BHS News Oct. 19

Thank you for your understanding as we worked together to make our student drop-off safer for students and staff.  Things are flowing well now, and everyone is used to the new routine!

October 21 - 23 - Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Trip

October 22 - PSATS Gr 10 & 11

October 30 - Early Release 10:45 Afternoon PD

October 30 - End of 1st Quarter

November 3 - No School (PD Day for Teachers)

November 9 - Educational Conferences 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

November 11 - No School (Veterans' Day)

November 12 - Educational Conferences 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

November 13 - Early Release Day

Bellingham Public Schools participates in various safety drills throughout the year to prepare staff and students in the rare case of an emergency.  This includes bus evacuation drills, fire drills, and lockdown drills.  In October, we will practice our first lockdown drill of this school year.  During the drill, students will know that it is not an emergency but simply a practice of safety procedures (this is part of my announcement over the intercom).  Practicing this drill allows students to understand their roles and responsibilities in case of an emergency situation.

As a district and in collaboration with the Bellingham Police Department, we work to ensure that students feel safe and comfortable during lockdown drills.  There are safety procedures in place, and these, coupled with age-appropriate language, contribute to developing feelings of safety.  

We anticipate a very successful drill, which will help us strengthen our safety procedures here at the high school.  Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions or concerns about this safety procedure.

For SY 25-26, 43% of BPS students were at risk for chronic absenteeism, or chronically absent.  We have a districtwide goal for all of our students to be at school 95% of days or more.   This year, our new Dean of Students is working closely with students and families to achieve this goal! 

In the next newsletter, I will share our data around out attendance goals.  

Thank you for your support at home by stressing the importance of attendance every day!

All BHS students are assigned a school counselor at BHS. Counselor assignments are based on the first letter of the student’s last name - please log into your Infinite Campus portal if you are not sure of your student’s counselor.

Ski Club is a 6-week ski and snowboard program at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton, MA. This is a great program for first-time or experienced skiers and snowboarders. 

Ski Lessons and Rental Equipment are available for all levels. All students in grades 4 th through 12 th and their parents are welcome. Ski Club is the ideal way for kids to get outdoors during the winter for a fun, healthy activity, at a great price! 

Ski Club starts Sunday, January 3, 2027, and runs for six (6) Sundays. We take a charter bus from the High School parking lot, leaving at 2:30 pm. We ski from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and return to the High School around 9:30 p.m.

For more information, the form can be found on the BHS Website in the "Virtual Backpack"

Dear Parent or Guardian,

As we partner to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, we want to remind families of the high school health documentation required by Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. c. 71, s. 57 and 105 CMR 220.000.

Regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health require all students entering Grades 11 to submit proof of a booster dose of the Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine.

Along with immunization records, please ensure your child has a copy of a recent physical examination on file. State law requires physicals for all students in grades 4, 7, & 10. 

Please have your healthcare provider complete an updated immunization record/physical and provide a direct printout from your doctor's office. Please return these forms to the school health office or have them faxed 508-966-4183.

Please note: physicals for athletics do not come to the health office, and a separate copy must be provided.

If you have questions regarding your child's vaccination status or need assistance, please contact us at 508-966-4855.

Sincerely,

Susan Young BSN,RN,BSW,NCSN

District Lead Nurse 

Heather Tyler, LPN