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 change freeze was over at the end of day this past Friday 9/16. If a student desires a “change of mind”/ change of curriculum level schedule change, the student should be talking with their parent-guardian and current teacher about a possible change, then contacting their assigned counselor starting tomorrow Monday 9/19 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.
This week is a full 5 day school week.
Next week is a four day school week with Monday 9/26 off for Rosh Hashanah. Please see the 4 day week schedule on the attached document shared on this email.
The two week schedule change freeze was over at the end of day this past Friday 9/16. If a student desires a “change of mind”/ change of curriculum level schedule change, the student should be talking with their parent-guardian and current teacher about a possible change, then contacting their assigned counselor starting tomorrow Monday 9/19 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.
This week is a full 5 day school week.
Next week is a four day school week with Monday 9/26 off for Rosh Hashanah. Please see the 4 day week schedule on the attached document shared on this email.
As the PSB Educational Equity office shares with us, the time period from 9/15-10/15 is Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)
The Hispanic diversity month is actually celebrated from September 15 to October 15. The date was chosen because it’s the anniversary of when five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua – declared independence in 1821. Throughout this month, watch films or read books about Hispanic culture.
The term Hispanic or Latino refers to South or Central American, Puerto Rican, or other Spanish cultures or origins, regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or “another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.”
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. If the counselor is busy with another student or attending a meeting, advise your student to leave a note or send an email to their counselor.. 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!
FAMILIES
You will find this school year’s BHS schedule and the PSB district calendar attached to this email.
This week, I’ve also attached the 2022-23 Grading Timeline so students/families know when terms begin and end, plus IPR and report card sharing dates and other helpful information.
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
Taking an AP course at BHS? AP Registration opens tomorrow Monday 9/19-
The 2023 AP Registration will open tomorrow Monday September 19th at 5am. 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!
IMPORTANT FOR ALL STUDENTS - No Wellness or Dance in your schedule?
Please follow up with your counselor tomorrow 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 BHS Club Fair was well-attended by many students last Wednesday on the field in front of 115 Greenough. 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!
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:
Want to become a tutor? Join Study Buddy Tutoring! Study Buddy Tutoring (SBT) is a non-profit student-run tutoring organization for students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels in the Greater Boston area. Our mission is to provide a free, high-quality learning experience to help students of all kinds. We look to support students with the difficulties brought by the pandemic, including the shortcomings of remote learning. We also aim to combat inequality in education by supporting disadvantaged students through tutoring and fundraising for local education charities.
Although the organization was founded during the pandemic, we are happy to announce that tutors and students will have the option to meet in person this year in addition to our remote program. Our program provides tutoring for students of all ages and students can be tutored in any subject. Tutors and students will be matched up depending on the subject and teaching preferences.
Why you should join:
1. We have students currently awaiting tutors.
2. Community service hours can be earned into school credits. (50 hours= 0.25 credits).
3. It looks great on college apps!
If interested in joining as a tutor, please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/g8NX6Xo6nLu86Ufh9 or email us at [email protected]
Samaritans is looking for volunteers to join them to support the Samaritans 5K on Saturday, September 24th beginning at 7 am at Artesani Park (1255 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton).
Samaritans provides critical student and community suicide prevention workshops and crisis support. In addition to our 24/7 helpline, our Hey Sam helpline provides peer-to-peer support for teenagers and young adults live via text .
Our 24th annual Samaritans 5K Run / Walk for Suicide Prevention honors the people we've lost, but also celebrates the critical work of staying mentally healthy. We are back in person this year for the first time since 2019 and we need help!
Please sign up to join us to volunteer at the 5K. Full link to form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sSNd0JhoSE2VogKAIKPvhvcp9iqgTcBJvjb6QG6kYjNURUVNNTVQMlFVMkROSVE1RFdMNVBINjVMTSQlQCN0PWcu
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:
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)
Another nonBHS Career Opportunity- BHS students can attend on their own:
UMass Amherst Women in Engineering and Computing Career Day for High School Girls*
Monday, October 31st, 2022
Lincoln Campus Center, UMass Amherst
8:45 am to 1:15 pm (breakfast snack and lunch provided**)
$20 for students (scholarships available). Free for teachers and industry.
*While the event is geared towards high school girls, all genders are welcome.
** Lunch will be vegetarian but NOT vegan nor gluten free. Students may purchase other options with chaperone permission upstairs in the campus center.
Keynote Speaker: Monique Farrell, B.S. '14 Chemical Engineering and a native of Springfield, MA!
The UMass Amherst College of Engineering, in cooperation with the College of Information and Computer Sciences, will again be hosting our annual Career Day for regional high schools. For full and most up-to-date details please see our webpage.
Registration:
All (students, teachers, industry collaborators, and volunteers) should register through Eventbrite for sign-in, name badges, and indicating specific needs.
Ways to Pay Student Registration Fee:
Unfortunately, UMass cannot take payment through Eventbrite. Here are the options for payment:
- Day of event by cash, check (payable to UMass Amherst), or credit card
- (Site currently down) On-line via credit card »
- By Purchase Order
- By check (payable to University of Massachusetts, Mail to - Attn: Jessica Kazmier, College of Engineering - UMass, 127 Marston Hall, 130 Natural Resources Way, Amherst, MA 01003)
- Scholarship inquiries should be directed to Dr. Paula Rees via [email protected]
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.
BHS Sports reminders:
Are you interested in playing BHS Girls Basketball this year? Come to our informational meeting Wednesday 9/21 in the 22 Tappen Cafeteria at 2:30pm. Even if you aren't sure, stop by and meet the coaching staff and current players! On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays join the team for conditioning at Downes Field starting at 3:30pm. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday and hopefully at future workouts! Please email Coach Jones at [email protected] or Coach Kennedy at [email protected] with any questions!
SENIORS
Ms. McIntosh, the Gr 12 Deans Secretary, is asking all of you to fill out the mandatory Cap& Gown form for the graduation.
Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfu5q1OIaW3z3SNOwJBz558Ily11DQrJoUAn3Dm7Sj9Tt_4ow/viewform?usp=sf_link
Thanks to the 157 parents/guardians who joined the SENIOR PARENT NIGHT zoom Lenny Libenzon presented 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.
If you missed the live zoom, you can view the recording of Lenny Libenzon’s
presentation here:
Zoom Recording (please note passcode below)
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/FRW_-uxmqI2Q2LIQOuwo1qk1u0fOThc2ARQaQ0bH19IrvnqDtyaB-cuCdEDi9AEC.3F1B2uiwcUlQEHJw
Passcode: d%1Re?#f
The essential BHS College Application Guide is attached to this email too.
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 are virtually coming to BHS Seniors again this year, starting this 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!
UPDATED registration link below….Announcing the 18th Annual Brookline High School College Essay Writing Workshop - Sunday, October 2, 2022 9am to 12:30pm @ BHS, In Person
Registration for The Senior College Essay Writing Workshop is LIVE! This is a traditional BHS event open to BHS seniors at every stage of their college essay process. Students will have the chance to work with BHS teachers and parent/adult volunteers to move from ideas, to outlines, editing, and finished essays for their college applications. Please note that only seniors may participate. Click this link to register - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-bhs-college-essay-writing-workshop-registration-414250212537?mc_cid=3958ef0c02&mc_eid=6e1553249f
The PTO leaders for this event are also looking for parent/adult volunteers now to fill several roles. We encourage parents who have children in all grades to come join the crew. We are principally looking for folks who would be interested in the following roles (we usually have more than one person in each role):
1. Event day registration and logistics;
2. Parent/adults who are writers, editors, or are comfortable assisting students with writing.
If you are interested in these roles (or have other questions), please contact Liz Stillman ([email protected]) or Beth Jones ([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.
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
It’s time to think about financial aid for college…
The BHS Counselors understand that financial considerations play a critical role in college planning for many of our students. Please consider attending one or many of the free online workshops offered by MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority):
Understanding the FAFSA - Thurs 9/22/22, 12-1pm Register @ https://www.mefa.org/events
What to Know about the CSS Profile - Tues 9/27/22, 12-1pm Register @ https://www.mefa.org/events
Financial Aid 101 - multiple dates - 9/28, 10/6, 10/11, 10/20 all @ 6:30pm Register @ https://www.mefa.org/events
Seniors only - FAFSA Festival - BHS works directly with MEFA to offer 1:1 virtual support to get the FAFSA / Financial Aid form completed - Tues 10/25/22, 4-8pm- More info to come
Starting to think about scholarships for college? See the attached Scholarship website recourse finder for FREE options to help you!
JUNIORS
BHS will be offering the Saturday PSAT on October 15, 2022 at the high school. Online registration starts Monday 9/19 at 6am. Please see the attached PSAT registration info sheet on this email for more information. Info sheets can also be found in the 285 counseling suite at the 115 Greenough building.
This is a test normed for juniors in high school so we recommend that most BHS juniors try this practice test.
The information will help guide planning regarding testing in each student’s college application process.
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 THIS TUES!… 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!