I ROBOT Presentation Thurs April 15 9:30am-10:10am
Founded in 1990 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology roboticists with the vision of making practical robots a reality, iRobot has sold more than 30 million robots worldwide. The company has developed some of the world's most important robots, and has a rich history steeped in innovation. Its robots have revealed mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza, found harmful subsea oil in the Gulf of Mexico, and saved thousands of lives in areas of conflict and crisis around the globe. iRobot inspired the first Micro Rovers used by NASA, changing space travel forever, deployed the first ground robots used by U.S. Forces in conflict, brought the first self-navigating FDA-approved remote presence robots to hospitals and introduced the first practical home robot with Roomba, forging a path for an entirely new category in home cleaning. With more than 30 years of leadership in the robot industry, iRobot remains committed to building robots that provide people with smarter ways to clean and accomplish more in their daily lives.
The panel will be facilitated by Lisa Freed, P.E., LEED AP STEM Program Manager from IROBOT.
ZOOM Link: https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/85243130323
Repeat Announcements
BPS 2021-2022 School Year Calendar
On Tuesday night the school committee voted on the 2021-2022 school calendar. Please navigate to the 2021-2022 School Year Calendar to see the calendar.
Reopening of BHS Webinar Wednesday, April 14
Please join the BHS Administrative team for an informational webinar on the reopening of BHS, Wednesday April 14 at 7pm. Link in Buccaneer Bulletin.
Amazon/Andes Trip Information - 2022
Explorica has extended the Risk Free Booking and full refund guarantee for travelers who enroll though April 15th to receive a 100% refund if you cancel for any reason by August 1, 2021. Choose auto-payment or full-pay option at the time of enrollment to qualify. This will allow you to lock in low monthly payments and have something to look forward to in the future without concern of losing any money! For more information and how to qualify, visit our Travel with Confidence page.
And, Explorica has extended the $200 voucher until April 15 so there’s more time for you to get signed up! You can get $200 off for enrollments through April 15. The voucher code that you need to use to get the $200 off is Adventure2022. More info.
Return to 5 Days
Bedford High School will return to school on Monday, April 26, 2021. The school is planning to return to a school day schedule that mirrors that of February 2020, with full days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The all-remote program still remains.
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.)
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, April 12th at 7 pm: Pandemic Parenting One Year In: Supporting Social Development and Combating Social Atrophy
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.
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.
Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 4 at 6:30PM with a rain date of June 5 also at 6:30PM.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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:
It's a Bedford Themed Bingo Night for the BEF! Saturday, May 1st, 7:00 pm
Please join us for a fun night of Virtual Bingo and other surprises to benefit the Bedford Education Foundation! Wear your Bedford colors, gear, etc. and Zoom with friends for a super fun night for a great cause. There will be prizes and other festivities between rounds, you will not want to miss it!
Registration is via the Donation page on the BEF's website at: https://bedfordeducation.org/donate. Please include your name and how many cards you would like to play in the comment section. If others in your family want to play separately, they will need their own registration and card(s). Price is $10 per card, not per person. We will send each registered email address links to both the Zoom and your card(s) before the night of the event. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH BEDFORD RECREATION:
See our Summer Recreation brochure (page 37) for detailed information and how to apply. www.bedfordrecreation.org
BEDFORD SOCCER LOOKING FOR REFEREES: Pay is $20 to $40 per game. Minimum age 14. Referee courses are provided. SPRING BASKETBALL SIDE-LINE STAFF: Side-line staff to run the time-clock and keep the books for the Spring MS League. Min. age 15.
SUMMER ADVENTURES STAFF: Looking for responsible, enthusiastic individuals to join the team of our longstanding, popular Summer Adventures program. Minimum age: completing freshman year of high school.
SPRINGS BROOK PARK: LIFEGUARDS and SWIM INSTRUCTORS (minimum age: 16 as of June 20, 2021). Must have current Lifeguard Training certification. Pay rates start at $15-$17 per hour. 50% reimbursement of Lifeguard Training certification at end of summer.
Link for local Lifeguard Certification classes: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding CREW PARK ATTENDANTS: Open to Bedford residents only. Application deadline: May 1. (min. age: 14 by June 20, 2021) Attendants are needed to greet park guests and provide daily ongoing maintenance support of the facility.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
For questions or to add an announcement contact Paula,
BHSPA Communications Secretary, at BHSBucsParents@gmail.com
