Quarter 1 ended on Friday, 11/5. Report cards were uploaded to the portals on Monday, November 15.
Thanksgiving is almost here! Students and faculty will be dismissed this Wed 11/24 @ 12:15pm. No school on Thurs 11/25 and Friday 11/26. Please see attached Thanksgiving Week schedule.
These BHS Counseling Dept Weekly Update emails are sent to all students and the 1st contact parent/guardian listed on the students’ X2 accounts.
rship at BHS!
Thanksgiving is almost here! Students and faculty will be dismissed this Wed 11/24 @ 12:15pm. No school on Thurs 11/25 and Friday 11/26. Please see attached Thanksgiving Week schedule.
These BHS Counseling Dept Weekly Update emails are sent to all students and the 1st contact parent/guardian listed on the students’ X2 accounts.
rship at BHS!
ALL STUDENTS
Congratulations to all BHS students who participated in the Brookline METCO first-ever, in-person HBCU events from November 17-20! HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Many students and families from Brookline and neighboring school districts learned about the academic excellence, “family” orientation, and diverse culture of these colleges. We are proud to share that some seniors were offered on-the-spot admissions offers from some colleges as well. Good job students and BIG thanks to the Brookline METCO team!
RISE CHALLENGE applications for students age 15-17…. For over a decade, Millennium Campus Network has supported young leaders worldwide to make a difference. They are now proud to partner with Rise For The World (https://www.risefortheworld.org/) - an initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust - to identify incredible 15-17 year olds worldwide willing to use their brilliance to solve humanity’s problems.
The program offers 100 winners each year with benefits for a lifetime including scholarships, mentorship, access to career development opportunities, and more - all for free. See this link for article about this organization - https://apnews.com/article/business-philanthropy-eric-schmidt-e68128c0415ec4875acd6926498cb5af
All applicants must be 15-17 years old as of July 1, 2022. The deadline to apply is December 22nd - and we encourage early applications! Students are invited to fill out the interest form from our website here: https://www.mcnpartners.org/rise-challenge - so we can then support and advocate for them as they submit their applications. Any questions can be sent to fellowship@mcnpartners.org.
Need some extra help in your science class for Grades 10-12?
The Science Help Center is starting Monday 11/15! If you're looking for some extra help, the center will be open every morning (except Tuesdays) during Z Block in room 204. Please reach out to 22sabevan@brooklinek12.org or 22fordr@brooklinek12.org with any questions.
GreenZine Brookline invites students (pre-K-12!) to submit articles, artwork, photos and poetry for a new webzine that highlights news, views and more about climate change, outdoor education and environmental issues. GreenZine Brookline is an initiative of teachers, parents and students in the Brookline Public Schools. We aim to make sustainability a school issue and to provide students (and occasionally staff) with an opportunity to publish their work. See our pilot issue from Spring ‘21. We’re looking for news articles about happenings at your school, opinions, art, photography, interviews, poetry and more. Is there a school project you’d like to highlight? Want to share information about local or global events? What activism is happening at your school or in your community? What change would you like to see at your school? Is there a school or community person you’d like to interview? If students have an idea, or would like help developing one, they should contact greenzinebrookline@gmail.com. Students or their teachers and caregivers can submit articles here (all K-8 submissions will require signoff from a parent/caregiver before publication. Please help us get the word out to staff and parents/caregivers and, especially, encouraging students. Questions? Write to: greenzinebrookline@gmail.com.
Do you identify as Asian Americans and are willing to make a change in our society? MAASPI (Massachusetts Asian American Students Political Initiative) is recruiting new members! We are a youth-led organization committed to increasing Asian American political involvement through education and action. Currently, we are hosting biweekly meetings for Asian American students to have open-minded, thought-provoking discussions on pressing and relevant political topics. We also hold speaker webinars and other community events. If you are interested, please sign up using this link: https://forms.gle/dgiDhXT1PEjbHfH47. There are also leadership positions available. Every meeting is open to any self-identifying Asian American high school/college students. But you do not have to come to every meeting to be a part of our organization. Please DM our instagram (@m.asspi) or reach us through email (maaspiorg@gmail.com) if you have any questions
BHS Club Info available here: http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/clubs-and-activities-list.html This list is for 21-22 clubs. The Club Fair slideshow has also been released via Canvas to students. Students can access/re-access more information on how to join, etc. As more clubs update, we will update the presentation.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xFO5v5lCc98EKmbjhicDnZZ5HBRqhlj9Is1VWLqoE58/edit?usp=sharing
Career Exploration suggestions from BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy:
Boston University has just started a new STEM initiative. One of their engineering professors was recently awarded a three-year DoD STEM grant – please see https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/jump-starting-biotechnology-careers-for-boston-high-school-students/ and https://www.stempathways.org for more information about the grant, which will target high school students in the greater Boston area (and their teachers and parents).
Their first event is going to be on Saturday, December 4th – it’s a ‘mini-Jamboree’, which is a free, interactive day of learning and fun to increase awareness of synthetic biology to high school students, teachers, and parents. Please see the flyer attached to this email for the relevant details.
Interested in Engineering? Check out the Northeastern University Building Bridges event info below. Please note that there is a $20 fee (and financial support is possible – see flyer). This is offered on a school day Friday 12/3 so a student’s parent/guardian will be required to excuse the absence. THIS IS NOT A BHS SPONSORED EVENT SO PARTICIPANTS WILL ATTEND ON THEIR OWN.
A Day of Interactive Activities - Friday, December 3, 2021 - 9:00a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Optional First Year Engineering Learning Center (FYELC) Showcase - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.Have you ever wanted to see what engineers do? Are you pretty good at math and science and wonder how you can use these skills in the “real world?” Do you like to solve complex problems?Join Northeastern University faculty and students for a day of exploration and hands-on learning designed especially for high school students who are considering careers in engineering.
Tentative menu of activities: (Subject to change)
* Design and Test a Bridge * Implantable Biomedical Devices * Design and Build and Electronic Night Light
* Synthesize Slime * Streamline a Sports Utility Vehicle * Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing
* Computer Chip Design and Fabrication * Simulate an Earthquake
Light lunch provided, welcome and introductions by various Deans of the College of Engineering, interactions with current undergraduate students and much more!
Paid Opportunities for High School students at Dana Farber and the Harvard Cancer Center -
YES for CURE
The Young Empowered Scientists for ContinUed Research Engagement (YES for CURE) Program is a three-year training initiative for highly motivated high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. Through engagement in mentored summer research projects, participation in an advanced scientific curriculum during the academic year, and year-round professional skills training, students will acquire scientific knowledge and technical skills, and increase their understanding of how to conduct biomedical research. This initiative is funded through an R25 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI CA221738).
Application deadline November 22nd
To apply and check eligibility visit https://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/research/cancer-disparities/students/yes-for-cure/
CURE Summer Only
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program introduces Massachusetts high school and college students from underrepresented populations to the world of cancer research by placing them in real research settings at local cancer research institutions. Our goal is to encourage students to pursue future careers in the biosciences—particularly cancer research—giving practical meaning to academic course work and to expand and extend their interest in basic, clinical and/or population science research. At the same time, students make a valuable contribution to the DF/HCC research mission. By participating in a program at DF/HCC—an NCI comprehensive cancer center with more than 1100 researchers across seven Harvard institutions—students will learn from experts who are devoted to preventing, treating and curing cancer.
Application Deadline February 4th
To apply and to check eligibility visit https://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/research/cancer-disparities/students/cure-overview/
MassBay Community College STEM Stories Virtual Program is happening again this Fall 2021
This year marks the second year of MassBay's Virtual STEM Stories Program! Participants meet STEM faculty, staff, students, graduates and industry professionals to learn about innovative STEM programs at MassBay, resources and supports for MassBay STEM students and are introduced to some exciting career opportunities in the STEM fields.
High school students, teachers and administrators are invited to attend one of these virtual STEM Division information Sessions that will be held monthly throughout the Fall semester on Zoom. Go to thus link to register:
- MassBay STEM Stories: Start Here. Go Anywhere. Session 3
Wednesday, December 15th 11:00 AM - https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6484372/Fall-2021-MassBay-STEM-Stories-Start-Here-Go-Anywhere-Se
The weather is getting chillier… Need a quiet and social place to enjoy your lunch at the 115 campus? Join Lunch Lounge!
9th grade Social Lunch has begun at the OLS campus every Wednesday too!
Social Lunch/ Lunch Lounge is offered for all of the students who may or may not have some social connections in classes, including new to BHS students. It is a welcoming, inclusive drop-in lunch community that engages kids with friendly conversation, other kids interested in making friends, and a warm and familiar staff member. At this time, Lunch Lounge is offered for these lunch blocks in Room 277:
Week A - Monday E -Lunch B only
Wednesday C - Lunch A and B
Friday D - Lunch A and B
Week B - Monday E - Lunch B will start week of 9/20
Wed C - Lunch A and B
Friday D - Lunch A and B
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
- Interested in Public Health and the right to global health? Join Partners In Health Engage Brookline! During our club meetings, we educate our members on the current status of Global Health, how Partners In Health is involved, hold fundraising events, and advocate Global Health equality legislation to our members of Congress. We meet virtually on Week A Mondays through Zoom at 8:00 PM. If interested, fill out this google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclGf8eTx3VbLuTzDZmuFndW7yn_dkjg2vlIW9a45hmkbwDQQ/viewform
- Brookline Thrives Volunteer Opportunities
Brookline Thrives has many volunteer opportunities available to BHS students. Pack bags, restock inventory, or even help with Friday distribution. View and sign up at this link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E45A8A722A5FD0-december
All volunteers must be at least 15 years old.
- The student-led organization "A Better Brookline" is working on transforming Brookline's government. We are looking for student volunteers to help out with activities such as phone banking and door knocking this fall. If interested, please contact 22roser@brooklinek12.org
– Check out Teen Life by copying and pasting this link- https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/?keyword=&location=boston&program-type=volunteer
-The BHS Community Service info on the school’s website has been updated with BHS specific community service opportunities plus opportunities in the Brookline/Boston area - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/community-service.html
- Have free G block and want to be a tutor for students in grades 3-5? The BLP is running a tutoring program for students at Lincoln School in Steps to Success from 2:40 to 3:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays (week B only), and Wednesdays. You Do NOT have to do all three days. You pick the days that work for you. This is a great opportunity to get community service hours and help elementary/middle school students with their homework. If you are interested, please fill out this very short form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevzvNLts20y0w-UopAbZ-AWn9vEGgp2GWOckwpKa6-9FDNAw/viewform
If you have any questions, please email Eleanor, 23bergsteine@brooklinek12.org
SENIORS
Did you apply early to college? Have you checked to see each college’s financial aid deadline? Now is the time to check so you can meet those deadlines and be eligible for possible aid. Each college has different financial aid protocols so be sure to look up each school’s instructions. If you are late, go ahead and send your documents as soon as possible!
Also – if you are a senior who applied EA/ED/rolling - All seniors should be reading all emails from colleges! It is critically important to check the portals of the colleges they have applied to as well. If any documents are missing for their application, this is where that information will be requested. If an applicant does not provide those documents (or check with your counselor if BHS related), your application may not be considered!
All EA/ED/Rolling applicants also note that BHS guidance has started sending out your Quarter 1 grades to all school you’ve applied to. If there is a concern about your Q1 report card, PLEASE SEE YOUR COUNSELOR TOMORROW – MONDAY 11/22.
Senior November Scholarship Letter #1 from BHS College Counselor - Lenny Libenzon – see attached
Attention Seniors: Deadlines by Jan 3, 2022- Here is the latest information on steps for you to take for your senior yearbook:
- Lifetouch/Prestige Portraits regarding your Senior Portrait appointment. Please contact Ms Lynn, the BHS yearbook advisor, with any questions at lori_lynn@psbma.org. Due to Covid-19, Lifetouch/Prestige Portrait will not be allowing walk-in sessions. We ask that each student use their unique Confirmation Code to schedule and confirm an appointment online. To confirm or change the appointment date and time, please log onto schedule.prestigeportraits.com and enter your confirmation code into the grey box. Students MUST “confirm” their appointment date & time at schedule.prestigeportraits.com which is available to them 24/7 for their convenience. Spots have been filling up quickly and Lifetouch strongly recommends you confirm an appointment as soon as you receive a card to get the date/time they prefer. Having knowledge of this process will allow Lifetouch to take proper precautions and give an amazing experience to all.
- We also encourage everyone to order a yearbook. – copy/paste - https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1066230/Brookline-High-School/2022-Yearbook/2021082013305781058/CATALOG_SHOP/
The only way to guarantee that you will get a yearbook is to order one. You will find all of the information you need about getting your yearbook, placing ads, donations and discounts on the Yearbook page of the BHS website. – copy/paste http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/yearbook-murivian.html
- Senior Yearbook Materials - Due Jan 3 Use this form (copy/paste - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqjwfJNq2ArtilQn6dBeXIFLmE8-owAFiIbURKs9xMZx8O-w/viewform) to submit the following materials:
1. A high quality senior portrait.
· Image file must be at least 1MB
· Image files must be JPEG or PNG.
· No screenshots or HEIC files please
· Files must be named lastname_firstname
2. A picture of you as a baby or small child
· File must be at least 1MB
· Image files must be JPEG or PNG
· Files must be named lastname_firstname_baby
3. Quote & Activities List
· Choose a quote to go below your picture.
· A list of your BHS activities
· Character Limit Including Spaces: 270
You must be logged in with your school google account to access the submission form.
Senior Portrait Options
· Hire a Prestige photographer: schedule.prestigeportraits.com
· Book a free photoshoot with a Brookline Lens student: email brooklinelens@gmail.com
· You can also hire a professional photographer or create DIY senior portraits.
Bookmark the Yearbook Page on the BHS Website Please save this page to your bookmarks. It has all of the information and due dates you will need for the yearbook http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/yearbook-murivian.html Join Yearbook Staff! We need more seniors on our staff! Please fill out the form below if you are interested. https://forms.gle/rP6a9WE4QXGjyTsu5
Application Essay Questions? Application essay writing support at BHS:
- Check in with your counselor or Mr Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) for essay support too!
- We continue to recommend the College Essay Guy website for lots of great FREE advice for seniors and essay writing suggestions - https://www.collegeessayguy.com/
College Application Reminders:
Help the BHS counselors and teachers support your application process by meeting these deadlines. Submit your electronic transcript release forms, your
self-questionnaire, your parent/caregiver’s “brag” sheet, and give notice to your teachers who have agreed to write recommendations for you.
If you have a college deadline for Dec 15 or earlier, then you are late in meeting the BHS deadline. Please see your counselor in the next few days.
Note below – If you have January 1 deadlines, please follow the steps below to be sure the BHS counseling department works with you to meet that deadline. With Thanksgiving and December vacations, this deadline is earlier than usual.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
January 1 Monday, November 29 (includes no school December break)
January 15 Monday, December 13
February 1 Wednesday, January 5
February 15 Tuesday, January 18
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
● use the updated transcript release link shared by your counselor
● be sure to list your college names and addresses CORRECTLY AS THEY APPEAR OFFICIALLY ON THE COLLEGE’S WEBSITE OR NAVIANCE. The processing of your request is slowed down by not including the official name of the college or putting in wrong information.
JUNIORS and SENIORS
BHS Librarians are again offering TEST PREP THURSDAYS for Juniors and Seniors from 3-4pm in the BHS Library! Please stop by the library to find out the support, resources, and direct tutoring that is available for our students.
JUNIORS
See attached testing dates for SAT and ACT offered at Brookline High School. More info to be shared after PSAT scores are released to juniors on the College Board website on either December 6 or 7. Also note that MANY colleges and universities are continuing test optional guidelines moving forward. More details on this when juniors attend the January 3, 2022 Junior Assembly and junior seminars begin with counselors in hubs/advisories.
Introducing ….Thrive Scholars - This flagship college application support program admits students during their junior year of high school who meet the qualifications listed below.
If admitted through their application process, this program supports admitted juniors as they apply to college and prepares them to pursue their career goals. Thrive Scholars offers a two-stage application process. The Thrive Scholars application process includes several essay questions as well as academic and financial documents that you need to prepare. Please make sure you give yourself enough time to complete it.
Thrive Scholars reviews applications holistically and does not have absolute requirements for admission. However, students who are accepted into the program typically meet the following criteria: currently enrolled as a junior in high school, have SAT or PSAT score of 1200+ / ACT or Pre-ACT score of 25+ (*if available- In response to the global pandemic and its continuing impact on student access to standardized tests, Thrive Scholars is reviewing applications with a test-optional policy. Since many students will not have test scores to report, we will focus more on a student’s grades and academic rigor within the context of what their school offers (AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, etc.), identify as one of the following- a first-generation college student and/or a student of color.
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES
Did you miss the 10/28 webinar on Junior Year Timeline and Standardized College Admissions Testing presentation? BHS Guidance Department with Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, discussed the Junior Year Calendar, and Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group presented about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP).
You can find the pdf of the powerpoint slides attached to this email. Also, here is the link to access the recording:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/6840206291095598604
If you are interested, here is the link for them to register for our FREE practice ACT or SAT tests:
https://mytutor.com/one-on-one/free-practice-tests/
Go to this link for an electronic version of the College Admissions Testing Guide here: https://mytutor.com/college-admission-testing-guide/
Print copies of this guide are available at the BHS Guidance Suite Room 285.
SOPHOMORES
Thrive Scholars is a program that equips high-achieving, underrepresented scholars to thrive at top colleges and meaningful careers. Their On-Ramp Program focuses on male African American students in their sophomore year of high school. Only 50 students nationally will be included in this new initiative with this organization. Are you a 10th grader POC who identifies as male? Learn more - https://www.thrivescholars.org/onrampapplication/
9TH GRADERS
The Brookline Center is offering a 9th grade specific Group for Female Identifying students-
*Please contact Brookline Center Intake at 617-860-2084*
Teen Social Group: 9th graders
This is a group for 13-15 year-old young people seeking to build their social skills and develop meaningful peer relationships. The group focuses on supporting its members to learn how to initiate peer interactions, read social cues, and increase their self-esteem. The group is semi-structured, where the group members choose and learn from activities together.
Membership is open to 9th graders who hold female as part of their past or present identity. This means that if your child is exploring their gender identity, either at present or in the future, they are welcome to remain a part of this group, regardless of where that exploration lands.
Tuesdays 5:00pm-5:50pm
Setting: In Person
Sammie Allen, LCSW (she/her) and Sarah Lyn
This group is open to new referrals at this time. This group is billed through insurance [BCBS not accepted; self-pay rate available].
The 9th grade counseling team continues to host a Social Lunch for 9th grade students who might benefit from having a quieter place to eat lunch, especially our students who have had a more difficult time finding social connections during lunch! Students should come by the OLS Main Office during any Wednesday lunch period. Thanks to the counselor team for offering this important opportunity!