Dear METCO Families,

We’re excited to remind you that we are testing out Possip, a new text message system designed to make it easier for you to share your thoughts and feedback with us. Through Possip, you’ll receive quick, simple questions from the district that you can respond to directly via text. Your answers will help shape decisions and ensure that your voice is heard in the ongoing efforts to improve the METCO experience for all families.

As we look ahead to next year, we also want to encourage families who have younger siblings interested in joining the METCO program to apply through the METCO Inc. website. Be sure to follow up with us in the office as well to ensure we have all the information needed to support your application process.

Thank you for your continued involvement, and we look forward to staying connected as we work together to strengthen the METCO community!

Best regards,
The METCO Team

--

~Akil

• • November 21: Picture Retake Day
  • November 27: Early Release Davis @ 12:05pm
  • November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
  • December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break

• November 20: Parent Teacher Conferences 1:30-7:00pm
• November 27: Early Release Lane @ 11:30am (no lunch served)
• November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
• December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break

• November 20: Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 27: Early Release JGMS @ 11:05am
• November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
• December 18: Parent Teacher Conferences 2:15-4:15pm
• December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break

• November 19: Freshman Seminar (Flex Block)
• November 22: Freshman Seminar (Flex Block)
• November 27: Community Day & Early Release
• November 28 & 29: No School (Thanksgiving)
• December 3: Conference Sign Ups Close @ 10:00am
• December 5: Teacher/Caregiver Conferences
• December 10: Instrumental Concert
• December 12: Vocal Concert
• December 13: Winter Formal BHS 7:00-9:30pm
• December 23 - January 1: No School - December Break
• January 7: All Night Grad Party Planning Meeting 7:00-8:30pm

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.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, took place last week and several families from the PDC and the South Asian Association of Bedford collaborated with the Bedford Free Public Library to decorate the sidewalks outside the library with rangoli chalk art to celebrate the holiday. Stop by soon to catch their beautiful artwork! And check the Bedford Citizen this week for an article about the holiday and some history of rangoli art.

Thanks to all who joined our Blue Hills hike. It was a beautiful October day, and we got to enjoy views of Boston along with the fall leaves! Let us know if you have an idea for an outing or social activity to bring families together - email us at pdcbedford@gmail.com.

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

BUY TICKETS

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

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 - 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

• Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School - Scribbles - November 13, 2024
  
• Lt. Job Lane Elementary School - Lane Notes - Week of November 11, 2024
• John Glenn Middle School - Buccaneer News - Vol. #12/13 - 11/18/2024
• Bedford High School - The Bedford Buccaneer - November 18, 2024
• Special Education Dept. - Director's Update - October 2024
• Superintendent Update - November 15, 2024

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

Langston Hughes' Black Nativity

PERFORMANCE │ Dec. 6 - 22nd @ The Paramount Center

Join The Paramount Center this holiday season to view the 54th Season of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity. Performances will take place December 6-22nd Fridays-Sundays.

Learn More & Purchase Tickets 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

Seaport Smalls

FREE EVENTS|Saturdays Nov 2 - Dec 28 10-11am │ Ages 0-8

Every Saturday for a rotating selection of free children's programming for ages 0-8 years old.

Learn More 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

Black Creatives Children's Book Fair

FREE |Nov. 23 12-3pm @ Boston Public Library - Roxbury │ All Ages

Meet over 20 award-winning Black Children's Book Authors & Illustrators. Engage in story times, activities, Q&A's and book signings.

Learn More & Register 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

New 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.

Learn More and Register HERE

New All Hands Allston

Registration Open│Grades K-8th

All Hands Allston offers various crafting programming for students after school and for school holidays.

Learn More & Register HERE

Scholarship Form Available HERE

New METCO HQ Saturday Tutoring

FREE │Limited Space Availability │Beginning Nov. 16th @ METCO HQ

METCO is partnering with Boston Partners in Education to bring students premier tutoring and mentorships on Saturday's for the 24'-25' school year! Subjects consist of ELA, Mathematics, History, and Science.

View Flyer HERE

Complete Interest Form HERE

SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest

FREE PROGRAM │ Application Deadline: Nov. 27th │ Ages 11-19

Participating youth teams develop their project ideas through in-depth coaching with local professionals, before pitching their project to a live panel of judges with an opportunity to receive $1,000-$2,000 in grant funding!

Learn More & Apply HERE

Achieve Program

FREE PROGRAM │ 2024 Inquiry Form Open │ Current 6th graders

In place to help you reach your goals with expert teachers, enriching activities like dance and arts, and plenty of support. Over three years, including summer sessions and monthly Saturday classes, we’ll work together to build on your strengths and boost academic confidence.

Register to attend Info Session on Dec 19th 6:30-7:30pm HERE

Learn More & Complete Form 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

New 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

New 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

New METCO HQ Saturday Tutoring

FREE │Limited Space Availability │Beginning Nov. 16th @ METCO HQ

METCO is partnering with Boston Partners in Education to bring students premier tutoring and mentorships on Saturday's for the 24'-25' school year! Subjects consist of ELA, Mathematics, History, and Science.

View Flyer HERE

Complete Interest Form HERE

Info Session: Harvard Summer 2025 Programs

FREE PROGRAM │ Registration Open │ November 18th 7-7:45pm

Program directors and staff will discuss how Harvard’s programs can help you meet your academic goals, share what it takes to put together a successful application, and answer your questions live during a Q&A session.

Learn More & Register HERE

Financial Aid Available Review HERE

Apprenticeship Fair

FREE EVENT│Nov. 19th 3:30-5:30pm @ Boston Public Library Roxbury│Ages 14-24

Explore apprenticeship programs available in Boston that can help forge your pathway to success. Learn more about industries like Hospitality, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Construction, Clean Energy and Climate/Coastal Resilience.

Learn More & Register HERE

Frontlines Youth Leaders Program

PAID│Application Deadline: Nov. 23rd│Ages 14-18

Throughout the school year, participants will engage in leadership development, community organizing, and advocacy projects that address both local and state-wide social justice challenges.

Attend an info session on Nov. 20th @ 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE

Learn More & Register HERE

Boston Community Action Team

FREE PROGRAM|Fall/Spring Applications Open │ Ages 16-24

Sign up to be a part of the Boston Community Action Team (BCAT)! Applicants should be 14-24 years old and have a passion for social justice, civic engagement, and community organizing.

Apply HERE

ACE Mentor Program

FREE PROGRAM │ 2024-25 Applications Open │ 9-12th Graders

This program introduces high school students to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction management.

Learn More & Register HERE

Fresh Films: Weekly Filmmaking

FREE PROGRAM │ Applications Open │ 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

Broad Institute: Summer Scholars Program

PAID PROGRAM │ Applications Deadline: Jan. 22nd │ Rising Seniors

Students are paired with Broad scientists to conduct original, cutting-edge research projects in areas such as: cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and more. Students will also get to explore scientific careers.

Learn More & Apply HERE

College Prep Scholars Program

FREE PROGRAM │ Applications Open February 2025 │ 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

Youth Speaks Boston Survey

CITY OF BOSTON SURVEY │ Survey Open Nov - Jan 2025 │ Ages 14-25

Information collected will be used to develop a clearer picture of what young people in Boston are experiencing and what support they feel is most important during afterschool and evening hours.

Learn More& Complete Survey HERE

New 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

New 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

New City of Boston College & Career Calendar

Various Events October 1st - December 8th

This calendar provides information regarding college and career resources in the Greater Boston Area. View Calendar HERE

New 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

New 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

College Application

Complete Request Form HERE

New Mothers for Justice & Equality Youth Peer Leadership

PAID School-year Applications Open│Ages 14-18│Oct. 21st - Apr. 18th

This job opportunity will focus on personal development, gun violence prevention, financial literacy, workforce development, advocacy & community as well as mobilization events.

Learn More & Apply HERE

New 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

New Youth Neurology Education & Research Program

PAID│Applications Open: Nov. 1st│Rising 12th graders │Mass General Hospital

This summer internship engages youth from communities underrepresented in neurology. Focusing on offering educational and research opportunities to Massachusetts high school students.

Learn More HERE

New Thrive Scholars Programming

FREE │Application Deadline: December 15th

OnRamp - A pre-college program for 10th graders

6-Year Program - A highly personalized college and career success program for 11th graders

Learn More & Apply HERE

Throughout the year, our various districts are looking for bus drivers and/or bus monitors. If you have experience in either field and would like to be considered for one of these job openings when they become available, please fill out this interest form. We will follow up with you if an opportunity arises.

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.

2025 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest Application

Application deadline: November 27, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact SCI Program Operations Coordinator, Nicole Osborne, at nosborne@socialcapitalinc.org or 252-347-8849.

Program Summary

The SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest is designed to empower young people to identify and address pressing needs they see in the community. Youth groups in schools, clubs, and after-school programs from Greater Boston are invited to apply by November 8, 2024 (priority deadline). Rolling applications will be accepted no later than November 27, 2024.

Selected youth teams commit to a 7-session learning experience during February and March of 2025. With the guidance and support of two volunteer coaches, the team will further develop their project ideas.

The program will culminate in the Pitch Event, an in-person event on Saturday, April 5, 2024*, where a panel of judges will award grant funds for project implementation to selected groups. SCI will award up to $20,000 worth of grants among teams selected by the judges for funding. Each youth team will be eligible for a grant award in the range of $1,000-$2,000.

Teams awarded grants will have until January 2026 to complete their respective projects and submit final reports.

Applicatiion: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSR8baINb-IBMlrXGxS92kjVs_cfTB3oz3rFYPqYEwTzXrzA/viewform

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

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

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