Superintendent Conrad’s weekly message for May 26, 2023.
Monday, May 29, 2023, is Memorial Day
The Bedford Public Schools will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a public holiday to honor all those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally known as Decoration Day, which followed the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Please take a moment on Monday to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom. For more information please navigate to History Channel Memorial Day
Paving Update from Bedford DPW
We have been alerted that on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, there will be paving activity requiring that Battle Flag Road and Lexington Circle be closed to through traffic. This will allow the DPW to lay down a finish paving coat at that location. The DPW will do their best to maintain driveway access but there may be delays.
**This affects Lane School Bus 6 and Davis School Bus 1**
The bus stop at Battle Flag and Lexington Circle will be relocated to Battle Flag Road & Flintlock both morning and afternoon on May 30th.
The bus stop at Battle Flagg Road & Glenridge Drive should go to Glenridge Drive & Karen Drive both morning and afternoon on May 30th.
The Bedford Charter has been notified of this change. The DPW apologizes for any inconvenience.
National Custodial Workers Recognition Day
You may have noticed over the past few weeks that we have celebrated a number of days for teachers, nurses, and cafeteria workers. This led me to wonder about a day to celebrate our custodial staff. Well, it turns out there is a day, and I missed it. October 2nd is National Custodial Workers Recognition Day. It is a day to celebrate and say thank you to our custodial and maintenance staff who prepare each learning environment for our teachers and students. Much of the time the work of these professionals goes unnoticed, no more! This year I’d like to ask everyone to help me atone for my mistake by declaring Friday, June 2, 2023, Bedford Public Schools Custodial and Maintenance Staff Recognition Day. Please take a moment to thank our colleagues for the important work they do for our students and families.
Hanscom Air Force “Base Race” Event
On Tuesday, June 6th a group of twenty BHS students will be participating in the first annual “Base Race” on Hanscom Air Force Base. The “Base Race” is a collaboration between Bedford Public Schools and Hanscom Air Force Base personnel. The objective of the “Base Race” is twofold. The first is to introduce non-military-connected students with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the career opportunities that exist on a military installation. The second is to allow our BHS students to make connections with their incoming 8th-grade classmates from the Hanscom Middle School.
The trip will include various stops along the way which will include the Autonomous System Development Facility, the Lantern: Hanscom Collaboration and Innovation Center, the Digital Directorate, and the Command Control Communication Intelligence and Networks Directorate (C3I&N) to see a variety of technical capabilities being developed across the base. Each stop will include a 10-15 presentation/discussion with base personnel who work within each of these locations. The students will finish their day with a buddy lunch with the Hanscom Middle School eighth graders. Making early connections with our incoming military students will help with their transition to Bedford High School while building on our partnership with Hanscom Air Force Base. Click the Base Race Agenda to see an outline of the day.
Bedford Adult ESL Program
The Bedford Public Schools was awarded a $60,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to run the Bedford Adult ESL Program for the next three years. Adults who are seeking to learn English can take beginning, intermediate, or advanced English classes during the Fall and Spring semesters starting in September 2023. The program will also provide a Citizenship class for those adults who are planning on becoming US citizens. The classes are free of charge and open to any adult who wants to learn English. Registration will start in June. Please contact Carrie Powers, EL Director K-12, [email protected] for more information.
3rd Annual English Learners Award Night
The English Language Learner (ELL) Education department hosted the 3rd Annual English Learner Award Night on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The awards night was held in the auditorium at JGMS. Iskra Arreaga, BHS Sophomore, was the host and a keynote speaker along with BHS Sophomore Fleur Benmamar. JGMS students shared stories bilingually about their cultures and experiences living in the United States and other countries. Our Davis School students were showcased in a Carousel in the cafeteria which was filled with families sharing refreshments together. The ceremony included ninety-seven Individual Achievement Awards given to the Bedford English Learners by their ELL teachers. The Lane School English Learners performed “We Are the World” with several Lane School Teachers in a finale. It was a fantastic evening. Thank you to Carrie Powers and our entire ELL staff for this wonderful evening.
METCO Celebration of the Class of 2023
On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, The Bedford METCO Program had the opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of its eighth graders and the senior class of 2023 at the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park. The night was filled with family, friends, and faculty members, talking to students and parents, all the while enjoying a wonderful dinner. Faculty members, Superintendent Conrad, and Representative Gordon sat and listened as students were able to thank their families for all the love and support that was given to them throughout the years. Students told everyone about their experiences in Bedford and the impact of teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and METCO staff helping them navigate their time in Bedford. Thank you to Akil Mondesir and Jen Ilchuk for a wonderful evening.
Graduation for the Class of 2023
Graduation for the Class of 2023 is scheduled for Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 6:15 pm at the Tsongas Center, 300 Arcand Drive in Lowell. The ceremony is open to family, friends, and guests of the graduates. Everyone is welcome to attend in order to support friends or relatives that they may know in the Bedford High School Class of 2023.
8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
As you read this letter our 8th graders are on-route home from a four-day three-night trip to Washington D.C. to visit our nation’s capital. This is the 45th year the trip has run at JGMS and it has become a beloved end-of-the-year experience for our 8th-graders. This is the first time since 2019 that we have been able to run the trip.
Highlights of the trip included visiting many memorials in and around DC. We made a picture stop at the White House where many of the students got to see Vice President Kamala Harris’ motorcade leaving the grounds.
It was a fabulous trip, the students conducted themselves with dignity and represented their school community well. A special thank you to Mr. Casey, Ms. Mangini, Mr. Grassi, Ms. Berinato, Ms. Costopulos, Mr. McGrath, Ms. Breakall, Ms. Beinert, Mr. Glynn, Ms. Wilson, Mr. Grady, and Mr. Brome for chaperoning and running a great trip.
Senior Stroll
On Thursday, May 25, 2023, the Class of 2023 held their Prom Stroll on Jenks Trail in front of Bedford High School. There was a wonderful turnout of community members to see the seniors off to their Senior Prom. The Prom was held at the Danversport Yacht Club.
Last Chance to Support the Class of 2023 All-Night Graduation Party!
There is less than one week to go until the Class of 2023 graduates from Bedford High School! For 33 years, beginning in 1988, the BHS All Night Graduation Celebration Committee has held a safe, substance-free overnight party for the graduating class. Throughout the night, the Class of 2023 graduates will enjoy live entertainment, games, trivia, music, prizes, food, and more, at Bedford High School from 10:30 PM – 5:30 AM. Families, friends, and local businesses are encouraged to make a tax-deductible monetary donation or prize donation to support the celebration. To learn more, read our parent/caregiver letter here.
Friends can also support the All Night Graduation Celebration by:
- Volunteering during the party as well as with set-up and clean-up: ANGVolunteers2023
- Purchasing or picking up food items: ANGFoodDonations2023
- Donating door prizes: ANGPrizes2023
- Making a financial donation by check, Venmo, or Paypal
- Becoming a corporate sponsor: details on our website
Learn more about the All Night Graduation Celebration by visiting the ANG website: All Night Grad Party – BHSPA. Seniors can purchase tickets here. Financial assistance is available! Email co-chairs Dawn Kociubes and Leah Walton at [email protected] with any questions!
LGBTQ Pride Month
June is LGBTQ Pride Month as designated by Presidential Decree. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated each year during the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The purpose of the month is to recognize the positive impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. For more information please visit
The Library of Congress About Pride Month
Bedford Pride Event
Bedford Youth and Family Services and the Parents Diversity Council (PDC) are proud to make Bedford’s PRIDE celebration an annual event! Please feel free to join them for an afternoon of community, solidarity, and fun for LGBTQ+ folks and allies on Sunday, June 11th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bedford Town Common. This event is for all ages. There will be a dress-up parade, tables with information, crafts, stories, games, live music, and ice cream! For more information
Bedford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Event
The Bedford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) invites everyone to join them for their end-of-year celebration at Red Heat Tavern on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 7:30 PM. All are welcome to attend. Come out and meet or join other parents and caregivers of Bedford students receiving special education services. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Performing Arts Department Events
As we enter the last quarter of the school year please be aware that the performing arts department in conjunction with POMS (Patrons of Music Students) is preparing a number of music events for May and June. We hope you will be able to join us for some or all of these events that showcase our talented musical performers of all ages.
The Lane School Concert on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the BHS Auditorium
The Grade Six Concert on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the JGMS Auditorium
The Grades 7 and 8 Concert on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the BHS Auditorium
Lane School’s Annual Chalk the Walk Event
This year Lane School will host its annual Chalk The Walk event during the week of Monday, June 5, 2023, and run through Friday, June 9, 2023. Our Lane School Chalk The Walk (CTW) is modeled after the Global Chalk The Walk initiative, which aims to build community and make art more accessible to everyone. Each year, Lane School artists explore a theme to guide their making. Past themes have included “positivity”, “kindness”, and “community”. This year’s theme has yet to be chosen. Regardless of this year’s theme, students are asked to consider the theme and share words or imagery that represent it. As in the past, we are hoping to have staff from throughout the district participate. Past participants have included staff from all four schools, our School Resource Officer, school counselors, and custodians. The Chalk the Walk event coincides with the Lane School’s unit on Artistic Communities.
Sign up for the BEST/PTO Color Run
The BEST/PTO Color Run will take place on Saturday, September 9th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and is the largest fundraiser for Davis and Lane Schools. Register to support enrichment programs and other educational improvements at our schools. Since 2016, this event has raised over $100,000! Run, walk, stroll, or roll as volunteers blast powder onto the race course. Or just come to enjoy the food, face painting, raffles, music, and more!
Register here (https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Bedford/VirtualColorRun2021) by June 30th to ensure you receive a t-shirt and bag. Each registration includes (1) a t-shirt & (2) food tickets. Additional shirts & food tickets may be purchased on the event registration website. Prices are $30 per individual or $90 per household. (Registrations received after June 30th are not guaranteed a participant t-shirt and bag).
Mental Health Discussion
The Bedford Rotary and the Bedford Youth and Family Services are inviting you to a presentation by Bob Anthony, Chair of the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 from 12:30 PM-1:30 PM in the Reed Room in Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, Ma. 01730. Bob is a recognized leader in the field of Mental Health, who will present on Rotary’s 2023 mission of Facing Mental Health Issues Head-On by breaking stigma, raising awareness, and increasing access to prevention and earlier treatment. To register, use this Sign-Up Form
Bedford Town Manager Search – Community Survey
Members of the Bedford community are encouraged to fill out an online survey with their feedback on the desired experience and attributes of the next Town Manager. The Select Board is currently searching for the next Town Manager, with support from Community Paradigm Associates and the Town Manager Search Screening Committee. This survey will be available until June 9, 2023. Survey link: https://forms.gle/ip553BCitfmzYhqE8 In addition to the survey, a community forum will be held in June. Details will be announced soon.
Bedford Family Connection Event
Please join the Bedford Family Connection as they celebrate 35 years of family fun! Since its inception in 1988 Sara Dorer and Judi Babcock. Bedford Family Connection has been supporting families with children ages 0-5 in Bedford for the past 35 years! Bedford Family Connection has become a cornerstone of our community, providing support, connection, and resources for families in the area. To celebrate Bedford Family Connection will have a bubble performer, a live folk band with family-friendly music, a few giveaways, and ice cream to purchase! Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
School Food News Update
The Lane School 3rd graders have been the pilot class for a “Share Cart” at lunch. Students can drop off unopened school provided snacks they might not want, and can grab an extra item if still hungry. On average, we’re seeing 75% of unopened food be shared to others, which would otherwise go in the trash. Lane hopes to roll out to all classes next school year.
JGMS is just one week into their full sort trash program (liquids/trash/recycling/compost) and the students are already pros! The numbers are staggering-upwards of 80% of our trash weight is being diverted to better uses (50% food waste to compost, 30% liquids down the drain vs incineration). We’ve brought trash weights from well over 100 pounds to under 20 on avg, creating a big savings in carbon emissions and costs. JGMS will be rolling out soon a “Share Fridge” for the many unopened items collected each lunch period that can be taken as students head to events, sports, Boston or the bus.
Thank you to Facilities, Food Services, custodians, building principals, teachers, and assistants helping make these impactful initiatives possible.
As always, thank you for your patience, your participation, and your continued commitment to our schools.
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