Welcome to the 2022-23 school year!
These BHS Counseling Dept Weekly Update emails are sent to all students and the 1st contact parent/guardian listed on the students’ X2 accounts.
The two week schedule freeze is now in place until Friday 9/19. Students need to continue attending all the classes in their current schedule UNLESS A COURSE IS MISSING OR WAS NOT REQUESTED IN MARCH 2020. If a student still desires a “change of mind”/ change of curriculum level schedule change by 9/20, the student should be talking with their parent-guardian and current teacher about a possible change, then contacting their assigned counselor to see if a change is possible when working with curriculum coordinators and deans. We can not assure that all schedule changes requested as of 9/19 can be made due to limited seats in classes and other challenges that may be part of a request.
These BHS Counseling Dept Weekly Update emails are sent to all students and the 1st contact parent/guardian listed on the students’ X2 accounts.
The two week schedule freeze is now in place until Friday 9/19. Students need to continue attending all the classes in their current schedule UNLESS A COURSE IS MISSING OR WAS NOT REQUESTED IN MARCH 2020. If a student still desires a “change of mind”/ change of curriculum level schedule change by 9/20, the student should be talking with their parent-guardian and current teacher about a possible change, then contacting their assigned counselor to see if a change is possible when working with curriculum coordinators and deans. We can not assure that all schedule changes requested as of 9/19 can be made due to limited seats in classes and other challenges that may be part of a request.
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. Counselors are extraordinarily busy working on needed schedule corrections and registering new students so they may be slow to respond for the next few days. Advise your student to leave a note or send an email to their counselor if they are not available. We’re here and ready to support EVERY BHS student!
As I’ve done in the past, all NEW UPDATES will be highlighted in BLUE each week for easy scanning of newest info! Have a good week everyone!
FAMILIES
You will find this school year’s BHS schedule and the PSB district calendar attached to this email.
Find an attached one page document of essential reminders to students and families about attendance, technology, and other important info…..
USDA continues free lunches for any Brookline student for this school year 2022-23, regardless of meal eligibility – go to https://publicschoolsofbrooklineschoolnutrition.com/
ALL STUDENTS
IMPORTANT FOR ALL STUDENTS - No Wellness or Dance in your schedule?
Please follow up with your counselor by the end of this week (Friday 9/16) to make sure you have a plan for your required wellness credit to graduate later on. You must have this wellness or dance class listed in X2 so that can only be done by contacting your counselor.
In addition for BHS student-athletes - If you have listed a fall team sport for your wellness credit, you must fully participate in that sport for the season and that it must be correctly entered in x2 for credit by your counselor.
PSB can offer financial assistance for school activities to qualified families -
Lunch Lounge is back at BHS - 115 campus!
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:
The famous Club Fair will happen for all BHS students this Wed 9/14 during X block! Come one, come all to learn about all the amazing clubs and activities at BHS! Fun and some candy is waiting for you!
SHARP (Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention) Warriors is a coalition of Brookline High School students, alumni, and educators who work together to raise awareness, provide education, and change the culture around sexual assault and harassment at BHS. Please check out our website for more info on SHARP's initiatives/mission: https://sharpwarriors.square.site
This year, SHARP Warriors will meet during faculty collaboration time after school on Wednesdays. If you are consistently unable to attend these meetings, SHARP may not be the best fit for you. Joining the SHARP Warriors is a rewarding experience that brings the incredible strength and achievements of individuals in our community into light. It also guides team members into contact with an empowering and inter-connective community, dedicated to creating a safe and open environment at Brookline High School. If you are ready to apply, please respond to these prompts. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to SHARP leaders: Misha Kennedy ([email protected]), Naama Tomer ([email protected]), and Olivia Sheehan ([email protected]), or SHARP advisor, Keira Flynn-Carson ([email protected]).
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
Student Directors of the Brookline Tutor Mentor Program (BTMP) are looking for tutors. The BTMP was founded in 2014 with the goal of connecting high-schoolers and middle schoolers both through academics and a supportive mentor system. We individually pair middle school students and high-achieving high school tutors based on students’ academic needs and interests. We aim to offer a tutor and a role model for kids who are struggling academically, need an extra challenge, or just want a friend. The Brookline Tutor Mentor Program is looking to recruit high schoolers to tutor and guide middle school kids. Being a tutor-mentor is one of the most fulfilling positions in the community. Not only will you receive community service hours and a good addition to your resume, but as a high school student, tutoring gives you an opportunity to truly engage with and support a middle school student. Whether they are struggling with school or need advice from a friendly face, the tutor-mentor program is their rock that can be relied on at any time. As role models, our job is to motivate young students and aid them in growing into mature young adults. Students and their mentors often create deep bonds that transcend age differences and continue even beyond the Tutor-Mentor Program.
Please note: This year, the BTMP schedule is completely remote for the time being due to COVID-19. Because of this, tutoring hours are flexible! Tutors will be offered a large selection of times to meet with their students. If you apply, please regularly check your email for updates on meeting times, etc. If you are interested in giving back, earning community service hours, and adding something meaningful and unique to your resume, apply at https://bit.ly/BTMPTutorApplication. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions!
Career Exploration info for BHS students:
Interested in Data Science and related career fields?
Check out the attached initiative from a Cambridge Rindge and Latin student who wants you to join too! See attached flyer.
SENIORS
Calling all seniors!
This Wednesday during T block, the BHS Counseling department will present the Post High School Planning session for seniors in the auditorium. This is a mandatory assembly for all seniors. Students should go to their advisory for attendance, then walk with their advisor to the auditorium.
SENIOR PARENT NIGHT This Wed 9/14 from 6:30-8pm on zoom!
The BHS Counseling Team - with BHS College counselor Lenny Libenzon - will be introducing themselves and presenting about Post HS Planning with a focus on College Application Next Steps
BHS college counselor Lenny Libenzon will present on the "nuts and bolts" of applying to college from BHS.
Topics included: "releasing" transcripts from BHS, Early Action and Early Decision, college essay tips, and more. We also covered some basic information regarding Gap Year, military, and employment resources, as well as updates about admissions and BHS specific info from the Class of 2022.
Topic: Senior Parent Night
Time: Sep 14, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/94255452337?pwd=RldiUi9JSC9ObktsSkd2QWJZK2o0UT09
Meeting ID: 942 5545 2337
Passcode: 151358
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
College Representatives Virtually Coming to BHS Seniors again this year, starting Monday 9/19!
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 will start Monday 9/19 – 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!
Announcing the 18th Annual Brookline High School College Essay Writing Workshop - Sunday, October 2, 2022 8:30 am to 12:30 pm @ BHS, In Person
Sponsored by the BHS PTO and led by BHS faculty, this annual event helps seniors craft essays for college applications. BHS teachers will provide a volunteer orientation. This one-day opportunity really benefits BHS seniors as they start preparing college applications. Please consider joining us. Students should register online here. Workshop flyer attached to this email too. Parent/Community Member volunteers needed too - Questions? Contact [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]
Other 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/
SENIORS– READ YOUR EMAILS! Especially if you are applying to college this Fall!
Seniors - You will be asked to review your unofficial transcript for any missing classes or errors in your upcoming senior seminars. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
It is your responsibility to be sure your transcript is accurate before giving BHS permission to send to any colleges or post HS grad programs.
You should be checking that you are earning all required credits towards graduation this June 2023 too.
English- 4 credits
Science - 3 credits
Social Studies/History - 3 credits including US History
Math - 3 credits (4 years required for UMass State colleges/universities)
World Language - 2 credits (same language)
Elective - 3 credits distributed across Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Career/Tech, Community Service
Wellness - .5 Lifetime Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
+ additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
We will not be sharing any GPA information with colleges on official transcripts. See your Naviance account for your current “working” BHS GPA.
College Application Reminders:
You’ll learn more about these steps in the assembly this Wed 9/14 and in senior seminars….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
October 15 Monday, Sept 19
November 1 Monday, Oct 3
November 15 Monday, 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
These important deadline dates are also on the document shared with seniors.
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
JUNIORS
BHS will be offering the Saturday PSAT on October 15, 2022 at the high school. Online registration and more details will be shared by email to juniors in hub/advisories and families during the week of Sept 20.
Take a look at the BHS Junior Timeline document attached to this email. You can take on junior year with good planning and less stress! Talk to your assigned counselor if you have any questions.
SOPHOMORES
Parents of sophomores… Please take a virtual “coffee break” on Tues 9/20 from 8:15-9:15 on zoom. The counselors of sophomores will introduce themselves and share important topics to keep your 10th grader on track for a great start to the school year!
Topic: Sophomore Parent Coffee
Time: Sep 20, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/95571743881?pwd=Vmo2Y0U2QTlWY01YbkdIaUlhNHZrQT09
Meeting ID: 955 7174 3881
Passcode: 318998
10th graders….We hope you are having a good, positive start to your 10th grade year on the Greenough 115 campus.
9TH GRADERS
Welcome to BHS!
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 until her return from maternity leave in early November). Ms Figueroa is a counselor and dean for some 9th graders too!
Counselors will be spending time in your T block Hubs in the next month to spend some time getting to know you and offer guidance seminars in circle format. See you soon!
As I’ve done in the past, all NEW UPDATES will be highlighted in BLUE each week for easy scanning of newest info! Have a good week everyone!
FAMILIES
You will find this school year’s BHS schedule and the PSB district calendar attached to this email.
Find an attached one page document of essential reminders to students and families about attendance, technology, and other important info…..
USDA continues free lunches for any Brookline student for this school year 2022-23, regardless of meal eligibility – go to https://publicschoolsofbrooklineschoolnutrition.com/
ALL STUDENTS
IMPORTANT FOR ALL STUDENTS - No Wellness or Dance in your schedule?
Please follow up with your counselor by the end of this week (Friday 9/16) to make sure you have a plan for your required wellness credit to graduate later on. You must have this wellness or dance class listed in X2 so that can only be done by contacting your counselor.
In addition for BHS student-athletes - If you have listed a fall team sport for your wellness credit, you must fully participate in that sport for the season and that it must be correctly entered in x2 for credit by your counselor.
PSB can offer financial assistance for school activities to qualified families -
- Go to this PSB link - https://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/Page/2210
- The form can be filled out on your computer and, with the supporting documents, emailed to [email protected]. We accept photos and scans of all the documents.
- You can contact your school's secretary if you need help emailing the documents.
- This application procedure covers most school fees in the full school year: fees for Athletics, Instrumental Music, and other program and field trip fees.
- This application procedure covers Brookline Early Education Program Tuition.
- This application procedure does not cover optional field trips or programs and school lunch, which require a separate application for Free/Reduced fees
- In order to maintain your eligibility for this school year, you MUST submit a new application, along with current supporting documents.
Lunch Lounge is back at BHS - 115 campus!
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:
The famous Club Fair will happen for all BHS students this Wed 9/14 during X block! Come one, come all to learn about all the amazing clubs and activities at BHS! Fun and some candy is waiting for you!
SHARP (Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention) Warriors is a coalition of Brookline High School students, alumni, and educators who work together to raise awareness, provide education, and change the culture around sexual assault and harassment at BHS. Please check out our website for more info on SHARP's initiatives/mission: https://sharpwarriors.square.site
This year, SHARP Warriors will meet during faculty collaboration time after school on Wednesdays. If you are consistently unable to attend these meetings, SHARP may not be the best fit for you. Joining the SHARP Warriors is a rewarding experience that brings the incredible strength and achievements of individuals in our community into light. It also guides team members into contact with an empowering and inter-connective community, dedicated to creating a safe and open environment at Brookline High School. If you are ready to apply, please respond to these prompts. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to SHARP leaders: Misha Kennedy ([email protected]), Naama Tomer ([email protected]), and Olivia Sheehan ([email protected]), or SHARP advisor, Keira Flynn-Carson ([email protected]).
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
Student Directors of the Brookline Tutor Mentor Program (BTMP) are looking for tutors. The BTMP was founded in 2014 with the goal of connecting high-schoolers and middle schoolers both through academics and a supportive mentor system. We individually pair middle school students and high-achieving high school tutors based on students’ academic needs and interests. We aim to offer a tutor and a role model for kids who are struggling academically, need an extra challenge, or just want a friend. The Brookline Tutor Mentor Program is looking to recruit high schoolers to tutor and guide middle school kids. Being a tutor-mentor is one of the most fulfilling positions in the community. Not only will you receive community service hours and a good addition to your resume, but as a high school student, tutoring gives you an opportunity to truly engage with and support a middle school student. Whether they are struggling with school or need advice from a friendly face, the tutor-mentor program is their rock that can be relied on at any time. As role models, our job is to motivate young students and aid them in growing into mature young adults. Students and their mentors often create deep bonds that transcend age differences and continue even beyond the Tutor-Mentor Program.
Please note: This year, the BTMP schedule is completely remote for the time being due to COVID-19. Because of this, tutoring hours are flexible! Tutors will be offered a large selection of times to meet with their students. If you apply, please regularly check your email for updates on meeting times, etc. If you are interested in giving back, earning community service hours, and adding something meaningful and unique to your resume, apply at https://bit.ly/BTMPTutorApplication. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions!
Career Exploration info for BHS students:
Interested in Data Science and related career fields?
Check out the attached initiative from a Cambridge Rindge and Latin student who wants you to join too! See attached flyer.
SENIORS
Calling all seniors!
This Wednesday during T block, the BHS Counseling department will present the Post High School Planning session for seniors in the auditorium. This is a mandatory assembly for all seniors. Students should go to their advisory for attendance, then walk with their advisor to the auditorium.
SENIOR PARENT NIGHT This Wed 9/14 from 6:30-8pm on zoom!
The BHS Counseling Team - with BHS College counselor Lenny Libenzon - will be introducing themselves and presenting about Post HS Planning with a focus on College Application Next Steps
BHS college counselor Lenny Libenzon will present on the "nuts and bolts" of applying to college from BHS.
Topics included: "releasing" transcripts from BHS, Early Action and Early Decision, college essay tips, and more. We also covered some basic information regarding Gap Year, military, and employment resources, as well as updates about admissions and BHS specific info from the Class of 2022.
Topic: Senior Parent Night
Time: Sep 14, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/94255452337?pwd=RldiUi9JSC9ObktsSkd2QWJZK2o0UT09
Meeting ID: 942 5545 2337
Passcode: 151358
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
College Representatives Virtually Coming to BHS Seniors again this year, starting Monday 9/19!
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 will start Monday 9/19 – 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!
Announcing the 18th Annual Brookline High School College Essay Writing Workshop - Sunday, October 2, 2022 8:30 am to 12:30 pm @ BHS, In Person
Sponsored by the BHS PTO and led by BHS faculty, this annual event helps seniors craft essays for college applications. BHS teachers will provide a volunteer orientation. This one-day opportunity really benefits BHS seniors as they start preparing college applications. Please consider joining us. Students should register online here. Workshop flyer attached to this email too. Parent/Community Member volunteers needed too - Questions? Contact [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]
Other 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/
SENIORS– READ YOUR EMAILS! Especially if you are applying to college this Fall!
Seniors - You will be asked to review your unofficial transcript for any missing classes or errors in your upcoming senior seminars. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
It is your responsibility to be sure your transcript is accurate before giving BHS permission to send to any colleges or post HS grad programs.
You should be checking that you are earning all required credits towards graduation this June 2023 too.
English- 4 credits
Science - 3 credits
Social Studies/History - 3 credits including US History
Math - 3 credits (4 years required for UMass State colleges/universities)
World Language - 2 credits (same language)
Elective - 3 credits distributed across Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Career/Tech, Community Service
Wellness - .5 Lifetime Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
+ additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
We will not be sharing any GPA information with colleges on official transcripts. See your Naviance account for your current “working” BHS GPA.
College Application Reminders:
You’ll learn more about these steps in the assembly this Wed 9/14 and in senior seminars….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
October 15 Monday, Sept 19
November 1 Monday, Oct 3
November 15 Monday, 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
These important deadline dates are also on the document shared with seniors.
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
- use the updated link shared by your counselor - stay tuned!
- 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
BHS will be offering the Saturday PSAT on October 15, 2022 at the high school. Online registration and more details will be shared by email to juniors in hub/advisories and families during the week of Sept 20.
Take a look at the BHS Junior Timeline document attached to this email. You can take on junior year with good planning and less stress! Talk to your assigned counselor if you have any questions.
SOPHOMORES
Parents of sophomores… Please take a virtual “coffee break” on Tues 9/20 from 8:15-9:15 on zoom. The counselors of sophomores will introduce themselves and share important topics to keep your 10th grader on track for a great start to the school year!
Topic: Sophomore Parent Coffee
Time: Sep 20, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/95571743881?pwd=Vmo2Y0U2QTlWY01YbkdIaUlhNHZrQT09
Meeting ID: 955 7174 3881
Passcode: 318998
10th graders….We hope you are having a good, positive start to your 10th grade year on the Greenough 115 campus.
9TH GRADERS
Welcome to BHS!
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 until her return from maternity leave in early November). Ms Figueroa is a counselor and dean for some 9th graders too!
Counselors will be spending time in your T block Hubs in the next month to spend some time getting to know you and offer guidance seminars in circle format. See you soon!