Photo courtesy of Mike Moore

Monday, January 16 - No School

Tuesday, January 17 - B2 Day

Wednesday, January 18 - A1 Day

Thursday, January 19 - B1 Day

Friday, January 20- A2Day

Just a reminder that schools are closed today, Monday, January 16 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As the snowflakes begin to fall again, I am reminded each year that we have many new drivers who will learn to navigate driving in the winter conditions of New England. The wintry conditions, compounded with the limited sunlight in the early morning and desire to get through the morning arrival as quickly as possible reminds all of us that we need to be extra cautious regarding the safety of all, especially our students. Good Street is a public road that has become a rite of passage for students that do not have a parking spot on school grounds. Their parking, combined with increased drop off traffic should remind all of us to be extra cautious in and around our student parking lots.

Tuesday, January 24

School Committee Meeting – Committee Vote on Start/End Times of School Days

Billerica Families:

Thank you for your patience as corrected technical errors with the survey that was sent yesterday morning about the potential expanded school day for elementary and middle school students, starting next school year. The survey has been corrected, and the new link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2J52KY.

Please know that due to these technical errors, we could not rely on the validity of responses that were submitted yesterday, so the data has been cleared and we ask families to please re-take the survey. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you,

Tim Piwowar, Superintendent

Connor is an involved student who participates in a number of extracurricular activities enhancing our school culture. He is a member of the Best Buddies club and Unified Basketball team, as well as a key component of our varsity lacrosse and basketball programs. Connor has volunteer hours through various organizations including the Billerica Boys and Girls Club and Meals on Wheels. 

Jacqueline is a dedicated student and a valued member of our school community. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Educator Rising among others. She is devoted to working with children and has internship experience in an elementary school setting as well as volunteer hours through the Boys and Girls Club and after school programs. Jacqueline plans on pursuing a degree in elementary education.

Please join us in congratulating Connor Gibson and Jacqueline Rogers as the January Elks Students of the Month.

The DECA District V conference took place on Wednesday, January 11th., 110 students from Billerica descended on UMass Lowell for this highly competitive event. In total there were 860 students from surrounding schools including Chelmsford. Westford, Tewksbury, Nashoba and more.  

We are proud to report that 80 BMHS students have qualified for the DECA State Career Development Conference which will take place on March 9,10 and 11th. 

BMHS was also recognized for excellence in Community Service and Promotional activities by being awarded 6 allocations to the THRIVE Academy which will take place in Orlando this coming April. The THRIVE Academy is a leadership development academy sponsored by DECA.

Four Billerica Memorial High School students have their work being showcased in the 6th Annual Greater Lowell Regional Art Show. Jordan Silva, Nicki Deleidi, Chloe Lyons, and Ally Spolidoro had their artwork accepted into this year's annual event.

Information for visiting this year's show is as follows:

Loading Dock Gallery

122 Western Avenue

Lowell, MA

Show: Youthful Visions: 6th Annual Greater Lowell Regional Art Show

Show dates: January 4-29, 2023

Youthful Visions: 6th Annual Greater Lowell Regional Art Show presents art by high school students at Innovation Academy Charter School, Lunenburg High School, Groton Dunstable High School, Lowell High School, Tyngsboro High School, Billerica Memorial High School, and Pelham High School.

Youthful Visions runs January 4-29 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, open noon-5:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday, and noon-4pm Sundays.  

The United States Attorney’s Office is hosting a virtual Internet safety presentation for parents the evening of Wednesday, January 18th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. The presentation, entitled Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents will bring awareness to the dangers of the internet, including gaming and social media platforms that predators use to groom children with the intent of exploiting them sexually online or for an in person meeting. The presentation will focus on prevention by educating parents and community members how to help keep children safe online. We will be covering the following topics:

Social Media 101 & Digital Footprint

Cyberbullying

Sexting

Gaming

Victim Support

Protecting Against Online Predation

The presentation is free. Registration is required. The link to register is included on the attached flyer and is also included here: 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Please register at the following link: (via Chrome browser))

Event address for attendees:  https://usao.webex.com/usao/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec3d8ccd61ccdd26ee39d8c6ffd5c57aa

Password: PSC1

Questions or difficulty registering? Please contact

Karen Legace @ USAMA.PSCOutreach@usdoj.gov

Please share with public and private school administrators, school resource officers and others in your community that would like to learn how to keep children safe online.

Thank you!

Karen Legace

Project Safe Childhood Program Specialist

Office of Public Affairs and External Engagement

United States Attorney’s Office

Phone: (413) 785-0329

Email:  karen.legace@usdoj.gov

On behalf of our Directors of The Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University, I would like to invite the students of Billerica Public Schools who are interested in global health and medicine to apply for our 2023 virtual summer program.

Our international conference is a Johns Hopkins University student and faculty-led program open to students in grades 9-12. Through our conference, students from around the world learn about issues in global health, public health, and medicine through world-class lectures from leaders in these fields, develop connections with like-minded exceptional students, and share their own work and ideas on global health-related topics at the international scale. Featured speakers at our conference have included leading global health researchers, renowned professors, physicians, policy developers, and Nobel Prize winners. In short, the purpose of our program is to reach passionate students of all backgrounds from around the world and develop the next generation of leaders in global health, public health, and medicine.

Virtual conference programming will be held throughout the summer of 2023. The conference consists of a series of multiple virtual events on multiple days throughout June-August 2023. If an admitted student cannot attend parts of the programming live, there will be asynchronous options for students to watch the content they miss. The conference registration fee for admitted students is 99 USD; if the fee places a significant financial burden on a student’s family, financial assistance is available as we do not want the fee to be a barrier for any deserving student. There are also no application fees.



The conference application is available on our website (https://glohea.org) and will be accepted until March 31st, 2023.

Each year, admission into our program is competitive, so we highly encourage your students to apply at their earliest convenience.

Please do not hesitate to email our team at ghlcjhu@glohea.org or visit our website if you would like any clarification or have any questions. We hope your interested students will take advantage of this opportunity, and our admissions committee looks forward to reviewing their applications!

Best Regards,

Het Patel

Director of Admissions and Outreach

The Global Health Leaders Conference

Johns Hopkins University

https://glohea.org

Software:

This past week, the Software team revised existing code, installed the 2023 WPIlib suite (framework for developing robots), and updated CAN devices and hardware. Students debugged and updated Pathplanner code, which is used to create paths for the autonomous period of a match (the first 15 seconds of the match during which drivers do not have control of the robot). Members also coded a slow button for precise motions and imaged the RoboRio 2.0 (the robot’s processor) and updated the PDH (Power Distribution Hub) which distributes power to the robot’s electronics from the battery. They ended the week by working on Swerve Drive and drivetrain code.

Ops:

Over the past week Team Operations has worked on important tasks for the start of this year’s build season. Members organized a restaurant fundraiser at Panera Bread in North Billerica on January 21st from 4PM to 8PM. Students also began working on this season’s submissions for multiple FIRST Awards, including the Woodie Flowers Award. To recognize the commitment of our senior team members who will graduate this coming spring, Team Ops conducted Senior Spotlight interviews for a coming blog post. Stay tuned for that!

Intake:

This week, the intake group split into 2 groups to work as efficiently as possible. The first group worked on multiple proof of concept prototypes. Students created a funnel prototype to intake upright cones on Day 3. On Day 4, members created a double roller prototype with a bar in front to intake upright cones. This prototype was very promising and one that will be explored further. They also created a ‘weed wacker’ prototype that should center and reorient any downed cone. This prototype is still in progress, but the hope is that it can be combined with the double roller intake to create an intake that can pick up a cone no matter the orientation, center and reorient it and hand it off to the scoring system.

The second group worked on prototyping game piece manipulation mechanisms. Based on a Need/Want/Nice-to-have list, students were able to come up with two main ways to work and interact with game pieces. The group split up and investigated the different prototypes that could handle cones and cubes and could put them in a repeatable orientation. Towards the end of the week, the team had a few mechanisms that could successfully grab cones and cubes and began deciding which one was most compatible with a scoring mechanism.

​Lift/Extend/Launch:

The Lift/Extend/Launch subgroup chose to split up into two groups, with one working on an extension mechanism, while the other focused on a launcher mechanism. Throughout the week, the first group discussed various ideas for the extension mechanism, after which, students started creating simple CAD for possible designs to evaluate the practicality and limitations of each idea. By the end of the week, members had considered each design for the subsystem, and had started to narrow down design possibilities.

The launcher group began the week by deciding whether a prototype design would prove if the system is feasible, and how fast and consistent the system could be. After considering different ideas with the group, members decided on a side-side flywheel to test the attributes of a shooting system for integration with the final robot, as it gave the most efficient results. Throughout the week, modifications were made to the design and prototype in order to achieve the best results. Students will continue to discuss how these systems will be developed in order to maximize scoring for the robot this season. 

If you or your student needs assistance with Spanish, they can now sign up for tutoring through the Spanish Honor Society. We offer tutoring in Spanish I, II, III, IV, Pre-AP, V level 1, and V honors.

You can scan the QR code or sign up using the google form linked below. If you would like to connect with a tutor right away, you can reach out to any of the Spanish tutors below. If you have any

general questions, please email

scottcanney@billericak12.com or sofiamanne@billericak12.com

Google Form link to Sign up:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlXO5j19T7VfaIh9Skai6qN_0CqcDzAYDkLs5qlgM

NPep0kg/viewform

Students who use the google form will be assigned a tutor, but students also have the option to personally email any of the tutors below to ask about their availability and their virtual and in-person tutoring options.

Scott Canney scottcanney@billericak12.com

Any day before school

Study 1B (S1), Study 4B (S2)

Eliana Waithaka elianawaithaka@billericak12.com

TBD

Sophia Leyne sophialeyne@billericak12.com

Any day before school

Study 3B

Sammi Lyons samanthalyons@billericak12.com

Tuesday-Friday after school

Study 4A and study 4B (S2)

Alexis Govertsen alexisgovertsen@billericak12.com

Any day after school

Study 4B (Q1 and S2), Study 1A (Q2)

Sofia Manne sofiamanne@billericak12.com

Any day after school

Study 4B

Riwaj Singh rijwajsingh@billericak12.com

Any day after school, 2-4 pm

Alex Whitten alexandrawhitten@billericak12.com

Any day after school o

Study 4B

This past week, the local External affairs department from the local United States Coast Guard visited BMHS. Public Affairs Specialists met with students in Mrs. Bouhanda’s Video and Television production class. Mr. Flanagan and the Video production club also joined the program. 

The group began in the school library making connections with multimedia  content in the classroom to professional work and how it can be used to tell our stories.  

The junior petty officers broke the students into smaller groups.  Each Petry officer had a different video skill to share.  Discussing topics such as storyboarding, sound, editing, interview skills and more. 

Coast Guard External Affairs team:

Lieutenant Brandon Newman

PA Chief Rob Simpson (Mrs. Simpson BMHS math tutor’s husband)

PA2 Ryan Noel

PA3 Briana Carter

PA3 Lyric Jackson 

Sunrise of Burlington is an assisted living facility with two neighborhoods dedicated to traditional assisted living and one special care neighborhood for memory impaired seniors, Reminiscence. We are searching for students who are interested in working with the aging population and developing understanding of various age related needs that can be applied in several career paths. This partnership will open up an opportunity for both students and residents to benefit from each other’s life experiences. Students will be volunteering with the activity department facilitating programs such as: word games, trivia or other forms of creative engagement. We have several different time slots available and the hours are flexible. For more information, please contact Allyson Avery, Activity and Volunteer Coordinator by phone at (781) 229-8100 or email at burlingtonma.avc@sunriseseniorliving.com.

The Lowell Recreation Office is recruiting youth to take the lifeguard classes in February and April (school vacation weeks). The class is free of charge for youth hired to work for the Recreation department and $150 for youth who work elsewhere. The flyers are attached for both school vacations and the classes will be held at the GLTHS pool in Tyngsboro. If anyone has any questions, please call the Recreation Office at 978-674-4175.

Are you applying to Shawsheen Tech for next year? As a part of their application process, ST requires a recommendation from either a teacher or your school counselor. You will want to select a staff member who knows you best. If you are applying to ST, please do the following:

(1) Decide who you will ask for a recommendation, and ask that individual in-person if they would provide you a recommendation.  

(2) Once your counselor or teacher says that they will do a recommendation for you, email your school counselor with the name of the individual so that they can send a recommendation link to the person you've asked. Your recommender will then be able to complete the recommendation process.

Monday

Key Club Meeting 2:05 p.m.

Tuesday

Peer Leaders Meeting 2:05 p.m.

Wednesday

The BMHS Pride Alliance will meet on Wednesday, 1/18 after school in room C334. All are welcome, and all means all

Thursday

The next French Club meeting is this Thursday, January 19 at 2:10 p.m in C333. Come and enjoy a French movie! 

The Photography/Art Club will be meeting on Thursday after school in room E384.

Friday

Asian-American Pacific Islanders club is having a meeting in room B324 on Friday, January 20, right after school everyone is welcome to attend if you have any questions email Ms. Xu or Aidan Le

 IT'S TIME TO ORDER YOUR CLASS OF 2023 CAP & GOWN PACKAGE!!!

  ATTENTION Class of 2023!! It's time to order your Cap, Gown, Tassel and Custom Stole Graduation Package. The cost per senior is $32.00  

Click on any image to take you to your school's landing page. The only package you need to purchase for Graduation is the ESSENTIAL Package. Other packages with additional senior gear are also available for purchase and will include the Cap, Gown, Tassel and custom stole as well. The Cap, Gown, Tassel and stole package will be shipped to the school for distribution. Any other items you order will be shipped directly to you. Interested in a class ring/jewelry? Use code SENIORGIFT40 to save $40 off your purchase.

To Juniors and their families: 

BMHS is offering the SAT on Saturday, May 6, 2023. If you are interested in taking the SAT, register HERE.  



Please note that the landscape of college admissions is changing, and while many colleges still want the SAT, we are seeing an increase in colleges that do not require SAT scores. The BMHS School Counseling Department encourages students and families to review the application requirements of each college that they are interested in. Please contact your child's school counselor with any questions.

MEAN GIRLS - MAY 4-6, 2023

JUST RELEASED! Billerica Memorial High School will be one of the first schools to perform Tina Fey's adapted musical from the hit 2004 film, Mean Girls was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. This production will be talked about for years to come!

Presale Tickets (with code) - March 27th

General Public Tickets - March 31st

The Advanced Placement Exams are given annually in May. Click here for the College Board's 2023 AP Exam testing calendar.  

If you have conflicting AP exams, please contact Mindy Cripps at mcripps@billericak12.com ASAP to discuss.  

Location of exams is TBA (but will be in the BMHS building), and will be shared closer to the exam date. 

Please note that AP exam testing is not optional at BMHS; if you are taking an AP course, you must take the AP exam, and the student/family is responsible for the exam fee(s).  

The cost for this year's AP exams is: $97 per exam 

*Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch according to federal income guidelines will have their exam subsidized by CollegeBoard and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and will pay $15 per exam.  If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, follow these steps: (1) register for the exam(s), (2) choose "no payment", and (3) contact Mindy Cripps at mcripps@billericak12.com and she will verify eligibility and adjust the fee for your individual exam(s). You will then be able to go back into Community Pass and pay the reduced fee. 

The deadline to register and pay for your AP exams is November 10, 2022 at 11:59PM.  Payment MUST be received by November 10, 2022.  If you have a concern about meeting the deadline for the AP Exam fee, please contact Mindy Cripps.

**Students may only register for AP exams which are associated with the AP courses they are currently enrolled in. If you are not enrolled in an AP class, you may not take the exam.

If you have any questions about AP exams or payment, please contact: Mindy Cripps, Director of School Counseling and the AP Coordinator at: mcripps@billericak12.com

Families who qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program can get $50 off their monthly broadband bills, thanks to a new, emergency federal program, the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Communications Commission emphasized in a May 12 meeting.



Low-income families living on tribal lands are eligible for an even steeper discount, $75 a month.

What’s more, students in post-secondary education who receive Pell Grants can also tap the funding. And eligible families can receive $100 in one-time help in paying for digital devices—such as laptops, tablets, and desktop computers—as long as the family contributes between $10 and $50 for the hardware.