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Bedford High School Parents Association
Daily Announcements
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
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   BHS Announcements & Events   
Important Dates
March 1 - 21: Bedford Dollars for Scholars applications open

Thursday, March 18: Deadline to Submit In-person/Remote Survery


Tuesday, March 23: Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP

Wednesday, March 24:  Race and Identity:  A Forum for Bedford’s Schools and Community 

Friday, March 26:  Class of 2021 Yard Sign Store Closes

Wednesday, March 31:  Race and Identity:  A Forum for Bedford’s Schools and Community 

Wednesday, March 31: Deadline to order cookie dough from the Class of 2021

Wednesday, March 31: Deadline to order a yearbook

Thursday, April 1: Deadline to submit course override forms to program administrators


Wednesday, April 7: Sophomore Night: The Road Ahead

Monday, April 12: Bedford SEPAC Meeting

April 19-23: Spring Vacation

Friday, May 21:  Last Day of School for Seniors

Friday, June 18:  Last Day of School for 9th, 10th and 11th grades

2020 District Calendar

Bedford Public Schools Start & End Times
New Announcements/Upcoming Events/Deadlines

Class of 2021 Yard Sign

The junior class is selling yard signs to help you celebrate your graduating senior. This is an easy way to acknowledge and show pride in all of your student's hard work. Buying a sign not only shows pride for your senior but helps support the fundraising efforts of the junior class. Use this link to order your sign today! Deadline to order Friday, March 26th
 

Sophomore Night: The Road Ahead April 7th

6:30-7:00 A preview of the year ahead
7:00-7:30 Standardized Testing Presentation by Signet

While the college application process is a few years away, helping your student to understand their interests, strengths and aptitudes can provide insight into their future post-secondary path. Join us for a look  into Sophomore Counseling Seminar and a preview of the youScience Career and Aptitude inventory as well as an overview of the post-secondary planning process in the years ahead. An email link will be sent closer to the date. 


The Bedford Education Association Scholarship

The Bedford Education Association is pleased to announce that we will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who are planning to enter the field of education. To apply, follow this link to the BEA Scholarship Application form.  Please complete the form by Tuesday, April 13, 2021.  If you have any questions, please contact BEA President Mx Sunderland at presidentbedford@gmail.com

 


 

Repeat Announcements

Class of 2021: CSF Deadline is Next Week!

A reminder from the Dollars for Scholars group - the scholarship application deadline is 3/21. That's in SIX days! The application process takes some time so please encourage your senior to get working on it sooner rather than later. More info below
 

Important Survey Re: In-Person/Remote Learning

The district is conducting a survey for all high school students to opt for either the full in-person model or the fully remote option. The survey is conducted through Aspen by logging into the student's account. Step-by-step instructions for this process can be found here. The deadline for completing this survey is Thursday, March 18, at 12 noon.
 

Bedford Senior Class Fundraiser

The class of 2021 has initiated a fundraiser selling delicious cookie dough.  This fund raiser will help support Senior events tentatively scheduled- Kimball’s Farm Cookout, Senior Movie Night at Revolution Hall, Aerial Photo, as well as additional events still in the planning process.  Please help raise money for the Bedford Senior Class Fundraiser by clicking the link below and enjoy some fabulous cookies!  There's are 22 days left!
https://launchfundraising.com/orderinfo/4615/130012 

Or, you can donate directly to the class using Venmo: @classof2021-humphrey or by check made out to: BHS class of 2021.  The class and the advisors would love acknowledge any contributions so please note if you would like your contribution to remain anonymous.

Upcoming SEPAC Events

April Bedford SEPAC Meeting - Monday, April 12, at 7:00 PM 

SEPAC Meeting May - with Marianne Vines - Wednesday, May 19 at 7pm
 

International Trips 2022 Reminder

BHS is offering three trips abroad and all current freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to participate. Two trips will occur over February break and one trip will be offered in April. All include missing school Thursday and Friday prior to break beginning to add additional travel time. Space is limited and you should contact the trip coordinators as soon as possible if you would like to enroll. (Please note that final trip dates will be confirmed once the BPS calendar is released.) NEW enrollments by MARCH 25, 2021, are eligible for 100% refund if they cancel for any reason by April 30, 2021.

Sicily & Athens Culinary Adventure : February 2022
Join Ms. Arena and Mr. Berlino on a culinary tour of Sicily and Athens! The trip begins in Palermo, Sicily and includes traveling through the country experiencing culture and food; sightseeing through Agrigento, Catania; shopping in local food markets, exploring local farms, olive groves, cooking with chefs and experiencing local flavors in restaurants. We will travel overnight by ferry to Athens, Greece for more touring of local agriculture and sites and culinary experiences. Visit
explorica.com/Arena-2772 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms. Arena at sandra_arena@bedfordps.org

Galapagos Adventure: February 2022
Join Ms. Leshay and Ms. Billouin to explore the Galapagos Islands. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before flying to the Galapagos islands. The trip includes time on San Cristobal Island with snorkeling and visiting the giant tortoises before moving to Isabela Island to visit the lava tunnels and take a day hike at the Sierra Negra volcano. We'll finish our visit on Santa Cruz Island with a visit to the Darwin Research Station
before heading back to spend one last day in Quito. Visit explorica.com/Leshay-8311 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Ms.Leshay at sarah_leshay@bedford.org

Amazon and Andes Adventure: April 2022
Join Mr. Griffin, Mr. Caprioli and Ms. Eggers for an experience of a lifetime and we explore the Amazon forest and climb the Andes Mountains. The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador with a city tour and a visit to the equator before traveling into the Amazon. The trip includes a visit to a local village in the Amazon, an animal rescue hospital, whitewater rafting, exploring forests, and hiking on a volcano and much more. For a complete description visit explorica.com/griffin-8227 to access the full itinerary and associated costs for the trip. For additional information or details about how to sign up, please reach out to Michael_griffin@bedfordps.org.
 

Spring Ahead! Parenting Support Sessions with Rachel Kramer, Ph.D

Bedford Health and Human Services and Bedford School Counseling Departments present parenting support sessions. Flyer

  • Monday, March 29th at 7 pm: Building Skills for Managing Big Emotions
  • Monday, April 5th at 7 pm: Supporting Emotional Well-Being for Tweens and Teens
  • Monday, April 12th at 7 pm: Pandemic Parenting One Year In: Supporting Social Development and Combating Social Atrophy

Spring Sports Registration Now Open

Click here for directions on how to register.

Race and Identity:  A Forum for Bedford’s Schools and Community March 24 and March 31, 6-8 PM

Bedford Embraces Diversity and the Parents Diversity Council are teaming together to provide a forum for Community and School to come together to talk about racism. These workshops, facilitated by trainers from IDEAS (part of the EDCO Collaborative), are intended for teachers, members of the community and parents with children in the school system. Break out group discussions will intentionally be a mix of these three groups and provide opportunities to hear different experiences and perspectives.

It is not necessary to attend both workshops.  Please attend one or both as your schedule allows.  More info here. To register, please click this link: https://forms.gle/CFNfQpnZvUCmZr4TA  
 

Don’t miss the March Bedford Buccaneer Mask Promotion! 

We have LIMITED QUANTITIES and they are selling fast! Nice memento for BHS seniors and perfect mask for students, athletes, performers and spectators!  Adult and youth sizes (a few left) available.   March Promotion:
- Purchase 2 masks for $20
- Purchase 5 masks for $45
- Donate a mask to someone in need in the community - $5.00
- Bulk orders - please email BHSbucsparents@gmail.com.

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.
 
 

Last few weeks to order the BHS 2021 Yearbook!

We are in the final month of yearbook sales, and we wanted to reach out because your child hasn't purchased their copy yet. This school year has been so very different in literally all ways, and we've done our best to capture it on the pages of this book. We are certain that they will want this keepsake both now and in years to come. This history is on those pages, and it's a book like no other.
Deadline for ordering is March 31. Click HERE to see what options are available.

 


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  
 

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

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 
 
CSF Bedford Dollars for Scholars
The application window for CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars scholarships is open from March 1st through March 21st.  There is a short instructional video about the process here: https://youtu.be/Bw5cqDsD5ts
Many thanks to Bedford TV for recording and producing the video.  Seniors and their parents or guardians can access information about CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars scholarship applications by visiting www.bedfordma.dollarsforscholars.org
and navigating to the "Students and Parents" page.  If you are planning to pursue higher education after graduation from high school, there is no reason for you not to apply.  

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. 
 

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. 
 

Class of 2021 T-Shirts Order Form

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!

It includes:
  • how to order a yearbook
  • suggestion for a senior portrait photographer
  • deadlines for ads, thanks and other photos
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

News from Guidance:

The Counseling Department has launched a NEW Post-Secondary website! Check it out here

NEACAC Spring College Fairs 
Student and School Counselor registration is NOW OPEN! As a reminder, NEACAC Spring College Fairs will be held on the following dates and times:
  • Wednesday, April 14th from 7-8:30 pm EST
  • Sunday, May 16th from 1-3:00 pm EST

To date, there are over 170 colleges that are registered to participate in the program. Registration for students and school counselors is required, but FREE! Please visit: https://neacac.swoogo.com/NEACACVirtual_Spring to register. We recommend registering ahead of the LIVE events. The booths will be available beginning on
February 23 through May 31, 2021.

NEARR Admissions Bootcamp​​

(NEARR = New England Area Regional Representatives). Registration will open in late-February for FREE events. Additional information and registration can be found here: https://click.regionalreps.org/admissionsbootcampe8d47

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.

BigFuture Days

College Board is hosting virtual events for high school students to connect directly with college admissions representatives and take action on the most important steps for college. Learn more here.

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
 
Informative Articles:
Appealing Your Financial Aid Offer During COVID19 (From MEFA)
https://www.mefa.org/blog/appealing-your-financial-aid-offer-during-covid-19
Early Decision and Financial Aid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B35TR0D49QM&feature=emb_title
CSS Profile
https://ineedfinancialaid.com/video-2020-2021-css-profiles/
Net Price Calculators - What are they and are they accurate? 
https://ineedfinancialaid.com/net-price-calculator-what-are-they-and-are-they-accurate/
Source: The College Funding Service (please know this is not an endorsement of this fee-based organization, just simple and helpful videos we've found). 

College Guidance Network (CGN): 
Episode Library: https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/episodes
 

SAT/ACT Prep Classes and AP Exam Prep Boot Camps Start Soon- SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 

We are doing everything we can to make high quality SAT/ACT and AP prep accessible and affordable for our BHS students during the pandemic. 

PrepU/Tutor Doctor is offering a new series of affordable online small group prep classes and we continue to offer scholarship seats to these programs: 
Community News

Teen Summer Expos

For guidance on finding meaningful teen enrichment go to TeenSummerExpos.com. There you’ll find top quality summer opportunities listed by the child’s interests.  There’s also a page for free or inexpensive, virtual programs that teens can do now during the school year.   See virtual programs.
 


Flatbread fundraiser for the Bedford Rotary Foundation 3/17

The Rotary Club of Bedford invites you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with dinner from the Flatbread Company of Bedford to support the Bedford Rotary Foundation. Flatbread will donate a portion of the profits from all flatbreads sold between 4 and 9 PM on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, no coupon or flyer necessary! Supporters can order take-out or dine-in at Flatbread. To make a reservation for dine-in, please visit YelpWait to add your name to the waitlist. For more info visit: https://www.bedfordmarotary.org/

BHS Fall & Winter Sports USBs

Attention BHS Parents and Athletes:  Bedford TV is now selling USB's for the BHS Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 sports seasons.  USB's include all the games from each season and you can specify which sport you want when ordering.  What a great memory to keep for yourself, or a great gift to send to family members.  USB's are $20/each (DVD's also available for $15).  Visit our website to purchase: www.bedford.tv/buy-videos.
 

QPR - Suicide Prevention Workshop

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a Free suicide prevention workshop offered to the Bedford Community on March 17th. See flyer for more info.
Registration link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/272/8rxz1s97
 

Volunteers Needed on Town Committees! Updated List!

Greetings from Bedford’s Volunteer Coordinating Committee! We hope that 2021 is going well so far. We are writing to our fellow BHS parents to request your assistance with recruiting candidates for open positions we currently have on our town committees. Your town needs your time and talent! Please use the following link to check out the VCC's web page, which includes brief descriptions of these committees, as well as links to more detail on each, the volunteer application, and other committees that may have openings in the future . You are more than welcome to contact fellow BHS parents and VCC members, Jen Kelley (jenkelley253@gmail.com) or Patty Carluccio (patricia.carluccio@verizon.net), for more information. Thank you! 
https://www.bedfordma.gov/volunteer-coordinating-committee
 

Two Virtual CS Programs for Young Women in High School during Summer 2021

CODEBREAKERS 
July 5– 30, 2021 (M-F from 9:30-12:00 pm and 1:00-3:30 pm). Young Women currently freshmen or sophomores and enrolled in a MA school. Deadline for applications: May 1, 2021. For more information and to apply, please visit www.bu.edu/lernet/cyber.

AI4ALL
July 26th – August 13, 2021 (M-F from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 to 3:30 pm). Grade Level: Young women currently sophomores or juniors and enrolled in a MA high school. Deadline for applications: May 1, 2021. For more information and to apply, please visit www.bu.edu/lernet/AI4ALL.
 

Mental Health and Well Being Website

Bedford Public Schools collaborates with area partner schools to provide a mental health website with updates and resources. Please visit this page for support and activities for students of all ages, families and educational staff.  Live events featured daily.

 

Free NAMI Course for Families

NAMI Massachusetts is offering a FREE 8-class course for Family Members of People Affected by Mental Health Conditions. 

The course explores topics such as: how to manage crisis, communicate effectively, managing stress, finding local support and services, and the impact of mental illness on the entire family. It starts on March 1st, and runs from 6:30-9:00pm every Monday on Zoom.   Please see the course flyer for registration information.
 


Bedford TV's 4th Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser

Bedford TV's 4th Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser is coming up on Saturday March 20th at 7PM. This year's event will be virtual, and still just as much fun! Teams of 8-10, $25/pp. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners!! Sign up now before we sell out!

Register now at: http://bit.ly/37NxVWB


MCCs College for Kids

Summer 2021 brochure.  Middlesex Community College’s College for Kids provides children with an exciting range of unique opportunities to explore careers, gain new knowledge, develop new skills, and boost their self-confidence. Camps are offered virtually this summer morning and afternoon half-day options, and are offered for children 8 – 17 years old.  

In addition, this summer we have collaborated with Black Rocket to offer a variety of STEM programming opportunities that focus on coding, game design, exports, java script and more. If you have questions, please contact (781) 280-3669 or ellisl@middlesex.mass.edu 

 


Girls Who Code SIP

Apply to Girls Who Code’s Virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) for an unforgettable summer experience! During this FREE 2-week virtual program, you'll learn the computer science skills you need to make an impact, get an inside look into the tech field, and join a supportive lifelong sisterhood — all while being virtually hosted by influential companies, like Twitter, AT&T,Bank of America, Walmart, and more.

Current 9th -11th grade girls and non-binary students are eligible to apply. SIP is 100% free and need-based stipends of up to $300 are available for those who qualify. Low tech? No tech? No problem! Girls Who Code is there to support you!

Apply here by the March 19th application deadline or learn more by joining a webinar.


CSF Dollars for Scholars Mail-a-thon Fundraiser  

We are unable to host our annual CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars Phone-a-thon due to COVID-19 this year, but we are continuing to adapt and improvise – just as our high school students have done all year.  We are conducting a Mail-a-thon fundraiser this year to gather support for the scholarships our high school seniors will need more than ever.  Bedford residents will receive personal letters in early March asking for your continued generous support of CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars.  All contributions are awarded as financial scholarships to seniors heading off to college or pursuing other education.  All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.   
To donate online please visit https://bit.ly/DollarsForScholarsMail-a-thon2021.   
If donating by check, please make payable to “CSF of Bedford” and mail to: 
CSF of Bedford Dollar for Scholars, PO Box 585, Bedford, MA 01730 

 


Global Warming Demystified

Register: Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 5:30pm-6:30pm
In this presentation, Dr. Bennett will give you the foundation you need to speak intelligently about the science behind global warming and show you why the solutions to this important problem are ones that people of all political persuasions can agree on. If you have any questions or doubts about the reality of global warming or what we should do about it as a nation, you’re sure to come away enlightened. This talk is based on Dr. Bennett’s Global Warming Primer.

Bedford Food Bank Open

“The Bedford Emergency Response Drive Thru Food Bank continues to operate on Thursdays, 4:00PM-5:30PM, at 12 Mudge Way, Town Center Building (Rear Parking lot of the Yellow Building).  Due to the generosity of our donors, partners and volunteers, we are able to provide food and supplies for all residents in need.  Residents who need one time assistance, or ongoing assistance, are encouraged to take advantage of this resource.  There is no registration required.  Residents pull up and volunteers load the car.  For more information, see:  https://www.bedfordma.gov/BedfordFoodBank
 

Recycle Regatta - Free Virtual Competition - Open to all School Age Kids

Read the rules. Gather materials. Design and build. Test and calculate. Refine and finish. Submit your entry by March 31
https://educationalpassages.org/recycle-regatta/

 


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

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.

 


Girls STEM Summit LIVE 2021

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 herehttps://juniortech.org/girls-stem-summit-live-2021/
Emailinfo@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

 

For questions or to add an announcement contact Paula,
BHSPA Communications Secretary, at BHSBucsParents@gmail.com
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