Hello METCO Families,
We hope everyone enjoyed their weekend, and if you're a football fan, we hope your team came out on top! If not, remember, next year is sure to be their year!
As we count down the days until February break, we hope everyone has something educational and exciting planned during the time off.
We want to remind all Davis and Lane School parents of the early release days this week. On Wednesday, we will have our regular 3/4 day release, with students dismissed at 1:17 PM for Lane and 1:55 PM for Davis. However, please note that we will also have a CKLA Early Release Day on Thursday, February 13. On this day, students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM for Lane and 12:05 PM for Davis. Please double-check bus schedules and communicate with afterschool programs to ensure they are prepared to receive the students.
Looking ahead, we want to ensure all families are aware of the African American History Celebration, which will take place after the break on February 25 at Bedford High School for the community. We encourage all families to attend this important event.
As always, the bus schedule for this week is attached. We also want to note that we are fast approaching the end of the winter sports season, and once we return from break, some of our later late buses will slow down.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the office.
Thank you for your continued support!
Best regards,
The METCO Team
Teen Ambassador Program (TAP) 2025
METCO HQ's Teen Ambassadors Program (TAP) is a youth organizing and engagement program designed to create an affinity space for METCO high school students from our 33 districts.
Students will build leadership skills, while working on meaningful projects like community service, new student enrollment support, event planning, spokesmanship and racial equity advocacy.
Complete the interest form and join our **mandatory** virtual information session on Thursday, February 6th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to learn more about this fantastic opportunity.
Still fill out the Interest Form if interested
For further details or if you have any questions, please contact Nia Simpson, Community Organizer & Engagement Coordinator, at nsimpson@metcoinc.org
Invitation to Movie Screening
Please join Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan for a screening of The Six Triple Eight, a film that tells the inspiring story of Troop 6888, an all-black, all-female battalion that served in World War II. Following the movie, there will be a panel discussion with distinguished female professionals about leadership.
It will be on February 23rd 3:00-6:00pm at Janet M. Daley Library Lecture Hall at Emmanuel College, 400 Fenway, Boston, MA. Please RSVP to Emily Rogers at emily.rogers2@mass.gov
Boston Public Schools ESports Gaming Camp
Happening 2/18 - 2/21
8:30am - 3:00pm
Grades 5th - 10th
Where:
Site1: The Crossing at Northeastern University, 1175 Tremont St., Boston
Site2: Ohrenberger School, 175 W. Boundary Rd., Boston
Featured Games: Rocket League, Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers, NBA 2K
Morning Engineering: Cloud Computing, AI Technology, & Network Design
Afternoon Gaming: Competitive Games, Live Broadcasts, Play vs Other School Districts, Live Competition
BPS Comic Con Literacy Camp
Happening 2/18 - 2/21
8:30am - 3:30pm
Grades 3rd - 8th
Where:
Site1: Dearborn STEM Academy, 36 Winthrop St., Roxbury
Site2: Ohrenberger School, 175 W. Boundary Rd., Boston
Improve use of Reading Strategies, Explore & Research Marvel Universe, Unlock Creativity Skill & Build your own Superhero
METCO HQ February Break Free High School Programs
METCO HQ
February Break 2025
FREE High School Programs
NOTE: all programs will begin from METCO HQ and food will be provided for all program participants!
Livius Prep: JUNIOR College
Preparation Hackathon
February 18th, 11:00 am - 3:00
METCO HQ Livius Prep are working together to provide JUNIOR students with a one-
time, college access and preparation workshop. During this workshop, JUNIORS will
be met by facilitators where they are at in their own College Application journey. Livius
Prep will cover the topics of: College Application, College essay and short answer
editing, Brag Sheets, building and editing college lists, deadlines, Financial Aid and
more. The goal of this workshop is to ensure seniors have ALL the information and
support necessary to begin their College Application Process.
Olin College of Engineering
February 19th, 9:00 am - 2:00
Olin College of Engineering will host up to 13 students to participate in an interactive
Campus Tour, Campus lunch and engineering activity! Olin College of Engineering is
advancing engineering as a bridge to equity, opportunity and progress for humanity
on a global scale. Students will learn about Olin College of Engineering's impressive
curriculum, majors, capstone projects and internships with companies like Google,
Tesla and more!
National Grid
February 20th, 9:00 am - 1:00
National Grid Headquarters will host up to 13 students to participate in an interactive
tour of the space, a career panel and interactive activity. National Grid is an energy
company that delivers electricity, natural gas, and clean energy to homes and
businesses in the UK and the US. Students will learn about the many different career
options at National Grid and participate in a hands on activity around clean energy,
electricity and more!
- February 13: Early Dismissal K-2 Students at 12:05pm
- February 17-21: No School - February Break
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- March 8: BEST PTO Winter Social for Davis @ BHS 4:00-5:30pm
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- February 12: Vocal Vertical Concert (Grade 5 Chorus) 7:00pm @ Bedford High School
- February 13: Early Dismissal at 11:30am (NO Lunch served)
- February 14: Pajama Day & The Trashin' Show (more info to come)
- February 17-21: No School - February Break
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- March 7: Grade 3 Movie Day
- March 8: BEST PTO Winter Social for Lane @ BHS 6:00-7:30pm
- 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
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- February 17-21: No School - February Break
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- March 4: Future First Years Night - BHS Class of 2029 6:30-8:00pm @ BHS
- March 14: No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development Day
- March 18: Strings Vertical Concert
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- May 10: Middle School Tenacity Challenge @ BHS
- February 12: Choral Concert
- February 17-21: No School - February Break
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration 6:00pm @ BHS
- March 12: through Sunday, March 16: 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
- April 12: Women of Science Competition @ JGMS
- May 3: BEST PTO Color Run 4:00pm @ JGMS Fields
- May 20 & May 21: Grade 10 Math MCAS
- June 4 & June 5: Grade 9 Physics MCAS
- June 5: Graduation & All Night Graduation Party
- June 12 - June 18: Final Exams
BEST PTO Winter Social
Saturday, March 8th | BHS Cafeteria
Davis School Students | 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Lane School Students | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Get ready for the Bedford Beach Party! This is our annual winter Davis/Lane family social. Tickets will go on sale February 3rd and a link to purchase tickets will be made public on that date. For any questions, please reach out to julies31@gmail.com.
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 - February 5, 2025
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of February 3, 2025
- John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #23 - 2/10/2025
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - February 10, 2025
- Special Education Director's Update - January 6, 2025
- Superintendent Update - February 7, 2025
METCO HQ & Boston University Future Leaders Program (High School Students)
The program will meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 7th to February 27th 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.
Complete Interest Form to Learn More
Apply HERE
View Flyer HERE
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 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
Snowport
EVENT|Open from Nov 8-Feb 25 │ Seaport Blvd & Boston Wharf Rd
The Holiday Market at Snowport features over 120 businesses and 17 food and beverage options for the whole family to enjoy this winter season.
Learn More 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.
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
Yearbook Orders
Order your yearbook online by going to YearbookOrderCenter.com and using the school code 13423. All sales will be correctly priced online. If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.
Deadline: December 31
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