Bedford Schools - The Bedford Tribune

Bedford High School Marching Band: A Legacy of Leadership and Growth

Erica Schmidt — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Under the leadership of Jennifer Shauf and Raelene Jones, the Bedford High School Marching Band is reaching new heights this year. Jennifer, the Instrumental Music Director for Bedford City Schools, and Raelene, the Instrumental Music Director at Heskett Middle School, form the first all-female director team for the band. Both are Bedford Band alumni, bringing their shared history and passion to the program.

This year, the band has expanded to include a dance line, offering students more opportunities to explore different aspects of performance, particularly as preparation for college marching bands. Raelene highlights the importance of giving students access to various avenues of artistic expression, which is a key part of their goals for musical independence and leadership development.

The music selection process is a collaborative effort between students and directors, ensuring the repertoire is both challenging and engaging. The current season’s program features a mix of modern hits like Kanye West’s “Power” and Estelle’s “American Boy,” alongside timeless classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” This blend appeals to diverse audiences and keeps students excited.

Community support remains vital to the band’s success. As Raelene and Jennifer both note, whether it’s cheering in the stands or donating instruments, the community plays a crucial role. Looking ahead, the directors aim to continue growing membership and upholding the traditions that have made the band a cornerstone of Bedford’s culture.

Don’t miss them at the Homecoming game against Garfield tonight, October 4th! Go Bearcats!

Erica Schmidt | The Bedford Tribune

The post Bedford High School Marching Band: A Legacy of Leadership and Growth first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Bedford High School Marching Band: A Legacy of Leadership and Growth appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Find Your School’s Rating — Ohio Department of Education Releases 2024 School Report Cards as Reported by News 5 Cleveland

Erica Schmidt — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

As reported by News 5 Cleveland, the Ohio Department of Education released its annual school report cards on Friday, scoring districts and schools across the state on various performance indicators. These include Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Graduation, and Early Literacy, with each area receiving a rating of 1 to 5 stars.

This is the second year schools have been rated under the updated system implemented after a 2021 law signed by Gov. Mike DeWine. The new system replaced the traditional letter grades with a star rating scale, giving schools and districts a more comprehensive way to assess their performance.

With the introduction of overall ratings last year, schools can now compare their performance year-over-year. An overall rating of at least 3 stars indicates that a school or district is meeting state standards.

The report cards provide families and communities with a detailed understanding of how their local schools are performing in critical areas, helping them make informed decisions and track progress.

Bedford City School District Score

Read the Full Article

The post Find Your School’s Rating — Ohio Department of Education Releases 2024 School Report Cards as Reported by News 5 Cleveland first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

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Parent Faces Challenges as School Transportation Policy Changes Due to Driver Shortage as Reported by News 5 Cleveland

Erica Schmidt — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

As reported by Remi Murrey with News 5 Cleveland, a local parent is facing new challenges due to recent changes in school transportation policies. Previously, the parent’s child enjoyed a simple walk to school, ending with a bus pick-up at the driveway. However, due to a shortage of bus drivers, the school district informed the parent that their 7-year-old child is no longer eligible for bus transportation, as they live less than a mile from the school.

This change has created significant difficulties for the family. With only one car and the parent being an amputee, the 14-minute walk to school is physically challenging. The situation is further complicated by the other parent’s early morning work schedule, raising concerns about the child’s safety during the walk.

The parent is advocating for the return of transportation services for younger students, noting that many children who live less than a mile from school are affected. They worry about the risks associated with having young children walk to school without supervision.

The parent initially received an alert suggesting that their child might be eligible for bus service again, but upon further inquiry, it was confirmed that the child remains classified as a walker. This has left the family feeling disappointed and concerned at the start of the school year.

News 5 Cleveland’s attempts to contact the school district for clarification have so far been unsuccessful, and the situation remains unresolved.

Read the Full Article

The post Parent Faces Challenges as School Transportation Policy Changes Due to Driver Shortage as Reported by News 5 Cleveland first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

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Your Essential Guide to the 2024-2025 School Year in Bedford City Schools

Erica Schmidt — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

As the new school year begins, it’s important to have all the essential details at your fingertips. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to start the year off smoothly, from key dates to important updates within the Bedford City School District. Whether you’re a returning family or new to the community, this guide will help ensure you and your students are prepared for a successful start. Need to enroll? It’s not too late! Click here.

It’s also important to remember to watch for stopped school buses and children walking to school. As always, be aware of your surroundings and be sure to stop for buses when required.

Preschool

2024-25 Preschool Application

Central Primary

Aug. 21 through Aug 23- Kindergarten Screening (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
Aug. 21- Open House for Preschool, 1st grade, and 2nd grade (5-7pm)
Aug. 22- FIRST DAY for 1st and 2nd grade
Aug. 26- Kindergarten Open House (4-6pm)
Aug. 27- FIRST DAY for A-L Kindergarten
Aug. 28- FIRST DAY for M-Z Kindergarten
Aug. 28- FULL DAY PRESCHOOL STARTS
Aug. 29- FIRST DAY for ALL KINDERGARTEN & HALF DAY PRESCHOOL STARTS

Erica Schmidt | The Bedford Tribune

Glendale Primary

Erica Schmidt | The Bedford Tribune

Carylwood Intermediate

Aug. 21- Open House (4-6pm)
Aug. 22- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS

Erica Schmidt | The Bedford Tribune

Columbus Intermediate

Aug. 21- Open House (4-6pm)
Aug. 22- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS

Erica Schmidt | The Bedford Tribune

Heskett Middle School

Aug. 20- 6th Grade Orientation (5-6:30pm)
Aug. 21- Open House for ALL GRADES (6-8pm)
Aug. 22- ALL 6th grade students and 8th grade WEB program students REPORT ONLY
Aug. 23- ALL 6th grade students, 7th grade students, and 8th grade WEB program students REPORT ONLY
Aug. 26- ALL STUDENTS REPORT

Erica Schmidt | The Bedford Tribune

Bedford High School

Aug. 5th & 6th- Prestige Senior Portraits for SENIORS ONLY (8am – 4pm)
Aug. 13- Freshman Orientation ( 10:00-11:30am & 1:00-2:30pm)
Aug. 21- Open House (4:30-6:30pm)
Aug. 22- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR FRESHMEN ONLY
Aug. 23- ALL STUDENTS REPORT & Underclass Picture Day

Excel Academy

Aug. 21- Open House (4:30- 6:30pm)
Aug. 22- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS

Visit the Bedford City School District Website

The post Your Essential Guide to the 2024-2025 School Year in Bedford City Schools first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Your Essential Guide to the 2024-2025 School Year in Bedford City Schools appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Free Breakfast & Lunch for All! Bedford City School District Participating in the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2024-2025 School Year

Erica Schmidt — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Erica Schmidt | The Bedford Tribune

The post Free Breakfast & Lunch for All! Bedford City School District Participating in the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2024-2025 School Year first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Free Breakfast & Lunch for All! Bedford City School District Participating in the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2024-2025 School Year appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Starry Night: Columbus Intermediate School’s Cosmic Science Family Fun on April 18th!

Erica Schmidt — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

April 18th from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Hot on the heels of Northeast Ohio’s Total Solar Eclipse, Columbus Intermediate School is thrilled to announce its upcoming Science Family Engagement Night on Thursday, April 18th! From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., families are invited to embark on an exhilarating journey into the cosmos, right here at our school.

“We wanted to create an event that brings the wonder of science to our students and their families,” shares Karla Eberhardt, Dean of Academic Achievement at Columbus Intermediate School. “After the solar eclipse, focusing on space science felt like the perfect next step.”

The night promises an array of captivating experiences, including an indoor SkyDome mobile planetarium that will transport attendees into the depths of the universe. Additionally, hands-on science stations will offer interactive learning opportunities, igniting curiosity and exploration.

“Our Science Symposium is a chance for families to actively engage in the fascinating world of science,” says Eberhardt. “It’s a reminder that there’s a whole universe of knowledge waiting to be discovered beyond the usual academic subjects.”

Principal Jermainne Huff, along with dedicated teachers and volunteers, will be on hand to ensure that everyone has an enriching and educational experience. This event is sure to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, blending learning with fun in the most cosmic way possible.

Don’t miss out on this stellar opportunity to connect with science and each other! Mark your calendars for April 18th and get ready for an evening of discovery and wonder at Columbus Intermediate School’s Science Family Engagement Night.

*Please note that all RSVPs have been collected and the planetarium is at maximum capacity.

MobilEd Indoor Planetarium

Correction: Changed Principal to Jermainne Huff, included information regarding RSVPs on 4/17/2024.

The post Starry Night: Columbus Intermediate School’s Cosmic Science Family Fun on April 18th! first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Starry Night: Columbus Intermediate School’s Cosmic Science Family Fun on April 18th! appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Career Fair at Heskett Middle School on March 19th

Erica Schmidt — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Heskett Middle School is gearing up to inspire its students with a glimpse into the diverse world of careers. On March 19th, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, the school will host a comprehensive Career Fair aimed at broadening horizons and igniting passions.

This exciting event invites professionals from various fields to share their insights and experiences with eager young minds. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone just starting out on their career journey, you’re welcome to participate. Covina Dunnihoo, the coordinator of this enlightening affair, can be reached at cdunnihoo@bedfordschools.org or (440) 439-4473 for those interested in presenting.

The beauty of this initiative lies in its inclusivity; even if you can’t commit to the full duration, any amount of time you can spare is valued. The overarching goal is simple yet profound: to expose students to the myriad of career paths available, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures.

So mark your calendars and join Heskett Middle School in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. Your presence could spark a passion or illuminate a path that changes lives. Let’s come together to inspire and uplift our future workforce.

The post Career Fair at Heskett Middle School on March 19th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Career Fair at Heskett Middle School on March 19th appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Bedford Schools announce 2023-2024 lunch program

Hanna Rick — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:46:48 +0000

Bedford City School District announced its 2023-2024 program year policy for free and reduced price
meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School
Breakfast Program. Each school office and the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by
any interested party.

The Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines will be used to determine eligibility. Children from families whose
annual income is at or below the federal guidelines are eligible for free and reduced-price meals or free milk if the
school participates in the Special Milk Program.

Application forms are available online or in paper form to all parents or guardians that are interested. To apply for
free and reduced-price benefits, households should complete an application online or complete a paper copy and
return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. A complete
application is required. Households which currently receive Special Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits (SNAP,
formally known as food stamps) or Ohio Works First (OWF) funds for a child must provide the child’s name, the
SNAP or OWF case number and signature of an adult household member on the application. Households that do not
receive SNAP or OWF funds must provide the names of all household members, the last four digits of the Social
Security Number of the adult signing the application or state “none” if the adult does not have a Social Security
Number, the amount and source of income received by each household member (state the monthly income) and the
signature of an adult household member. If any of this information is missing, the school cannot process the
application.

FREE HEALTH CARE: Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for free health care
coverage through Medicaid and/or Ohio’s Healthy Start & Healthy Families programs. These programs include
coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse
and more. Please call 1-800-324-8680 for more information or to request an application. Information can also be
found on the web at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/familychild.stm. Anyone who has an Ohio Medicaid card is
already receiving these services.

The information provided on the application is confidential and will only be used for the purpose to determine
eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program official. To discourage
the possibility of misrepresentation, the application forms contain a statement above the space for signature
certifying that all information furnished is true and correct. Applications are being made in connection with the
receipt of federal funds. Schools or other officials may check the information on the application at any time during
the school year. Deliberate misrepresentation of information may subject the applicant to prosecution under
applicable state and federal laws.

Households will be notified of the approval or denial of benefits.
Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits regardless of the household’s income. If a family has
foster children living with them and wishes to apply for such meals or milk for them, contact the school for more
information.

2023-2024 Public Release Last Revised June 2022 NDS
Under the provision of the policy, Jennifer Dickson, Supervisor of Nutrition Services will review
applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the decision on the
application or the result of verification, the decision may be discussed with the determining official
on an informal basis. If a formal appeal is desired, the household has the right to a fair hearing. A fair
hearing can be requested either orally or in writing from:

Dr. JaTina Threat Executive Director of School and Community Relations
475 Northfield Rd
Bedford, Ohio 44146
The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure.
Households may apply for benefits any time during the school year. If a household is not currently eligible and if
the household size increases or income decreases because of unemployment or other reasons, the family should
contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for free or
reduced-price benefits if the family income falls at or below the levels shown above.
Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and
policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including
gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American
Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s
TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online

at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-
28-17Fax2Mail.pdf , from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA.
The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged
discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature
and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email:
program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The post Bedford Schools announce 2023-2024 lunch program first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Bedford Schools announce 2023-2024 lunch program appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Bedford City Schools To Require Clear Backpacks

Guest Writer — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:58:44 +0000

This school year, things are going to look a little different for students in Bedford City School District in Ohio. The youngest students, from preschool to fifth grade, will need to use clear backpacks. There will also be metal detectors for the older students at middle and high schools.

Why Clear Backpacks?

Clear backpacks will let everyone see what’s inside. The district thinks this will make schools safer. Dr. Cassandra Johnson, the superintendent, explained that the backpacks are paid for with federal money. The best part? All kids will also get free school supplies! Backpacks will be available at the schools.

In an email, the principal of Glendale School told families that every student must use the clear backpack given by the district. Some parents have mixed feelings about this change.

Metal Detectors

The district’s middle and high school students don’t need clear backpacks. They will go through metal detectors to make sure they don’t have anything dangerous with them. There will also be security officers at the schools.

Four elementary schools will have metal detectors too. But don’t worry, young kids won’t have to go through them. Only adults will. If a student has a lunch box that’s not paper, they might be checked with a special tool called a wand.

Final Words

The new clear backpacks and metal detectors are part of the Bedford City School District’s plan to make sure everyone is safe. Students will get their clear backpacks at the open house events before school starts. No matter what, the district’s goal is to do whatever it takes to protect students.

Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s all work together to make this a great and safe school year!

The post Bedford City Schools To Require Clear Backpacks first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Bedford City Schools To Require Clear Backpacks appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Bedford City Schools Need Bus Drivers!

Hanna Rick — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:16:16 +0000

Bedford City Schools have a big problem – they need bus drivers, and they need them fast! The school bus driver shortage is happening all across the country, and it’s getting worse.

Why Do We Need More Bus Drivers?

Bedford City School District has 15 open positions for bus drivers. If they don’t find drivers soon, it might cause problems for field trips and sports events.

Bedford City Schools have 66 school buses. These buses take about 2,800 students to and from school each day. They also take students to fun extra activities like games and field trips.

Why is There a Shortage?

There are a few reasons why finding new bus drivers is hard. Some of these reasons include:

Problems finding people who want to be bus drivers
Not enough pay for drivers
Many drivers are retiring
Worries about COVID-19
Drivers getting jobs in private industries

How Can You Help?

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a bus driver, the Bedford City Schools are hiring! They need people who have a valid Ohio commercial driver’s license and can pass drug and alcohol tests.

Being a bus driver is an important job. You get to make sure kids get to school and back home safely. And don’t worry if you’ve never been a bus driver before. They are looking for people who want to learn and can work well with others.

Conclusion

The Bedford City Schools need help! They are looking for friendly and responsible people to become school bus drivers. This is a chance to do something important for our community. Let’s make sure our kids can keep going on field trips and getting to school without any problems.

If you’re interested, click here for a list of qualifications and how to apply. Let’s work together to keep our buses rolling and our students smiling!

The post Bedford City Schools Need Bus Drivers! first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

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