Please join us to network with other special education parents and caregivers, share programming ideas and feedback. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82646629312?pwd=VHVkVzNrM00rUkxSVHptV2dvZ3paQT09
Meeting ID: 826 4662 9312 Passcode: 726812
Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
MCAS for students with Disabilities
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Free to attendees. The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Bedford SEPAC present MCAS for Students with Disabilities
1. Standards-Based Education
2. MCAS 2.0 for the 21st Century
3. Students With Disabilities
4. Your Child’s MCAS Parent/Guardian Report
5. MCAS: a Diploma Requirement
Registration Link to get zoom: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsd-ihpzMtHNzIqzesIXyQGDghsXtriSN4
Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Free to attendees. The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Bedford SEPAC present Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
•Why the IEP is Important
•Who is eligible for an IEP
•How the IEP is Developed
•Strengths and Concerns
•Vision Statements
•IEP Sections including PLEP A & B, Annual Goals and Service Delivery Grid
•Differences between Accommodations and modifications
•Response, Placement and Consent
•Procedural Safeguards and more!
Registration Link to get zoom: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqc-urrD4pHtWFKhA6-Gah0iWFOZlDpCJb
Repeat Announcements
BHS Picture Day, Jan. 12-14
Mark Lawrence Photography will be holding a series of picture days for any interested underclassmen from January 12-14.
Cohort B (Last Names L-Z) - Tuesday, January 12th
Cohort D (Remote) - Wednesday, January 13th
Cohort A (Last Names A-K) - Thursday, January 14th.
Cohorts B & A
Pictures will be taken for Cohorts B & A in the back gymnasium beginning at 7am for students that arrive early on those respective days. After the start of the school day at 7:45, we will begin calling students down in phases by last name until the end of ARC at 10:11.
Cohort D (Remote)
For our remote cohort, pictures will be taken on Wednesday, January 13th in the cafeteria from 1:30 - 3:30. Students can only enter through the cafeteria entrance door and must wear a mask on school grounds. Please plan to arrive within the following window on the 13th:
TimeStudent Last Names
1:30pm - 2:00pm A-D
2:00pm - 2:30pm E-K
2:30pm - 3:00pm L-P
3:00pm - 3:30pm Q-Z
For remote students, if you would like to shift to a different block of time on the 13th, please email Ms. Santos so that the picture company can be prepared.
Attached you will find information from Mark Lawrence Photography. There will not be hard copies of order forms this year. You can order any copies of pictures using this link. For any students that miss their scheduled day or are unhappy with their photo, you can make an appointment directly with the photographer. Mark Lawrence Flyer
Relay For Life Fundraiser
No need to fear the snow this winter season! The Relay for Life Committee of Bedford High School has you covered! Contact rflbedfordma@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @rflbedfordma to book a time slot for a high school student to shovel your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or porch! Send us a picture of what you want shoveled and we can let you know an estimated price. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society! Offer ends Sunday February 28.
Mental Health Webinar Resources from McLean
McLean Hospital recognizes the need for reliable and helpful mental health resources. With this in mind, we have dedicated the time of our staff to ensure we are making free resources available for the public and professionals in hopes of promoting healthy individuals and communities. https://home.mcleanhospital.org/webinar-series
Update: Student Videographers Needed for Winter Basketball!
Bedford TV will be live streaming Boys and Girls Basketball this Winter, and we need you! If you're a student interested in learning to record and stream games, please staff@bedford.tv for more info. Parents can visit www.youtube.com/BedfordTVMA to watch all of the games live, or later that day.
Happy New Year! Looking to update your mask selection?
The BHSPA is selling Buccaneer Masks to keep you covered in 2021!
New Year Promotion:
- Purchase 2 masks for $20
- Purchase 5 masks for $45
- Donate a mask to someone in need in the community - $5.00
The masks are stylish, high quality, washable and 3-ply - perfect for the fall and winter seasons. Masks can be purchased in Adult and Youth sizes and come in Bedford blue and black. Click on the link below for the image.
To order, go to https://bhspa.org/order. Masks will be delivered to your home (Bedford, Hanscom or Boston or can be picked up in school by a student) within a week of placing your order at no charge! Bulk sales are available as well for a reduced price. Please email BHSBUcsparents@gmail.com to inquire about bulk sales or if you have questions.
Yearbook is looking for Golf and Field Hockey pictures
Yearbook is looking for GOLF and FIELD HOCKEY PICTURES!!!! If you have any photos you would like to share for the yearbook we would really appreciate your help. Please send photos to karen_santos@bedfordps.org.
Ms. Pietrangelo and her family are in our thoughts as she continues on her long road of recovery. Many families have asked what they can do to help. A Go FundMe has been set up. Please see the link below.
GoFundMe: A gofundme account has been established to help the family with expenses. If you would like to make a direct financial contribution to the family, please go to https://gf.me/u/yzjqsu
We are thinking of Ms. Pietrangelo and her family! Please continue to send positive vibes and healing thoughts to help her through this difficult recovery. If you would like to follow Ms. Pietrangelo’s progress, you can do so using the following link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michellepietrangelo
News for Seniors
SCHOLARSHIPS - Class of 2021
Scholarship season is upon us. The Counseling Department has created an ever evolving document with Scholarship information that can be accessed here. Another scholarship resource is: https://studentscholarships.org/newsletter.php Bedford Dollar for Scholars information will be coming out in early 2021.
Scholarship Transcript Requests
It is the students’ responsibility to submit transcripts for scholarship applications. We are happy to print and/or email you a copy of your transcript. If you need an “official transcript” we will give it to you in a sealed official envelope. You can request your transcript(s) directly with Mrs. Tobe, or send her an email at: Meredith_Tobe@Bedfordps.org
Scholarship Letters of Recommendation
Students should reach out to the staff member who wrote the recommendation, so they can either release the recommendation to the student, or send it in on their behalf.
Financial Aid Sites and Tips
FAFSA - Federal form required by all schools when applying for Financial Aid
CSS Profile - Private form that only some schools require
MEFA - Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, free financial aid resource
Come order a piece of your BHS history, some memorabilia from your Senior year with a fabulous Class of 2021 t-shirt. Your class officers worked diligently on its creation and it is wicked cool :) Order your Senior class shirt here for $15! Pay with VENMO (@classof2021-humphrey). If paying with cash, exact change is required, checks can be made payable to the Class of 2021. With the cash or check option, please place in an envelope with your full name on it and ARC (Advisory/Remote Counseling) room number. Mr. Humphrey will be collecting the payments in room D107, before first class and after last class. Once payment is received Mr. Humphrey will bring your shirt to one of your ARC classes. Go Bucs!
Yearbook
Mrs Santos is looking for parents to tell her what their child has been doing during the pandemic. Pictures of what they have been doing would be awesome.
Can you believe it's time to prepare for your child's senior yearbook? The 2021 Bedford HS yearbook staff wants to help you through the details of making this year’s book perfect for your senior - just review the linked packet and follow the listed steps!
Please let Mrs Santos know if you are having any
trouble getting your photograph taken. We want all seniors represented in the 2021 yearbook.
Post-Secondary Planning
Free Virtual Standardized Test Prep
Taking the PSAT next week? If you're feeling a little nervous, get familiar with the exam. PrepU/Tutor Doctor MetroWest are offering FREE Virtual, Live Proctored PSAT, SAT and ACT Practice Exams to all BHS Students. Full-length official practice exams in a proctored setting offer students the chance to practice test-taking skills. With a detailed score analysis, we pinpoint student strengths and opportunities for score improvement.
Practice on an official exam
Detailed Score Analysis Report
Skill Area Breakdown
Free Consultation with our Admissions Experts to Discuss Score Results and Prep Plan
Register NOW for the CSF Virtual Trivia Night Sat Feb 6 7:00-8:30pm
Get your team ready and join us for some Trivia Fun on Saturday Feb 6! The CSF Dollars for Scholars Trivia event will be held virtually this year, brought to you by Stump! Trivia. Virtual Doors open at 7:00pm, Trivia game from 7:30-8:30pm. Teams of 6-10 players (maximum of 10 players per team), $25 per person. Team players do not need to be in the same location, however each person counts as a player, even if sharing a device. REGISTER EARLY, maximum attendance is 150 players. Ticket sales end Feb 2 8:00 AM or when the maximum # of players sign up, whichever comes first. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams. Proceeds go to scholarships for Bedford/Hanscom graduates who plan to continue their education. Team Captains please register your team HERE, visit our website: http://www.bedfordma.dollarsforscholars.org
MLK Community Service Project - Jan 9-24
As part of our Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, Bedford Embraces Diversity will be holding a donation drive to support the Bedford Emergency Response Food Bank, which provides for about 100 households a week and is always in need of items that aren’t available through Greater Boston Food Bank or other donors. Items on this list include:
Disinfectant and cleaning supplies
Dish and laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Diapers and baby wipes
Personal care items: shampoo, toothpaste, soap, menstruation products, shaving cream, razors
Socks
Handwarmers
Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Blankets
Manual Can Opener w/Tapper
Mini flashlights with batteries included
Youth and Family Services also accepts gift cards to distribute to residents in need throughout the year. There will be a collection box in the driveway (by the garage doors) at 2 Sunset Road from Jan 9-24. The box will be closely monitored and emptied frequently so donated items will be safe. In addition, Bedford Youth and Family Services has an Amazon wish list where you can purchase items and have them sent directly to their office: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AGXUMU1NUWJE?ref_=wl_share
Thanks for your help in these tough times.
Employment Opportunity: School Crossing Guard
The Town of Bedford is seeking a School Crossing Guard for the 2020-2021 school year. Please see attached document for more information.
Martin Luther King Jr Day Observance - January 18, 9:30 am
An award-winning University of Massachusetts Lowell historian will keynote Bedford Embraces Diversity’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day community observance, planned for Monday morning, Jan. 18, 2021, on Zoom.
Dr. Elizabeth Herbin-Triant, associate professor of history, plans to speak on one of her research concentrations: residential segregation, and why it has persisted. Also featured at the event will be vocalist Aniyah Certain, a Bedford High School senior, whose selections will include familiar inspirational music. There will also be a tribute to those killed in 2020. A link to the commemoration will be provided to those who register by writing bedfordembracesdiversity@gmail.com. The formal program will begin at 9:30 a.m.; the meeting will open at 9. This event will also be recorded by Bedford TV.
Prof. Herbin-Triant, a past winner of the UMass Lowell History Department’s Teaching Award, recently completed a research fellowship from the Massachusetts Historical Society and has received a three-year Donahue Fellowship in Humanities Ethics. Her current book project examines antebellum Lowell's textile factory owners' support for slavery alongside the growing abolitionist sentiment in the city.
Bedford Embraces Diversity was formed in 2014 in response to local incidents of antisemitism. The grass-roots group’s belief is that inclusion and acceptance should be extended to all residents, regardless of race, religion, disability, lifestyle, gender orientation, military, or cultural status.
Career Coaching Bootcamp
Open to all ages, town-wide. Registration is through the email on the updated flyer which includes the dates and topics for the upcoming Career Counselors Boot Camp.
Bedford Recreation Department-Winter 2021
Registration is open! We have many virtual programs for both youth and adults to keep you engaged during the long winter ahead. Learn something new, stay active or maybe you are looking for a unique gift for the holidays! Please note that the winter brochure will not be printed because it will be dynamic, changing as necessary to respond to safety guidelines for our community. For more information, please see our website at www.bedfordrecreation.org
Due to COVID-19 Girl Scouts are not permitted to do in-person delivery of cookies or in-person cookie booths at this time. However, you can order cookies online from your favorite Bedford troop by visiting the Bedford Girl Scouts online cookie ordering website by clicking HERE or navigate to the following website: https://sites.google.com/view/bedfordhanscomgirlscouts/cookie-links
All cookies will be directly shipped (and if you order 6 or more boxes you save 50% on shipping). You may also use the website to donate cookies to the Boston Food Bank and Hanscom AFB.
Your support helps the girls raise funds to support their activities, higher awards, travel, and the Bedford Hanscom Girl Scout Scholarship fund!
BPS PRESCHOOL SCREENING FOR FALL 2021 ADMISSION
The Bedford Public Schools’ Integrated Preschool Program is inviting neighborhood children who will be 3 years old by August 31st to a screening for possible enrollment. Screenings are conducted at the Lt. Davis Elementary School. Screenings will take place by appointment only to adhere to COVID guidelines. Call or e-mail to schedule your appointment by January 29, 2021.
Phone: 1 (781) 275-3201 ext 4721.
E-mail: rachel_thunberg@bedfordps.org
Why choose the Bedford Public Schools?
- Rich academic and social curriculum
- DESE certified educators
- Resident speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and behavior specialist
Visit our website at: https://www.bedfordps.org/pre-school
McLean Research Study on Stress and the Teen Brain – Earn up to $100!
Researchers at McLean Hospital are recruiting female teens who are currently feeling depressed or down as well as female teens who are not feeling depressed/down. Your teen can earn up to $100 and receive a picture of her brain.
Researchers at McLean Hospital are investigating factors that make some teens better able to cope with stressful experiences and what makes some teens more vulnerable to experiencing depression. By participating, you and your child can help them better understand, prevent, and treat adolescent depression. Teens will answer questions about their thoughts and feelings. Teens will also undergo an fMRI brain scan. Parent permission is required for teens under 18.
Who: Girls in grades 8 - 12 interested in exploring STEM fields and career choices When: Hosted online two Saturday mornings via Zoom Dates: Since the summit will be online, it has been split into two half-day sessions.
Saturday, April 3, 2021, 8:30am - noon and
Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8:30 am - noon Fee: $65 Register here: https://juniortech.org/girls-stem-summit-live-2021/ Email: info@juniortech.org
FREE Virtual Parent Support Groups
The BRYT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) network, a program of the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, has been providing FREE parent support groups since the school closures in March 2020. These groups are still running and are still FREE for any caregiver. Parents Supporting Parents Flyer Parents Supporting Parents Commercial
2021 Science Without Borders® Challenge - Student art contest is open!
The theme for this year’s Challenge is “Mangroves Matter.” Mangroves are extremely important ecosystems providing many benefits. Participants should use their artistic talents to create a piece of artwork that illustrates how mangroves are important. All entries must be received by Monday, March 1, 2021 to be eligible to win the contest. To learn more about the Science Without Borders® Challenge rules and how to apply, visit www.lof.org/SWBChallenge.
For questions or to add an announcement contact Paula,
BHSPA Communications Secretary, at BHSBucsParents@gmail.com
