The Story
COVID, COVID everywhere.
And what about it?
In the past week alone, the Bedford School District has seen an increase of around 19 coronavirus cases. So, we’re here to bring you a little update as to what’s going on.
Are we going remote?
First off- addressing the rumors. Despite much hullabaloo, the district is not going remote. Although many schools around us, like Merrimack and Litchfield, are moving to remote scheduling, Superintendent Fournier is quoted in a Union Leader article as saying that we will remain hybrid through the holiday season. Because we have to be ~unique~.
But why?
Fournier says that the reason we’re staying open is that there is no actual evidence that transmission of COVID-19 occurs in schools. In fact, almost all of the cases that have occurred with students and staff have happened outside of school. And with masks and hand sanitation, Fournier thinks we can remain safe to stay open.
But what about all of the cases?
On December 4th, Mr. Jozokos sent out an email with five items to tell the students, with one big item being a reminder to stop the spread of the virus outside of school. His big weapons to prevent the virus were to social distance and wear masks, even with your friends. He also said that students should not have sleepovers with their friends. Even if they’re Star Wars themed? Sigh. If you say so, Jozokos.
What about sports?
The winter sports season will begin tryouts on December 14th (that’s today!), as planned. But as we all know, things can get cancelled pretty quickly with a spike in cases (cough cough, spring season 2020). So even though we’re staying open, tread carefully.
The Runaway
Keep your masks on and your sleepovers nonexistent.
What to Say…
When you think the day ends at 4:00 pm now…
It makes it super hard to do homework. We feel you. Luckily, last Wednesday, Jozokos sent an email announcing that the late work procedure is changing. The new rule allows students to turn in late work two weeks after its due date to receive 80% credit. Originally, students were only given one day after the due date to receive credit for their assignments, so this is a big change. Jozokos said in the email that he wanted to give students less stress during the pandemic. And needless to say, we approve, because stress sucks.
When you’re wondering if you should ask for an alarm clock for Christmas…
Second semester is quickly approaching and we’re all wondering if the times of the A-K and L-Z in person classes will be switching. Apparently, this includes the administration. They want the students to decide (how sweet), so Mr. Jozokos asked the student council to take a poll on what everyone wants. This one-question survey asked if people want to keep the current schedule or switch the cohort times. If we end up switching, L-Z will go for their in person class from 7:55-9:10, A-K students will go in person from 10-11:15, and remote students will still meet with their teachers remotely in between blocks. The results aren’t out yet, but we’ll keep you posted.
When you’re bored with always getting a participation award…
Go above and beyond. Fall sports all state teams have been announced and Bedford has athletes on almost every single team. Representing BHS on the boys’ Division I soccer teams are Matthew Flanagan, Andrew Middleton, and James Poschmann. On the girls’ soccer team are Zoe Santos, Sari Stein, and Avery Manni. Caleigh O’Connell, Lindsey Peirson, and Julia Giroux made the volleyball team and Carly Rinko is on the cross country team. Sabrina Tipping, Sydney Grogan, and Maxine Morse are representing Bedford on the field hockey team. In a typical year, there would be some sort of competition between the different teams, but thanks to COVID, that’s unlikely for this year. But still, congratulations to all these overachievers! Making Bedford proud *sniffle*.
Things to Know
So long, farewell…
The last day of school for the year of 2020 is Wednesday, December 23rd. Goodbye and good riddance. See you in 2021!