May 29, 2020

RBS Principal’s Notes

May 29, 2020

We are planning for the collection of Chromebooks and the distribution of student materials.  Please read THESE INSTRUCTIONS/SCHEDULE carefully.

IN THE NEWS:

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.  If you’d like a printed report card, please print it prior to July 1^st, 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 will be available to view on Tuesday, June 9^th at 12:45 PM.

Yearbook Update

Our yearbook coordinator, Jen Spector, received word that Jostens printing plants are backed up due to some of their plants being shut down from Covid-19.  At this point, our yearbooks are not scheduled to ship until June 24^th.  We will be in touch about how/when to pick them up.

Bedford Public Library Summer Reading Challenge

If you would like your child to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge through the Bedford Public Library, please click HERE.

UPSTART Program through the State of NH

If you have a child who was born between the dates of August 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016, please read THIS LETTER from Assistant Superintendent Laliberte regarding the availability of this preschool instruction free to NH families.

REMINDERS:

Quarter 4 Report Cards

As a reminder… Governor Sununu recommended schools report a Pass/Fail reporting system. Bedford does not use letter grades at the elementary schools, but we will make the adjustments described below.

Based on participation in the subjects of reading and mathematics, please expect your child's fourth-quarter progress to be either "Meeting District Expectations" or "Meeting Some District Expectations.”  For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Not Meeting District Expectations.”  This information will be provided in the comment section of the report card.  Since the entire fourth quarter instruction has been under the conditions of Remote Learning, it is more difficult to provide a four-point reporting system as we had in the first three quarters of the year. Your child will also have a comment section from the teacher providing more detail. 

Integrated Arts will also provide progress on the report card (grades 3 & 4) with "Good" and "Satisfactory" in the area of participation. For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Needs Improvement.”  

Virtual 4^th Grade Talent Show (A Message from Ms. Pennington)

Our RBS 2020 Virtual 4^th Grade Talent Show is live!!

Thank you to:

• Mrs. Rodd for all technical guidance.
• Mrs. Koellmer for sharing traditions and moral support.
• 4th grade team for publicity and communication.
• Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. Munsey, and the IA team for helping solidify ideas to make this happen.
• our amazing and talented RBS 4th grade students!!

Here is the direct link for all to view the talent show!

https://flipgrid.com/1535fa41

Yearbook

We ordered some extra yearbooks, so if you didn’t order one but would still like one, please email Jen Spector at jen.spector@gmail.com.  The price is $20. 

Summer Skills Math Books

Summer is almost here!  If you would like to order a Summer Skills Math Sharpener workbook for your child, please click HERE, then click on the “Parent Info.” tab.  You will be able to order the book online and it will be shipped right to your house.

The purpose of these workbooks is to review the math skills taught during the school year.  It is suggested that you order a workbook that is at the same grade level that your child is in now.  

Moving

If you have plans to move after school gets out, please contact our secretary, Patty McMahon (mcmahonp@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 Presbyterian Church COVID-19 Resources

George Reese from the Bedford Presbyterian Church and Bedford Food Pantry reached out to RBS offering resources to our community.  I wanted to pass them onto parents.  They are:

• A dedicated COVID-19 Fund to provide assistance to community programs and individuals
• 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-2pm. (603) 867-1445.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 4 – Kindergarten Recognition

June 5 – Last day of instruction

June 5 – Grade 4 Honk Out

June 8-11 – Chromebook Drop Off/Student Material Pick Up

June 9 – Last day of school

*Placement will take place over the summer.

May 22, 2020

RBS Principal’s Notes

May 22, 2020

Wishing everyone a safe and fun-filled Memorial Day weekend!  We’re back on Tuesday, May 26^th.

Please note that the district will not be providing breakfast and lunch at BHS on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25^th. 

We are planning for the collection of Chromebooks and the distribution of student materials.  Please read THESE INSTRUCTIONS/SCHEDULE carefully.

IN THE NEWS:

Survey

Since we’re so close to the end of the year, and our results have remained consistently at 88% “just right” since we began, we are going to stop our weekly questionnaire.  Thank you for taking the time to give our teachers your feedback.  It was very helpful for them in planning their assignments each week.

Virtual 4^th Grade Talent Show (A Message from Ms. Pennington)

Our RBS 2020 Virtual 4^th Grade Talent Show is live!!

Thank you to:

• Mrs. Rodd for all technical guidance.
• Mrs. Koellmer for sharing traditions and moral support.
• 4th grade team for publicity and communication.
• Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. Munsey, and the IA team for helping solidify ideas to make this happen.
• our amazing and talented RBS 4th grade students!!

Here is the direct link for all to view the talent show!

https://flipgrid.com/1535fa41

Yearbook

We ordered some extra yearbooks, so if you didn’t order one but would still like one, please email Jen Spector at jen.spector@gmail.com.  The price is $20. 

Mindfulness

Now that we have practiced focusing our attention with our breath, here is an exercise to try at home:  Rise and Fall

Lie on the floor.  Place an object on your stomach.  As you breathe in and out through your nose, improve your focus by watching the rising and falling of your belly and the object on it.  Try to do this for one minute without letting the object fall off your stomach.

REMINDERS:

Summer Skills Math Books

Summer is almost here!  If you would like to order a Summer Skills Math Sharpener workbook for your child, please click HERE, then click on the “Parent Info.” tab.  You will be able to order the book online and it will be shipped right to your house.

The purpose of these workbooks is to review the math skills taught during the school year.  It is suggested that you order a workbook that is at the same grade level that your child is in now.  

Staff Retirements

I wanted to make families aware of a few retirements that are happening at the end of this school year.  Mr. Paul (Paul Plaissance) will be retiring on May 29^th.  Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Gorrie will be retiring on June 30^th.  All three of these wonderful people are renowned within our school and district, and we will miss them all dearly!  They have dedicated a great number of years to our district and have made an indelible mark in many colleagues, students and parents’ lives.  Please join me in wishing them health and happiness in this next chapter of their lives!  One follow up announcement—I’m thrilled to announce that Mrs. Blaine will be our new Guidance Counselor for the 2020/21 school year.  She will be missed in the classroom, but I know she will be great in this new role!

Moving

If you have plans to move after school gets out, please contact our secretary, Patty McMahon (mcmahonp@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!

2020/21 Placement

Placement will take place over the summer this year.  We are aiming for the end of July.  At that time, your child’s new teacher will reach out via email with a welcome letter and supply information.  Please make sure that your email information is up to date in Power School.

Quarter 4 Report Cards

As a reminder… Governor Sununu recommended schools report a Pass/Fail reporting system. Bedford does not use letter grades at the elementary schools, but we will make the adjustments described below.

Based on participation in the subjects of reading and mathematics, please expect your child's fourth-quarter progress to be either "Meeting District Expectations" or "Meeting Some District Expectations.”  For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Not Meeting District Expectations.”  This information will be provided in the comment section of the report card.  Since the entire fourth quarter instruction has been under the conditions of Remote Learning, it is more difficult to provide a four-point reporting system as we had in the first three quarters of the year. Your child will also have a comment section from the teacher providing more detail. 

Integrated Arts will also provide progress on the report card (grades 3 & 4) with "Good" and "Satisfactory" in the area of participation. For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Needs Improvement.”  

Library Book Return

If you were not able to return your child’s library book(s) on May 5^th, you may return it one of two ways.  You can either wait until the end of the year when we collect student Chromebooks and materials, or drop it in a bin, which is located in our school’s vestibule (8:00 AM-2:00 PM).

Virtual Kindergarten and Grade 1 Orientations

Because we couldn’t hold our annual K and 1 Orientations in person this year, our kindergarten and first grade teams put together videos and/or a slideshow for our incoming families.  I emailed it out to our new registrants this week, and it is also available on our website.  However, I wanted to include it here as well in case anyone is interested.

 Kindergarten Orientation 2020

A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener

Grade 1 Orientation 2020

RBS Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Bedford Public Library

The Bedford Public Library is open for curbside pick-up and drop-off.   Details

Google Meet Expectations

We strive to provide the best possible education and support for our students, while maintaining the privacy within each home. We are respectfully requesting that, if possible, when your child meets in small groups or one-to-one with an educator, that those meetings take place in a public part of your home. We thank you for your consideration as we continue to support students in productive

Please find the Google Meet Expectations in the link.

Bedford Presbyterian Church COVID-19 Resources

George Reese from the Bedford Presbyterian Church and Bedford Food Pantry reached out to RBS offering resources to our community.  I wanted to pass them onto parents.  They are:

• A dedicated COVID-19 Fund to provide assistance to community programs and individuals
• 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-2pm. (603) 867-1445.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 25 – Memorial Day Observed – No School

June 5 – Last day of instruction

June 9 – Last day of school

Events we are working on:

• Kindergarten Recognition
• Grade 4 Clap/Honk Out
• Placement (will take place over the summer)

May 15, 2020

RBS Principal’s Notes

May 15, 2020

We are planning for the collection of Chromebooks and the distribution of student materials.  Please read  THESE INSTRUCTIONS/SCHEDULE carefully.

Family Resources:

RBS Remote Learning Parent Guide

BSD Remote Learning Website

Executive Functioning Parent Resource

IN THE NEWS:

Summer Skills Math Books

Summer is almost here!  If you would like to order a Summer Skills Math Sharpener workbook for your child, please click HERE, then click on the “Parent Info.” tab.  You will be able to order the book online and it will be shipped right to your house.

The purpose of these workbooks is to review the math skills taught during the school year.  It is suggested that you order a workbook that is at the same grade level that your child is in now.  

Library Book Return

If you were not able to return your child’s library book(s) on May 5^th, you may return it one of two ways.  You can either wait until the end of the year when we collect student Chromebooks and materials, or drop it in a bin, which is located in our school’s vestibule (8:00 AM-2:00 PM).

We Love Our Bedford Bulldog Seniors Fundraiser

BHS is working on creative ways to celebrate our seniors including creating care packages. If you’d like to help fill these packages, please consider making a monetary donation by either mailing a check made out to Bedford High School to 47B Nashua Rd Bedford (please note “SENIORS” in the memo line) or via PayPal or Credit Card by clicking… PayPal-BHS Senior Donations.  All donations must be received by 5/22 and will be used to purchase a variety of items to show our high school seniors we care! Questions, contact BedfordHighSeniors2020@gmail.com

Virtual Kindergarten and Grade 1 Orientations

Because we couldn’t hold our annual K and 1 Orientations in person this year, our kindergarten and first grade teams put together videos and/or a slideshow for our incoming families.  I emailed it out to our new registrants this week, and it is also available on our website.  However, I wanted to include it here as well in case anyone is interested.

 Kindergarten Orientation 2020

A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener

Grade 1 Orientation 2020

RBS Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Mindfulness

Special sounds are powerful for helping you to be Mindful.

Sit tall in a chair with quiet hands in your lap.  Have your eyes look at one point in the room, or close them.  Have your ears be listening.  Your mouth should be quiet.  Now listen.  (Focus on a sound in room)  What did you hear?  Could you feel your breath?  You should be able to focus on and feel your breath when listening.

REMINDERS:

Staff Retirements

I wanted to make families aware of a few retirements that are happening at the end of this school year.  Mr. Paul (Paul Plaissance) will be retiring on May 29^th.  Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Gorrie will be retiring on June 30^th.  All three of these wonderful people are renowned within our school and district, and we will miss them all dearly!  They have dedicated a great number of years to our district and have made an indelible mark in many colleagues, students and parents’ lives.  Please join me in wishing them health and happiness in this next chapter of their lives!  One follow up announcement—I’m thrilled to announce that Mrs. Blaine will be our new Guidance Counselor for the 2020/21 school year.  She will be missed in the classroom, but I know she will be great in this new role!

Moving

If you have plans to move after school gets out, please contact our secretary, Patty McMahon (mcmahonp@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!

2020/21 Placement

Placement will take place over the summer this year.  We are aiming for the end of July.  At that time, your child’s new teacher will reach out via email with a welcome letter and supply information.  Please make sure that your email information is up to date in Power School.

Quarter 4 Report Cards

As a reminder… Governor Sununu recommended schools report a Pass/Fail reporting system. Bedford does not use letter grades at the elementary schools, but we will make the adjustments described below.

Based on participation in the subjects of reading and mathematics, please expect your child's fourth-quarter progress to be either "Meeting District Expectations" or "Meeting Some District Expectations.”  For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Not Meeting District Expectations.”  This information will be provided in the comment section of the report card.  Since the entire fourth quarter instruction has been under the conditions of Remote Learning, it is more difficult to provide a four-point reporting system as we had in the first three quarters of the year. Your child will also have a comment section from the teacher providing more detail. 

Integrated Arts will also provide progress on the report card (grades 3 & 4) with "Good" and "Satisfactory" in the area of participation. For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Needs Improvement.”  

BSD Breakfast & Lunch

Please note that the district will not be providing breakfast and lunch at BHS on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25^th. 

Playground Access

I know that it is tempting as the weather continues to get nicer, but in staying in compliance with the Town of Bedford and given the guidance from the CDC and DHHS about stopping the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, we are asking that students DO NOT come to our playgrounds. 

Bedford Public Library

The Bedford Public Library is open for curbside pick-up and drop-off.   Details

Google Meet Expectations

We strive to provide the best possible education and support for our students, while maintaining the privacy within each home. We are respectfully requesting that, if possible, when your child meets in small groups or one-to-one with an educator, that those meetings take place in a public part of your home. We thank you for your consideration as we continue to support students in productive

Please find the Google Meet Expectations in the link.

Bedford Presbyterian Church COVID-19 Resources

George Reese from the Bedford Presbyterian Church and Bedford Food Pantry reached out to RBS offering resources to our community.  I wanted to pass them onto parents.  They are:

• A dedicated COVID-19 Fund to provide assistance to community programs and individuals
• 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-2pm. (603) 867-1445.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 25 – Memorial Day Observed – No School

June 5 – Last day of instruction

June 9 – Last day of school

Events we are working on:

• 4^th Grade Talent Show
• Kindergarten Recognition
• Grade 4 Clap/Honk Out
• Placement (will take place over the summer)

May 8, 2020

RBS Principal’s Notes

May 8, 2020

A very Happy Mother’s Day to all of our special moms!  Enjoy your well-deserved day!

Family Resources:

RBS Remote Learning Parent Guide

BSD Remote Learning Website

Executive Functioning Parent Resource

IN THE NEWS:

Staff Retirements

I wanted to make families aware of a few retirements that are happening at the end of this school year.  Mr. Paul (Paul Plaissance) will be retiring on May 29^th.  Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Gorrie will be retiring on June 30^th.  All three of these wonderful people are renowned within our school and district, and we will miss them all dearly!  They have dedicated a great number of years to our district and have made an indelible mark in many colleagues, students and parents’ lives.  Please join me in wishing them health and happiness in this next chapter of their lives!  One follow up announcement—I’m thrilled to announce that Mrs. Blaine will be our new Guidance Counselor for the 2020/21 school year.  She will be missed in the classroom, but I know she will be great in this new role!

Moving

If you have plans to move after school gets out, please contact our secretary, Patty McMahon (mcmahonp@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!

2020/21 Placement

Placement will take place over the summer this year.  We are aiming for the end of July.  At that time, your child’s new teacher will reach out via email with a welcome letter and supply information.  Please make sure that your email information is up to date in Power School.

Quarter 4 Report Cards

As a reminder… Governor Sununu recommended schools report a Pass/Fail reporting system. Bedford does not use letter grades at the elementary schools, but we will make the adjustments described below.

Based on participation in the subjects of reading and mathematics, please expect your child's fourth-quarter progress to be either "Meeting District Expectations" or "Meeting Some District Expectations.”  For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Not Meeting District Expectations.”  This information will be provided in the comment section of the report card.  Since the entire fourth quarter instruction has been under the conditions of Remote Learning, it is more difficult to provide a four-point reporting system as we had in the first three quarters of the year. Your child will also have a comment section from the teacher providing more detail. 

Integrated Arts will also provide progress on the report card (grades 3 & 4) with "Good" and "Satisfactory" in the area of participation. For those rare instances when students did not participate in remote learning, they may receive “Needs Improvement.”  

BSD Breakfast & Lunch

Please note that the district will not be providing breakfast and lunch at BHS on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25^th. 

Playground Access

I know that it is tempting as the weather continues to get nicer, but in staying in compliance with the Town of Bedford and given the guidance from the CDC and DHHS about stopping the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, we are asking that students DO NOT come to our playgrounds. 

Bedford Public Library

The Bedford Public Library is open for curbside pick-up and drop-off.   Details

Mindfulness

Let’s try the Energizing Breath to help our learning and mindful attention.

Breathe quickly with your mouth open for 30 seconds (If you need help, imagine what a panting dog looks like.).  Then continue for another 30 seconds with your mouth closed as you take short belly breaths with one hand on your belly.  After a full minute, take four regular deep inhales and exhales.  You should feel energized and ready to work.

PTG News and Information

HAPPY STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK: Although we couldn’t be together to celebrate, as Staff Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to express our deepest appreciation for All Bedford School District Staff.  All Bedford staff has been amazing in taking care of our kids in good times and in challenging times and for that we are grateful.  We look forward to when we can all be together again to thank them in person.  Thank you to all the families that contributed to our video shout out to BSD staff…PTG Teacher & Staff Appreciation Video

REMINDERS:

Google Meet Expectations

We strive to provide the best possible education and support for our students, while maintaining the privacy within each home. We are respectfully requesting that, if possible, when your child meets in small groups or one-to-one with an educator, that those meetings take place in a public part of your home. We thank you for your consideration as we continue to support students in productive

Please find the Google Meet Expectations in the link.

Bedford Presbyterian Church COVID-19 Resources

George Reese from the Bedford Presbyterian Church and Bedford Food Pantry reached out to RBS offering resources to our community.  I wanted to pass them onto parents.  They are:

• A dedicated COVID-19 Fund to provide assistance to community programs and individuals
• 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-2pm. (603) 867-1445

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 8 – Placement Information due to Mrs. Reese

May 25 – Memorial Day Observed – No School

June 5 – Last day of instruction

June 9 – Last day of school

Events we are working on:

• Kindergarten and Grade 1 Orientation
• 4^th Grade Talent Show
• Kindergarten Recognition**
• Grade 4 Clap/Honk Out**
• Placement (will take place over the summer)
• Collection of Chromebooks and other school materials/Distribution of student materials

**Tentative depending on the state’s Stay-at-Home order.