Welcome to April 2021!
And greetings to all of the BHS students who have recently or will be joining the in-person school community over recent weeks.
Special schedule for this week due to the district wide PD day for all students K-12 this Tuesday April 6. Students will end their day at 12:40. See attached for this schedule.
Other important dates this week –
Monday, April 5 - Deadline for course level changes. Next opportunity to override is after the two week waiting period in September 2021. Please consider your student’s teacher recommendations and reach out to the teacher (or counselor) if you have any questions.
Tuesday, April 6 - Quarter 3 ends
Note that any new updates to the Weekly Update are highlighted in blue.
And greetings to all of the BHS students who have recently or will be joining the in-person school community over recent weeks.
Special schedule for this week due to the district wide PD day for all students K-12 this Tuesday April 6. Students will end their day at 12:40. See attached for this schedule.
Other important dates this week –
Monday, April 5 - Deadline for course level changes. Next opportunity to override is after the two week waiting period in September 2021. Please consider your student’s teacher recommendations and reach out to the teacher (or counselor) if you have any questions.
Tuesday, April 6 - Quarter 3 ends
Note that any new updates to the Weekly Update are highlighted in blue.
Mental health Supports:
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL WITH JON MATTLEMAN
SAVE THE DATE! On Tues., April 6 @ 7 p.m., Jon Mattleman will present Light at the End of the Tunnel: Strategies and Resources for the Transitions. A special parent presentation on how we can manage anxiety, optimize resilience, and keep our families in balance as COVID restrictions relax, kids go back to school, and we resume some level of normalcy. Bringing 35 years of experience as a therapist, he uses insight, warmth, and humor to share practical tools, tips, techniques, and resources to help guide us through challenging transitions to new situations.
Questions? Contact: Mary Minott, LICSW. Email: mary_minott@psbma.org
To register: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/292/38zp9apq.
ALL STUDENTS
Brookline Teen Center Teen Summit “D.R.E.A.M.” FREE Virtual Leadership event - BHS students are invited to a day of inspiration! BTC has designed a day where participants will be inspired, empowered and engaged alongside their peers. There will be guest speakers, workshops, and a teen town hall meeting. You don’t want to miss this! SATURDAY, APRIL 10TH @10 AM — 2 PM
See attached BTC Spring Program Guide.
BHS Guidance Dept and BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and team are offering a Virtual Career Month to students!
These Career Month events will happen during X blocks from April 9th to May 14th. Panels of individuals will share their career journeys within specific career clusters (see table below). Use this opportunity to network, learn about different careers, and explore careers you are interested in pursuing! Come to one or come to all of them! Questions? Email BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy at kate_kennedy@psbma.org.
To sign up for any panel please complete this google form link- (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj2sidyBbzQRVic_FeMr1SJQY8Gp0KBx6HXtVgrLnUvBU1Dw/viewform) and indicate all the panels you would like to attend. You will get an email 1 week before the panel. Examples of some (but not all) careers are listed under each career cluster category below:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Farmers, Water resource specialists, environmental engineers)
Hospitality & Tourism (Bartenders, cooks, travel agents)
Architecture & Construction Arts (Carpenters, electricians, architects)
Human Services (Psychologists, social workers, barbers)
Audio/Video Technology & Communications (film and video editors, actors, graphic designers)
Information Technology (video game designers, web developers, computer programmer)
Business, Management & Administration (human resources, facilities managers, project management)
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security (police, judge, attorney)
Education & Training (Teachers, coaches)
Manufacturing (woodworkers, chemical technicians, locksmiths)
Finance (accountants, insurance sales, loan officers)
Marketing, Sales & Service (real estate agents, telemarketers, models)
Government & Public Administration (Legislators, national security, building inspectors)
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Physicists, mechanical engineers, automotive engineers)
Health Science (Biomedical engineers, Dentists, doctors)
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (air traffic controllers, truck drivers, dispatchers)
There is a science help center at BHS run by peer tutors. Feel free to stop by if you need help in your science classes, or want to ask a quick question.
Science help center times: Tuesday's X-Block, Wednesdays afterschool (12:15-1:00), and Friday's X-Block.
Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/s/95851906783?pwd=cTBHUDRVTXBLVU1qb3RrVWVoTEFMUT09#success
Meeting ID: 958 5190 6783
Meeting Password: 7mKpKY
Please email 22fordr@brooklinek12.org for any questions!
Are you interested in sharing your art with a supportive group of peers, or simply coming to enjoy other’s work? Look no further than SWS Art Show, Friday, April 16th at 6:30pm. Artists across the school will be able to auction, donate, or just share all of their hard work. The event is open to anyone interested in coming - - so come! Fill out this link to get involved, and email swsartshow2021@gmail.com for more information.
BHS Students taking AP Exams – Total Registration email was sent to you recently but you can also see the updated AP exam information and BHS exam schedule attached to this email.
Download the official Brookline High School App! Created by the App Development Club, the BHS App is an innovative product that transforms your high school experience.
Get real-time schedule tracking. Chat with students in your classes. Make school wide announcements. Make new friends. All through the BHS App!
To download, search “Brookline High School” on the Google Play or Apple App Store; or visit https://bhsappdev.github.io.
Students – Need help in math? Check this out…. Student-led Math Center with the guidance of Mr. Paris and Ms. Kostant. Every morning from 7:30 to 8:15, they hold a Zoom Meeting that students can join to receive help in any of their work in math. Here’s a link to the daily Zoom Meeting: (https://zoom.us/j/96741784699?pwd=QW4yNzZMSlRUR2NQcjhBRmFOQ052Zz09).
BHS Club and Extracurricular information:
BHS Do Something Club is sponsoring a book drive now until April 8. Drop off any books to the box in the BHS Atrium. Books will be delivered to Boston Public School Library Services. See attached flyer for more info!
Join the Dance Marathon Club for a Spring Fair event April 25! For more information see the flyer attached to this email.
Sign up here: https://events.dancemarathon.com/event/dancemarathon
This year, the Brookline High School Women in Entrepreneurship Club has partnered with Invest in Girls, a program of the Council for Economic Education, whose mission is to usher in the first generation of financially literate girls and change the way girls interact with money. Please consider joining one (or all!) of the Friday X block workshop sessions scheduled in April and May. Contact BHS Business teacher Kellie Griffin (kellie_griffin@psbma.org) to sign up. See attached flyer for more info.
Have you ever wanted to build muscle or better your performance in sports? BHS Lifting & Nutrition may be the place for you. We go in depth on many lifting techniques and exercises to help build muscle for efficiency in athletics or for aesthetics. We pair that with a nutrition course to make sure even after your workout you're still making improvements (75% diet, 25% training). We welcome all those interested in attending and hope to see you there.
Meeting time Mondays @7pm
Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/9254636688?pwd=MkhrMk5yb0JCY0h1eCtyZG9qZ1NFZz09
BHS is creating the first girls rugby team at BHS this Spring! Check out their website - https://brooklinegirlsrugby.wixsite.com/my-site. Currently recruiting for the boys and girls teams!
Interested in playing or have questions?
Girls Captain: desmall0403@gmail.com
Boys Captain: nickjohnlockwood@outlook.com
Are you interested in getting involved with the BHS community and finding a concrete group of peers to call your own, all while honing your theatrical skills? Look no further than BHS' Drama Society, led by it's student exec board and teachers, comprising in-school classes, community events, and shows! At the high school, drama courses include Drama 1/1A (full and half year courses for students just getting involved,) Drama 2/2A (a continual buildup of growth extending from Drama 1 classes,) and our upper-level BETCo and Needs Improvment options! In the future, on Thursday and Friday, March 4th-5th, the States Devised Show will go up at 7:00pm each night, written by the students themselves! The following week on Thursday and Friday, March 11th-12th, the Spring Play will premiere, (also at 7:00pm each showtime and student written.) AND, if you weren't enticed enough to get involved, auditions for the annual Student Directed Festival will be happening March 17th, with several student-lead pieces to possibly be cast in! Keep an eye on incoming information, and we can't wait to (hopefully) meet you!
BHS Drama Society Exec Board
*visit our Instagram @bhsdramasoc, TikTok @brooklinedramasociety, and website brooklinedrama.weebly.com to stay clued in on upcoming events!*
COVID and Expanded Resources - From Mutual Aid Brookline
You can check out the Mutual Aid Brookline facebook group for the latest.
- There is an official timeline for the remaining vaccine eligibility phases:
April 5th (this is Monday!): Residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition
April 19th: General public ages 16 years of age and older
- Eligible people should now pre-register for vaccine appointments at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/
- Fenway is closed as a vaccination site as of today, the 27th
- Hynes will be expanded with new support from FEMA (this means more available doses)
- You can use https://www.covidvaccinetexts.com/ (unofficial site) to get text alerts when appointments are posted at CVS and Walgreens locations
- You can use https://macovidvaxhelp.com/ (unofficial site) to either sign up for help making your appointment or sign up to help others!
Public Charge Rule Update - Ongoing - Project Bread
You can now apply for SNAP benefits with no risk to obtaining permanent legal residence! Call 1-800-645-8333 for assistance.
Ahora puede solicitar beneficios del SNAP sin arriesgar su capacidad para obtener residencia permanente! Llame al 1-800-645-8333.
211 COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Over the Phone - Ongoing - Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
A Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line helps residents 75 and older more easily schedule an appointment if they do not have internet or are unable to use the website at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
The call center is staffed with over 500 representatives who can provide live phone support to assist residents with booking an appointment.
The line is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators. Call center workers will have the same access to appointments that users will see on the public website.
The line can be accessed by dialing 2–1–1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” Residents may have to wait on the line given expected high call volume.
There is a Brookline Vaccine Resource Hub call center! The call center is open from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is 617-879-5636. Those who call after hours may leave a voicemail and their messages will be returned when the call center is open. Questions may also be submitted via email to vaccine@brooklinema.gov.
There is also a Brookline vaccine FAQs page, which includes information about cost (yes, the vaccines will be free, and getting a vaccine will not impact immigration status): https://brooklinecovid19.com/vaccineFAQ/.
Expanded Services Available - Ongoing - Brookline Center
The Brookline Center's "Care Connections" program provides support for residents of Brookline who need assistance with public benefits, advocacy, care coordination, or referrals to community resources. You are not required to be a patient at the Brookline Center to use these services.
See the flyer here (and attached to this email): https://drive.google.com/file/d/13vUu55L-A2Oioq2z5LrEg1YieKV090oJ/view?usp=sharing.
To request assistance: https://bit.ly/3ckfb2h.
For questions about the referral process or other concerns contact CareConnections@Brooklinecenter.org or 857-707-3471.
Summer Opportunities and Jobs:
Opportunities 2021 for BHS students– Summer is only 3 months away and it’s time to think to sun, temperatures in the 80’s and interesting ways to spend your summer. Thanks to BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and counseling intern David Ehrlich, please copy and paste this google doc in your browser for more info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o7GiMWRfEo2ByK8I7d1EvNRgF4h4NkGHKT9T64XtuNU/edit
And here’s a link to the Teen Life updated 2021 Summer Programs guide - https://indd.adobe.com/view/68806d31-27c9-4616-bfa7-7283711259c0. A great resource for many summer opportunities!
Resources for volunteer opportunities for BHS and the Brookline area:
Walk for Change - Sunday April 25th - Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is a Greater Boston nonprofit organization for survivors of sexual violence & their loved ones. April is S.A.A.M - Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and on Sunday April 25th BARCC is hosting the Walk for Change - a virtual event to support survivors and raise funds. Register for the event here: https://barccwalk.org/ or use this form to contact one of the organizers: https://forms.gle/QYcuDrMtLiep8f318.
BARCC welcomes survivors of all genders and gender identities, including men and transgender and nonbinary people. They work with survivors of all races, religions, incomes, languages, abilities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, and no matter their former or current engagement with sex work. They serve survivors regardless of immigration status. ALL of BARCC's services are free at all times. BARCC offers a 24/7 hotline [800-841-8371], medical advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling and support groups. https://barcc.org/
Try checking out this community service link from the free resource Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
SENIORS
recording of a recent Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) presentation on how to best prepare for paying for college.
April BHS Scholarship Letter – See attached
If your child has not submitted the BHS Scholarship Application and CSS Profile but plans to do so, please submit it very soon. The application is easy to complete and is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp0n0dznzcGGiZ12S8sfE57lyshVlD_DOKqlfyjz_2yK0l1w/viewform and online on the Brookline High School homepage. To make fair decisions, the Scholarship Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Submit the CSS Profile to code 0424 (the Brookline Scholarship Fund) ASAP too.
The last piece that will be required is your child's financial aid letter from the college they plan to attend. So, once that is decided, have them send Ms Whelan a screenshot/picture of their financial aid letter that college provides (or of their student portal page from the college that shows their financial aid info). Her email is kathleen_whelan@psbma.org. We know that many students may not make this decision before May 1st.
Additional Note: The Scholarship Committee uses three criteria for choosing award recipients: academics, contributions and activities at BHS, and most importantly, unmet financial need. There are no merit scholarships per se given out through this program.
For Parents/ Caregivers of Seniors - THE POST-BHS TRANSITION -- WHAT SENIOR PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
Thurs, April 29, 7 p.m. - Zoom link to come via email
Whether your student is heading off to college or the military or staying close to home for a gap year or to work, their transition from high school life will be a big change. The PTO and B-PEN present a special evening with BHS grads, guest speaker Dr. Anjini Virmani, and BHS Social Worker Abby Dean addressing this milestone from both parent and student perspectives. Current trends, safety tips, practical messaging about alcohol/drug use, and useful strategies for letting go while maintaining open communication will be covered.
Reminder Updates from Senior Deans Williams, Sudmyer, and Redding:
June 6th Graduation:
BHS Senior Deans Summer Williams, Ron Sudmyer and Lisa Redding are working with Hal Mason, Anthony Meyer, and many town and district leaders to create the best commencement experience within guidelines from the CDC, the Commonwealth, and the Town of Brookline. We are investigating several options, including an in-person ceremony, to give our Seniors a “walk across the stage” moment. As it stands, we have outdoor options on Sunday 6/6, our original commencement date. We will communicate directions and decisions in a more detailed manner soon, so please stay tuned. The Class of 2021 deserves a memorable graduation experience.
Celebratory Event:
Our Senior PTO members have begun meeting and welcoming volunteers to help plan a gathering for seniors. This group is also monitoring how other districts are organizing events as well. Parents/Caregivers who would like to volunteer to help plan, organize or otherwise contribute should contact our awesome PTO partners at copresidents@bhs-pto.org.
Student Senior Steering Committee:
For Seniors who are interested in getting involved, please consider joining our Senior Steering Committee led by Dr. Erin Blette. The Committee is meeting this Friday, March 26, during X-block. Please email Dr. Blette for more information or to sign-up at erin_blette@psbma.org.
Yearbooks:
The yearbook staff is working hard to create a book that we hope all will treasure. In order to create the best possible yearbook, we are extending our timeline. Unfortunately, this means that yearbooks will arrive in early July. We know that this may be disappointing and we hope that you can understand that we are doing our best under difficult circumstances. And some of us BHS leaders work throughout the summer so we will consider how to supervise and support a yearbook distribution and signing day even if it is in July.
We will send out more information and opportunities to contribute soon. For now, here are some important announcements.
· Yearbook and ad purchase deadlines are extended!
o April 16th - New deadline to buy a personalized yearbook
o May 1st - Deadline to buy a non-personalized yearbook or donate a yearbook.
o May 1st - Deadline to purchase a yearbook ad.
· Students with free/reduced lunch (documented in Aspen/X2) may purchase yearbooks at a discounted price of $75. Payments must be made by check. Please make checks payable to Public Schools of Brookline and write the student's name in the memo. Checks can be dropped off at the office of the Unified Arts Building (UAB).
· Pre-ordered books will be shipped directly to home addresses. The price of shipping will be included in your purchase of a yearbook.
· Yearbook signing for students! We will offer a virtual yearbook signing in May (just like we did last year). Students will be able to print out their virtually signed pages and add them to their book when it arrives. This year, we will also give students an opportunity to handwrite messages to the class of 2021 and we will add them to the autograph pages (we will also leave blank space for your individual signatures).
Now that the spring is here and we have received guidance about Graduation Protocols from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), we will be able to move forward in our planning! We assure you that we will communicate with you as plans take shape.
REGISTER TO VOTE BY APRIL 14th! Anyone who is 18+ can vote. There is a Select Board election happening MAY 4th, make sure your voice is heard on a local level!
Here is a guide we have put together: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LsSNlSNrVuZEZffWoAYD_o2h2sNo0W9ITtTeMgjlkNQ/edit?usp=sharing
Check out this slide for more details: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/182lgVG6yTEo8G8zHuiQbbeKCGCFYmBaHd_R4sBsvLJs/edit?usp=sharing
Stay tuned with Sunrise Brookline for more info!
If you got into a school and you are 100% sure you will not go there, please let them know (especially if this is a state school). Colleges are experiencing a huge increase in applications this year, and are therefore using waitlist and deferrals--so your email might help another student get in.
Thinking about a post grad path that is NOT college specific? Check in with your counselor and/or Kate Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, for ideas and resources.
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Missed the March 31 BHS Guidance and Special Education Departments zoom panel on "College Supports for Students with Learning Differences"? This was a good discussion about supports available at colleges and then answer questions from the audience. At present, the panel includes representatives from BHS Guidance & Special Education Departments, and Admission Counselors from Curry College (Caisie Wynot), UMass Lowell (Thomas Screnci) and MassBay Community College (Peter Schilling). Here’s the recording with lots of good information - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/college-supports-for-students-with-learning-differences9064245
Are you aware of the New England Tuition Break program? Basically, if you are accepted to one of the New England STATE schools, you can go there for Mass State Tuition cost IF you are interested in majoring in a concentration that is not offered in MA. To find the list of majors, discounts, and universities, go here: https://nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/find-a-program/ Last year, one of our students went to UConn for the price of UMass by participating in this program. Please email me if you have any questions! lenny_libenzon@psbma.org BHS College Counselor
Save the Date - Evening online webinar event from author and presenter Harlan Cohen on Wednesday, April 14 @ 7pm- 17 Things You Need To Do Before College: Brookline High School students and parents are invited to attend this info-packed event that will relieve stress and provide tips and strategies to navigate the changes ahead. New York Times bestselling author and leading authority on college success, Harlan Cohen, hosts this entertaining and interactive event. Learn about the latest research, trends, and plans college campuses are making to welcome the Class of 2021. This event is perfect for seniors, parents and juniors in the college planning process. There is no cost to attend.
Copy and paste this registration link to your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-kfUII_XQTOLCHEm516JDw
JUNIORS
STUDENTS' SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS FOR HELPING WITH COLLEGE/POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
By the second semester of junior year, family stress ramps up significantly as students try to balance schoolwork, study for SATS, look into colleges or other post-BHS options, etc. All of this comes with a lot of internal and external judgment, even during years when COVID is not an issue. How can families be supportive without adding to the pressure? This year’s BHS Peer Leaders have put together some excellent tips to consider in the Parent Tip Sheet Student Suggestions to Parents for Helping with College/Post-High School Planning - https://www.b-pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655
Missed the BHS College Fair 3 weeks ago? Did you attend the BHS College Fair and found good information or got some important questions answered? You are now a virtual college fair expert! Time to attend some more virtual COLLEGE FAIRS!
National Portfolio Days
Students can register to attend any of the free, online National Portfolio Days. Copy and paste this link to your browser - https://nationalportfolioday.org/about-national-portfolio-day-events/
Upcoming dates include:
Saturday April 10 8am-12pm CST
Friday May 7th 10am-4pm CST
Upon registering, participating students will receive information on how to upload their portfolio for the virtual reviews. Representatives will access their work while the review happens virtually on the day/time of the scheduled event.
NACAC Virtual College Fair - https://virtualcollegefairs.org/events
Register for any or all of these dates:
April 10 – 148 Colleges and Universities from the Western US
April 20 – 162 Colleges and Universities from the Southeastern US
May 2 – 597 International and US Colleges and Universities
College Admissions Boot Camp – Free webinar sessions on topics important to the college application process. Sponsored by NEARR (New England Area Regional Representatives).
Registration is required - https://regionalreps.org/admissions-bootcamp
April 8, 7-8 pm: Ask Admissions Anything
April 13, 7-8:30 pm: Application Case Studies
Thinking about a Gap Year after graduation? Here’s a list of free gap year specific webinars and another virtual Gap Year Fair you can register to attend - https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/usa-fairs/schedule
BHS Librarians are offering FREE online ACT/ SAT/ TOEFL test prep support continues. Any junior can register for any or all sessions to support their admissions testing preparation. Check out the attached flyer and register here - https://forms.gle/2y1uxvhMs9j7xW2M7
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL WITH JON MATTLEMAN
SAVE THE DATE! On Tues., April 6 @ 7 p.m., Jon Mattleman will present Light at the End of the Tunnel: Strategies and Resources for the Transitions. A special parent presentation on how we can manage anxiety, optimize resilience, and keep our families in balance as COVID restrictions relax, kids go back to school, and we resume some level of normalcy. Bringing 35 years of experience as a therapist, he uses insight, warmth, and humor to share practical tools, tips, techniques, and resources to help guide us through challenging transitions to new situations.
Questions? Contact: Mary Minott, LICSW. Email: mary_minott@psbma.org
To register: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/292/38zp9apq.
ALL STUDENTS
Brookline Teen Center Teen Summit “D.R.E.A.M.” FREE Virtual Leadership event - BHS students are invited to a day of inspiration! BTC has designed a day where participants will be inspired, empowered and engaged alongside their peers. There will be guest speakers, workshops, and a teen town hall meeting. You don’t want to miss this! SATURDAY, APRIL 10TH @10 AM — 2 PM
See attached BTC Spring Program Guide.
BHS Guidance Dept and BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and team are offering a Virtual Career Month to students!
These Career Month events will happen during X blocks from April 9th to May 14th. Panels of individuals will share their career journeys within specific career clusters (see table below). Use this opportunity to network, learn about different careers, and explore careers you are interested in pursuing! Come to one or come to all of them! Questions? Email BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy at kate_kennedy@psbma.org.
To sign up for any panel please complete this google form link- (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj2sidyBbzQRVic_FeMr1SJQY8Gp0KBx6HXtVgrLnUvBU1Dw/viewform) and indicate all the panels you would like to attend. You will get an email 1 week before the panel. Examples of some (but not all) careers are listed under each career cluster category below:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Farmers, Water resource specialists, environmental engineers)
Hospitality & Tourism (Bartenders, cooks, travel agents)
Architecture & Construction Arts (Carpenters, electricians, architects)
Human Services (Psychologists, social workers, barbers)
Audio/Video Technology & Communications (film and video editors, actors, graphic designers)
Information Technology (video game designers, web developers, computer programmer)
Business, Management & Administration (human resources, facilities managers, project management)
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security (police, judge, attorney)
Education & Training (Teachers, coaches)
Manufacturing (woodworkers, chemical technicians, locksmiths)
Finance (accountants, insurance sales, loan officers)
Marketing, Sales & Service (real estate agents, telemarketers, models)
Government & Public Administration (Legislators, national security, building inspectors)
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Physicists, mechanical engineers, automotive engineers)
Health Science (Biomedical engineers, Dentists, doctors)
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (air traffic controllers, truck drivers, dispatchers)
There is a science help center at BHS run by peer tutors. Feel free to stop by if you need help in your science classes, or want to ask a quick question.
Science help center times: Tuesday's X-Block, Wednesdays afterschool (12:15-1:00), and Friday's X-Block.
Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/s/95851906783?pwd=cTBHUDRVTXBLVU1qb3RrVWVoTEFMUT09#success
Meeting ID: 958 5190 6783
Meeting Password: 7mKpKY
Please email 22fordr@brooklinek12.org for any questions!
Are you interested in sharing your art with a supportive group of peers, or simply coming to enjoy other’s work? Look no further than SWS Art Show, Friday, April 16th at 6:30pm. Artists across the school will be able to auction, donate, or just share all of their hard work. The event is open to anyone interested in coming - - so come! Fill out this link to get involved, and email swsartshow2021@gmail.com for more information.
BHS Students taking AP Exams – Total Registration email was sent to you recently but you can also see the updated AP exam information and BHS exam schedule attached to this email.
Download the official Brookline High School App! Created by the App Development Club, the BHS App is an innovative product that transforms your high school experience.
Get real-time schedule tracking. Chat with students in your classes. Make school wide announcements. Make new friends. All through the BHS App!
To download, search “Brookline High School” on the Google Play or Apple App Store; or visit https://bhsappdev.github.io.
Students – Need help in math? Check this out…. Student-led Math Center with the guidance of Mr. Paris and Ms. Kostant. Every morning from 7:30 to 8:15, they hold a Zoom Meeting that students can join to receive help in any of their work in math. Here’s a link to the daily Zoom Meeting: (https://zoom.us/j/96741784699?pwd=QW4yNzZMSlRUR2NQcjhBRmFOQ052Zz09).
BHS Club and Extracurricular information:
BHS Do Something Club is sponsoring a book drive now until April 8. Drop off any books to the box in the BHS Atrium. Books will be delivered to Boston Public School Library Services. See attached flyer for more info!
Join the Dance Marathon Club for a Spring Fair event April 25! For more information see the flyer attached to this email.
Sign up here: https://events.dancemarathon.com/event/dancemarathon
This year, the Brookline High School Women in Entrepreneurship Club has partnered with Invest in Girls, a program of the Council for Economic Education, whose mission is to usher in the first generation of financially literate girls and change the way girls interact with money. Please consider joining one (or all!) of the Friday X block workshop sessions scheduled in April and May. Contact BHS Business teacher Kellie Griffin (kellie_griffin@psbma.org) to sign up. See attached flyer for more info.
Have you ever wanted to build muscle or better your performance in sports? BHS Lifting & Nutrition may be the place for you. We go in depth on many lifting techniques and exercises to help build muscle for efficiency in athletics or for aesthetics. We pair that with a nutrition course to make sure even after your workout you're still making improvements (75% diet, 25% training). We welcome all those interested in attending and hope to see you there.
Meeting time Mondays @7pm
Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/9254636688?pwd=MkhrMk5yb0JCY0h1eCtyZG9qZ1NFZz09
BHS is creating the first girls rugby team at BHS this Spring! Check out their website - https://brooklinegirlsrugby.wixsite.com/my-site. Currently recruiting for the boys and girls teams!
Interested in playing or have questions?
Girls Captain: desmall0403@gmail.com
Boys Captain: nickjohnlockwood@outlook.com
Are you interested in getting involved with the BHS community and finding a concrete group of peers to call your own, all while honing your theatrical skills? Look no further than BHS' Drama Society, led by it's student exec board and teachers, comprising in-school classes, community events, and shows! At the high school, drama courses include Drama 1/1A (full and half year courses for students just getting involved,) Drama 2/2A (a continual buildup of growth extending from Drama 1 classes,) and our upper-level BETCo and Needs Improvment options! In the future, on Thursday and Friday, March 4th-5th, the States Devised Show will go up at 7:00pm each night, written by the students themselves! The following week on Thursday and Friday, March 11th-12th, the Spring Play will premiere, (also at 7:00pm each showtime and student written.) AND, if you weren't enticed enough to get involved, auditions for the annual Student Directed Festival will be happening March 17th, with several student-lead pieces to possibly be cast in! Keep an eye on incoming information, and we can't wait to (hopefully) meet you!
BHS Drama Society Exec Board
*visit our Instagram @bhsdramasoc, TikTok @brooklinedramasociety, and website brooklinedrama.weebly.com to stay clued in on upcoming events!*
COVID and Expanded Resources - From Mutual Aid Brookline
You can check out the Mutual Aid Brookline facebook group for the latest.
- There is an official timeline for the remaining vaccine eligibility phases:
April 5th (this is Monday!): Residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition
April 19th: General public ages 16 years of age and older
- Eligible people should now pre-register for vaccine appointments at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/
- Fenway is closed as a vaccination site as of today, the 27th
- Hynes will be expanded with new support from FEMA (this means more available doses)
- You can use https://www.covidvaccinetexts.com/ (unofficial site) to get text alerts when appointments are posted at CVS and Walgreens locations
- You can use https://macovidvaxhelp.com/ (unofficial site) to either sign up for help making your appointment or sign up to help others!
Public Charge Rule Update - Ongoing - Project Bread
You can now apply for SNAP benefits with no risk to obtaining permanent legal residence! Call 1-800-645-8333 for assistance.
Ahora puede solicitar beneficios del SNAP sin arriesgar su capacidad para obtener residencia permanente! Llame al 1-800-645-8333.
211 COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Over the Phone - Ongoing - Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
A Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line helps residents 75 and older more easily schedule an appointment if they do not have internet or are unable to use the website at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
The call center is staffed with over 500 representatives who can provide live phone support to assist residents with booking an appointment.
The line is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators. Call center workers will have the same access to appointments that users will see on the public website.
The line can be accessed by dialing 2–1–1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” Residents may have to wait on the line given expected high call volume.
There is a Brookline Vaccine Resource Hub call center! The call center is open from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is 617-879-5636. Those who call after hours may leave a voicemail and their messages will be returned when the call center is open. Questions may also be submitted via email to vaccine@brooklinema.gov.
There is also a Brookline vaccine FAQs page, which includes information about cost (yes, the vaccines will be free, and getting a vaccine will not impact immigration status): https://brooklinecovid19.com/vaccineFAQ/.
Expanded Services Available - Ongoing - Brookline Center
The Brookline Center's "Care Connections" program provides support for residents of Brookline who need assistance with public benefits, advocacy, care coordination, or referrals to community resources. You are not required to be a patient at the Brookline Center to use these services.
See the flyer here (and attached to this email): https://drive.google.com/file/d/13vUu55L-A2Oioq2z5LrEg1YieKV090oJ/view?usp=sharing.
To request assistance: https://bit.ly/3ckfb2h.
For questions about the referral process or other concerns contact CareConnections@Brooklinecenter.org or 857-707-3471.
Summer Opportunities and Jobs:
Opportunities 2021 for BHS students– Summer is only 3 months away and it’s time to think to sun, temperatures in the 80’s and interesting ways to spend your summer. Thanks to BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and counseling intern David Ehrlich, please copy and paste this google doc in your browser for more info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o7GiMWRfEo2ByK8I7d1EvNRgF4h4NkGHKT9T64XtuNU/edit
And here’s a link to the Teen Life updated 2021 Summer Programs guide - https://indd.adobe.com/view/68806d31-27c9-4616-bfa7-7283711259c0. A great resource for many summer opportunities!
Resources for volunteer opportunities for BHS and the Brookline area:
Walk for Change - Sunday April 25th - Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is a Greater Boston nonprofit organization for survivors of sexual violence & their loved ones. April is S.A.A.M - Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and on Sunday April 25th BARCC is hosting the Walk for Change - a virtual event to support survivors and raise funds. Register for the event here: https://barccwalk.org/ or use this form to contact one of the organizers: https://forms.gle/QYcuDrMtLiep8f318.
BARCC welcomes survivors of all genders and gender identities, including men and transgender and nonbinary people. They work with survivors of all races, religions, incomes, languages, abilities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, and no matter their former or current engagement with sex work. They serve survivors regardless of immigration status. ALL of BARCC's services are free at all times. BARCC offers a 24/7 hotline [800-841-8371], medical advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling and support groups. https://barcc.org/
Try checking out this community service link from the free resource Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
SENIORS
recording of a recent Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) presentation on how to best prepare for paying for college.
April BHS Scholarship Letter – See attached
If your child has not submitted the BHS Scholarship Application and CSS Profile but plans to do so, please submit it very soon. The application is easy to complete and is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp0n0dznzcGGiZ12S8sfE57lyshVlD_DOKqlfyjz_2yK0l1w/viewform and online on the Brookline High School homepage. To make fair decisions, the Scholarship Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Submit the CSS Profile to code 0424 (the Brookline Scholarship Fund) ASAP too.
The last piece that will be required is your child's financial aid letter from the college they plan to attend. So, once that is decided, have them send Ms Whelan a screenshot/picture of their financial aid letter that college provides (or of their student portal page from the college that shows their financial aid info). Her email is kathleen_whelan@psbma.org. We know that many students may not make this decision before May 1st.
Additional Note: The Scholarship Committee uses three criteria for choosing award recipients: academics, contributions and activities at BHS, and most importantly, unmet financial need. There are no merit scholarships per se given out through this program.
For Parents/ Caregivers of Seniors - THE POST-BHS TRANSITION -- WHAT SENIOR PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
Thurs, April 29, 7 p.m. - Zoom link to come via email
Whether your student is heading off to college or the military or staying close to home for a gap year or to work, their transition from high school life will be a big change. The PTO and B-PEN present a special evening with BHS grads, guest speaker Dr. Anjini Virmani, and BHS Social Worker Abby Dean addressing this milestone from both parent and student perspectives. Current trends, safety tips, practical messaging about alcohol/drug use, and useful strategies for letting go while maintaining open communication will be covered.
Reminder Updates from Senior Deans Williams, Sudmyer, and Redding:
June 6th Graduation:
BHS Senior Deans Summer Williams, Ron Sudmyer and Lisa Redding are working with Hal Mason, Anthony Meyer, and many town and district leaders to create the best commencement experience within guidelines from the CDC, the Commonwealth, and the Town of Brookline. We are investigating several options, including an in-person ceremony, to give our Seniors a “walk across the stage” moment. As it stands, we have outdoor options on Sunday 6/6, our original commencement date. We will communicate directions and decisions in a more detailed manner soon, so please stay tuned. The Class of 2021 deserves a memorable graduation experience.
Celebratory Event:
Our Senior PTO members have begun meeting and welcoming volunteers to help plan a gathering for seniors. This group is also monitoring how other districts are organizing events as well. Parents/Caregivers who would like to volunteer to help plan, organize or otherwise contribute should contact our awesome PTO partners at copresidents@bhs-pto.org.
Student Senior Steering Committee:
For Seniors who are interested in getting involved, please consider joining our Senior Steering Committee led by Dr. Erin Blette. The Committee is meeting this Friday, March 26, during X-block. Please email Dr. Blette for more information or to sign-up at erin_blette@psbma.org.
Yearbooks:
The yearbook staff is working hard to create a book that we hope all will treasure. In order to create the best possible yearbook, we are extending our timeline. Unfortunately, this means that yearbooks will arrive in early July. We know that this may be disappointing and we hope that you can understand that we are doing our best under difficult circumstances. And some of us BHS leaders work throughout the summer so we will consider how to supervise and support a yearbook distribution and signing day even if it is in July.
We will send out more information and opportunities to contribute soon. For now, here are some important announcements.
· Yearbook and ad purchase deadlines are extended!
o April 16th - New deadline to buy a personalized yearbook
o May 1st - Deadline to buy a non-personalized yearbook or donate a yearbook.
o May 1st - Deadline to purchase a yearbook ad.
· Students with free/reduced lunch (documented in Aspen/X2) may purchase yearbooks at a discounted price of $75. Payments must be made by check. Please make checks payable to Public Schools of Brookline and write the student's name in the memo. Checks can be dropped off at the office of the Unified Arts Building (UAB).
· Pre-ordered books will be shipped directly to home addresses. The price of shipping will be included in your purchase of a yearbook.
· Yearbook signing for students! We will offer a virtual yearbook signing in May (just like we did last year). Students will be able to print out their virtually signed pages and add them to their book when it arrives. This year, we will also give students an opportunity to handwrite messages to the class of 2021 and we will add them to the autograph pages (we will also leave blank space for your individual signatures).
Now that the spring is here and we have received guidance about Graduation Protocols from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), we will be able to move forward in our planning! We assure you that we will communicate with you as plans take shape.
REGISTER TO VOTE BY APRIL 14th! Anyone who is 18+ can vote. There is a Select Board election happening MAY 4th, make sure your voice is heard on a local level!
Here is a guide we have put together: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LsSNlSNrVuZEZffWoAYD_o2h2sNo0W9ITtTeMgjlkNQ/edit?usp=sharing
Check out this slide for more details: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/182lgVG6yTEo8G8zHuiQbbeKCGCFYmBaHd_R4sBsvLJs/edit?usp=sharing
Stay tuned with Sunrise Brookline for more info!
If you got into a school and you are 100% sure you will not go there, please let them know (especially if this is a state school). Colleges are experiencing a huge increase in applications this year, and are therefore using waitlist and deferrals--so your email might help another student get in.
Thinking about a post grad path that is NOT college specific? Check in with your counselor and/or Kate Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, for ideas and resources.
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Missed the March 31 BHS Guidance and Special Education Departments zoom panel on "College Supports for Students with Learning Differences"? This was a good discussion about supports available at colleges and then answer questions from the audience. At present, the panel includes representatives from BHS Guidance & Special Education Departments, and Admission Counselors from Curry College (Caisie Wynot), UMass Lowell (Thomas Screnci) and MassBay Community College (Peter Schilling). Here’s the recording with lots of good information - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/college-supports-for-students-with-learning-differences9064245
Are you aware of the New England Tuition Break program? Basically, if you are accepted to one of the New England STATE schools, you can go there for Mass State Tuition cost IF you are interested in majoring in a concentration that is not offered in MA. To find the list of majors, discounts, and universities, go here: https://nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/find-a-program/ Last year, one of our students went to UConn for the price of UMass by participating in this program. Please email me if you have any questions! lenny_libenzon@psbma.org BHS College Counselor
Save the Date - Evening online webinar event from author and presenter Harlan Cohen on Wednesday, April 14 @ 7pm- 17 Things You Need To Do Before College: Brookline High School students and parents are invited to attend this info-packed event that will relieve stress and provide tips and strategies to navigate the changes ahead. New York Times bestselling author and leading authority on college success, Harlan Cohen, hosts this entertaining and interactive event. Learn about the latest research, trends, and plans college campuses are making to welcome the Class of 2021. This event is perfect for seniors, parents and juniors in the college planning process. There is no cost to attend.
Copy and paste this registration link to your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-kfUII_XQTOLCHEm516JDw
JUNIORS
STUDENTS' SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS FOR HELPING WITH COLLEGE/POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
By the second semester of junior year, family stress ramps up significantly as students try to balance schoolwork, study for SATS, look into colleges or other post-BHS options, etc. All of this comes with a lot of internal and external judgment, even during years when COVID is not an issue. How can families be supportive without adding to the pressure? This year’s BHS Peer Leaders have put together some excellent tips to consider in the Parent Tip Sheet Student Suggestions to Parents for Helping with College/Post-High School Planning - https://www.b-pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655
Missed the BHS College Fair 3 weeks ago? Did you attend the BHS College Fair and found good information or got some important questions answered? You are now a virtual college fair expert! Time to attend some more virtual COLLEGE FAIRS!
National Portfolio Days
Students can register to attend any of the free, online National Portfolio Days. Copy and paste this link to your browser - https://nationalportfolioday.org/about-national-portfolio-day-events/
Upcoming dates include:
Saturday April 10 8am-12pm CST
Friday May 7th 10am-4pm CST
Upon registering, participating students will receive information on how to upload their portfolio for the virtual reviews. Representatives will access their work while the review happens virtually on the day/time of the scheduled event.
NACAC Virtual College Fair - https://virtualcollegefairs.org/events
Register for any or all of these dates:
April 10 – 148 Colleges and Universities from the Western US
April 20 – 162 Colleges and Universities from the Southeastern US
May 2 – 597 International and US Colleges and Universities
College Admissions Boot Camp – Free webinar sessions on topics important to the college application process. Sponsored by NEARR (New England Area Regional Representatives).
Registration is required - https://regionalreps.org/admissions-bootcamp
April 8, 7-8 pm: Ask Admissions Anything
April 13, 7-8:30 pm: Application Case Studies
Thinking about a Gap Year after graduation? Here’s a list of free gap year specific webinars and another virtual Gap Year Fair you can register to attend - https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/usa-fairs/schedule
BHS Librarians are offering FREE online ACT/ SAT/ TOEFL test prep support continues. Any junior can register for any or all sessions to support their admissions testing preparation. Check out the attached flyer and register here - https://forms.gle/2y1uxvhMs9j7xW2M7