Notes from the Superintendent’s Update – Friday, Feb. 16

This is a portion of the Superintendent’s Update by Superintendent Cliff Chuang mailed to Bedford Public School community on Friday, February 16. Please find this week’s full issue of Superintendent’s Update and back issues at bedfordps.org.

Cliff’s Notes

Dear Bedford Public Schools Community,

Thank you for your grace, understanding, and flexibility as we navigated our first “snow” day together (ICYMI: musical video announcement!) I shared some thoughts with the school committee on Tuesday on the “little snow snow day,” as described in Chuang Considers Steps to Avert ‘Little-Snow Snow Days’ – The Bedford Citizen. I continue to reflect on the importance of diverse perspectives when considering any important decision and learning from your mistakes, but it’s also important to note that the reality of groupthink is important to grapple with, since closures of nearby districts impacts the ability for BPS to hold school safely if enough staff cannot make it in (which happened in a neighboring district!)

Also, please enjoy some pictures from two wonderful Lane School assemblies this week and the School Committee & Finance Committee update below for the latest on the FY25 Budget.

Enjoy the vacation week! (Next update planned for March 1.)

Sincerely,
Cliff Chuang 莊宏毅
Superintendent, Bedford Public Schools

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWIOQXGmf6U

Upcoming Events

February (all month) 2024: Black History Month
February 19 – 24: President’s Day (19th) and School Vacation Week
February 27: 7:00pm – School Committee Meeting
March 5: Massachusetts Presidential Primary Election
March 9: Annual Town Election
March 9, 2024: 7:00pm – BEF Denim & Diamonds Bash (Cafe Escadrille, 26 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA)

School Committee and Finance Committee Updates

At their Feb. 13th meeting, the School Committee approved the district 2024 – 2027 Student Opportunity Act plan focused on our literacy efforts, a slate of out-of-state/overnight field trips, and a donation to the mathematics department.

On Feb. 15th, the Finance Committee continued its extensive consideration of the School Committee’s FY25 budget and the supplemental information they requested, though no vote was taken. We anticipate a vote at their Feb. 27th meeting, when the School Committee will also be meeting next, locations TBD.

Full supporting materials, including additional information requested by the FinCom, can be found here: School Committee – Meeting Schedule & Supporting Documents. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration is now OPEN!

Registration is open for children age eligible* for Kindergarten next year (2024-2025 school year). Please register with this link: Bedford Public Schools Registration.

*Kindergarten age requirements are located below the registration information in the above link.

There will be more information coming regarding informational nights and kindergarten screening.

Latest BHS Sports Hall of Fame Class: Six Individuals and One Team

Six athletes and one varsity team, spanning a half-century, comprise the eighth class to be honored as members of the Bedford High School Sports Hall of Fame. The honorees and their specialties are: David Crawford ’67, track; Kim Merrick ’84, ski; Courtney Chubb ’88, swim; Mike Dushman ’14, soccer; Danae Bucci ’15, track and field; and Dan Greaney ’17, wrestling. Also chosen for induction was the 2013 varsity football team, MIAA Division 4 North sectional champion. Read more about this in the Bedford Citizen article that ran on February 9, 2024: Latest BHS Sports Hall of Fame Class: Six Individuals and One Team