So many people have been inquiring about Michelle Pietrangelo and her family as well as helping out in various ways. Ms. Pietrangelos' birthday is February 11. The Student Atmosphere Committee will be collecting birthday cards for her (store bought or homemade). They will be delivered to her family around her birthday (after being quarantined for at least 48 hours due to COVID). Her family can show and read them and the well wishes inside of each card to her during their Zoom sessions.
If you would like to send a card, you can do so in one of the following ways:
1) Hybrid students/staff can drop it off in the main office mail room. There will be a box labeled “Student Atmosphere Committee/Cards for Ms. Pietrangelo”
2) Remote students/staff can either mail the card (info below) or drop it off in the remote pick up location in the entryway of BHS.
PLEASE BE SURE IT IS AT THE SCHOOL BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 (if mailing, please plan accordingly)
BHS Counseling Corner
TKS Talks Saturday, January 23rd from 1-2pm
The Power of Engineering at Netflix Register Here. Meet Amy Smidutz. Amy is the Engineering Director for the Delivery Engineering Team at Netflix. Amy will tell you about how her team builds platforms that enable safe and continuous delivery of all your favorite Netflix shows, and how Netflix manages and experiments with the infrastructure.
This talk is geared toward high school students, but we welcome teachers, parents and learners of all age
College Guidance Network: Do’s and Don’ts as You Chart Your Path to College Wednesday January 27th, 2021 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
College Guidance Network is hosting a live webinar on January 27th that will cover the do’s and don’ts as you chart your path to college. During this event, students and parents will:
Identify priorities in and out of the classroom
Listen to real students who recently went through the experience
Hear from nationally recognized experts and experienced admissions officers who can offer insights on essential topics
Foreshadow and demystify the (four) key parts of the application process
Separate fact from fiction in the (twelve) most common beliefs surrounding college admissions
You’ve been Accepted to College, Now What?
Wednesday, January 27 | 2pm ET Register Now
Thursday, January 28 | 8pm ET Register Now
Webinar hosted by Sallie Mae
Congratulations on your accomplishments! Please join a discussion to learn about the next steps in your college journey. This webinar will help you understand critical points with making your college decision.
• Additional research about campus and community options
• Factors for choosing a college
• How to complete the financial aid process
• Comparing financial aid offers
• What to do if you need more money
• Finding scholarships
• Your to do list once you make your college decision
College Board discontinues SAT subject tests and essay
In a newsletter today (1/19/21) College Board announced they will discontinue SAT subject tests immediately, and will discontinue the SAT essay after this school year ends. If you are registered for SAT with essay this spring, you can still take it. Talk to your counselor about whether it is recommended to take the essay portion. If you are registered for a subject test, your registration will be automatically refunded and you will be allowed to register for a regular SAT on that test date if you choose.
We are excited about these changes that simplify the testing process for juniors and seniors. Please talk to your counselor if you have questions.
ATTEND NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
On each fair date, hundreds of colleges will offer Zoom sessions for high school students like you. Students everywhere can log in, drop in, and ask questions.
Sign up now at virtualcollegefairs.org and register for one or more fairs. Click below to see which colleges will be at each fair. For the most up-to-date listing, please check online.
Chipotle Fundraiser to support BHS classes 2021-2024
The Student Atmosphere Committee is having a Chipotle Fundraiser where ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE EQUALLY SPLIT AMONG THE 4 HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES (2021 - 2024)! Where: Chipotle 301 Great Rd Bedford When: Tuesday, January 26th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. How: to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated, please do one of the following:
Bring in this flyer to show cashier
Show it on your smartphone
Tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause .
NEW! ORDER ONLINE FOR PICKUP
Use code 3VRMK7B before checkout in ‘promo’ field. Orders placed on Chipotle.com or through the Chipotle app for pickup using this unique code will be counted towards the fundraiser. All online orders must be placed for pickup at the same time/location of the fundraiser. Delivery cannot be counted. Attached please find the flier as well as directions to order through the Chipotle App
Yearbook Photo Request
Please have your student scroll back in their smartphone and share their last normal picture they took before COVID shut things down (odds are this picture would have been taken in the second or third week of March.) Please send us that photo AND give us a sentence or two to tell us what's happening in the photo. We really thank you for taking the time to do this; we couldn't make this book without your help...this year especially! Please send us what you can by February 2nd. THANK YOU! To share the photo please copy/paste this URL to reach our Google Form https://forms.gle/vfiAx9Qd3hTcNUCj7
Did your student cook or bake more during quarantine? If so, the yearbook staff would like to ask you a few questions about this and see their creations! Share a few photos with us via this form: https://forms.gle/SUihqa1SRpKNUanr9
Parents Diversity Council Annual Meeting Thursday, January 28, 7 PM (via Zoom)
Open to all current and prospective members:
Please join us as we highlight 2020 activities and successes and discuss planning for 2021. RSVP for zoom link: pdcbedford@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Bedford Parents - winter sports for students are well underway and Fall 2 sports (BHS) are coming soon! Show your Bedford spirit with Buccaneer masks. Grab some for the family or the team. Inquire below for bulk orders!
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.
Marketing Internship Opportunity
With the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce 4-6 hrs per week and very flexible. See the Information Flyer & Application Questions?? Contact Mr. DeChellis at brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org
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
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.
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.
Support for Ms. Pietrangelo and her family
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
Attention BHS Class of 2021 Parents/Guardians.
We have created a Facebook group to share ideas and make plans for celebrating our seniors since most of the typical senior events will not be possible this year. We want your voice to be heard! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bhsclassof2021parents
Please answer the questions when signing up - the group is restricted to parents or guardians of the BHS class of 2021.
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!
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
AI Scholars Live Online exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful AI project where they apply math to real world problems using machine learning. Students attend live online classes in small groups where we teach them the mathematical principles behind AI algorithms.
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. Due to popular demand the maximum attendance has been raised to 200 players, so RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! 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, or visit our website: http://www.bedfordma.dollarsforscholars.org
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
Bedford Recreation Department: Programs for Parents and High School Students
You Can Afford College IF…
Presented by College Funding Advisors, Inc. of Bedford
You can afford college if, you PLAN in advance, you UNDERSTAND the financial aid process and you ACT early enough to be successful. This course will teach you the concepts and strategies that will help you maximize your financial aid by understanding the process. You will learn strategies that may increase your family’s eligibility even if you have a “high income” or own a business. A free financial aid analysis available to all attendees. Visit the website at www.collegefundingadvisors.com. You will be emailed a Zoom link and materials in advance. Please register by Feb. 8.
Tuesday, February 9, 7:00-9:00pm. Fee: $15 per family
For information and to register: www.bedfordrecreation.org
iRobot Tech Career Exploration for High School Students:
Considering a STEM career? Join us to meet a few of iRobot’s engineers and employees to learn what they do, and how they work together to make the iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum. Hear some of the pathways to a tech career. There is no fee, but registration is required. This is a virtual program and a Zoom link will be sent.
Tuesday, February 16, 2:00-3:00 PM. No Fee.
For information and to register: www.bedfordrecreation.org
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.
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.
Looking for Girl Scout Cookies?
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
