METCO Newsletter

Dear METCO Families,

Week One Is in the Books!

Welcome back, Bedford METCO families! We hope everyone had a wonderful first week and is beginning to settle into the rhythm of the new school year. It has been great seeing our students reconnect with friends, meet their teachers, and get back into the swing of things.

As we continue adjusting to our transportation routines, please remember that students and families should arrive at their assigned bus stops at least 10 minutes early both in the morning and afternoon. Buses must remain on schedule and cannot wait at stops or pull over at unassigned locations. Your cooperation helps ensure safe and timely transportation for everyone.

Late bus transportation will begin this week for eligible students participating in school-sponsored afternoon activities. Late buses are for afternoon activities only and should not be used as an alternative to a student’s regularly assigned bus.

Students must communicate their late bus plans to the appropriate METCO staff member during the school day. Parents and guardians should also confirm their child’s participation and monitor program communications for bus assignments, departure updates, delays, or changes. Please make sure your contact information is current and continue checking your email and other METCO communication channels regularly.

As we begin another exciting year, we ask families to remain connected, review school and METCO updates, and reach out whenever questions or concerns arise. Thank you for your patience, partnership, and continued support as we work together to make this a successful year for every student.

Here’s to a great second week!

Warmly,
The Bedford METCO Team

Tuesday, September 8: 6:00pm @ BHS

Wednesday, September 9: 6:30pm @ BHS
Thursday, September 10: 7:00pm @ BHS

Friday, September 11: 9:00pm @ BHS

• September 10: Lightspeed Parent Portal Webinar 9:00-10:00am - Webinar Link
• September 10: Lightspeed Parent Portal Webinar 9:00-10:00am - Webinar Link

• September 8: Fall Play Auditions
• September 8: Gaming/ D+D Club 2:30-3:45pm Library
• September 8: Culinary Club 2:30-3:15pm Library
• September 10: Class of 2027 Meeting 7:45-8:55am Auditorium
• September 11: Senior Sunrise

• September 15: Back to School Night - Kindergarten 6-7pm (Adults only)
• September 17: Back to School Night - Grades 1 & 2, 6-7pm (Adults only)
• September 19: Bedford Day 2026
• October 12: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
• November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• November 25: Early Release
• November 26 & 27: No School
• December 23: Early Dismissal
• December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)

• September 19: Bedford Day 2026
• September 22: Back to School Night for Grade 3 parents, 6 - 7 pm
• September 23: Back to School Night for Grade 4 parents, 6 - 7 pm
• September 24: Back to School Night for Grade 5 parents, 6 - 7 pm
• September 28: School Pictures (more details to come)
• October 12: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
• November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• November 25: Early Release
• November 26 & 27: No School
• December 23: Early Dismissal
• December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)

• September 10: Lightspeed Parent Portal Webinar 9:00-10:00am - Webinar Link
• September 10: Lightspeed Parent Portal Webinar 9:00-10:00am - Webinar Link
• September 15: Lightspeed Parent Portal - In Person 7:00-8:00pm Location TBD (If you plan to attend, please RSVP using this link by 9/14 at 6:00 pm.)
• September 19: Bedford Day 2026
• October 1: Back to School Night
• October 12: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
• November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• November 25: Early Release
• November 26 & 27: No School
• December 23: Early Dismissal
• December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)

• September 8: Fall Play Auditions
• September 8: Gaming/ D+D Club begins 2:30-3:45pm Library
• September 8: Culinary Club Planning Meeting 2:30-3:15pm Library
• September 10: Class of 2027 Meeting - Flex Block (7:45-8:55am) Auditorium
• September 11: Senior Sunrise
• September 15: Class of 2028 Meeting - Flex Block (7:45-8:15am) Auditorium
• September 15: Class of 2029 Meeting - Flex Block (8:25-8:55am) Auditorium
• September 18: Class of 2030 Meeting - Flex Block (7:45-8:55am) Auditorium
• September 18: Mass College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences 9:15am, Bates College 2:00pm
• September 19: Bedford Day 2026
• September 28: School Picture Day
• September 29: Financial Aid Information Night 6:30pm LGI (Seniors/Caregivers)
• October 1: Senior Picture 8:00 am | Sabourin Field
• October 6: Student Activities Fair - Flex Block Jenks Trail
• October 8: Back to School Night (Caregivers)
• October 12: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)
• October 14: Chamber Orchestra Concert
• November 3: No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
• November 9: End Term 1
• November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
• November 13-14: Fall Play
• November 25: Early Dismissal
• November 26 & 27: No School
• December 3: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• December 9: Instrumental Concert
• December 10: Choral Concert
• December 23: Early Dismissal
• December 24 - January 1: No School (Winter Break)

Multicultural Potluck

Save the Date - October 23 for Davis families! More details coming, Save the Date!!!

METCO Office: 781-275-1700 x4435

Akil Mondesir, METCO Director

Akil_Mondesir@bedfordps.org

Chauncey Williams, METCO Coordinator Davis & Lane

Chauncey_Williams@bedfordps.org

Jonathan Brome, METCO Coordinator JGMS

Jonathan_Brome@bedfordps.org

Jennifer_Ilchuk@bedfordps.org

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 - OPEN
Treasurer - Allison C. John
Secretary - Anne Caron
Davis Chair - OPEN
Lane Chair - Roopa Bhusnurmath
JGMS Chair - Anne Caron
BHS Chair - Heather Leavell, seeking co-chair from Hanscom or METCO

• Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - September 8, 2026
  
• Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of August 31, 2026
• John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #2 - 9/7/2026
• Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - September 8, 2026
• Superintendent Update - September 3, 2026
• Student Service Spotlight - September 2026
• Parents Diversity Council - September 2025 Newsletter

September 15: Back to School Night - Kindergarten 6:00-7:00pm (Adults only)

September 17: Back to School Night - 1st and 2nd graders 6:00-7:00pm (Adults only)

Events will start in the gym together and then families will be sent to classrooms to learn more about the upcoming school year! -- Please note this is a change from last year-- we are going back to an adult only format.

October 1: Back to School Night

October 8: Back to School Night

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.

Upcoming College Visits

See Naviance App | See BHS Calendar for Details

Friday, September 18

9:15am -Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Services

2:00 pm - Bates College

October 4: Senior Thanks

October 4: Submit Your Baby Photo

October 25: Senior Portraits

October 25: Senior Siblings

October 31: Congratulatory Ads

December 31: Deadline to order Yearbooks

https://www.bedfordps.org/high-school/guidance/pages/scholarship-information

Want to get closer to the METCO community and contribute to this historic program? We have a number of opportunities to work for us or volunteer.

Work For Us

Throughout the year, our various districts are looking for bus drivers and/or bus monitors and other roles as they arise. Please take a look for various opportunities.

In addition, you can also look for job opportunities at school districts at Schoolspring and enter METCO in the search box.

Volunteer

METCO has a number of ways in which you can get involved. We invite volunteers who have a variety of skills, talents and interest to give their time to METCO. You can engage in a variety of ways, from tutoring, volunteering, speaking at events, or sharing your METCO experience for marketing purposes.

Student & Family Resources

Student & Family Resources for Civil Rights, Education, Elder Rights, Emergency, Employment, Health, Immigration & Legal, and Mental Health.

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

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

BCYF Youth Programming

FREE | Various Dates, Programs & Locations │ All Ages

Boston Centers for Youth & Families offers many classes, programs and special events for Boston residents. Many require pre-registration.

Learn More & Browse Database HERE

The B.A.S.E Basketball

SPORTS │ Registration Open │Grades 3-12

Students ages 6-19 can engage in year-round with league play, skills training, academics, and mentoring.

Learn More & Register HERE

826 Boston Tutoring

FREE TUTORING │ Grades 1-12 @ 826 Boston

Various after-school and evening offerings strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively, and confidently.

Learn More HERE

Step Into Culture

Applications Open │ All Ages

Teaching students caribbean dance, african, afrobeats, soca and hip hop all are welcomed to join and no experience is necessary.

Contact Wilma Clouden for more information

Phone: 617-212-5247

Email: wclouden@gmail.com

Young Dancers Program

Registration Open│Ages 3-18│Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre Dorchester, MA

The Young Dancers Program offers an innovative, challenging curriculum. Individualized instruction in ballet technique, conditioning, and repertory. Financial Aid Available. Under Schools Tab

Learn More and Register HERE

Mathcounts: National Math Club

FREE PROGRAM │ 2024-25 Registration Open │Clubs in Various Districts│6-8th

Mathcounts provides game instructions, math explorations, problem sets and monthly challenges that can be enjoyed by students of all skill levels. There are established clubs in various districts but new teams can be formed if needed with a club leader.

View Participating Teams HERE

Learn More & Apply HERE

Youth Opportunity Developing Achievers (YODA)

FREE PROGRAM │ School-year Applications Open │ 6-12th Graders @ Urban League Boston

YODA empowers talented minority students to excel in STEM by providing training, mentorship, and confidence-building opportunities. Through Saturday sessions, summer camps, and year-round programs, students learn from diverse STEM professionals and gain the skills needed to become future leaders in the field.

Learn More & Sign Up HERE

Catholic Charities Teen Center @ St. Peters

FREE│Open Monday-Friday 2-9pm│Students grades 7-12

Open to all backgrounds and faiths, the goal of the center is to interrupt the cycle of violence by providing youth with personalized attention, academic tutoring, and personal mentoring support.

Learn More HERE

MassArt Artward Bound

FREE│Applications Open for current 8th, 9th & 10th graders

A four-year college prep program for Boston high school students interested in a college education focused on art and design. Students participate in art classes, career workshops, academic tutoring, visits to museums and artist studios, and more.

Learn More & Apply HERE

Boston Red Sox Baseball & Softball RBI Nike Interest Form

FREE |Interest Form Now Open│13-18 years old

Nike RBI provides team equipment, uniforms, field access and umpires at no cost to players and their families, and supports a cohort of dedicated coaches who use baseball and softball as a platform to teach core values of teamwork, respect and leadership.

Complete Interest Form HERE

Boston Red Sox Baseball & Softball RBI Nike Interest Form

FREE |Interest Form Now Open│13-18 years old

Nike RBI provides team equipment, uniforms, field access and umpires at no cost to players and their families, and supports a cohort of dedicated coaches who use baseball and softball as a platform to teach core values of teamwork, respect and leadership.

Complete Interest Form HERE

Boston University Upward Bound

FREE PROGRAM | Applications Open | 9th-11th Graders

Do you want to go to college? Holistic college-prep program with classes, tutoring, mentoring, social and personal support. For students who live in Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, or Roxbury.

View Info Video HERE

Request application HERE

Summer Search Program

PAID PROGRAM│Applications Open│10th Graders

Engage in a free summer program to help students discover their passions, develop essential life skills and position themselves for post-secondary success.

Learn More & Apply HERE

Fresh Films: Weekly Filmmaking

FREE PROGRAM │ Applications │ Ages 13-19

Want to work in film, TV, or as a content creator? Join Fresh Films this January to make movies, use pro equipment, and connect with Hollywood pros from Sony, Paramount, and more.

Learn More & Apply HERE

College Prep Scholars Program

FREE PROGRAM │ Applications │ 11th Graders

Get a head start preparing for The College Prep Scholars Program. This program helps high-achieving, low-income juniors gain the knowledge and resources to apply to top colleges, with a holistic review process.

Learn More HERE

CSR You Got This Center

FREE PROGRAM │ Drop In Center │ Ages 16-26

The You Got This Center provides young adults with resources like job searches, scholarship assistance, food insecurity, homelessness and gives the youth a place to build community. They have monthly events for all to drop in and attend.

Learn More HERE

Considering HBCUs 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

BioBuilderClub

Applications Open│Season Starts October 15th

FREE for students attending Title 1 Schools Using Code: BBC2024

BioBuilderClub offers current biological engineering challenges so that students may experience scientific problem-solving in the context of authentic and meaningful investigations.

Learn More HERE

Apply HERE

FutureBOS

School-year Applications Open│Ages 14-24

FutureBOS has hundreds of opportunities for youth ages 14 - 18 and young adults ages 19 - 24 living in Boston. Check listings regularly as new opportunities will be added through October.

Learn More HERE

SAT, ACT & College Application Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available to low-income 11th- and 12th-grade students in the U.S.

SAT

Learn More & Request HERE

ACT

Learn More & Apply HERE

MassArt Artward Bound

FREE │Applications Open for current 8th, 9th & 10th graders

A four-year college prep program for Boston high school students interested in a college education focused on art and design. Students participate in art classes, career workshops, academic tutoring, visits to museums and artist studios, and more.

Learn More & Apply HERE