Principal's Notes 9/3/21

Message of the Month

Be Safe - (Safe body-safe words-safe student behavior)

Parent Resources

BSD Reopening Plan 2021/22

Start of School Letter--Preventing COVID

COVID-19 Schools Dashboard

Important Dates

• September 6- No School in observance of Labor Day
• September 8- Picture Day
• September 9- Picture Day for some of our BEEP students
• September 10- Community Conversations with Superintendent Fournier
• September 14- Open House (Details to follow)
• September 24 - Meet the Principals Event

Drop off and Pick up

Thank you all for your patience as we work towards a safe, smooth, and timely drop off and pick up.

For Drop Off- We realize this can be a difficult time with traffic backing up. Please look for the adults directing traffic as we will do our best to move cars through as timely as possible.  If you can have your child ready to exit the car quickly and independently it will help help with the process. 

For Pick Up- Our preschool students will be brought out to cars in front of the building by adults on duty. As for the rest of you picking up your children we ask that you form 2 lines in our front circle and wait for your students to be brought out to you. Keep an eye on the teachers on duty as they will direct you and bring your child to you.  Having their name in the passenger window to speed up the process will also help. Once the parking lot is full please line up in the church driveway instead of stacking cars on Old Bedford Road.

Thank you!

Open House

This year's Open House on September 14th will run similar to the way we ran our Meet and Greet. Classes will be divided in two sections by students' last names. The exception will be BEEP and Kindergarten where they will come as AM/PM and grade 4 where we will spread parents out in the cafeteria.  

The schedule is as follows:

• 5:30-6:00pm  Morning BEEP Students, AM Kindergarten and Grade 1 A-K
• 6:00-6:30pm  Afternoon BEEP Students, PM Kindergarten and Grade 1 L-Z
• 6:30-7:00pm  Grades 2 and 3 A-K
• 7:00- 7:30pm Grades 2 and 3 L-Z
• 6:45-7:30pm  Grade 4 in the cafeteria
• Specialist teachers available throughout the evening

Picture Day

Scheduled for September 8th and for some of our BEEP students September 9th.  If you choose to order your pictures online you can do it by going to the Geskus Site at www.geskusprint.com and type in our unique code 7PNPGPSP

Library News from Ms. Garcia

Please click HERE to read the September News from the Library.

Outdated Reading Workbooks

We have some old, outdated reading workbooks that are no longer used and available for free to anyone who would like them.  We will have a box inside our main entrance where you can help yourself to what you would like. 

SUPPORT THE PTG: Through our Support Drive, 100% of your donation goes directly to the schools and students of Bedford. Consider supporting the PTG by making a donation via PayPal by clicking HERE or by checks made out to Bedford PTG (turn into your child’s school or mail to PO Box 10077 Bedford, NH).

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER: We will have information about volunteering for Bedford Schools in the upcoming weeks. Links to a Volunteer Google Form for each school will be available at that time. You will need to fill this form out in order to hear about volunteer opportunities at the schools or district wide. Currently, some schools are looking to fill open school coordinator level roles.

MEET THE PRINCIPALS EVENT SEPTEMBER 24TH: You are invited to meet the Principals from all six schools at our annual "Meet the Principals" event on Friday, September 24th from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. It will also be broadcast live on BCTV. This is a great opportunity to hear what each school has in store for the year. Please email questions before Sept. 22 for the Q&A session that follows the presentation to bedfordnhptg@gmail.com.

Reminders

Principal/Parent Communication
As my primary form of communication you will receiving an email and text link to Principal’s Notes, each Friday afternoon. This will include Important Dates for upcoming events, informational news, and action items (highlighted in yellow). I appreciate you reviewing these weekly and taking care of any action items highlighted.

Dismissal

I want you all to be aware that for the first few weeks of school we call our kindergarten and first grade students to the gym prior to the older kids in order to line everyone up and and develop routines. Because of this busses may be delayed 10-15 minutes, however, we feel it is worth the delay as it provides our younger students with a better sense of security and understanding during a somewhat hectic time of day. Thank you for your understanding and patience with this temporary procedure. 

Infosnap

If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Infosnap process. If you do not have the email with the link/snapcode that was sent to you this summer, please contact the school office. 

Anti-Bullying Partnership Agreement

Please keep an eye out for a document coming home with your children this week about bullying. Last year’s District Bullying Task Force developed a Partnership Agreement among students, teachers, and families to better understand and address student conflict, and what is and is not considered bullying.  We are asking all families to read, discuss, and sign this document to help ensure a happy, safe, and nurturing environment for all. Please click HERE if you would like an electronic copy of that agreement.

Automated Attendance Call 

Again this year families in the Bedford School District will receive a phone call confirming their child's absence via our "School Messenger" system. Once we have taken attendance, a message will be generated confirming your child's absence. The elementary calls will go out at approximately 9:30 AM, McKelvie and Lurgio will go out at 10:30 AM and the BHS at 11:00 AM. If this call comes to you in error, please contact the Main Office so that we can correct the attendance report.

Strings Program is coming back to Memorial

If you child is interested in learning how to play the violin, viola, or cello, The Manchester School of Music will be offering classes here at Memorial School. Click HERE for more information.

BHS Basketball Clinic:
Calling all basketball players! The Bedford High School girl’s and boy’s basketball teams are hosting clinics for Bedford students in grades 3-8. The two-day clinic will be held on 9/12 and 9/19 in the BHS gymnasium. Registration is $50. Please click HERE for more information. 

Kinship Support (From our District Social Worker)

Support for families involved with Adoption, Foster Care, DCYF, or Legal Guardianship. Waypoint has many services available. Click HERE for more information.

Classroom Support

We are sharing to let you know about classroom programs at Memorial School that will enrich your child’s learning experience throughout year. Teacher resources are continually reviewed and organized to allow for the most comprehensive program for students. During instructional portions of the day, a special educator may be working alongside and in conjunction with your child’s classroom teacher. The help can be in the classroom, and at times, outside the general classroom setting. This type of approach is referred to as a Team Instruction model.

Together, these teachers bring to the classroom a broad range of expertise in all subject areas. This approach allows us the flexibility to work with students in small groups or individually as needed. Typically, both teachers will work within the classroom with students, but may work outside the classroom when appropriate.

We anticipate an exciting year of educational challenge and growth for all!

Q&A session that follows the presentation to bedfordnhptg@gmail.com.

Principal's Notes 8/27/21

Message of the Month

Be Safe - (Safe body-safe words-safe student behavior)

We had an excellent start to our school year.  It is always great to see the building full of students and hear about their summer adventures.  

Parent Resources

BSD Reopening Plan 2021/22

Start of School Letter--Preventing COVID

COVID-19 Schools Dashboard

Important Dates

• August 30 – First Day of Pre-School for our BEEP Students
• September 6- No School in observance of Labor Day
• September 8- Picture Day
• September 9- Picture Day Two
• September 10-Community Conversations with Superintendent Fournier
• September 14-Open House (Details to follow)
• September 24 - Meet the Principals Event

Principal/Parent Communication
As my primary form of communication you will receiving an email and text link to Principal’s Notes, each Friday afternoon. This will include Important Dates for upcoming events, informational news, and action items (highlighted in yellow). I appreciate you reviewing these weekly and taking care of any action items highlighted.

Dismissal

I want you all to be aware that for the first few weeks of school we call our kindergarten and first grade students to the gym prior to the older kids in order to line everyone up and and develop routines. Because of this busses may be delayed 10-15 minutes, however, we feel it is worth the delay as it provides our younger students with a better sense of security and understanding during a somewhat hectic time of day. Thank you for your understanding and patience with this temporary procedure. 

Drop off and Pick up

For Drop Off- We realize this can be a difficult time with traffic backing up. Please look for the adults directing traffic as we will do our best to move cars through as timely as possible. Elementary students are dropped off using the front circle and BEEP students are dropped off in the back near the playground area.  

For Pick Up- Our preschool students will be brought out to cars in front of the building by adults on duty. As for the rest of you picking up your children we ask that you form 2 lines in our front circle and wait for your students to be brought out to you.  Please have their name in the passenger window to speed up the process.  Once the parking lot is full please line up in the church driveway instead of stacking cars on Old Bedford Road.

Thank you!

Infosnap

If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Infosnap process. If you do not have the email with the link/snapcode that was sent to you this summer, please contact the school office. 

Anti-Bullying Partnership Agreement

Please keep an eye out for a document coming home with your children this week about bullying. Last year’s District Bullying Task Force developed a Partnership Agreement among students, teachers, and families to better understand and address student conflict, and what is and is not considered bullying.  We are asking all families to read, discuss, and sign this document to help ensure a happy, safe, and nurturing environment for all. Please click HERE if you would like an electronic copy of that agreement.

Automated Attendance Call 

Again this year families in the Bedford School District will receive a phone call confirming their child's absence via our "School Messenger" system. Once we have taken attendance, a message will be generated confirming your child's absence. The elementary calls will go out at approximately 9:30 AM, McKelvie and Lurgio will go out at 10:30 AM and the BHS at 11:00 AM. If this call comes to you in error, please contact the Main Office so that we can correct the attendance report.

Strings Program is coming back to Memorial

If you child is interested in learning how to play the violin, viola, or cello, The Manchester School of Music will be offering classes here at Memorial School. Click HERE for more information.

BHS Basketball Clinic:
Calling all basketball players! The Bedford High School girl’s and boy’s basketball teams are hosting clinics for Bedford students in grades 3-8. The two-day clinic will be held on 9/12 and 9/19 in the BHS gymnasium. Registration is $50. Please click HERE for more information. 

Kinship Support (From our District Social Worker)

Support for families involved with Adoption, Foster Care, DCYF, or Legal Guardianship. Waypoint has many services available. Click HERE for more information.

Classroom Support

We are sharing to let you know about classroom programs at Memorial School that will enrich your child’s learning experience throughout year. Teacher resources are continually reviewed and organized to allow for the most comprehensive program for students. During instructional portions of the day, a special educator may be working alongside and in conjunction with your child’s classroom teacher. The help can be in the classroom, and at times, outside the general classroom setting. This type of approach is referred to as a Team Instruction model.

Together, these teachers bring to the classroom a broad range of expertise in all subject areas. This approach allows us the flexibility to work with students in small groups or individually as needed. Typically, both teachers will work within the classroom with students, but may work outside the classroom when appropriate.

We anticipate an exciting year of educational challenge and growth for all!

BACK TO SCHOOL GREETINGS FROM THE PTG! We look forward to a new school year full of fantastic programs and events for our students, staff and families.

SUPPORT THE PTG: Through our Support Drive, 100% of your donation goes directly to the schools and students of Bedford. Consider supporting the PTG by making a donation via PayPal by clicking HERE or by checks made out to Bedford PTG (turn into your child’s school or mail to PO Box 10077 Bedford, NH).

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER: We will have information about volunteering for Bedford Schools in the upcoming weeks. Links to a Volunteer Google Form for each school will be available at that time. You will need to fill this form out in order to hear about volunteer opportunities at the schools or district wide. Currently, some schools are looking to fill open school coordinator level roles.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION with Superintendent Fournier: Hosted by the PTG, Superintendent Mike Fournier invites you for “Conversation & Coffee” on Friday, September 10th, 9:30 a.m. at the SAU Building. This will be a small, informal gathering to discuss Bedford School District happenings. Questions and comments are encouraged. You must RSVP to attend; seating is limited. Click HERE to sign up.

MEET THE PRINCIPALS EVENT SEPTEMBER 24TH: You are invited to meet the Principals from all six schools at our annual "Meet the Principals" event on Friday, September 24th from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. It will also be broadcast live on BCTV. This is a great opportunity to hear what each school has in store for the year. Please email questions before Sept. 22 for the Q&A session that follows the presentation to bedfordnhptg@gmail.com.

Principal's Notes 8/24/21

 Important Dates

• August 25 – Meet and Greet Grades K-4 
• August 26 – First Day of School
• August 30 – First Day of Pre-School for our BEEP Students

Start of School Information

It's time!  We are very excited to have our students back in the building!  I am sending important information prior to our first day on Thursday, August 26th outlining some highlights from the district’s Reopening Plan (below) as well as some items specific to Memorial.  

• Staff and students may elect to wear masks, but are not required to do so.

• It is recommended that unvaccinated individuals wear masks while indoors.

• Masks are required on school buses.

• Morning recess (7:30-8:00) will return.

• Student drop will go back to 7:30-8:00 AM. (In front of the building)

• Parent pick up will follow the same procedure as last year. (Please see below)

Please be looking for my Principal’s Notes each Friday afternoon.

Parent Resources

BSD Reopening Plan 2021/22

Start of School Letter--Preventing COVID

COVID-19 Schools Dashboard

IN THE NEWS:

Reminder from the Health Office Re: Allergy Symptoms

If your child has seasonal allergies, please get a note from your child’s physician for Mrs. Cook to keep on file for this school year.  Please keep in mind that DHHS recommends COVID testing for any new or unexplained symptoms, and our school district follows that recommendation.  I know it may be frustrating, but please understand that Mrs. Cook is doing her job.  PLEASE be kind and respectful to her.

Guest Riders on Buses

I want to let families know the district’s decision about riding on a bus that’s not your child’s assigned route.  Busing for child care will be allowed.  Busing for playdates, birthday parties and organizations (DI, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) will not be allowed.  If your child does have a child care situation, please provide their teacher with a note containing the details.

School Lunches

School lunches will, again this year, be offered free of charge for all students who would like.  Parents will still have the option of having their child bring a lunch from home if desired.

REMINDERS:

Meet and Greet

Please join us on Wednesday, August 25th for Meet and Greet (grades K – 4).  In order to help alleviate the crowding  and help with the limited parking, we are breaking the visitation down into 2 time slots (similar to Open House).  Please feel free to come at any time during your time slot.  The schedule is as follows:

• A-K (last name of students):  1:00-1:45 PM

• L-Z (last name students):  2:00-2:45 PM

*If you have a blended family, please feel free to attend only 1 session.

School Hours

Our school hours are 8:00 AM – 2:20 PM (grades 1 – 4), and 8:00 AM – 10:40 AM (AM Kindergarten & AM K+); 11:40 AM – 2:20 PM (PM Kindergarten & PM K+).

 

Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures

Drop Off (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM):

Starting at 7:30 AM, parents/guardians will drop off their children at the front circle (as you’ve typically done).  Children will need to exit their vehicles on the passenger side.  Staff members will be present to help direct traffic and guide children into the building. 

Pick-Up (2:20 PM) 

By 2:20 PM, students will be in the cafeteria and ready to be dismissed to their parents/guardians' vehicles out the cafeteria doors. Parents/guardians will proceed to the loop in the front of the building.  Staff members will be present to help direct traffic and dismiss children.  Children will need to enter their vehicles on the passenger side.  Each vehicle should have a clearly labelled and visible sign with the first and last name(s) of the child(ren) being picked up, and parents/guardians must be prepared to show identification until duty people are familiar with you.

*Please have your children practice exiting and entering your vehicle independently.     

Thank you,

Phil Schappler

Principal

Principal's Notes 6/11/21

Message of the Month

Community - (How can you make a difference?)

Important Dates

• August 25 – Meet and Greet Grades K-4 (Tentative)
• August 26 – First Day of School
• August 30 – First Day of Pre-School for our BEEP Students

We wish everyone a happy and restful summer break. We all have enjoyed your children throughout the school year and look forward to seeing many of them back here in August. For those moving on I hope you embrace and enjoy your new experience and remember you are always welcome back to Memorial.

Report Cards

As a reminder, student report cards are available online only in the PowerSchool Parent Access Portal.   To access your child's report card online, log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and you will see a Report Cards icon in the left hand pane.  When you click on this icon your child's report card will appear on the screen.  You can scroll to see the entire report card and choose to print it, if you'd like.  Kids planning on participating in youth football and cheerleading programs may be required to have a printed report card.  If you’d like a printed report card, please print it prior to July 1st, as it will not be available after we do roll over (sometime in July).  Anytime you click on the Report Cards icon, the most recent report card will generate.  Quarter 4 report cards are now available for viewing. 

Class Placement

This morning your children had an opportunity to visit their new classrooms, meet their teachers and see which friends are in the class for the next school year.  

• Kindergarten and First Grade students will receive a letter from us after July 4th with their teacher placement information.

4th to 5th Grade Band Information

The McKelvie Music Department is looking forward to meeting the new 5th grade class this fall. Just a reminder that band sign ups are currently taking place and the sign up closes July 1st.

Please click here to view the information digitally, the video students viewed in music class, and to access the sign up link.

Please email Christa Wickham at wickhamc@sau25.net with any questions.

603 Bright Futures Survey
The New Hampshire Department of Education wants to hear from staff, families, and community members. The 603 Bright Futures Survey is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard. These surveys will gather feedback around learning, school climate, family and community engagement, and parent involvement in special education. Parents completing the survey should complete it once for each child.

The New Hampshire Department of Education  hopes to gain insight regarding the successes and challenges of the recent school year and to plan for the 2021-2022 school year. The Department of Education has partnered with Panorama Education to implement the 603 Bright Futures Survey. The survey will remain open until June 30.

Please use the following link to access the survey. Your feedback is valuable.

Families in K-12, Preschool, and Private Schools: bit.ly/nhdoefamily

Staff in Public and Private Schools: bit.ly/nhdoestaff

Community Members: bit.ly/nhdoecommunity

Reminders

If Your Family is Planning a Move

If you have plans to move after school gets out, please contact our school office as soon as possible to let us know. This information impacts placement for us. In addition, we will let you know what you need to do in terms of paperwork. Thank you!

Bedford Food Pantry Summer Assistance

With the end of the school year right around the corner, the Bedford Community Food Pantry will be providing food boxes to students over the summer, as needed.  These boxes, containing 28 meals and including items such as cereal, mac and cheese, peanut butter, tuna, etc, are available for monthly pick up by parents.  Boxes can be picked up week days from 8a to 2p at Memorial School, or during the weekly Bedford Community Food Pantry hours from 9a to 11a on Saturdays.  Shopping for fresh food and other non-perishables is also available on Saturdays at the Food Pantry, which is located at 4 Church Road in Bedford.  

If you have any questions, please contact 603-867-1445. 

2021 Children's Summer Reading Challenge

Bedford Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 12th - July 30th.  For more information click THIS LINK to their website.

Principal's Notes 6/4/21

Message of the Month

Community - (How can you make a difference?)

Important Dates

• June 9 – Spirit Day, wear your Memorial School attire or wear blue/white
• June 10 – Last Day for Kindergarten / Kindergarten Recognition Day
• June 11 – Last Day of School12:20 dismissal/ Move up Day / 4th Grade Clap Out

Parent Resource Documents                                       

Travel Guidance

Remote Parent Guide

Bedford Reopening Plan

Daily Health Screening for Students

COVID-19 Overview Dashboard

Testing Options

Quarantine Guidance

Bedford High School Seniors Visit Memorial

Staff and students enjoyed celebrating these soon to be graduates. We wish all the graduates the very best.

Field Day

The weather was beautiful and the day was a lot of fun.Thank you to all our volunteers who helped make this year’s Gr. 1-4 Field Day a success. It was a great day for celebrating physical activity, working with and supporting others, and having tons of fun!! A special "Thank You" to Mr. Vitagliano for planning a fun and safe day.

Wellness Newsletter

Memorial's Wellness Team helps provide the Memorial community of parents and teachers with support and tools that we're using to educate our students. The newsletter is updated every week with resources and ideas for everyone to enjoy. Please click HERE to access the Wellness blog. You'll also receive a friendly reminder over the weekend.

Mrs. Davison's Enrichment Riddle of the Week

Brainstorm as a family and have fun with this.  Mrs. Davison has added her "Riddle of the Week" to her blog and it includes a form where people can submit answers.  Check it out HERE.

 

CELEBRATING STUDENTS: Congratulations to the Class of 2021!! We wish the Class of 2021 much success as they head off to their next endeavors. 

COLOR BLAST  FUN RUN/WALK  THANK YOU – Thank you to all our participants, sponsors, vendors, committee members and volunteers for making PTG’s Virtual Color Blast Fun Run a success! And a special shout out to McKelvie, Dave and the custodial staff for helping us with Bib pick up. Don’t forget to share your fun by posting pictures with #ColorBlast2021.

 

HANNAFORD HELPS REUSABLE BAG PROGRAM:  Hannaford on Kilton Road has chosen Bedford PTG to be the beneficiary of the Community Bag program for the month of June. For every $2.50 Community reusable bag purchased at Hannaford on KILTON ROAD in June, the PTG will receive a $1.00 donation. Get yours to support the PTG and the environment!

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS DISCUSSION SERIES: Thank you to Diane Vaccarello (Licensed Family Therapist), panel members and moderators for leading this three-part discussion series brought by the PTG and the Bedford School District. To see all three sessions, click on the links below. Psychological First Aid: Parents, Kids and Mental Health Parents of High Schoolers: a Deeper Dive - How to best support your Teens' Wellness The Positive Impacts of COVID - How to not only Survive but Thrive!

Reminders

If Your Family is Planning a Move

If you have plans to move after school gets out, please contact our school clerk, Sue Christensen (christensens@sau25.net), as soon as possible to let her know. This information impacts placement for us. In addition, she will let you know what you need to do in terms of paperwork. Thank you!

Bedford Food Pantry Summer Assistance

With the end of the school year right around the corner, the Bedford Community Food Pantry will be providing food boxes to students over the summer, as needed.  These boxes, containing 28 meals and including items such as cereal, mac and cheese, peanut butter, tuna, etc, are available for monthly pick up by parents.  Boxes can be picked up week days from 8a to 2p at Memorial School, or during the weekly Bedford Community Food Pantry hours from 9a to 11a on Saturdays.  Shopping for fresh food and other non-perishables is also available on Saturdays at the Food Pantry, which is located at 4 Church Road in Bedford.  

If you have any questions, please contact 603-867-1445. 

2021 Children's Summer Reading Challenge

Bedford Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 12th - July 30th.  For more information click THIS LINK to their website.

Summer Camps Opportunity

The NH Department of Education is partnering with Summer Camps across NH to give children opportunities this summer.  Click HERE for more information.  Questions should be directed to Tyler Govia at Comms@doe.nh.gov.  These programs are not affiliated with or recommended by the Bedford School District.  Families are encouraged to contact the NHDOE or specific summer camp directly with questions.

COVID-19 Relief to families in need

Although there might be light at the end of the COVID19 pandemic tunnel there are still organizations and people in our community that continue to need assistance. Bedford Presbyterian Church will continue to offer additional resources during this difficult time.

 

If any individual is in need of assistance, please notify Katelyn LeBlanc or Christine Hodgdon  here at the school.  603-627-1776

 

Additional resources include:

A dedicated COVID19 Fund to provide assistance to community programs and individuals.

Our Helping Hands Outreach Ministry, that can provide necessary urgent home repairs

to people that are unable to afford or perform them themselves.

Bedford Presbyterian Church also houses the Bedford Community Food Pantry

which is open every Saturday from 9am-11am. (603) 867-1445

Emergency Rental Assistance Program, click HERE for information that may help.