Today was the last day of school for the 2021-2022 school year as such this will be the final Friday letter of the year. The Friday letter will return in late August in preparation for the 2022-2023 school year. I hope that this weekend will allow you to begin to transition to summer!
To help with your transition I have included this poem.
Warm Summer Sun by Mark Twain, after Robert Richardson
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
Flag Day
On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, we observed Flag Day. Flag Day is celebrated annually on the fourteenth of June. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. For more information navigate to History.com What is Flag Day
Juneteenth
On Monday, June 20, 2022, we will celebrate Juneteenth, the newest Federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the announcement made on June 19, 1865, to tens of thousands of African-Americans in Texas that they had been emancipated, closing the door on one of the last chapters of slavery in the U.S. Juneteenth traces its origins back to Galveston, Texas where on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major Gen. Gordon Granger landed in the city with news that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were now free. The announcement came two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of Jan. 1, 1863, that freed enslaved people in Confederate states. However, since that proclamation was made during the Civil War, it was ignored by Confederate states and it wasn’t until the end of the war that the Executive Order was enforced in the South. For more information about Juneteenth please navigate to https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth or read President Biden’s Juneteenth Proclamation.
Retirees
As the year closes, we want to acknowledge our retirees. Please join me in thanking this group for their important contributions to the lives of Bedford students. Each has given so much to all of us and it is our hope they have a wonderful retirement and enjoy the next phase of their lives.
- Linda Coviello School Librarian in Bedford since 2005
- Debbie Davies Grade One and Grade Two Teacher in Bedford since 1986
- Michael Griffin Science Teacher and Program administrator in Bedford since 1996
- Bette Jervinis Teacher, Counselor, and Teaching Assistant in Bedford (again) since 2017
- Lynda McGraw School Librarian in Bedford since 1986
- Patti Messenger English Language Arts teacher in Bedford since 2007
- Dan Niven English Language Arts teacher in Bedford since 2004
- Donna Pappalardo Math Coach in Bedford since 2012
- Kathy Webster School Nurse in Bedford since 1991
An End to DESE COVID-19 Testing
The DESE K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program has ended. During the summer (for school-based programs only) DESE will continue to provide at-home tests for symptomatic testing only. No other services will be provided. No at-home test kits or pooled testing will be available in the Fall. To read the entire memorandum please navigate to May 24, 2022, DESE Update on COVID-19 Testing Program
DESE continues to offer vaccination clinics in cooperation with DPH and believes that “vaccinations continue to be the best way to protect individuals against the effects of COVID-19.”
COVID-19
To review the current number of cases please follow this link to the Bedford COVID-19 Dashboard and for national data please review the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker Weekly Review
COVID-19 Case Updates
Town of Bedford COVID-19 Dashboard Cases in BPS This Week
Cases Reported This Week Since June 10, 2022:
- BHS 7
- JGMS 3
- Lane 1
- Davis 1
BEST PTO Color Run!
Last Saturday, June 11, 2022, the BEST/ PTO and the Davis and Lane School communities had a fun and successful day raising money for the schools at the 6th Annual Color Run. Over 870 registered runners of all ages dashed through the colored powder on the fields of JGMS, setting a new record for this event! Over 70 volunteers served up food, sprayed the runners with color and helped the day run smoothly. The event raised over $17,000 in profit that BEST PTO can use towards enrichment programs and school improvements at Davis and Lane. BEST wanted to apologize for the bounce house that did not show up, but we understand that the vendor’s truck broke down on the side of the road. Luckily, they got a full refund that is now included in the profits of the day. If you enjoyed this event, please consider volunteering for the Color Run Planning committee next year. You can find out more by emailing [email protected]. Thank you to everyone in the community for your support of this event!
Math Olympiad at Lane School
Approximately 60 fifth graders from Lane Elementary School were among over 100,000 students worldwide to participate this year in the Math Olympiad program. They participated in a series of five monthly contests of five problems each, from November to March, and weekly practice sessions under the coaching of Ms. Annie Pumphrey, our K-5 math curriculum coordinator/coach. The students worked together to solve unusual and difficult problems and to think creatively. The students responded well and were recognized for their participation. 45 of the Lane Mathletes won individual national awards for excellence within the Division E (Elementary) for grades 4 through 6. Students earn individual awards if they score in the top 50% of all participants or higher. Lt. Job Lane Elementary School was named to the National Math Olympiad Honor Roll for its score of 182 points. A team must be in the 90th percentile to win this title and plaque.
This year the Math Olympiads served over 100,000 students on approximately 3,500 teams nationally and about 1,000 teams in more than 30 other countries. Math Olympiad at Lane School is open to any 5th grader who is interested in the program, and the students have responded to the challenge with eagerness and enthusiasm. Congratulations to Ms. Pumphrey and our Mathletes!
BHS Athletics
This spring seven of our eight varsity sports participated in the post-season. Several members of our Boys and Girls Outdoor Track team medaled at the MIAA Division 4 Meet. Softball won a league championship as well as their first-round matchup against Nashoba Regional before losing to North Attleboro in the Round of sixteen. Girls tennis lost their first-round matchup to Ursuline Academy. Boys Lacrosse won a preliminary game against Auburn then lost in the round of thirty-two to Norwell.
Boys Tennis has won matchups against Pope Francis, Austin Prep, and Boston Latin Academy. They will compete next in the MIAA Final Four against Dover-Sherborn. Girls Lacrosse has won their matchups against Marblehead, Leominster, and Dartmouth. They now await their opponent in the Final Four.
JGMS Athletics
On Friday, June 10, 2022, our Girls Track Team capped off an undefeated season by winning the MIAA Division 2 state championship by more than forty points over the second-place team. The boys also finished off a great season with a third-place finish at the state championships. JGMS was one of more than sixty schools to compete at the state championship meet.
The Bedford High School Parents Association (BHSPA) News
The BHSPA would like to recognize three board members – Kerry Rackey, Paula Gilarde, and Diane Bernstein along with Lori Alper, Challenge Success, for their many years of service to the Bedford Public Schools (BPS). These dedicated individuals have spent countless hours working on various boards within the schools to enhance the experience for students and teachers/staff. As their last seniors depart from BHS, we want to thank them for their time, commitment and service!
Please visit https://bhspa.org/thank-you-to-our-retiring-volunteers/ to read more about these accomplished individuals. Thank you all for your time, energy, and dedication to our schools! You will all be missed!
If you want to learn more about the BHSPA and how you can get involved, please email them at [email protected].
All-Night Graduation Follow-Up
Thanks to all those who gave generously to the Class of 2022. The students were treated to a spectacular All-Night Graduation Celebration on June 2, 2022. It would not have been possible to carry on this tradition without the support of scores of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and Bedford staff members. Please visit all-night-grad-party-thank-you to read a note of thanks to all who volunteered. The Class of 2022 students can order a commemorative photo USB for $10, which will be mailed out later this summer. To order, visit All Night Graduation Commemorative Photo
School Offices, Summer Hours
During the month of July this summer all of our school offices, and the Superintendent’s office will be open Monday through Thursday. While some offices may be staffed on Friday, we will not be making appointments on Fridays for registrations, school tours, or other normal business. All appointments during the summer will need to be scheduled in advance.
The office hours will be as follows:
- Superintendent’s Office: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Davis School Main Office: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Lane School Main Office: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
- JGMS Main Office: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
- BHS Main Office: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Work Permits
Work Permits for high school students are overseen by Nancy Powell, BHS Registrar. Please reach out to her at [email protected] or 781-275-1700 ext. 4407. More information about work permits may be found on our website here.
Extended School Year Program
Five-Week Program
Our five-week Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) Program is set to begin on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. New this summer is that our five-week ESY programs will run on the following dates: July 5, 2022- July 14, 2022, and then break for two weeks from July 19, 2022, through July 28, 2022. It will resume again on August 2, 2022, through August 18, 2022.
Please keep in mind that ESY the hours at each school are different.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- JGMS 7:30-10:30
- BHS 8:30-11:30
- Lane 8:15-11:15
- Davis 9:00-12:00
Six-Week Program
Our six-week Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) Program is set to begin on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. New this summer is that our six-week ESY programs will run on the following dates: July 5, 2022- July 21, 2022, and then break for one week from July 25, 2022, through July 28, 2022. It will resume again on August 2, 2022, through August 18, 2022.
Please keep in mind that ESY the hours at each school are different.
Monday -Thursday
- JGMS 7:30-12:30
- BHS 8:30-11:30
- Lane 8:15-1:15
- Davis 9:00-2:00
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our District ESY Coordinator, Michelle DellaValle [email protected]
DESE Annual District & School Report Cards
Every year, each public school and the school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the district’s report card is designed to show families how our district is doing in different areas. Due to the pandemic, DESE did not issue new district and school accountability determinations this year, however, our 2021 accountability determinations may be viewed on our website here. These reports contain valuable information related to other areas of the district and school performance.
Bedford Youth and Family (BY&FS) Summer Food Bank Grab Bags
Starting Tuesday, May 31, 2022, and continuing throughout the Summer, the Bedford Food Bank will have five (5) dry bags located at the Bedford Free Public Libraries “pick-up table” for residents in need. These will be large, brown, labeled bags with assorted breakfast and lunch staples along with other dry goods items. There will also be information on the town’s food bank, their hours, and other food assistance programs included. For more information please go to the Bedford Youth and Families “News and Announcements” page or contact Youth Social Worker Mackenzie Comeau at [email protected] or at 781-918-4331.
As always, thank you for your patience, your participation, and your continued commitment to our schools.
Best wishes for a wonderful and restful summer.
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