The Bedford Buccaneer

Previous Issue of the Bedford Buccaneer

• 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.

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.

An email was sent to parents/caregivers last week, please click here for the content.

Back-to-School Night is intended to offer an introduction to teachers and courses. The night is not intended for individual conferences. If you have specific questions or concerns about your child, please reach out to the teacher, teachers, or counselor by phone or email to arrange for a longer conversation or schedule a meeting time.

The schedule for the evening is as follows:

• 6:30-6:55 Introduction from BHS Administrators
• 6:55-7:05 Transition Time
• 7:05-8:39 Attend Scheduled Classes (schedule below)
• 8:40 End of Back to School Night

We also invite you to visit the library for an interactive drug-education program for parents called Hidden in Plain Sight. A mock teen bedroom will be set up with everyday items that can be indicators of drug use or risky behavior. This eye-opening display is a powerful way to learn more about a serious issue impacting our young people. Also In partnership with the town, representatives from the Bedford Department of Youth & Family Services, along with The Edinburgh Center and Community Team Works, will be present to share more about their services. Stop by the Library to learn more.

In preparation for the evening, please take a screenshot of your child’s or children’s schedule(s), and ask your student to complete the Back To School Schedule Grid for you. Hard copies will be provided to students in their advisories on Wednesday where we will remind all students to help their parents and caregivers with this task.

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.

Registration open October 1-31 | Cost: $105

Beginning October 1, 2025, students can register and pay for AP exams for $105/exam. After Friday, October 31, 2025, registrations will include a $40 late fee.

REGISTRATION STEPS

1. Register to join your class in myAP

1. Visit https://myap.collegeboard.org/ to register with your class-specific Join Code, if you have not already. After signing into your AP Classroom, select ‘Yes’ if you intend to order/take this exam (updates to this can be made up to November 3, 2025 in your myAP account).

1. See your teacher for your specific class section Join Code.

2. Join Codes should not be shared between students as they are specific to each class section.

2. Pay your exam registration fee.

1. AFTER you have registered in myAP, payments will be processed with Total Registration.

1. Please be sure to register for your class-specific section.

2. Student ID numbers are required in order to complete the steps in Total Registration.

1. This number can be found in the student’s Aspen account under the “My Info” tab. The required ID number is labeled as “Local Identifier” followed by a number beginning with 5050…. Students will not be able to pay for their exams without this Student ID number.

3. If you qualify for financial assistance, please mark ‘yes’ when asked during the registration process.

2. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete.

SELF-STUDY EXAMS

The total cost per Self-Study Exam will be $150.00. Classes not associated with a BHS AP course are available for self-study. There is an additional test administration fee ($45.00) for Self-Study exams to offset the cost of proctors for small group test administration.

Bedford High School does not offer Self-Study Exams coinciding with classes offered as part of the BHS Program of Studies. For these exams, students should plan to enroll in the desired AP class so that it may be reflected on their transcript. If you are interested in taking one of these exams, you are encouraged to reach out to the surrounding school districts to see if they offer testing to out-of-district students; no contact lists can be provided.

Registration Process for Self-Study Exams

1. complete the Self-Study Exam Google Form BEFORE you will be able to pay for your exam in Total Registration. This form will be shared via email on October 1 and must be completed before October 31, 2025, at which time the form will stop receiving responses and no further Self-Study exams may be requested.

1. Note that this deadline differs from the late registration timeline to allow for course sections to be created.

2. This form may only be completed by students, not parents/caregivers, and students will be emailed directly with the next steps of the Self-Study registration process by the AP Coordinator.

3. Do not proceed to order this exam in Total Registration until you receive your join code from the AP Coordinator.

Please note that self-study exams will not appear on student transcripts or affect a student’s GPA, as the subject has not been formally instructed by a teacher at BHS. Colleges will know a Self-Study exam has been taken if and when the student chooses to send the final AP score directly to the college through the College Board website. BHS does not send any AP Scores to colleges regardless of whether or not a student has self-studied. It is strongly recommended that students have a conversation with their caregivers regarding whether or not self-studying an exam makes sense for the student’s school/life balance. It is also encouraged for students to review the AP Score usage policies to see if potential colleges accept AP credits.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to the AP Coordinator, Samantha Thyne at samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org.

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.

Order Deadline: December 31, 2025

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

All events and fundraisers must be submitted for approval. Each event/fundraiser planned by a student organization must be submitted separately. The advisor, not a student, should make submissions. The Administration team will review each request and will notify the club advisor of the decision via email.

Submission Instructions

• Club Advisor completes an Event/Fundraiser approval request form.

• Before submitting, check the BHS calendar to view any potential conflicts.

• Event approvals will be issued by the BHS Office.

Additional Guidelines

• Poster Approval: Bring (or email) a copy of any posters or flyers to the BHS Office for approval before displaying them on campus.

• Newsletter Promotion: To include your event in the Bedford Buccaneer (weekly newsletter), email your event information to Nina Tate.

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.

High school juniors and seniors actively serving in an elected or appointed leadership role are invited to apply for the 64th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program. Those selected will represent Massachusetts at Washington Week, which will take place in Washington, D.C. from March 7-14, 2026. The two delegates chosen to represent the state at Washington Week will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. Please email any questions to Juin Liu.

Monday, September 22

Tuesday, September 23

Wednesday, September 24

Thursday, September 25

Friday, September 26

Saturday, September 27

Register for Winter / Spring sports

Financial Aid Night

Tuesday, September 30 | 6:30 pm | LGI

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

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

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.