The Bedford Buccaneer

• Thursday, October 31: Military Impact Aid Surveys Due / AP Exam Registration Deadline
• Sunday, November 3: Daylight Savings Ends
• Monday, November 4: Picture Retakes
  
• Tuesday, November 5: No School for Students (Teacher Professional Development)
• Wednesday, November 6: AMC Math Exam
• Monday, November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
  
• Thursday, November 14 - Saturday, November 16: Fall Play - The Play That Goes Wrong
• Wednesday, November 27: Community Day & Early Release
• Thursday, November 28 & Friday, November 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
• Thursday, December 5: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences

The full Bedford High School calendar can be found here.

The 2024-25 Bedford Public Schools district calendar can be found here.

The Lunch Menus for Bedford Public Schools can be found here.

The Bedford Public Schools Performing Arts calendar can be found here.

Students can register for winter and spring sports on FinalForms. More information can be found here.

It's cold season, and we are accepting donations of boxes of tissues for the school. If you would like to donate, please send them in with your student or leave them in the item drop-off area in the front vestibule. Thank you!

The Lost & Found in the main office is getting full. Come find your sweatshirts, shoes, water bottles, backpacks or lunch boxes. We will be donating all unclaimed items in November.

We still need forms from a number of students. Please check the list below and ensure you've completed any online forms and submitted any paper forms. Contact information for each form is provided if you have questions. You can drop off Emergency and App Consent forms in the main office.

• Emergency Form (Nurse Annmarie Vaughan) - print & complete
• Medication Release (Nurse, Annmarie Vaughan) - complete online
• Student Agreement Form (Nina Tate) - complete online while on the BPS network.
• Parent Agreement Form (Nina Tate) - complete online
• App Consent for MobileServe (Brianna Creamer) print & complete

We would like to remind students and parents/guardians of our Attendance Policies on, pg. 21-28 of the BHS Student Handbook.

• Caregivers must call the Bedford High School Automated Attendance Line by 8:30 AM to report an absence, dismissal, or tardy.
• Automated Attendance Line: 781-918-4561
• Email: kara_gallagher@bedfordps.org

Registration Ends: October, 31

Cost: $105

Steps to Completing Registration:

1. Students should FIRST ensure they are registered with their class Join Codes in myAP. Please see your teacher for your specific class section Join Codes. Join Codes should not be shared between students as they are specific to each class section. Please visit https://myap.collegeboard.org/ to register with your class Join Code if you have not already.

2. AFTER you have registered in myAP, payments will be processed with Total Registration (www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220112). Please be sure to register for your class specific section. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete. If you or your student qualifies for financial assistance, please mark ‘yes’ when asked during the registration process.

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

Self Study Exams: DEADLINE TO REQUEST OCT. 31***

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 your transcript. If you or your student is 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. Classes not associated with a BHS AP course are available for self study.

This year there will be an additional test administration fee for Self Study exams in order to offset the cost of proctors for small group test administration. The cost per Self Study Exam will be $150.00.

If you are interested in taking a Self Study Exam, first must complete this form (Self Study Registration Form 2025) BEFORE you will be able to pay for your exam in Total Registration. This form must be completed before October 31, 2024, at which time the form will stop receiving responses and no further self study exams may be requested. This deadline is different from the late registration timeline to allow for course sections to be created. This form may only be completed by students (i.e. not parents/caregivers), and students will be emailed the next steps of the Self Study registration process by the AP Coordinator.

Please note Self Study exams will NOT show up on student transcripts or impact GPAs 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 AP credits are accepted by potential colleges.

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

Due by October 31

Impact Aid surveys were emailed the first week of October. This form helps Bedford meet the requirements of Public Law 874. Under the provisions of Public Law 874, Bedford Public Schools must conduct an annual Military Impact Aid Survey.

The Town of Bedford receives a substantial sum of money under this provision, which lowers the cost of education to the taxpayers. Please help us identify all federally connected students whose families are Active Duty Military, live on Hanscom AFB, work on federal facilities (including Hanscom AFB, Bedford VA, Boston VA, Lincoln Public School on HAFB, Lincoln Labs, Mitre) or are Active Duty Military!

The survey is fully electronic with e-signature.

Parents/Guardians were emailed a unique survey for each enrolled child. It is very important that all surveys are completed and electronically signed for each student, as reimbursement is made for all eligible students on a per pupil basis.

We thank you very much for your assistance with this important annual survey.

If you would like to complete the form on paper, you are welcome to print and turn into the main office.

Monday, November 4 | Flex Block

Retake day is for new students and staff members, transfer students, or for anyone who may have missed the initial picture day, OR for anyone who was unhappy with their original picture and would like to give it another try.

If a student would like the retake photo to replace the original photo, please return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. We will replace the original package at no additional cost.

If this is the first time being photographed, just go to the camera and a proof will be sent to the school. These proofs will be delivered approximately 4 weeks after picture day. An order code will be on the proof along with ordering instructions.

Wednesday, November 6 | BHS Library

The AMC 10/12 A math exam will be given after school on Wednesday, November 6 in the BHS library. The test will begin immediately after school. If you’d like to take the test Mr. Morrissey needs to order you a test booklet.

• More information about the exam can be found at here.
• Please sign up using this form by Wednesday, October 16.
• If you have any questions, please email patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org.

November 14 - 16 | Auditorium | Tickets

The Bedford High School Performing Arts Department will present THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION, a madcap British farce by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields, on November 14 through 16 in the BHS Auditorium. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students, and are available through the Performing Arts Department website: https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/tickets.html.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION follows the hapless Cornley Drama Society as they attempt to perform a 1920s melodrama called The Murder at Haversham Manor. Things quickly go from bad to worse as the actors forget their lines, the set falls apart, and somewhere, a dog is loose in the auditorium.

The play is double-cast, with one group of actors performing Thursday at 7:00 pm and Saturday at 7:00 pm, and the other performing on Friday at 7:00 pm and Saturday at 1:00 pm. It runs approximately two hours with one intermission.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service under license from Mischief Worldwide Ltd. The Mischief Production of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG was originally produced on the West End Stage by Kenny Wax & Stage Presence and on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, J. J Abrams, Kenny Wax & Stage Presence.

Order your yearbook online (school code:13423). If you have difficulty making an online purchase, you can also order over the phone: 1-866-287-3096.

Deadline: 12/31/24

Tuesday, January 7 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm | BHS Library

Please join us in the planning fun! All are welcome to attend! The committee meets monthly from January through June, culminating in the best event of the year for our graduating seniors!

Email Dawn Kociubes and Leah Walton at bedfordang@gmail.com with any questions and/or to get on the mailing list for future meetings.

Do you have printer toner cartridges around your house or work? Drop them off in the box near the drop off table or students can bring them to the office. We will recycle your used cartridges to help raise money for our student support fund, which is not funded by the school district.

Questions, please contact Brenda Sweetland.

Please keep your your student home from school if any one of the following occurs:

• Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
• Temperature of 100 degrees F or higher within the last 24 hrs., without fever medication.
• Positive throat culture for strep. Students may return 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has begun.
• Any symptoms of acute illness, such as persistent cough, runny nose with body aches.

Detailed information regarding Covid/Respiratory illnesses: Respiratory Illness Protocol

REMEMBER: Hand washing is the most effective means of preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Please report all communicable illnesses to the absent line or contact the health office directly. Thank you.

Thank you to those who have already sent in the necessary paperwork, medication orders and epi-pens (if applicable) for their kids. For those who have not, please see below.

If there are no medical changes/updates for your student and you prefer not to complete an updated emergency information form, please complete the permission form for the school nurse to be able to administer Ibuprofen/Tylenol this school year.

2024-2025 Permission for Ibuprofen/Tylenol

Emergency Forms - Please send in your student’s completed emergency form as soon as possible. Please reach out if there is a new medical diagnosis or health concern you would like to share with me. Emergency Form

Epi-Pens - For those students with an epinephrine device, please be sure to send in an updated device along with the doctor’s order (Allergy Action Plan) for the current school year. Food and Insect Allergy Action Plan Bedford Public Schools

*All students are also encouraged to carry an epinephrine device on their person, to have access to if needed after school hours.

Annmarie_vaughan@bedfordps.org

781-275-1700 x4416

781-687-6141 (fax)

There is still time to order class shirts for community day and the pep rally. Click below for more information!

Please note, Class of 2026 info will be posted as soon as it's available.

Monday, October 28

Soccer, Boys (F) vs. Lincoln-Sudbury

Soccer, Girls (V) vs. Stoneham

Tuesday, October 29

Soccer, Boys (V / JV) vs. Tewksbury

Wednesday, October 30

Unified Basketball vs. Lincoln-Sudbury

Friday, November 1

Football (V) vs. Waltham

Saturday, November 2

Football (JV) @ Waltham

The full Athletic Department schedule can be found here.

Monday, October 28 - Thursday, October 31

During lunches | Outside the Cafeteria

Thursday, October 31 | Library

The library will be hosting a fun green screen Halloween event. Pick a background picture for your group and come up to the Library before school, during break, or lunch. Fill out this form if you'd like to participate.

Questions? See Ms. Connelly in the Library.

Saturday, November 9 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm | Yale, New Haven

This fall, Splash will be on Saturday, November 9, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM, and high school students are invited to attend. Splash is $20 for the day, with an option for a $10 T-shirt. Financial Aid is available to all students who need it.

Splash is a one-day program full of classes taught by Yale students on a diverse range of subjects, such as "Basics of Special Relativity", "History of the Aztecs", "An Introduction to Modular Origami," and more! More information, including our registration portal, can be found on https://yale.learningu.org/learn/splash.html.

Tuesday, November 19; Friday, November 22

The Counseling Department will be running Freshman Seminars during Flex blocks on 11/19 & 11/22.

Attention Seniors: Please remember that you must be in school before the beginning of B block. If you arrive after the bell you will be tardy. Continued lateness may result in losing the privilege to sign in during Flex. Thank you for your cooperation!

through November 15

Visits will be held in the Counseling office unless otherwise noted. Sign up through Naviance and notify your teacher at least 24 hours in advance of the visit. If you are unable to attend due to an exam, presentation, etc. Please let your counselor know if you are interested in a visit, but are unable to attend so we can connect with the representative on your behalf.

Monday, October 28

8:00 am Seton Hall University

9:15 am Emmanuel College

10:30 am Westfield State University

1:30 pm University of Maine at Fort Kent

Tuesday, October 29

8:00 am Johnson & Wales University-Providence

10:30 am Massachusetts Maritime Academy

1:30 pm Colby-Sawyer College

Wednesday, October 30

10:15 am Bryant University

12:15 pm Adelphi University

Thursday, October 31

8:00 am Elizabethtown College

1:30 pm Fitchburg State University

The counseling office recently hosted two information sessions. The following are the

links to the slides associated with the Senior Parent/Caregiver night and Financial Aid

Night.

• Senior Parent/Caregiver Night Slideshow
• Senior Parent/Caregiver Night Livestream
• Financial Aid Night

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.

If you are seeking counseling support for your child, please reach out to one of these resources:

• Your child’s pediatrician to ask for a counseling referral
• Bedford Youth and Family Services at 781-918-4328
• Eliot Community Human Services at 978-369-1113

Bedford Youth & Family Services

Check out the services available to BPS students and their families.

Fall Appeal

Our Fall Appeal is under way. Please visit our website for more information and to make a donation.

X | Facebook | Website

Over the years, BHS parents have created informal "parent groups" for each graduating class on Facebook. These private groups are not affiliated with the BHSPA, but we wanted to spread the word so that all parents in our school community could join them if they are interested. The groups are a good place to ask questions or share information with fellow parents. The links to the parent groups that exist are below.

Bedford High Class of 2028 Parent Facebook Group

Bedford High Class of 2027 Parent Facebook Group

Bedford High Class of 2026 Parent Facebook Group

Bedford High Class of 2025 Parent Facebook Group

School Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:45 am - 2:24 pm (bus loop closed to traffic @ 1:45 pm)

Wednesday 7:45 am - 12:55 pm (bus loop closed to traffic @ 12:00 pm)

9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730

Phone: 781-275-1700

Absence Line: 781-918-4561

Fax: 781-275-6664

Bedford High School