Schoooool’s Out For Summer (Almost) — 5/1/21
The Story
It’s our last issue of the year. Where did the time go??
Hold onto your hats
And get ready for some major reminiscing. You may want to make sure there’s a box of tissues nearby, because we’re remembering it all – the good, the bad, the ugly, and anything in between.
Where to begin?
We started off the year with 3 COVID cases that resulted from a hockey camp in Nashua. We were just as surprised writing about hockey in September as you were reading about hockey in September. They finally redid the turf so we no longer have to get to complain about that. We also flashed back to the whole guidance counselor drama from a couple years ago because the infamous Kristie Torbick was up for parole. You know we’ll take every opportunity we get to jump on covering that story.
What next?
The apartment saga continued, with a fourth proposal for a new apartment complex in Bedford. And you remember the reaction: anger! Lots of anger, and very much concern about zoning. Those apartments ended up getting rejected. The school also temporarily abandoned clubs and ran (pun intended) the precious sports programs at the beginning of the year.
Keep it moving…
Next we delved into everyone’s unhappiness with the first hybrid schedule – spoiler alert: that schedule didn’t last! But it did stick around for the longest out of any schedule, lasting about 4ish months. And we finally finally got to cover sports after a delayed start to the competition season.
It got colder
Winter sports also started after a short delay and with lots and lots of rules and restrictions. We made sure to mention the elections, of course, and one rogue teacher who published an article criticising the antiracism ideology. Whoo, that’s a heavy one. Mr. Cannon’s stress initiative made a quick appearance, but that quickly fizzled out. Another spoiler alert: global pandemics cause stress! Shocking, we know.
Winter dragged on…
And masks were finally mandated in the state. Yes it took that long. The school changed its late work policy to accomodate for the lack of students doing homework. The school also briefly discussed switching the A-K and L-Z in person class times at the start of the second semester, but opted to keep them the same to maintain consistency. Ah, look at that foreshadowing.
And then everything changed!
The district moved into Phase 2 of reopening and BHS started a brand new schedule. So much for consistency. And that was just the beginning of the schedule saga. On a separate and unrelated note, the girls lacrosse team got the school board to override the helmet mandate from last year. This victory made everyone think that petitioning those in positions of power would actually work – they were wrong.
Another new schedule…
And more discontent. Students and teachers were constantly confused and feeling like guinea pigs. Just what you want in a wacky year like this one.
On a more hopeful note
New Hampshire started rolling out vaccines and now almost 50% of the entire state’s population is fully vaccinated. The Bedford School district has put on several clinics for vaccinating staff and students, and look at that, the restrictions are lessening.
Just when we were getting comfortable
The school board voted to move the district into Phase 3 of reopening! Which meant yet another new schedule for BHS. Schedule count: 6. Mr. Jozokos finally managed to get the board to approve his Diversity Discussion activities after a series of lengthy debates and lots of parent-driven backlash. So we had our very own Diversity Day at BHS.
It got warmer
Spring sports started up, with significantly less restrictions than the other seasons, and things looked like they were maybe heading towards sort of normal. Sununu did not renew the mask mandate and we made it to April break!
The final stretch
The last few weeks have been jam-packed with AP/IB exams, prom (two!!), and some naughty police officers abusing TikTok. The BHS assassins game took off with both juniors AND seniors having their own separate tournaments and the school district altered its mask policy. We got our first and only pep rally of the year, which ended up being kind of a flop, but oh well at least they tried.
The Runaway
It has been a wild and crazy year like no other, but we made it. Have a great summer, and see you next year!
What to Say…
When the Red Sox just aren’t cutting it…
We have our last sports update of the year! First up, the girls tennis team went against Concord yesterday after beating Merrimack in the first round of the playoffs. Boy tennis were victorious at their match on the 27th and will continue to play in their game today. Both tennis teams are undefeated so far and are looking good for the championship, in true Bulldog form. The helmet-less girls lacrosse team went against Souhegan yesterday in round one of the playoffs. Bedford dominated with a final score of 13-6. They play Concord in the next round on Wednesday. Also, congratulations to the girls track and field team for placing forth at states, with Sheridan McGadden and Taryn Naftali for breaking records at the meet! Unfortunately, the softball game planned for yesterday got cancelled. However, they are playing on Wednesday against the victor of the Central vs. Goffstown matchup. Boys lacrosse also got cancelled today, we’re not sure why. Baseball will be competing against the winner of the Central vs. Memorial game on Thursday. Overall, an excellent spring season. Hopefully, the Bulldogs can bring home some championships.
When your agenda book is looking a little empty…
We’ve got some notable updates for you to keep in mind as those last-day-of-school pool parties get planned. Schedules for next year are due to come out… any minute now. Later tonight they will be released on PowerSchool. The add/drop period is June 2nd-11th, with specific dates staggered by class, allowing rising seniors priority. Class elections were finally concluded on Friday. Significant results include a presidential upset for the class of 2023. Incumbent Annabelle Coletti held the position for 5 years, but didn’t even run for reelection this year. Sam O’Leary took the election after a furious battle between four very different candidates. As if our school needed more political squabbles. Both of this year’s presidents for the class of 2024 (Maeve Joyce) and the class of 2022 (Parker Henrichon) secured reelection victories for next year. The deadline for parking permit requests is on Sunday, so if you haven’t filled out the form yet, chop chop! Lastly, this is the last true week of regular school, because finals start next Monday. Phew, that was a lot.
Things to Know
Cue the Pomp and Circumstance…
Graduation is this Saturday, June 5th.