Notes from the Superintendent’s Update – Friday, April 5

This is a portion of the Superintendent’s Update by Superintendent Cliff Chuang mailed to Bedford Public School community on Friday, April 5. 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,

I am writing this after seeing the Thursday showing of the Newsies Junior JGMS Musical. The cast and crew were amazing! One thing I love most about Bedford is our commitment to authentic and meaningful inclusion–this was the largest JGMS musical cast & crew ever (we don’t cut students!). And I think this commitment only adds to the quality of the performance (the ensemble numbers were all show stoppers!) and the growth of our students, leading to even higher-caliber performances when they get to BHS. I was also so heartened to see high schoolers supporting the middle schoolers and parents of students of all ages attending the show. Thanks all of our wonderful staff and volunteers who made this experience possible for our community. You can still see the show on Friday and Saturday!

I am also hosting a spring series of Trail Walk & Talks (register here)for those who want to chat in-person about the strategic planning process underway (Strategic Planning Survery #2 is still open, too).

Sincerely,
Cliff Chuang 莊宏毅
Superintendent, Bedford Public Schools

Strategic Planning Survey #2 – Deadline: April 15th

I presented my entry plan findings at the March 27 School Committee meeting. Please take Strategic Planning Survey #2 (which should take three-to-five minutes) to provide feedback as the Bedford Public Schools begins the 2024-2027 District Improvement Plan development process. Since we want to ensure feedback is as representative as possible across all of our stakeholders, I encourage you to identify your role/demographic characteristics to the maximal extent possible. Thank you in advance for your participation!

Bedford Trail Walk & Talks with the Superintendent – Spring 2024 Edition

I am looking forward to getting back on the trails this spring, revisiting some favorites from the fall and trying some new ones, guided by the Bedford Trail Guide. This is an opportunity for community members to provide additional feedback and ideas about the proposed framework for our 2024-2027 district improvement plan outlined in my Report of Entry Plan findings. Here are the dates and times for these Trail Walk & Talks, which will each last for roughly an hour. These are intended for adult caregivers and community members, though kids are welcome if accompanied by an adult. For planning and communication purposes, please register here where full details about where to park and meet are provided. Walks will be canceled in case of poor weather.

Upcoming Events:

April: Month of the Military Child
April: Autism Awareness Month
April 4-6: JGMS Musical – “Newsies Jr.”
April 6: 2-4pm – Eid-Al-Fitr Celebration at Lane School, Presented by the Parent’s for Diversity Council
April 8: Solar Eclipse
April 9: 5:30-6:30pm – Trail Walk at Town Campus
April 9: School Committee Meeting
April 12: Military Child Breakfast at BHS – Please e-mail Brian DeChellis ([email protected]) with questions.
April 12: GLSSEN’s Day of (No) Silence
April 15-19: NO SCHOOL – Spring Vacation
April 22-30: Passover
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: School Committee Meeting at METCO HQ
April 24: 5:30-6:30 pm – Trail Walk at Buehler-Ponds Governor Winthrop Conservation Area
April 26: Arbor Day
April 30: 5:30-6:30 pm – Trail Walk at Fawn Lake (meet at Lane Elementary School)

School Committee Meeting Update

The next School Committee meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9. Full supporting materials can be found here: School Committee – Meeting Schedule & Supporting Documents. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

JGMS Musical – “Newsies Jr.” – April 4-6

Tickets are now on sale for Newsies Jr.! Shows are at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 7 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Tickets are $10 per ticket plus fees with reserved seating. We will also be livestreaming the Friday, April 5 performance at 7 p.m. show for people who are unable to physically attend.

Livestream Ticket Link
https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/81440

In-Person Ticket Link
https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/81438

Eid-Al-Fitr Celebration, Saturday, April 6, 2-4 p.m., Lane School

Join the Parents Diversity Council and Bedford families to learn about Ramadan and celebrate Eid. There will be crafts, traditions for Ramadan and Eid, and henna for all. This event is open to anyone – crafts are best for K-5 children. No RSVP required.

Solar Eclipse – Monday, April 8

On Monday, April 8, Massachusetts will be experiencing a partial solar eclipse starting at 2:19 p.m. with the maximum eclipse visible at 3:29 p.m. We believe it is important for students to understand the significance of this event and learn how to observe it safely. Our staff will review safety measures with the students, and we ask that you help reinforce this safety information. It is important for students to understand that it is never safe to look directly at the sun, and this applies even during an eclipse when it may appear darker. Please note:

Davis and Lane schools sent out specific information regarding their plans, especially around dismissal time.
The secondary science department shared information with JGMS and BHS students about an optional after school viewing party.
All sports practice will not start until 4pm.

Bedford Public Schools will provide all K-8 students with a pair of Eclipse Glasses – Safe Solar Glasses – Eclipse Shades by Rainbow Symphony which are approved eclipse-viewing glasses. Regular sunglasses do NOT provide adequate eye protection, and without proper eclipse glasses, eye damage can occur. You can see Resources for the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse – Science, Technology/Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (mass.edu) and also here that you might find helpful as you prepare for the eclipse. Let’s hope for clear skies!

April is Autism Awareness Month

This is some information shared with the Lane School community to celebrate neurodiversity: Google Slideshow of resources/lessons. Want a Lane School neurodiversity shirt? Fill out the Google form and we will get them ordered. Cost is dependent on the number ordered, but predict around $15.