5 Things You Need to Know Today: August 23

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Patch historical fact of the day. If you've ever seen the Academy Award winning Major Hollywood Motion Picture Braveheart, you know who William Wallace is. On this day, in 1305, the Scottish patriot was hung, drawn and quartered for high treason by Edward I of England.

2. Back to School Blues: Is summer really almost over? First day of school in Bedford is this Wednesday, and while Bedford Patch can't ease the pain of that unfortunate reality, we can take some of the burden out of back to school shopping and getting ready for that first school bell. The last couple days, we've featured informative articles to help eliminate your late-August anxieties. Last weekend we let you know that this popular local restaurant chain is offering as part of a back to school promotion. Yesterday, we posted a of typical items you'll need and the costs you'll likely encounter while filling your child's backpack. We also showed you how to accomplish all your back to school shopping .

3. Speaking of back to school. Bedford High School students can pick up their textbooks at the BHS library from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

4. Meet your child's teacher. Students and parents at Peter Woodbury School, Riddle Brook Elementary School and Bedford Memorial School are invited to meet their new teachers from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. today.

5. The weather man says ... Mostly sunny and 76 degrees with only a 10 percent chance of rain. Sounds like a beautiful way to end summer vacation for local parents and children.