Dear METCO Families,
As we approach the final week before the Christmas holiday, the Bedford METCO Program would like to take a moment to wish all of our families a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year. We hope you all find time to unwind, connect with your loved ones, and create wonderful memories together during this special time of year.
Please know that we are thinking of each of you and are excited to see everyone in 2025. As we return from the holiday break, we will be beginning the placement process for the upcoming year. We kindly remind parents of siblings who are not yet placed in the METCO Program to reach out and inform us as soon as possible.
Wishing you all peace, joy, and a well-deserved break. See you in the new year!
--
~Akil
- December 18: Lane Winter Concert (Orchestra, Band & Grade 5 Chorus) 7:00pm @ Bedford High School
- December 20: Early Release for K-2 Lane Students @ 11:30am (No Lunch served) & Ugly Sweater Day
- December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break
- January 9: Rescheduled Grade 4 Field Trip to Worcester Art Museum (Colpoys, Shu, Perrotta, Maniatis)
- January 15: No School, MLK Jr. Day
- January 17: Stuffed Animal Day
New Exhibit: Re/Presenting: Art Beyond the Color Line
New Exhibit: Re/Presenting: Art Beyond the Color Line
Amherst College's Mead Museum
Starts November 12, 2024
What does it mean to truly observe a person, and to depict them—or ourselves—with love and care?
Systems like colonialism and white supremacy categorize, label, and create hierarchies among different bodies that can shape or distort our perceptions of ourselves and each other. The art we consume and make can also create or reinforce ideas about who is visible, valuable, or beautiful. So how might we learn to see and represent all people in ways that foster more peace, justice, and respect?
Re/Presenting takes inspiration from EmbraceRace’s innovative curriculum Drawing Differences. The curriculum provides a framework for addressing the underrepresentation of diverse characters in children's drawings through hands-on activities that encourage a wide range of depictions of skin colors, hair textures, and facial features.
To view the FREE Drawing Differences art curriculum from Embrace Race, click here.
The Mural honoring Turtle Island
On view NOW in the Bedford Free Public Library:
The Mural honoring Turtle Island that was created by the Bedford
community at our Indigenous Peoples Day event!
On display outside the Children's Room, now through the end of the year.
Many thanks to Aimee Ledwell, artist and educator, for leading us,
and to the BFPL for hosting our mural!
Learn more about the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum here.
Dear families,
The Parents Diversity Council was formed in 2018 to create opportunities within the Bedford Public Schools to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all Bedford, Boston, and Hanscom students and their families. The PDC is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization, and we rely on your generous financial support.
Through fun and meaningful cultural events, community conversations, and collaborations, the PDC provides welcoming spaces to nurture authentic and lasting relationships among students and families across Bedford’s communities and cultures.
As we call on you in support of our Annual Appeal, here are some of the ways the PDC has made a positive impact in Bedford this past year:
- Co-sponsored the Black History celebration with the Bedford METCO program.
- Organized Bedford’s 3rd Annual PRIDE Celebration in collaboration with Bedford Youth and Family Services.
- Sponsored the Indigenous Peoples Day Turtle Island Mural Project, led by Mashpee Wampanoag artist Aimee Ledwell. The Mural is now on view outside the Children’s Room at the Bedford Library.
- Organized a community conversation with noted author Mitali Perkins, who discussed cultural acceptance and belonging, themes covered in her books.
- Sponsored Eid-Al-Fitr celebration, marking the end of Ramadan. The event featured traditional crafts, Henna, and a presentation about the holiday from members of the community.
- Partnered with Bedford Public Library on family-oriented Cultural Mosaic events for Diwali and Lunar New Year.
- Hosted after-school Stay-and-Plays, bringing together students at Davis and Lane.
Please help us raise $5,000 in crucial funds for this continued work by donating to the PDC’s Annual Appeal! Every dollar of your fully tax-deductible donation will directly benefit students and families in the Bedford Public schools.
Thank you! We are so grateful for your partnership as we help build a warm and equitable community where everyone feels supported.
Ways to Contribute:
1) Donate online via thru PayPal
2) Scan the QR code:
QR Code up above
3) Mail a check to:
Parents Diversity Council
PO Box 142
Bedford, MA 01730
With gratitude,
Kelly Korenak, PDC President
On behalf of the PDC Board
Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical
Celebrate the holidays with The Grinch!
A heartwarming tale for the whole family
"100 times better than any bedtime story!" - The New York Times. Don’t miss The Grinch!
Wang Theatre | Dec 10 - 23 | Tickets start at just $35
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls "100 times better than any bedtime story!"
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is approximately 85 minutes with no intermission. BUY TICKETS
MDA Skate Day
The MDA invites you on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10am to Chez Vous (11 Rhoades St. Dorchester, MA 02124) for an opportunity to spend quality time with our families. The MDA will not be providing transportation for this event but will be covering the cost of admission and skate rental. Please click here to register for this event.
PLEASE REGISTER BY SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2025 BY 5PM.
For more information about Che Vous please click HERE
Any questions about the event, please reach out to Caja, the Student Activities committee Chair directly.
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 - December 10, 2024
- Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of December 9, 2024
- John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #16 - 12/9/2024
- Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - December 16, 2024
- Superintendent Update - December 13, 2024
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 02119
For more information, contact Karli Janssen at kjanssen@metcoinc.org
FREE SAT or ACT Prep for Juniors!
METCO juniors: sign up for this six-week SAT (or ACT) course to prepare for your spring test date!
Program Schedule
Classes run twice a week, on Wednesdays from 5 - 6:30 pm AND Saturdays from 12:30 - 2 pm beginning Saturday, January 18th to March 5th (no classes on February 19th or 22nd due to Winter Break)
Important dates:
- January 8th: Parent and Student Orientation (Virtual)
- January 11th: ACT vs. SAT MANDATORY Comparison TEST
- January 15th: Makeup ACT vs. SAT Comparison Test
- January 18th: Start of Program
Official SAT target test date: Saturday April 8th 2025 AND Official ACT target test date: April 5th 2025
ALL sessions will be IN-PERSON 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
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
Broad Summer Scholars Program
Broad Summer Scholars Program invites students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute, working side-by-side with scientific mentors to conduct a research project in areas such as cancer, infectious disease, therapeutics, psychiatric disease and more. Students also attend interesting scientific talks and career exploration events, attend a college fair, participate in fun social activities, present their research in a scientific poster session, and meet other students who share similar interest.
Important Dates:
Application Available: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Notifications: Early March 2025
Program Dates: June 20-August 8, 2025
How to Apply
To apply visit: www.broadinstitue.org/bssp
For more information, contact: bssp@broadinstitute.org