These BHS Counseling Dept Weekly Update emails are sent to all students and the 1st contact parent/guardian listed on the students’ X2 accounts. As I’ve done in the past, all NEW UPDATES will be highlighted in BLUE each week for easy scanning of newest info!
Quarter 1 is 1/2 away done! IPRs (Interim Progress Reports) were posted on student/parent portals last Thurs 10/13. These messages celebrate good student work and can note areas where a student needs to focus and make improvements before Quarter 1 ends on November 7.
If a student has questions/concerns/or just wants to say hello to their counselor, please encourage your student to stop by their counselor’s office when not in class. Gr 10-12 counselors are doing their best to support all of their students. Students should still contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related. If a counselor is not available when a student stops by their office, PLEASE remind them to leave a note or send an email. Counselors are nonstop with meetings in and out of their offices, especially due to the significant number of BHS seniors now applying early to colleges for 11/1 and 11/15 deadlines. They are working closely with these students for advising and counselor recommendation writing. If a student issue is urgent, please indicate URGENT in the email heading. Thanks for your understanding!
We’re here and ready to support EVERY BHS student!
Quarter 1 is 1/2 away done! IPRs (Interim Progress Reports) were posted on student/parent portals last Thurs 10/13. These messages celebrate good student work and can note areas where a student needs to focus and make improvements before Quarter 1 ends on November 7.
If a student has questions/concerns/or just wants to say hello to their counselor, please encourage your student to stop by their counselor’s office when not in class. Gr 10-12 counselors are doing their best to support all of their students. Students should still contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related. If a counselor is not available when a student stops by their office, PLEASE remind them to leave a note or send an email. Counselors are nonstop with meetings in and out of their offices, especially due to the significant number of BHS seniors now applying early to colleges for 11/1 and 11/15 deadlines. They are working closely with these students for advising and counselor recommendation writing. If a student issue is urgent, please indicate URGENT in the email heading. Thanks for your understanding!
We’re here and ready to support EVERY BHS student!
As the PSB Educational Equity team outlines on the PSB homepage, I’d like to highlight these 2 dates for this week:
10/14 – Defender of Ukraine Day: October multicultural holidays include this powerful event. The first celebration of Defender of Ukraine Day took place on October 14, 2015. The day honors all those who fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty, including the ongoing invasion by a Russian dictator.
10/21 – Spirit Day: Did you know that every year, up to 40 percent of LGBTQ youth consider suicide? This number rises when you consider just transgender and nonbinary youth. Spirit Day is an October diversity day to show support for these individuals by wearing purple. We must show acceptance and speak out against bullying.
FAMILIES
The BRYT Network is offering two online opportunities for parent support for any BHS family:
Green Line Transformation Program Update - First Closure Complete, 2nd of 3 Surges Begins Saturday, October 8
I am happy to share that the first of three 9-day closures of the D Branch was completed successfully. Regular service will operate until this Friday, October 7. The second closure will begin on Saturday, October 8, and will continue through Sunday, October 16. Shuttle buses will replace train service at the start of service on Saturday. Following the completion of that closure, regular service will resume for five days until the third and final full-access closure begins on Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, October 30. Please see the flyer from MBTA which outlines work to be done. https://www.mbta.com/projects/green-line-track-upgrades-2022
ALL STUDENTS
Curriculum Level Changes and Class Drop Timelines:
For class drops (with end of Quarter 1 being Monday Nov 7):
* For changing of classes, 12/1 will be the deadline for curriculum level changes for full year classes. After that date, a special action form is needed and W appears on the transcript.
* For changing semester only classes, the deadline to drop is this Thurs 10/20. After that date, a special action form is needed and W appears on the transcript. Please note that MOST electives are now closed for any changes in the remainder of this 1st semester.
NEW LGBTQIA+ TASK FORCE - Parents and Students - JOIN US!
Brookline's newly formed LGBTQIA+ Task Force is looking for parent and student volunteers to help reshape and enhance the experience for LGBTQIA+ students and their families during their time in Brookline Public Schools. This year, the LGBTQIA+ Task Force has 4 subcommittees focused on increasing access to gender inclusive bathrooms in all schools, updating the PSB Health curriculum, expanding professional development for teachers, and establishing affinity groups for parents, teachers and students with a focus on broadening intersectionality and representation from the BIPOC community. The working subcommittees meet on the first Wednesday of the month by Zoom. If you are interested in learning more, please email Brenda Sullivan. We welcome anyone with an interest in this work!
Wrestling is a fantastic Winter sport that pushes you to become the best version of yourself. If you want to challenge yourself and create your own success, wrestling is for you! We have varsity spots available, so there is an opportunity to grow into a leadership position quickly. If you have any questions, you can find us outside Tappan from 2:16-2:30 right after school on Wednesdays, and we will do a team workout afterward that you are welcome to join. Hope to see you there!
BHS LIBRARY HOURS
Monday 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm
Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday 8:00am-3:00pm
Interested in getting certified as a Lifeguard? See the attached Lifeguard flyer.
Good article about Friendship Changes in high school - offered by Grown and Flown website - High School Counselor Has Advice for Teens who have Friend Problems - https://grownandflown.com/teens-sometimes-struggle-to-keep-friends/
School Photo make up day is in Schluntz Gym on Nov. 9th, between 7:30 am and 3:00 pm. This is the only make-up day for both staff and students.This is also the time for picture retakes, if needed. Students should go to the Schluntz Gym on their own during the day but not miss any class time.
ONE MONTH LEFT TO REGISTER! Taking an AP course at BHS? AP Registration is now open until Nov 15, 2022-
The 2023 AP Registration will opened Monday September 19th. Please see the attached letter below with details about how to register. PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE TWO STEPS TO REGISTER, YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH STEPS! Registration ends on Nov 15, 2022.
Lunch Lounge is back at BHS - 115 campus! It’s getting chilly outside. Join other students for a quiet, peaceful spot to eat and get to know other students.
All students in Grades 9-12…..Social Lunch/ Lunch Lounge is offered for all 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 the “social scaffolding” of friendly conversation, other kids interested in making friends, and a warm and familiar staff member. Games, drawing materials and fun is offered… Just bring your own lunch!
Lunch Lounge is offered for these lunch blocks in Room 277 @ the 115 Greenough campus:
Every Monday E block - both lunches
Every Wednesday C block - both lunches
Every Friday E block - both lunches
Clubs at BHS:
Come support the school's new pet!
The bake sale at 2:20pm on October 19th, in front of the STEM wing will fund the upkeep of the fish tank in the library!
Keep in mind that students can join most clubs during any point in the school year, not just on the sign up day at the Club Fair. The current list of clubs can be found on this link - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/clubs-and-activities-list.html - from the BHS website homepage. An online Club Fair slideshow will also be available soon!
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
The Brookine High School Innovation Fund is a nonprofit organization based at 115 Greenought that supports BHS faculty in the development of innovative courses and school-wide academic programs. They are looking for a few student-volunteers to help with a mailing going to ~2100 BHS families. We need students to: label, sort, stamp, count and organize letters and envelopes to be mailed by the US Postal Service. Help wanted starting the week of October 24 and finishing before the Thanksgiving break.
Helping out during your free block is a convenient way for students to earn community service hours and support academic innovation at BHS. If interested, please contact [email protected] or call (617) 713-5201.
Tutors needed on Mondays after school! The Brookline Literacy Partnership runs a tutoring program at the Mather School in Dorchester on Mondays after school, beginning October 17th. BHS tutors will leave BHS after school every Monday and return by 6pm. Transportation will be provided to and from Mather. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours (totaling 3 hours per week). If you are interested in becoming a tutor with us, please apply at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WBlpDL3Td2r791vBVeNSYo17pQmd8cW6MU_NqCdABY4/edit?usp=sharingLinks to an external site. (Links to an external site.)
If you have any questions, feel free to email Ori Scharf ([email protected] ) or Ms. Knightly ([email protected])
New leadership positions available at Letters for Rose Brookline! Letters for Rose is a volunteer organization that aims to reduce loneliness and isolation among senior citizens at local nursing homes by collecting and distributing personalized letters, art, and cards made by local volunteers.
The Administrative Board does all the behind-the-scenes of running our chapter! This includes recruiting volunteers, sending emails, communicating with senior homes, collecting and photographing the letters and art from volunteers, running our social media platforms, and much more!
If you are interested, please fill out this form!! For more info, please see this document: Letters for Rose Leadership Positions. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
We are looking for students to help plan and execute this year's Ability Event happening at BHS on November 16th!
Opportunities include:
-Planning interactive tables for the event
-Creating a lesson on Ability/Ableism for advisory
-Running a table on the day of the event
-Sharing your voice if you are an individual with a disability
If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Gray at [email protected] See below for more information about last years ability event:
Last year's Ability Event consisted of a lesson during advisory introducing ableism, a video featuring staff and students at BHS sharing about their experiences as individuals with different abilities, and an interactive experience in the atrium with a host of tables dedicated to a variety of educational and hands-on activities in connection to learning more about the disability community and promoting inclusion. These activities included a table with fidgets, learning how to use communication devices, a hearing simulation, a color blindness test-hosted by the library.
Brookline Thrives, is a program of the Brookline Food Pantry that works in partnership with the Public Schools of Brookline to provide free weekend meals to school children to reduce the number of students starting the school week hungry. Brookline Thrives is always in need of help with packing bags and making school deliveries. Please consider signing up to volunteer! Bag packing/Delivery of Food Bags Sign Up at this link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e45a8a722a5fd0-september
Career Exploration info for BHS students:
Career Coffee Talk - Interest in working in the construction industry?
On Wednesday 10/19 during X block in room 279, the College and Career Center, John Marsoobian, owner of Twin Peaks Construction will be here to talk about the construction industry! Come learn about all the different roles within this world AND hear about what it is like to own your own business. We hope to see you there! Candy will be provided.
BHS Career Counselor - Career Exploration is here!
Find Ms Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, at both BHS buildings:
Ms. Kennedy’s Schedule 2022/ 2023
@ 22 Tappen rm 237 Monday, Tuesday, Friday ALL DAY AND
Wednesdays 8:20- 10am (A & T block), Thursdays 1-3pm (E & F block)
@ 115 Greenough Street rm 280/ 279 (The College and Career Center)
Wednesdays 10am- 2:15pm (X, D and E block) AND
Thursdays 8:20- 1pm (A, B, D and G block)
Are you interested in getting a job this school year? Check out the BHS Job Opportunities on the BHS Career Counseling website! This page will be updated throughout the year!
https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/career-counseling1.html
Questions? Email Ms. Kennedy at [email protected]
SENIORS
The Senior Parent Coffee event will be held this coming Tuesday, October 18. We will start at 8:15am and end at 9:15am. During the session, Lenny Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) and Darby Neff-Verre (BHS Guidance Coordinator) will answer parent
questions. Zoom link below
Lenny Libenzon, Brookline HS is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Senior Parent Coffee
Time: Oct 18, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/95599216918?pwd=VFF1SitsNm1PTm0vcjJTRUZXN2VEUT09
Meeting ID: 955 9921 6918
Passcode: 544556
BHS Counselors Nicole Bent and Eric Schiff are offering Common App/Naviance support for seniors during X-block over the next two weeks - this Wed 10/19 @ 11:05 AND Wed 10/26 @ 11:05. They will be in room 277. See the attached flyer attached. All seniors are welcome!
Counselors of seniors continue to join senior advisories through part of November to share senior’s unofficial transcripts for review plus continue information sharing and support regarding the post high school planning process.
Did you miss BHS Counseling Dept sponsored virtual panel discussion of college admissions? Admission representatives gave updates about their schools and then answered audience questions. Five colleges participated on the panel: Boston University, Northeastern, Mass Bay Community College, UMass Amherst, University of Vermont.
Recording is here - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/bhs-college-panel
It’s time to think about financial aid for college…
Helpful Grown and Flown website article with financial aid tips and a walk-through to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). - https://grownandflown.com/how-to-complete-fafsa-css-profile/
The starting date in which the FAFSA can be submitted was October 1, 2022. BHS will be joining with MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority) to offer the FAFSA Festival on Tues 10/25/22 from 4-8pm - virtual 1:1 FREE support for seniors/families to work with a qualified financial aid advisor to complete the FAFSA form. More details coming soon!
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority will host multiple web seminars that explain the financial aid and merit aid process, under
the title "Financial Aid 101." We recommend choosing one of the following dates: 10/11, 10/20. All seminars start at 6:30. To sign up,
go to https://www.mefa.org/events
Register today for 1:1 support for seniors and parents/guardians to complete the FAFSA federal financial aid form….BHS is partnering with MEFA to host the FAFSA festival, where MEFA volunteers will help families fill out FAFSA. Help will be available in several languages. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. To sign up, go to https://www.mefa.org/events
Be sure to meet the financial aid deadlines for any college you are applying to by checking their deadlines on each colleges’ webpage.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER - BHS seniors and families are invited to the Nashoba Regional High School's MA State College Fair, open to all local families and students - Tuesday Oct 18, 2022, 6-8pm.
See attached flyer for more info.
Gap Year interest? Check out this list of accredited Gap Year programs - https://www.gapyearassociation.org/accredited-gap-year-programs/
The BHS Counseling Dept will be sponsoring a Gap Year Fair on January 18 from 6:30-8:30pm. Save the date on your calendar!
Parents of Seniors - Help out your student and complete the Parent “Brag” Sheet to share with your student’s counselor. This info will help the counselor write an even stronger college recommendation for your senior! And you can share your pride in your student’s achievements! See attached Parent Brag form
Students - Be sure to complete the Self-Questionnaire Form to hand off to your counselor. This info will also help your counselor write the most thorough and supportive recommendation letter for you. See attached sheets #1 and #2
Reminder - College Representatives are now virtually meeting with BHS Seniors.
Every fall, BHS hosts admission counselors from many of our top universities. They come specifically to talk to you and answer your questions. It is a great opportunity for you to connect to colleges without traveling! This year, the visits will be virtual, and after school (starting at 4 pm). You will need to sign up for visits through Naviance (https://student.naviance.com/colleges/visits). Please take a look at this list and sign up. If you need help logging in to Naviance, email Lenny Libenzon or your counselor.
Rep visits at BHS have started – Seniors can attend any and all college sessions of schools they plan to or are interested in attending. The schedule and REQUIRED zoom link registration can be found on your Naviance homepage. This is a wonderful way to learn more about colleges, ask important questions, and show demonstrated interest!
SENIORS– READ YOUR EMAILS! Especially if you are applying to college this Fall!
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.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
November 15 Wednesday, Oct 19
December 1 Tuesday, Nov 1
December 15 Tuesday, November 15
January 1 Wednesday, November 30
(includes no school December break)
January 15 Monday, December 12
February 1 Tuesday, January 3
February 15 Wednesday, January 18
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
BHS National Honor Society update - NHS is currently between advisors. The new advisor or team of advisors will be named/announced very soon.
In the meantime…. The most common question for kids at this point in the year is "How do I join NHS? Should I have heard something already?"
The answer that will likely remain the same under new advisors: In early October, an email with an application will go out to the school email address of all seniors who meet the NHS eligibility requirements of GPA and have a clear record with no academic dishonesty or conduct violations. That application will include space for them to report their completion of 15 hours of community service.
Juniors wondering about NHS are advised to keep working hard in their classes to maintain that GPA and to get involved with some community service opportunities that will help them complete 15 hours of service during their Junior year (including the summer months before senior year).
Some of the details may be subject to change under the leadership of new advisor(s) but this information is also shared with your student’s counselor as our seniors begin to apply to EA/ED colleges with November deadlines.
JUNIORS and SOPHOMORES
Coming soon!
Junior Year Timeline and Standardized College Admissions Testing ZOOM presentation - Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 6:30 pm. The BHS Counseling/Guidance Department with Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, will go over the Junior Year Calendar, and Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group will talk about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP). There will be updates on the ever-evolving testing landscape for college admissions. We will also discuss timelines for when students should be thinking about and taking standardized tests. This night is open to junior and sophomore students and their parents/caregivers. Please note that BHS does not specifically promote any outside testing prep companies, but appreciates their information sharing for this event.
This event will be recorded and shared in the following week’s Weekly Update and by PTO representatives.
9TH GRADERS
Stop by the 231 Counseling Suite at 22 Tappan when you have a free minute to say hello to your counselor - Ms Kennedy, Ms Young, Ms Bent, Mr Gorman, and Ms Neff-Verre (subbing for Ms Aggeler who will return from maternity leave on November 1). Ms Figueroa is a counselor and dean for some 9th graders too!
Counselors have started spending time in 9th grade T block Hubs for introductions and a guidance seminar in circle format. The theme will be “What Motivates You?” See you soon!
10/14 – Defender of Ukraine Day: October multicultural holidays include this powerful event. The first celebration of Defender of Ukraine Day took place on October 14, 2015. The day honors all those who fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty, including the ongoing invasion by a Russian dictator.
10/21 – Spirit Day: Did you know that every year, up to 40 percent of LGBTQ youth consider suicide? This number rises when you consider just transgender and nonbinary youth. Spirit Day is an October diversity day to show support for these individuals by wearing purple. We must show acceptance and speak out against bullying.
FAMILIES
The BRYT Network is offering two online opportunities for parent support for any BHS family:
- Parent support groups (see attached flyer)
- Parent learning series (see attached flyer)
Green Line Transformation Program Update - First Closure Complete, 2nd of 3 Surges Begins Saturday, October 8
I am happy to share that the first of three 9-day closures of the D Branch was completed successfully. Regular service will operate until this Friday, October 7. The second closure will begin on Saturday, October 8, and will continue through Sunday, October 16. Shuttle buses will replace train service at the start of service on Saturday. Following the completion of that closure, regular service will resume for five days until the third and final full-access closure begins on Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, October 30. Please see the flyer from MBTA which outlines work to be done. https://www.mbta.com/projects/green-line-track-upgrades-2022
ALL STUDENTS
Curriculum Level Changes and Class Drop Timelines:
For class drops (with end of Quarter 1 being Monday Nov 7):
* For changing of classes, 12/1 will be the deadline for curriculum level changes for full year classes. After that date, a special action form is needed and W appears on the transcript.
* For changing semester only classes, the deadline to drop is this Thurs 10/20. After that date, a special action form is needed and W appears on the transcript. Please note that MOST electives are now closed for any changes in the remainder of this 1st semester.
NEW LGBTQIA+ TASK FORCE - Parents and Students - JOIN US!
Brookline's newly formed LGBTQIA+ Task Force is looking for parent and student volunteers to help reshape and enhance the experience for LGBTQIA+ students and their families during their time in Brookline Public Schools. This year, the LGBTQIA+ Task Force has 4 subcommittees focused on increasing access to gender inclusive bathrooms in all schools, updating the PSB Health curriculum, expanding professional development for teachers, and establishing affinity groups for parents, teachers and students with a focus on broadening intersectionality and representation from the BIPOC community. The working subcommittees meet on the first Wednesday of the month by Zoom. If you are interested in learning more, please email Brenda Sullivan. We welcome anyone with an interest in this work!
Wrestling is a fantastic Winter sport that pushes you to become the best version of yourself. If you want to challenge yourself and create your own success, wrestling is for you! We have varsity spots available, so there is an opportunity to grow into a leadership position quickly. If you have any questions, you can find us outside Tappan from 2:16-2:30 right after school on Wednesdays, and we will do a team workout afterward that you are welcome to join. Hope to see you there!
BHS LIBRARY HOURS
Monday 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm
Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday 8:00am-3:00pm
Interested in getting certified as a Lifeguard? See the attached Lifeguard flyer.
Good article about Friendship Changes in high school - offered by Grown and Flown website - High School Counselor Has Advice for Teens who have Friend Problems - https://grownandflown.com/teens-sometimes-struggle-to-keep-friends/
School Photo make up day is in Schluntz Gym on Nov. 9th, between 7:30 am and 3:00 pm. This is the only make-up day for both staff and students.This is also the time for picture retakes, if needed. Students should go to the Schluntz Gym on their own during the day but not miss any class time.
ONE MONTH LEFT TO REGISTER! Taking an AP course at BHS? AP Registration is now open until Nov 15, 2022-
The 2023 AP Registration will opened Monday September 19th. Please see the attached letter below with details about how to register. PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE TWO STEPS TO REGISTER, YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH STEPS! Registration ends on Nov 15, 2022.
Lunch Lounge is back at BHS - 115 campus! It’s getting chilly outside. Join other students for a quiet, peaceful spot to eat and get to know other students.
All students in Grades 9-12…..Social Lunch/ Lunch Lounge is offered for all 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 the “social scaffolding” of friendly conversation, other kids interested in making friends, and a warm and familiar staff member. Games, drawing materials and fun is offered… Just bring your own lunch!
Lunch Lounge is offered for these lunch blocks in Room 277 @ the 115 Greenough campus:
Every Monday E block - both lunches
Every Wednesday C block - both lunches
Every Friday E block - both lunches
Clubs at BHS:
Come support the school's new pet!
The bake sale at 2:20pm on October 19th, in front of the STEM wing will fund the upkeep of the fish tank in the library!
Keep in mind that students can join most clubs during any point in the school year, not just on the sign up day at the Club Fair. The current list of clubs can be found on this link - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/clubs-and-activities-list.html - from the BHS website homepage. An online Club Fair slideshow will also be available soon!
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
The Brookine High School Innovation Fund is a nonprofit organization based at 115 Greenought that supports BHS faculty in the development of innovative courses and school-wide academic programs. They are looking for a few student-volunteers to help with a mailing going to ~2100 BHS families. We need students to: label, sort, stamp, count and organize letters and envelopes to be mailed by the US Postal Service. Help wanted starting the week of October 24 and finishing before the Thanksgiving break.
Helping out during your free block is a convenient way for students to earn community service hours and support academic innovation at BHS. If interested, please contact [email protected] or call (617) 713-5201.
Tutors needed on Mondays after school! The Brookline Literacy Partnership runs a tutoring program at the Mather School in Dorchester on Mondays after school, beginning October 17th. BHS tutors will leave BHS after school every Monday and return by 6pm. Transportation will be provided to and from Mather. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours (totaling 3 hours per week). If you are interested in becoming a tutor with us, please apply at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WBlpDL3Td2r791vBVeNSYo17pQmd8cW6MU_NqCdABY4/edit?usp=sharingLinks to an external site. (Links to an external site.)
If you have any questions, feel free to email Ori Scharf ([email protected] ) or Ms. Knightly ([email protected])
New leadership positions available at Letters for Rose Brookline! Letters for Rose is a volunteer organization that aims to reduce loneliness and isolation among senior citizens at local nursing homes by collecting and distributing personalized letters, art, and cards made by local volunteers.
The Administrative Board does all the behind-the-scenes of running our chapter! This includes recruiting volunteers, sending emails, communicating with senior homes, collecting and photographing the letters and art from volunteers, running our social media platforms, and much more!
If you are interested, please fill out this form!! For more info, please see this document: Letters for Rose Leadership Positions. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
We are looking for students to help plan and execute this year's Ability Event happening at BHS on November 16th!
Opportunities include:
-Planning interactive tables for the event
-Creating a lesson on Ability/Ableism for advisory
-Running a table on the day of the event
-Sharing your voice if you are an individual with a disability
If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Gray at [email protected] See below for more information about last years ability event:
Last year's Ability Event consisted of a lesson during advisory introducing ableism, a video featuring staff and students at BHS sharing about their experiences as individuals with different abilities, and an interactive experience in the atrium with a host of tables dedicated to a variety of educational and hands-on activities in connection to learning more about the disability community and promoting inclusion. These activities included a table with fidgets, learning how to use communication devices, a hearing simulation, a color blindness test-hosted by the library.
Brookline Thrives, is a program of the Brookline Food Pantry that works in partnership with the Public Schools of Brookline to provide free weekend meals to school children to reduce the number of students starting the school week hungry. Brookline Thrives is always in need of help with packing bags and making school deliveries. Please consider signing up to volunteer! Bag packing/Delivery of Food Bags Sign Up at this link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e45a8a722a5fd0-september
Career Exploration info for BHS students:
Career Coffee Talk - Interest in working in the construction industry?
On Wednesday 10/19 during X block in room 279, the College and Career Center, John Marsoobian, owner of Twin Peaks Construction will be here to talk about the construction industry! Come learn about all the different roles within this world AND hear about what it is like to own your own business. We hope to see you there! Candy will be provided.
BHS Career Counselor - Career Exploration is here!
Find Ms Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, at both BHS buildings:
Ms. Kennedy’s Schedule 2022/ 2023
@ 22 Tappen rm 237 Monday, Tuesday, Friday ALL DAY AND
Wednesdays 8:20- 10am (A & T block), Thursdays 1-3pm (E & F block)
@ 115 Greenough Street rm 280/ 279 (The College and Career Center)
Wednesdays 10am- 2:15pm (X, D and E block) AND
Thursdays 8:20- 1pm (A, B, D and G block)
Are you interested in getting a job this school year? Check out the BHS Job Opportunities on the BHS Career Counseling website! This page will be updated throughout the year!
https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/career-counseling1.html
Questions? Email Ms. Kennedy at [email protected]
SENIORS
The Senior Parent Coffee event will be held this coming Tuesday, October 18. We will start at 8:15am and end at 9:15am. During the session, Lenny Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) and Darby Neff-Verre (BHS Guidance Coordinator) will answer parent
questions. Zoom link below
Lenny Libenzon, Brookline HS is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Senior Parent Coffee
Time: Oct 18, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/95599216918?pwd=VFF1SitsNm1PTm0vcjJTRUZXN2VEUT09
Meeting ID: 955 9921 6918
Passcode: 544556
BHS Counselors Nicole Bent and Eric Schiff are offering Common App/Naviance support for seniors during X-block over the next two weeks - this Wed 10/19 @ 11:05 AND Wed 10/26 @ 11:05. They will be in room 277. See the attached flyer attached. All seniors are welcome!
Counselors of seniors continue to join senior advisories through part of November to share senior’s unofficial transcripts for review plus continue information sharing and support regarding the post high school planning process.
Did you miss BHS Counseling Dept sponsored virtual panel discussion of college admissions? Admission representatives gave updates about their schools and then answered audience questions. Five colleges participated on the panel: Boston University, Northeastern, Mass Bay Community College, UMass Amherst, University of Vermont.
Recording is here - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/bhs-college-panel
It’s time to think about financial aid for college…
Helpful Grown and Flown website article with financial aid tips and a walk-through to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). - https://grownandflown.com/how-to-complete-fafsa-css-profile/
The starting date in which the FAFSA can be submitted was October 1, 2022. BHS will be joining with MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority) to offer the FAFSA Festival on Tues 10/25/22 from 4-8pm - virtual 1:1 FREE support for seniors/families to work with a qualified financial aid advisor to complete the FAFSA form. More details coming soon!
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority will host multiple web seminars that explain the financial aid and merit aid process, under
the title "Financial Aid 101." We recommend choosing one of the following dates: 10/11, 10/20. All seminars start at 6:30. To sign up,
go to https://www.mefa.org/events
Register today for 1:1 support for seniors and parents/guardians to complete the FAFSA federal financial aid form….BHS is partnering with MEFA to host the FAFSA festival, where MEFA volunteers will help families fill out FAFSA. Help will be available in several languages. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. To sign up, go to https://www.mefa.org/events
Be sure to meet the financial aid deadlines for any college you are applying to by checking their deadlines on each colleges’ webpage.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER - BHS seniors and families are invited to the Nashoba Regional High School's MA State College Fair, open to all local families and students - Tuesday Oct 18, 2022, 6-8pm.
See attached flyer for more info.
Gap Year interest? Check out this list of accredited Gap Year programs - https://www.gapyearassociation.org/accredited-gap-year-programs/
The BHS Counseling Dept will be sponsoring a Gap Year Fair on January 18 from 6:30-8:30pm. Save the date on your calendar!
Parents of Seniors - Help out your student and complete the Parent “Brag” Sheet to share with your student’s counselor. This info will help the counselor write an even stronger college recommendation for your senior! And you can share your pride in your student’s achievements! See attached Parent Brag form
Students - Be sure to complete the Self-Questionnaire Form to hand off to your counselor. This info will also help your counselor write the most thorough and supportive recommendation letter for you. See attached sheets #1 and #2
Reminder - College Representatives are now virtually meeting with BHS Seniors.
Every fall, BHS hosts admission counselors from many of our top universities. They come specifically to talk to you and answer your questions. It is a great opportunity for you to connect to colleges without traveling! This year, the visits will be virtual, and after school (starting at 4 pm). You will need to sign up for visits through Naviance (https://student.naviance.com/colleges/visits). Please take a look at this list and sign up. If you need help logging in to Naviance, email Lenny Libenzon or your counselor.
Rep visits at BHS have started – Seniors can attend any and all college sessions of schools they plan to or are interested in attending. The schedule and REQUIRED zoom link registration can be found on your Naviance homepage. This is a wonderful way to learn more about colleges, ask important questions, and show demonstrated interest!
SENIORS– READ YOUR EMAILS! Especially if you are applying to college this Fall!
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.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
November 15 Wednesday, Oct 19
December 1 Tuesday, Nov 1
December 15 Tuesday, November 15
January 1 Wednesday, November 30
(includes no school December break)
January 15 Monday, December 12
February 1 Tuesday, January 3
February 15 Wednesday, January 18
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
- use the updated 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.
- BE sure you have done the “matching and FERPA” steps listed on the BHS College Application Guide or recently sent as a CANVAS reminder by Lenny Libenzon. The Counseling office cannot proceed with sending out your documents to colleges and teachers / counselor cannot upload their recommendations to send without you doing this step. See your counselor or Mr Libenzon if you have any questions!
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
BHS National Honor Society update - NHS is currently between advisors. The new advisor or team of advisors will be named/announced very soon.
In the meantime…. The most common question for kids at this point in the year is "How do I join NHS? Should I have heard something already?"
The answer that will likely remain the same under new advisors: In early October, an email with an application will go out to the school email address of all seniors who meet the NHS eligibility requirements of GPA and have a clear record with no academic dishonesty or conduct violations. That application will include space for them to report their completion of 15 hours of community service.
Juniors wondering about NHS are advised to keep working hard in their classes to maintain that GPA and to get involved with some community service opportunities that will help them complete 15 hours of service during their Junior year (including the summer months before senior year).
Some of the details may be subject to change under the leadership of new advisor(s) but this information is also shared with your student’s counselor as our seniors begin to apply to EA/ED colleges with November deadlines.
JUNIORS and SOPHOMORES
Coming soon!
Junior Year Timeline and Standardized College Admissions Testing ZOOM presentation - Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 6:30 pm. The BHS Counseling/Guidance Department with Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, will go over the Junior Year Calendar, and Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group will talk about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP). There will be updates on the ever-evolving testing landscape for college admissions. We will also discuss timelines for when students should be thinking about and taking standardized tests. This night is open to junior and sophomore students and their parents/caregivers. Please note that BHS does not specifically promote any outside testing prep companies, but appreciates their information sharing for this event.
This event will be recorded and shared in the following week’s Weekly Update and by PTO representatives.
9TH GRADERS
Stop by the 231 Counseling Suite at 22 Tappan when you have a free minute to say hello to your counselor - Ms Kennedy, Ms Young, Ms Bent, Mr Gorman, and Ms Neff-Verre (subbing for Ms Aggeler who will return from maternity leave on November 1). Ms Figueroa is a counselor and dean for some 9th graders too!
Counselors have started spending time in 9th grade T block Hubs for introductions and a guidance seminar in circle format. The theme will be “What Motivates You?” See you soon!