BY IRENE LABOMBARDE

Ask anyone who has strolled through and the reaction is the same – Bedford High School is beautiful and impressive, especially the theater. Quite a few parents said they wished they could go back to school to attend here.

With the first day of school almost here, anticipation was in the air as parents, students and members of the community visited the new school during open houses held the weeks of Aug. 13 and 20. Although many had been through the facility before, this time things were different. Construction is complete, the finishing touches are being put on, and for these tours, students had not just a map but their class schedules as well.

Tours were led by faculty members, dressed appropriately in Bedford Bulldogs apparel. The staff has just completed a three-week orientation program called Camp Bulldog, and is ready for the arrival of students on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

“I’m excited to finally have the students here. It’s been great to have them here for orientation and athletic practices,” said Principal George Edwards, who was on hand to greet the public. Although work crews were still adding finishing touches to the theater and lines still had to be painted on the track, Edwards said they’re almost ready for school to start.

“We’re still getting supplies, equipment and furniture delivered on just about a daily basis, but we’re very close to being ready.  I’m confident that we will have everything we need by the first day.  There will still be a few wants, but everything we need will be here,” he said.

Tour guides explained where parents will drop off students, where the buses unload, and reminded visitors that the doors are locked during the school day for security reasons. Places where the high school and adjacent Ross A.
Lurgio Middle School connect were pointed out, again with the assurance that those doors are locked and there is no mingling of students from the two schools. Teachers suggested that students find their first classroom so they’ll know where to head on their first day.  Students also posed for their ID pictures during the open houses.

Geometry teacher Eileen Adams explained that the school has wireless capability in the cafeteria, gymnasium and the library.

“It will be very useful for us to use laptops for lessons,” she said. She also pointed out that the cafeteria has round tables rather than long, rectangular ones so people can see each other.

The band room now has a Yamaha upright piano, brass and percussion instruments. Music teacher Jim Butka said that a fair amount of students have already enrolled in band, and students were still signing up now that they realize band is a regularly scheduled class, not an after-school activity.

“To start with just freshmen and sophomores will be challenging, but we’ll have a lot of growth quickly. Bedford has a lot of talent,” he said.

Felix Alvarado, who moved to Bedford last year, will be teaching Spanish classes. He said he’s very excited to teach where he lives, where his children attend school, and to be here at the beginning.

“Brand new schools come with a lot of work, developing curriculum and building new traditions,” he said. “We’re in a special place with a special opportunity, and it’s nice to be here at the beginning to build a sense of community.”
Julie Andrews, whose daughter Justine is a freshman, said she was very impressed with the facility.

“It’s beautiful, awesome. You need roller skates to get around though. I’m excited this is here. She’s going to be the first one to go all the way through.”

Fall sports teams and the school band have already begun practices, so some families have already gotten somewhat familiar with the facility. Dan O’Rourke, father of incoming freshman Kelly, shared his initial reaction.

“My first experience was bringing Kelly to soccer practice. To see the field, at 7 at night with only two lights on, it was just beautiful,” he said.

Although most people attending the open house had a student in tow, many citizens stopped by just for the chance to see the facility.

“We’re calling it Beverly Hills 03110. The theater is just awesome. I want to go back to school,” said Rosemarie Fry, who lives near the new school.

Overall, students were apprehensive about finding their way around but excited to be part of the new school.

Adults all seemed envious of those who will pass through these hallways on a daily basis.

“I wish I were coming here – everything is just beautiful,” said Cindy Gifford, mother of freshman Tori and sophomore Brett. “I’m sure it will take a couple of years to work the kinks out, but I’m just glad that both my kids are coming here. I love the Bedford school system and I think they will get the best education. I’m glad they could take advantage of it.”