Superintendent Chuang’s weekly update for September 22, 2023.
Dear Bedford Public Schools Community,
It was great to see so many of you at the Alex Hirshberg talk, “Prepare the Child for the Road, Not the Road for the Child: Building Resilience to Emotional Distress” (recording can be found here – please allow a few minutes for the video to process) and Back to School nights this week. In this update, I am happy to share the start of a Trail Walk & Talks series, recognition for BHS, and another reflection for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Trail Walk & Talks
The Bedford Trails Commission will be releasing an updated Bedford Trail Guide on Bedford Day (September 23). I am hoping to get to know the geography and neighborhoods of Bedford a bit better by walking the trails, and I would love company and the opportunity to continue hearing from community members about their hopes for our schools in an informal setting! I am in the process of determining additional dates and time and a sign-up system, but the first one will be the Town Campus Trail from 5-6 pm on Tuesday, September 26, We will meet at the Town Center parking lot between the Skateboard Park and the Detention basin. For planning purposes, if you would like to Talk & Walk with me that day, please email [email protected], so I know who to expect.
Bedford High School Named ’22-’23 Special Olympics Massachusetts Unified Champion School. Congratulations to Principal Galante, Athletic Director Mangan, Special Education Director Vines and the BHS staff and students for demonstrating their commitment to meaningful inclusion through unified sports, inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement. This designation showcases BHS’ dedication to embracing diversity, promoting equity, and empowering students to be change advocates.
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) Reflections & Stories
Throughout the month, I will be sharing reflections and stories from Hispanic staff members (and possibly) students. Here is the next in the series:
Reflection by Enid DeCastro, BPS Special Education Administrative Assistant
Growing up in New York City as a Puerto Rican, I saw the ways my family, especially my grandmother, struggled to make ends meet. I learned at an early age to never give up on your dreams. My late grandmother, let her rest in peace, was a 4 ft. 10 in lady with the biggest heart, but feared by everyone. She made Spanish Sofrito and sold it to the local grocery stores (Bodegas) and was well known for this. She and my grandfather owned a large home in Brooklyn with many rooms that they turned into studio apartments and were able to live well because of this. I believe I have my determination and will to succeed from my grandmother who I miss dearly. She was an amazing chef and Brooklyn and Puerto Rico would agree with this.
Picture: Enid DeCastro (center) with her brother and grandmother.
Reminder: Community Survey – Please Respond by October 13, 2023
The goal of this survey is to gauge the perspectives and opinions of students, staff, parents, and community members with a vested interest in Bedford Public Schools to inform my entry process.
Upcoming Events
- Bedford Day (September 23). Please join our Town celebration on Bedford Day | Bedford, MA (bedfordma.gov). I will be sharing about a new series of informal fall get-to-know-you events on Bedford Day.
- Yom Kippur (September 24-25). Please find more information about the High Holidays from Rabbi Amy Hertz and please remember our Religious and Cultural Holidays Policy. To those who observe, Happy New Year and have a meaningful fast.
- School Committee Meeting (September 26). The meeting agenda includes discussion of safety camera policy and assignment of school committee liaisons to other town committees.
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