March 10, 2017

Dear PWS Families,

Welcome Back! We hope you all had a wonderful and restful vacation. The kids seemed excited to be back but grateful for the time off. There has been so much great energy!  One student came up to us yesterday expressing her excitement with Brain Pop and how much she was learning by using the app.  We had a group of 3rd grade students meet with us to tell us all the reasons we should have lockers at our school (to keep the school cleaner, combination locks and having their own space).  

As we did last year, we have decided to take the month of March and assign No Homework. We like to take this time to focus on time at home, basic skills, reading for enjoyment, and spending time enjoying the ever improving weather. During this time we still expect the students to be reading at home with families and working on their basic math facts. More information about what this will look like at your child’s specific grade level or class should be coming from your teacher. We plan on keeping this in place until April 5.

PWS Happenings

Officer Phil

Officer Phil made his yearly visit today.  Officer Phil is a retired police officer that comes to our school teaching students about computer safety, safety, bullying and how to be a good citizen. He does skits and engages the students during the presentation.  Ask your child(ren) about it.  

Smarter Balanced-3rd and 4th Grade Parents

Please read the link below:  Smarter Balanced Testing 3rd/4th

 From the PTG

Amazon Fundraiser

Reminder... if you shop at Amazon.com please consider selecting the Bedford PTG through smile.Amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of the sale to us. All discounts and Prime still apply.

Color Blast 5K

Registration for our first annual Color Blast 5K Run/Walk will open soon. Save the date for June 4th at 10:00a.m. (Kids 1K Color Blast at 9:30) at Lurgio Middle School/Bedford High School complex.

From the Superintendent

A Survey of the Superintendent

Every year around this time, I ask the community for feedback through this survey. The survey takes about five minutes. I would appreciate your feedback so I can continue to improve.  I will keep it open through the next three weeks.

March 14 Elections

All eligible citizens are urged to vote in the Bedford School District and Town Council Elections. They will be held on March 14, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Bedford High School Gymnasium.  ​​The Town Meeting is the next night, March 15, in the Bedford High School Theater at 7:00 p.m.. ​Here are links to two programs regarding the vote.

· ​BCTV Program on the Budget

· ​BCTV Program on the Proposed Bedford Teachers Contract

Here is the information for filing an absentee ballot for those unable to be present on the day of the vote.

An Award

I am delighted to share with the entire Bedford community that our own Mike Fournier was selected as the 2017 New Hampshire Middle School Principal of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of School Principals! We are thrilled (and not at all surprised) that the NHASP has recognized in Mike the qualities we have come to value during his 16 years as a principal in Bedford.  Mike is deeply committed to the students, parents, staff, and the town of Bedford. HERE is  a really sweet photo from Mike and his family at the award ceremony.

From the Community

Please Vote next Tuesday - March 14

All eligible citizens are urged to vote in the Bedford School District and Town Council Elections. They will be held on March 14, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

in the Bedford High School Gymnasium.  The Town Meeting is the next night, March 15, in the Bedford High School Theater at 7:00 p.m.. Here is the Bedford School Board's Voter Guide and here is the information for filing an absentee ballot for those unable to be present on the day of the vote.

Art Supplies Donation

A student at Bedford High School is accepting donations for new/lightly used art supplies.  These supplies will be donated to the Elliot Hospital to be used as Art Therapy.  There will be a donation box located in the main office.  For more information, click here.

Upcoming Dates

March 14th-No School - VOTING DAY

March 18th-DI Competition-7:00am-5:00pm-Goffstown High School

April 3rd -April 7th-Scholastic Book Fair

April 7th-Father/Daughter Dance 6:00pm-8:00pm

Have a great weekend,

Cheryl Daley Dan Mitchell

Principal Assistant Principal

Repeated Messages

Headphones for Third and Fourth Grade

We received a few questions regarding yesterday's email about headphones. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and hope the following language helps clarify the message.

In preparation for the upcoming Smarter Balanced Assessments, we are asking that each third and fourth grade student bring in their own pair of basic headphones (they can not be wireless or connect via bluetooth) to be left at school for the duration of the school year.  Please send the headphones to school in a Ziploc bag labeled with your child’s name. If you are unable to provide headphones for your child, please let Mrs. Daley or Mr. Mitchell know.

Bedford Food Pantry – Items Needed for Children

Food Insecurity is a growing concern across the nation and right here in our own backyard.  Nearly 350 adults and children in Bedford qualify for food stamps and more than 167 families in Bedford meet the income standards for the government’s free school lunch program.

In light of these numbers, the Bedford Food Pantry has started a new program, School Lunch Plus, to provide students in Bedford who face food insecurity two lunches each weekend (with complete privacy/anonymity).  In order to provide two lunches for each student in need, the Food Pantry is looking for donations of these specific items.  

If you are able to donate these items (these are ongoing donations), please bring them by the Bedford Food Pantry at the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road, Bedford, NH.

Parents/guardians, please contact the school guidance counselor or school nurse if you would like your child to participate in this program.

Calling ALL Parents!                                                                                                                       We are looking for substitutes to work in Food Service. It’s a great way to get a little physical activity, earn a little cash, and interact with these great students we have, all while helping to support some wonderful ladies with prepping and serving healthy meals to the students of Bedford School District!     

If you are interested at all, please contact CHRIS GABRIEL at 310-9000 x.33418

Ecosmith Recycle Bins for Destination Imagination

Did you know that every school in the district has an Ecosmith Recycle Bin?  This is a great way to donate/recycle old clothes, while helping raise funds for our teams who advance to Global Finals each year.  You can put any kind of fabrics in these bins, towels and stuffed animals too.  Ripped shirts and pants with holes are fine, as well as well worn shoes.  Bedford DI greatly appreciates your continued participation in this program.n or dining out, please let your server know that you support the PTG or show them this flyer and we will receive a portion of the total sales (including beverages), good all day long.