for a webinar on how trauma affects youth and families and what you can do to support yourself and your kids. Learn how to break cycles of trauma and improve family functioning. This virtual event is part of Cartwheel's free webinar series for parents, caregivers, and school staff. Register here
Throughout this school year, in alignment with Strategic Objective 2.1 regarding student wellbeing, the School Committee has considered whether a change in school hours is in the best interest of students. Full information about this initiative can be found at BPS Healthy School Hours and the community
survey is open through May 16th. Links for staff and students are being sent directly via school email. Thank you for your feedback!
School & Program Newsletter Links
In an effort to support communication, below are the links to the most recent newsletters from each school and assorted school departments:
- Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - May 6, 2025
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - May 5, 2025
- JGMS Buccaneer News Vol #33 05/05/2025
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - May 5, 2025
- METCO Newsletter - April 2025 - Week 5/5
- Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Update - April 2025
- The Lookout April Fools Issue - April 2025
- The Buccaneer's Books - BHS Library Newsletter - Spring 2025