Superintendent Update 10.16.19 (posted 10.23.19)

Bedford School District

10.16.19 Superintendent Update Dear Bedford Families ~ Did I really hear the word Nor’Easter? Sigh.  As a linear thinker, I would prefer Mother Nature to wait until after Halloween for these kinds of weather events.  However - since the subject was raised, I want to make sure you have access to the information you need. Hence, this brief update: Emergency Text Messages Today I sent out a  TEST text message from the Bedford School District.  This is a mode of communication that we can use for emergencies, snow days, or other information that needs to be disseminated quickly.   If you did not get a text message and you would like to get one, log onto PowerSchool, click on Demographic Change, and make sure the correct cell phone number is included.  Once that is complete, text "yes" to 67587. This is for cell phone numbers we have on file. Emergency Phone Calls On Friday (10/18 @ 1pm) of this week, I will be sending out a message alert via phone.  This is the kind of message you will receive when the Bedford School District calls snow days.  If you do not get the phone message or the phone message went to the wrong number, you can fix this in two ways. Log onto PowerSchool, click on Demographic Change, and type in the preferred number as your "Primary School Messenger Alert Phone." Call or visit the main office at your child's school and provide them with your preferred number. Please note that you will need to make this change for each child in your family. Red Ribbon Week Join the Bedford School District and BeBOLD in promoting Red Ribbon Week.  Click HERE to see how you can participate! 10/23 - 10/31. BEDFORD PTG SKI, SKATE & MORE SALE COMING SOON! Save​ ​​On​ New​ And​ ​Used​ Winter​ ​Sports​ ​Equipment​ ​&​ ​Apparel! PTG’s annual SKI, SKATE and MORE SALE will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 9AM - 2PM at Bedford High School. New and used ski equipment, snowboards, winter boots, outerwear and more will be on sale from local area merchants and consignor families. This sale provides a cost-effective opportunity to outfit you and your family for the upcoming winter season! Sell Your Gear And Clothing: Turn your outgrown or gently used winter gear and apparel into some cash while also supporting Bedford schools. Visit PTG Website  for consignment information. You can drop off your pre-tagged items at the BHS Gymnasium on Friday, November 22, 2019 between 5PM – 8PM.  Please note: If you need to print your tags on site at BHS during equipment drop off there will be a $1.00 charge per tag. Volunteer: Many volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Click HERE to get involved. CARDIGAN CORNER at SKI, SKATE and MORE SALE! PTG is excited to again offer “Cardigan Corner” at the Ski, Skate and More Sale. For families whose kids have conquered Lurgio’s Mt. Cardigan  experience as part of the RAL 8th grade environmental unit of study and have gear to consign, or for those looking for a good deal on quality used items for the upcoming adventure…Cardigan Corner is for you!

The mission of the Bedford School District is to develop a community of learners who are intellectually curious, resourceful, and respectful of self and others. Academic achievement through constantly improving standards is the District's highest priority. Michael Fournier, Superintendent of Schools Bedford School District, 103 County Road, Bedford NH 03110 ​​​​​​​P: (603) 472-3755, F: (603) 472-2567, www.sau25.net

Superintendent Summer Message

Dear Bedford Families ~

Two weeks from today, our schools will be filled with students who are excited for a new year, eager to learn, and anxious about what the year will bring.  As I’m sure you know, we have been working hard to make sure everything is in tip top shape for the start of school.  Below are some updates that I hope will prove helpful.

Start of School

First day for students is Tuesday, August 27th.  Meet & Greet for Memorial, Peter Woodbury, and Riddle Brook is on Monday, August 26th at 1:30pm - 3:00pm.  Check school websites for start times.

Three Pronged Partnership Agreement (Bullying)

Last year’s Bullying Task Force developed a Partnership Agreement among students, teachers, and families to better understand and address student conflict and bullying.  Click HERE for a preview of that agreement.

Bus Schedules

We have targeted the afternoon of Friday, August 16th as the date when we anticipate posting bus schedules.  Please know that there may be last minute changes. Questions can be directed to Anne Wiggin at wiggina@sau25.net. 

Opening Week Travel

During the first few days of school, please give yourself extra time as the traffic is typically heavier than usual.  Additionally, while buses will be able to get through Liberty Hill construction, cars will have a detour (heading to McKelvie from the south).  As always, the most convenient way for students to get to school is by bus. 

Tri-Pod Parent Surveys

Over the last two years, over 600 families have participated in our weekly text survey.  I intended to present an Executive Summary to the School Board on 8.26.19 along with a 36 page report containing the full results.  If you are selected to participate this year, please do.  Your voice matters!

Graduation Date

BHS graduation is on June 6th regardless of snow days.  Mark your calendars!

School Security

Each school and classroom has Emergency procedures that are up-to-date and practiced throughout the school year.  Click HERE for Bedford’s Executive Summary of what we have in place as well as what we have planned in the near future.

5.21.19

Dear Bedford Families ~

The Bedford High School Prom was in the air this past weekend!  Whether driving about town or scrolling through social media, it was hard to miss the excitement and pageantry that comes with this annual tradition.    It is a joy for me to see so many students that I have known since they entered our schools twelve years ago.  Wow - do they ever grow up fast!  Below are some updates for this month.

BHS Graduation

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!  We will celebrate their 4 years of hard work on Saturday, June 8th at BHS!

NEW LED Sign - currently configuring for use

Thanks to strong fundraisers and underspending in the 2016/17 school year, a surplus was generated that the PTG donated to the school district to help fund the electronic sign now located on the BHS/RAL campus. This sign will be a huge asset to informing the public of events going on across all six of our schools in the district. Thank you to the Bedford families, School District Staff and community for their continued support of the Bedford PTG.

Enrollment Projections

Members of the community often have questions regarding school enrollments.  To provide better access to this, I have added this information to our website under “Office of the Superintendent.”  Click HERE.

BHS Pathway Survey

Bedford High School continues to seek community input on pathways for current and future students.  Click HERE to participate in this survey.

School & Student Safety

A reminder that continuous improvement in the area of school safety is a high priority for the Bedford School District.  For information on what you can do, click HERE.

Last Day of School

The last day of  school for STUDENTS is Monday, June 10th.  A reminder that each school is released 2 hours earlier than normal that day.

Chromebooks Grades 7-11

If you are interested in purchasing a Chromebook device through the district, please complete this form by June 5^th 2019 to pre-order a device. We are offering families two different options for purchase (first year insurance is included in the price). Details on final pricing, payment and distribution will be emailed to parents in July. Devices will be available for pickup during our Chromebook Distribution in August.

2019/2020 School Calendar

Click HERE for our school calendar for the fall.

Bedford PTG Color Blast Fun Run/Walk 

SUNDAY JUNE 2^nd 9:30AM 

Thank you to all who have registered to date! We are preparing for our biggest Color Blast ever! While we are all excited for the big day, we know that Somewhere Over the Rainbow volunteers are needed. We are still looking for LOTS of awesome volunteers like you to make this a successful event!  Please consider spending the morning with us!  Click HERE to see how you can help.

Still planning on running, REGISTER NOW. Online Registration closes next Wednesday, May 29^th.

Come for the COLOR…stay for the music, raffles, face painting, balloon creations, food, and fun. Treats will also be available for purchase from Miss Polly’s Traveling Treats and The Tracy Girl Food Truck. Visit our Color Blast website for more details.

4.12.19

Dear Bedford Families ~

During the eight months I have served as Superintendent (and interim), I have missed daily, direct contact with our students.  However, what I have gained is a macro view of the tremendous talents and gifts of our students, teachers, and community members - across the schools.  It is important to be intentional when watching our students learn and grow.  Otherwise, the year just rolls by too fast.  Below are some updates for this month.

Student Feedback to Teachers

This year parents have been asked to “opt in” to a survey where students can provide anonymous feedback to their teachers.  If you have not done so yet, please reach out to your child’s teacher to opt in.  Your child’s feedback is incredibly valuable to us!

Director of Technology - Feedback Requested

The Bedford School District is seeking a new Director of Technology effective July 1, 2019.  If you would like to share input with the Selection Committee, please click HERE.

School Board Clerk Position

Do you find yourself watching school board meetings?  Interested in a part time job?  You can do both!  Click HERE to learn how.

School District Calendar 

Please click HERE for the 2019/2020 Bedford School District Calendar.

School Board Calendar

Please click HERE for the 2019/2020 Bedford School Board Calendar.

Community Rumors

Just a friendly reminder that when you hear things that are upsetting or don’t sound quite right in and around the community (regarding students or the schools), please reach out to your child’s school.  Posting on social media for more information can often lead to misinformation and make a small problem bigger.

BeBOLD Speaker Series

April 29th - Bedford Library 7pm

Hosting a Party for Prom or Graduation?

This is for YOU!

Click HERE for details.

Bedford Teachers earn CEU’s

BEDFORD PTG COLOR BLAST FUN RUN/WALK SUNDAY JUNE 2^nd 9:30AM 

Don’t miss your chance to get in on the Colorful Fun and Support our Schools. New registration discounts available for returning runners, PLUS children’s price now applies to kids 10 and under and 4-pack of entries available at a reduced rate. Click  HERE to register and visit our Color Blast Fun Run/Walk website for event details.

Register by Friday, May 3rd to take advantage of our reduced pricing and purchase a Color Blast t-shirt and swag bag including drawstring bag, sunglasses, bandana, and your own color bag to throw at the start of the race!

**First 250 registrants will be entered for a chance to win a raffle, where two lucky winners will receive a $25.00 Barnes and Noble gift card**

Not participating in the Fun/Run but still want to be involved…click HERE for Volunteer Opportunities.

3.5.19

March 5, 2019

Dear Bedford Families ~

I heard a collective cheer from Bedford students when yesterday’s snow day was announced!  While I did not share the sentiment, it always brings a smile to my face when students get a victory (perceived or otherwise).  I’m hoping for fair weather between now and June 10th. Below are this month’s updates:

Delays & Snow Days

We have had 7 delayed openings, 1 early release, and 1 snow day (FYI).  We are not required to add days to the school calendar based on delayed openings.   We DO make up snow days. Therefore, the NEW last day of school is Monday, June 10th.

March 12, 2019 - Voting Day (NO SCHOOL)

A reminder that voting will take place at BHS on March 12th from 7am to 7pm.  Click HERE for an easy-to-use document on the school district articles.

Tri-Pod Surveys

This spring tri-pod surveys will be “Opt In.”  We are asking every parent to opt their child into this very important tool for our district.  Your child’s anonymous feedback is a powerful tool for reflection and improvement.  Specific information will be coming from your child’s Principal.

Meet the School Board Candidates

Click HERE for the School Board Candidate Debate.  This was hosted by the Bedford Men’s Club on Wednesday, February 20th at BCTV.

NH State Assessment

This year, there is legislation providing an official manner in which to opt out (Click HERE for the statute).  Please know that the Bedford School District will honor these requests.  However, the results of the assessment do assist us in better meeting the needs of our students.  This is done collectively (by grade) and individually (by student). As a result, your child’s participation is valuable to us and ultimately to them (participants receive results).

Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent

Hosted by the PTG, Superintendent Mike Fournier invites you to “Coffee and Conversation” on Friday March 8th, 9:30am at Bedford Town Library (McAllister Meeting Room)…RSVP REQUIRED. Click HERE to sign up.

BSD Substitute Information Open House

Wednesday, March 6th from 9:00-11:00 AM

Superintendent’s Office (Board Room), 103 County Rd. Bedford  

McKelvie Principal Search

Now that the Superintendent position is filled, there is now a vacancy at McKelvie.  If you are interested in knowing how that position is being filled - or the timeline, please click HERE.

Ms. Molly McCarthy - Riddle Brook School - National Distinguished Principal

Ms. Molly McCarthy has been selected as New Hampshire's Elementary School Principal of the Year!  This honor is earned through a competitive process facilitated by the NH Association of School Principals. Ms. McCarthy was selected as a result of her vision of academic success for all students, creation of a climate hospitable for education, cultivation of leadership in others, improved instruction and management of people, data and processes to foster school improvement.  Additionally, Molly's love for children and dedication to Bedford is evidenced in her 12-year leadership at Riddle Brook School and 17 years of service in Bedford.

Please join me in applauding her work as she represents Bedford throughout this year and next October in Washington, DC.  We are proud of Molly's contributions on behalf of the children of Bedford.

Craig Sheil - NHSTE  Susan Janosz Technology Impact Award

Craig Sheil (BHS) has been recognized as the outstanding 2019 Technology Integrator of the year in New Hampshire. Craig has served as a progressive leader in the field making a significant and positive impact on technology use at the local, state and/or national level. Craig’s work ethic and experience has had a significant impact on the quality of education at BHS. His energy and commitment to self-education in order to stay out in front of emerging technologies is his trademark.

Jessica Gilcreast -  Librarian of the Year Award

The New Hampshire School Library Media Association has the pleasure of awarding the 2019 Librarian of the Year award to Jessica Gilcreast. This award recognizes ongoing excellence in school librarianship and leadership in the school library community, at local, regional, and state levels. She will be recognized for this award at the 26th Annual NH Excellence in Education Awards Celebration, also known as the “ED”ies, on Saturday, June 8. She will also be recognized for this award at the NHSLMA conference on Friday, March 8, 2019. Congratulations to Jessica and Bedford High School!

Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent

Hosted by the PTG, Superintendent Mike Fournier invites you to “Coffee and Conversation” on Friday March 8th, 9:30am at Bedford Town Library (McAllister Meeting Room)…RSVP REQUIRED. Click HERE to sign up.

BSD Substitute Information Open House

Wednesday, March 6th from 9:00-11:00 AM

Superintendent’s Office (Board Room), 103 County Rd. Bedford  

Mike Fournier, Superintendent