The Bedford Buccaneer

Previous Issue of the Bedford Buccaneer

I’m happy to report that we had a great first week of school at Bedford High School. I greatly appreciate how welcoming the students have been. Teachers and staff spent the first few classes getting to know their students and building relationships. We held our first Senior class meeting this week, focusing on our themes of Building Community and Back to Basics. The Bedford High School Faculty and Staff look forward to another great week. Please see below for important information and dates to keep in mind.

Warmly,

Mr. Kohut

• Monday, September 8: School Picture Day (Students)
• Tuesday, September 9: Fall Play Auditions (Students)
• Thursday, September 11: Assemblies, Classes of 2027 & 2028 (Students)
• Monday, September 15: Senior Transcript Releases Due (Students)
• Tuesday, September 16: Student Activities Fair (Students)
• Thursday, September 25: Add/Drop Deadline (Students) / Back to School Night (Parents)
• Tuesday, September 30: Financial Aid Night (Seniors & Parents)
• 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 (Student)
• 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.

Monday, September 8 | Flex Block

Students, please take a look at the email from Mrs. Tate from Friday for more information.

Parents, don't worry if you forget to order photo packages before September 8. Proofs will be delivered in Advisory, and order information will be on the envelope.

Deliveries 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.

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.

Changes & Release Due by Monday, September 15

All seniors, regardless of postsecondary plans, need to complete the following process. Please note that GPAs will be recalculated after Terms 1 and 2. Term 2 is the final GPA recalculation for the Class of 2026.

1. Review the three-year transcript that was mailed to you. If you notice any discrepancies, please reach out to your Counselor before Monday, September 15.
2. If all of the transcript information is correct, please complete the "Permission for Release of Records" form
3. Return completed releases to Ms. Blair in the Counseling office.

Thursday, September 18 | 6:00 pm | Auditorium

For parents/caregivers of seniors.

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.

Due by September 26

Bedford High School will help students who need financial assistance pay for iPad insurance. The process is as follows.

• Complete the Insurance Application and send it along with 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.

Tuesday, September 30 | 6:30 pm | LGI

For parents/caregivers of Seniors.

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.

Guidelines For When a Student is Sick: 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.

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.

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.

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

Annmarie Vaughan, BSN, RN

Order Deadline: December 31, 2025

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

Back-to-school can bring stress, avoidance, and tough moments for families. During last week’s webinar, Dr. Lisa Damour shared practical strategies that you can use right now to help your child transition back-to-school—including how to encourage kids while respecting their limits. Catch the replay or read the summary here

Tuesday, September 9 | 2:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Check out the audition packet if you are interested in learning more.

Wednesday, September 10 | 1:00 pm | D105

More information can be found in the audition packet.

Application Period Begins: September 5

Information Session: September 10 | 3:00 pm | Zoom (register here)

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. The application will open on Friday, September 5. 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. An information session about USSYP will be offered from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10. Please email any questions to Juin Liu.

Thursday, September 11 | 7:45 am | Auditorium

Thursday, September 11 | 8:25 am | Auditorium

Saturday, September 13 2025 | BHS

Sunday, September 14, 2025 | BHS

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | Flex Block | Jenks Trail

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | BHS

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Tennis Courts

More information and registration coming soon.

Wednesday, September 10

8:00 am - Colgate University

Monday, September 8

Field Hockey (V) @ Blackstone

Golf @ Westford

Soccer, Girls (JV) @ Shawsheen

Volleyball (V/JV/F) vs. Wilmington

Tuesday, September 9

Soccer, Boys (V/JV) vs. Lincoln-Sudbury

Wednesday, September 10

Cross Country vs. Westford

Field Hockey (V) @ Concord-Carlisle

Golf vs. Weston

Volleyball (V/JV/F) vs. Concord-Carlisle

Thursday, September 11

Soccer, Boys (V/JV) vs. Dover-Sherborne

Soccer, Boys (F) vs. Concord-Carlisle

Friday, September 12

Field Hockey (V) @ Dracut

Football (V) vs. Newburyport

Soccer, Girls (V/JV) @ Dracut

Volleyball (V/JV/F) @ Boston Latin

Saturday, September 13

Football (JV) @ Newburyport

• Register for Winter / Spring sports
• View the full Athletics calendar

Transcript Releases

Any transcript change and the signed "Permission for Release of Records" are due to the Counseling office.

Deadline: September 15

Senior Parent Night

Thursday, September 18 | 6:00 pm | Auditorium

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, enter "Baby" for the grade information, and spell the student's name as you would like it displayed with the picture.
Deadline: October 4

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

If you need your ID or are having trouble logging in visit our website, please contact tech_support@bedfordps.org.

The 2025-26 Bus Schedule is posted on the BPS website.

Bedford Schedule

Boston Schedule

Hanscom Schedule

Late Buses

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. This service is available through USDA and the State of Massachusetts funding. Fill out a free/reduced meal application (downloadable below). Why? Because other federally funded programs in the district rely on the information from those applications for additional funding. If you are absolutely sure that you do not qualify for free or reduced meals, there is no need to fill out the 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

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.

Adding Funds to My School Bucks

Students are asked to add funds to their My School 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.

If you have any questions, please contact the district's Nutrition office at 781-275-9129 or thomas_houle@bedfordps.org.

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.