Bedford Substance Abuse Summit

Parents and Staff,

In response to the threat posed to our community by the substance abuse epidemic, the Bedford Police Department in conjunction with the Bedford School District will host a community-wide meeting on Tuesday, November 10th, from 7P to 10P at the Manchester Christian Church, 56 Old Bedford Road, Bedford (across from Memorial School).  We want to thank Manchester Christian Church for graciously donating the use of their facility for this important endeavor.

The goal is to involve individuals and groups from throughout our community.  The focus is to first de-stigmatize this issue to encourage parent(s), student(s), loved one(s), friends and family to seek assistance for not only those suffering from substance abuse but also for guidance in education and treatment (agenda).  To accomplish this, we plan to have some gallant members of the community discuss their struggle with abuse in their families followed by a panel discussion and, most importantly, community engagement that we hope will lead to an action plan.

Anyone seeking more information about the meeting may contact the Police Department or the Superintendent's Office in person, by telephone or email.  On behalf of the Bedford Police Department and the Bedford School District, we want to thank you all for your assistance and whatever level of participation you are able to offer.

John J. Bryfonski
Chief of Police
55 Constitution Drive
Bedford, NH  03110
Office:  603-792-1330

Chip McGee
Superintendent of Schools
103 County Road
Bedford, NH  03110
Office:  603-472-3755
Email:  mcgeec@sau25.net

Traffic at BHS/RAL

Principals Ed Joyce and Bill Hagen, along with Superintendent Chip McGee continue to hear concerns raised by parents about traffic at the Middle School High School.  It is a busy place with many pedestrians and cars, especially at the beginning and end of the day.  We ask that everyone who drives be extremely cautious and follow these rules:

1.) Follow the new traffic pattern.
2.) Yield to pedestrians.
3.) Take turns at the main intersections.

In addition, we are working on ways to ease congestion. We have already taken these actions:

-Had coaches remind players to follow the specified safe paths to their sports fields after school.
-Reminded all students to use the crosswalks and sidewalks when available.
-Reviewed these expectations with the teachers who monitor students at the end of the day.

Later this fall, we will post additional signs to assist traffic flow during the busiest times of day.

  In the longer term, we are taking these additional actions:

-Exploring traffic flow options suggested by parents and community members.
-Working with the Town of Bedford Highway Safety Committee to research the challenges faced at the intersection of Nashua and County Road and possible solutions.

If you have questions or concerns, feel free contact any of us.  Ed Joyce joycee@sau25.net, Bill Hagen hagenb@say25.net, and Chip McGee mcgeec@sau25.net

Community Driven Roundtable on Substance Abuse Prevention

Presentation on Drug and Alcohol Abuse

The Superintendent and Chief of Police have developed this presentation on drug and alcohol abuse.  In it, they ask that parents consider beginning the conversation with their children about these difficult issues.  As a guide to help this conversation, they suggest this handout for parents from Partnership for a Drug Free America.

Classroom Recording- Categories of Use

The School Board invites feedback on the District's use of recordings in classrooms.  You can review this memo that explains the uses of recordings in classrooms and provides examples.  The board will make a decision regarding these uses at the Sept 21, 2015 School Board Meeting (at Riddle Brook School).  If you have feedback for the Board, they can be reached at bedfordschoolboard@sau25.net. I can be reached atmcgeec@sau25.net -- Chip McGee

                 Categories of Use of Recording in Classrooms

Bus Routes Have Been Posted for the 2015/2016 School Year

Bus Routes for the 2015/2016 School Year are now available on the Bedford School District Website by clicking on the Departments Tab and then the Transportation Tab.

New Traffic Pattern BHS/RAL Complex

Dear Parents and Staff,

I hope you are enjoying the last glorious weeks of summer.  Before your first trip "up the hill," I want to remind you that we are changing the traffic pattern around Bedford High School and Lurgio Middle School (map). There are several key changes:

• As you come up the main driveway, all traffic must go ONE WAY and CLOCKWISE around the schools starting at the small loop driveway.  This should ease congestion.  We opted for the clockwise direction so the passenger doors of our busses would be facing to curb when picking up students. Also, all the parking lots are now one way.
• Parent Pick Up/Drop Off for the high school and middle school is now located in front of Lurgio. This should improve the speed at which parents can get in and out.
• Late arrivals for the middle school and high school should come through the small loop driveway.  Parents and community members can still use this loop for pick up and drop off when it does not coincide with the beginning or end of the school day.
• The Bus Pick Up and Drop Off locations have not changed.

Also, pedestrians have additional crosswalks throughout the campus.  The purpose is to improve safety for all students, staff, parents, and visitors.  Thank you for your patience as we make this transition.

Sincerely,

Chip McGee

PS If each driver could do these three things, it will make this transition much smoother and safer. 

1. Please be patient as you and other drivers learn about these changes.
2. Please yield to pedestrians at all times when on campus.
3. Please take turns at the main intersections in order to avoid delays and backups.