IMPORTANT NOTE RE: WHO IS RECEIVING BHS GUIDANCE UPDATES-
From Darby Neff-Verre, Guidance Department Chair: Aspen X2 is the communication tool available for sending the weekly BHS Guidance Update emails. I send these emails to all students (based on the email address in X2 which is now only their brookilnek12 address) and the first contact listed on Aspen. If I add other Aspen contacts, then this automatically sends weekly emails to ALL of a single student's contacts, including emergency contacts. In the effort to not flood emails of people who don't need this information, I have only been sending to the first contact listed for every student. I ask that parents / co-parents/ guardians share these emails with each other so important info is presented to all.
From Darby Neff-Verre, Guidance Department Chair: Aspen X2 is the communication tool available for sending the weekly BHS Guidance Update emails. I send these emails to all students (based on the email address in X2 which is now only their brookilnek12 address) and the first contact listed on Aspen. If I add other Aspen contacts, then this automatically sends weekly emails to ALL of a single student's contacts, including emergency contacts. In the effort to not flood emails of people who don't need this information, I have only been sending to the first contact listed for every student. I ask that parents / co-parents/ guardians share these emails with each other so important info is presented to all.
ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS
Friday Lunch Lounge continues!
Want a different place to eat lunch? Many students are enjoying a less stressful, fun experience in a quiet, small venue.
You are invited to come to room 277 on Fridays to hangout, play games, and meet some new people. Bring your lunch or enjoy some delicious pizza.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: We are working hard to expand these well-received social lunch opportunities to other lunches during the school week. More information to come….
“Finding Success in Your Second Semester” – adapted from original article by Dr Deborah Cohan, PhD, Psychology Today, 1/2/18 – STUDENTS Gr 9-12- Do you need a reboot as you start Semester 2 at BHS? See these 9 tips on the BHS Guidance website.
Thursday 2/14 X block come to the College and Career Center, rm 279 to hear from Adam Paggi, certified physical therapist and owner of Paggi Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab . Interested in owning your own business or learning about massage therapy? If you are come by! Did you know that Massage Therapists make about $39,860 per year!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 36 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. A certified PT can earn at least $60,600 a year, which means $29.13 per hour and $5,050 per month. A senior PT can make an average of $120,000 a year depending on location, experience, etc.
“A concerning new study details how perfectionism is on the rise… and taking its toll” from Upworthy - January 2018 - http://u.pw/2lPs9f0
Students and Tech/ Video Gaming…. When is this a problem? Read this article -
https://www.mindfulschools.org/inspiration/addicted-to-technology-how-to-stop-panicking-and-create-healthy-solutions/?
AND
In collaboration with BPEN, PSB is hosting Dr.Alok Konojia, psychiatrist at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, who will be addressing parents on the important topic of video gaming addiction.
When: Wednesday March 6th from 7-8:30 PM
Where: Coolidge Corner School
Please find flyer for the event on the BHS Guidance website which links to an Eventbrite registration form. The event is free of charge and open to all Brookline parents.
* For more information on the speaker, please see below - https://kanojiapsychiatry.com/
* For more information on the topic, please see - https://www.psychguides.com/guides/video-game-addiction-symptoms-causes-and-effects/
Enjoy writing? Love Sports? Consider entering the Will McDonough 15th Annual Writing Contest sponsored by the Boston Globe and open to students in grades 4-12. See information on this website. Deadline for entry is March 8, 2019.
It's time to think about your summer plans! See info on this website for a helpful info sheet for many ideas (updated 1/31/19). Note that programs listed here are not all inclusive and do not suggest that Brookline High specifically endorses any program. Remember to read the intro at the top of the info sheet. See your counselor for more feedback or questions!
Some suggested summer pre-college opportunities with financial aid available - http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/summer-pre-college-programs-2019/
Please note that attending a pre-college program at any particular college does not usually offer any special consideration during future admissions at that school.
CURRENT 9th, 10th, 11th GRADERS
Thinking of a different educational experience at Brookline High next school year?
Maybe SWS (School Within a School) or ACE are the right fit for you? Both programs are open to current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders to apply.
APPLICATIONS FOR SWS The BHS School Within a School SWS app deadline extended! Now, applicants will have until February 13th to visit a SWS class, and a SWS Town Meeting.
All applicants need to fill out the google form, and download the packet, found at SWSBrookline.org. Also, all applicants must attend a mandatory admissions meeting during X Block on February 14th.
Applications for ACE - Interested students should do the following:
Set up an appointment to meet with ACE Guidance Counselor, Kara Lopez.
Schedule a visit to an ACE class (through Kara).
Submit an ACE application by March 1st.
Parent/Guardian schedule an intake interview with Program Coordinator, Amy Bayer.
For more information, view the ACE program website - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/ace.html, contact your student’s guidance counselor, or see ACE counselor Kara Lopez (Office 248)
************************************************************************************
SENIORS
SENIOR STUDENTS - Stressed about the College Process? WE NEED YOUR VOICE!
We’d love your help to hear abou the concerns and experiences of BHS seniors going through the college application process. You are invited to join a Restorative Justice Circle discussion to be heard and to hear others’ perspectives on Monday February 25, 3:15- 4:30pm at BHS.
This Circle is a chance for a group of students and a few staff to come together and share what their college application experience has been like so far, the stresses, the hopes, and what has helped them get through it.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. We’d love to hear students’ voices about their experiences!
Please respond to this survey to let us know you can attend or have interest- https://goo.gl/forms/pR43E7z5xjwikyoQ2 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
BHS specific, General and BU, Northeastern Scholarship Info:
More details available on the BHS homepage and the BHS Guidance website noted above.
The Brookline High Scholarship Committee would like parents to know that we use three criteria for choosing award recipients: academics, contributions and activities at BHS, and most importantly, unmet financial need. There are no merit scholarships per se given out through this program.
Specific applications are now available for tuition scholarships to Boston University (2 full-tuition renewable scholarships) and Northeastern University (2 half-tuition renewable scholarships). Applications are available online at the BHS homepage under 2019 BHS Scholarship Application. Applications must be completed ASAP.
The deadline for applying for all BHS scholarships for students attending ANY OTHER college is April 1. To make fair decisions, the Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Please use code #0424. Please use the same application as above.
“Is it a Scam?” – Scholarship and other financial aid scams - Federal Trade Commission - http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0082-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams
Beware of scholarship and other financial aid scams! This website can help you spot scams and avoid wasting your money.
READ YOUR EMAIL IF YOU HAVE APPLIED TO COLLEGE! Set up and check your portal for each college. If you have questions, students should be contacting the admissions offices, not parents….. See this article for more info about documents to college - http://admitted.nacacnet.org/wordpress/index.php/2018/11/21/parents-before-you-yell-at-your-childs-school-counselor/
If you change your admissions requests or decide not to apply to a college on your original transcript release form, PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR COUNSELOR OR STOP BY ROOM 161 (Main Guidance Office) so we can update your requests.
Thinking about an alternative plan to 4 year college? You are not alone! Almost 10% of last year’s BHS graduates planned to attend a 2 year technical or community college, work full time, or considered the military. Please see Kate Cordner, the BHS Career Counselor, on Tues- Friday in Room 279 or 280 for more info.
JUNIORS AND SENIORS
Post-Secondary Fair for Students who Learn Differently - March 28, Landmark School - info and great online resource - https://landmark360.org/2018/06/22/navigating-the-college-admissions-process-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/
Mark your calendars for BHS Evening Panel Presentation on College Support for Students with Learning Differences – April 2, 2019, 7-8:30pm, MLK
*******************************************************************
JUNIORS
The Junior Mentor College Makeup Seminar will be in room 020 (Multipurpose room in the basement) on Thursday 2/14 during X block. Mr Libenzon will be facilitating this seminar to review your current transcript and beging discussion about key topics related to the post high school planning/ college search process.
Mark your calendars now for 2 evening events for juniors and their parents/caregivers:
–RESCHEDULED TO March 12, 2019 Junior Night - 6:30 -8:30 pm, Auditorium
The BHS guidance and Lenny Libenzon, will present information about post high school planning with a focus on the college search and application process. This presentation is offered for junior students and parent/guardians.
- Thursday, March 21 – BHS College Fair, 6:30-8:30pm, Cafe
Junior Seminar #1 continues in Advisories until Feb vacation and Seminar #2 is scheduled during the mornings of ELA MCAS in March. At this time, students can contact their counselor for information and to set up an individual appointment– stop by, leave a note, send an email if they are not available.
WE ENCOURAGE ALL JUNIORS TO DO A FEW THINGS AFTER VIEWING THEIR PSAT SCORES:
1- MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR TO DISCUSS SCORES AND START THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE PLANNING
2- USE THE FREE ONLINE KHAN ACADEMY LINKED TO THE PSAT REPORT TO LEARN ABOUT HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SCORES
3- ATTEND THE 12/11/18 7pm EVENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BHS JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE AND TO HAVE AN IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING INFORMATION
Juniors- Starting to research colleges? Wondering whether to take the SAT, ACT, or go test-optional? Thinking about when you should take these tests?
Make an appointment with your counselor (email or leave a note, if needed) OR see Mr Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, in College-Career Center 279 or office 280
Good article on Paying for College questions – 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Paying for College - https://grownandflown.com/seven-most-frequently-asked-questions-paying-for-college/
College Applications and SAT/ACT essay – to take or not to take?
SAT essay info:
https://blog.prepscholar.com/schools-that-require-the-sat-essay
ACT essay info:
https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-list-which-colleges-require-act-writing-all-schools
Can going test optional help support diversity on college campuses?https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/04/26/604875394/study-colleges-that-ditch-the-sat-and-act-can-enhance-diversity?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20180426
*******************************************************************
SOPHOMORES
Missed the Jan 16, 2019 Gr 10 PTO/Guidance co-sponsored breakfast meeting on "Next Steps to Junior Year and Beyond"? You can watch the presentation by BHS College Counselor and BHS Coordinator of Guidance/Counseling Darby Neff-Verre now -https://youtu.be/AwNAX95tMjA
Sophomore Seminars continue in Gr 10 Advisory. Get to know your counselor, continue thinking about career exploration in relation to your upcoming course selection for Gr 11 and when planning your extracurricular activities.
PreACT score reports will be available in school during early March and a PreACT score report overview for students is scheduled for X block, Thurs March 7th.
GR 9 STUDENTS
Gr 9 Deans share the Gr 9 --> 10 course selection meeting notes (January 24, 2019) - http://www.bhs-pto.org/uploads/1/0/9/0/10904053/bhs_sophomore_year_course_selection_meeting_notes.pdf
Friday Lunch Lounge continues!
Want a different place to eat lunch? Many students are enjoying a less stressful, fun experience in a quiet, small venue.
You are invited to come to room 277 on Fridays to hangout, play games, and meet some new people. Bring your lunch or enjoy some delicious pizza.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: We are working hard to expand these well-received social lunch opportunities to other lunches during the school week. More information to come….
“Finding Success in Your Second Semester” – adapted from original article by Dr Deborah Cohan, PhD, Psychology Today, 1/2/18 – STUDENTS Gr 9-12- Do you need a reboot as you start Semester 2 at BHS? See these 9 tips on the BHS Guidance website.
Thursday 2/14 X block come to the College and Career Center, rm 279 to hear from Adam Paggi, certified physical therapist and owner of Paggi Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab . Interested in owning your own business or learning about massage therapy? If you are come by! Did you know that Massage Therapists make about $39,860 per year!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 36 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. A certified PT can earn at least $60,600 a year, which means $29.13 per hour and $5,050 per month. A senior PT can make an average of $120,000 a year depending on location, experience, etc.
“A concerning new study details how perfectionism is on the rise… and taking its toll” from Upworthy - January 2018 - http://u.pw/2lPs9f0
Students and Tech/ Video Gaming…. When is this a problem? Read this article -
https://www.mindfulschools.org/inspiration/addicted-to-technology-how-to-stop-panicking-and-create-healthy-solutions/?
AND
In collaboration with BPEN, PSB is hosting Dr.Alok Konojia, psychiatrist at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, who will be addressing parents on the important topic of video gaming addiction.
When: Wednesday March 6th from 7-8:30 PM
Where: Coolidge Corner School
Please find flyer for the event on the BHS Guidance website which links to an Eventbrite registration form. The event is free of charge and open to all Brookline parents.
* For more information on the speaker, please see below - https://kanojiapsychiatry.com/
* For more information on the topic, please see - https://www.psychguides.com/guides/video-game-addiction-symptoms-causes-and-effects/
Enjoy writing? Love Sports? Consider entering the Will McDonough 15th Annual Writing Contest sponsored by the Boston Globe and open to students in grades 4-12. See information on this website. Deadline for entry is March 8, 2019.
It's time to think about your summer plans! See info on this website for a helpful info sheet for many ideas (updated 1/31/19). Note that programs listed here are not all inclusive and do not suggest that Brookline High specifically endorses any program. Remember to read the intro at the top of the info sheet. See your counselor for more feedback or questions!
Some suggested summer pre-college opportunities with financial aid available - http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/summer-pre-college-programs-2019/
Please note that attending a pre-college program at any particular college does not usually offer any special consideration during future admissions at that school.
CURRENT 9th, 10th, 11th GRADERS
Thinking of a different educational experience at Brookline High next school year?
Maybe SWS (School Within a School) or ACE are the right fit for you? Both programs are open to current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders to apply.
APPLICATIONS FOR SWS The BHS School Within a School SWS app deadline extended! Now, applicants will have until February 13th to visit a SWS class, and a SWS Town Meeting.
All applicants need to fill out the google form, and download the packet, found at SWSBrookline.org. Also, all applicants must attend a mandatory admissions meeting during X Block on February 14th.
Applications for ACE - Interested students should do the following:
Set up an appointment to meet with ACE Guidance Counselor, Kara Lopez.
Schedule a visit to an ACE class (through Kara).
Submit an ACE application by March 1st.
Parent/Guardian schedule an intake interview with Program Coordinator, Amy Bayer.
For more information, view the ACE program website - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/ace.html, contact your student’s guidance counselor, or see ACE counselor Kara Lopez (Office 248)
************************************************************************************
SENIORS
SENIOR STUDENTS - Stressed about the College Process? WE NEED YOUR VOICE!
We’d love your help to hear abou the concerns and experiences of BHS seniors going through the college application process. You are invited to join a Restorative Justice Circle discussion to be heard and to hear others’ perspectives on Monday February 25, 3:15- 4:30pm at BHS.
This Circle is a chance for a group of students and a few staff to come together and share what their college application experience has been like so far, the stresses, the hopes, and what has helped them get through it.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. We’d love to hear students’ voices about their experiences!
Please respond to this survey to let us know you can attend or have interest- https://goo.gl/forms/pR43E7z5xjwikyoQ2 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
BHS specific, General and BU, Northeastern Scholarship Info:
More details available on the BHS homepage and the BHS Guidance website noted above.
The Brookline High Scholarship Committee would like parents to know that we use three criteria for choosing award recipients: academics, contributions and activities at BHS, and most importantly, unmet financial need. There are no merit scholarships per se given out through this program.
Specific applications are now available for tuition scholarships to Boston University (2 full-tuition renewable scholarships) and Northeastern University (2 half-tuition renewable scholarships). Applications are available online at the BHS homepage under 2019 BHS Scholarship Application. Applications must be completed ASAP.
The deadline for applying for all BHS scholarships for students attending ANY OTHER college is April 1. To make fair decisions, the Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Please use code #0424. Please use the same application as above.
“Is it a Scam?” – Scholarship and other financial aid scams - Federal Trade Commission - http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0082-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams
Beware of scholarship and other financial aid scams! This website can help you spot scams and avoid wasting your money.
READ YOUR EMAIL IF YOU HAVE APPLIED TO COLLEGE! Set up and check your portal for each college. If you have questions, students should be contacting the admissions offices, not parents….. See this article for more info about documents to college - http://admitted.nacacnet.org/wordpress/index.php/2018/11/21/parents-before-you-yell-at-your-childs-school-counselor/
If you change your admissions requests or decide not to apply to a college on your original transcript release form, PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR COUNSELOR OR STOP BY ROOM 161 (Main Guidance Office) so we can update your requests.
Thinking about an alternative plan to 4 year college? You are not alone! Almost 10% of last year’s BHS graduates planned to attend a 2 year technical or community college, work full time, or considered the military. Please see Kate Cordner, the BHS Career Counselor, on Tues- Friday in Room 279 or 280 for more info.
JUNIORS AND SENIORS
Post-Secondary Fair for Students who Learn Differently - March 28, Landmark School - info and great online resource - https://landmark360.org/2018/06/22/navigating-the-college-admissions-process-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/
Mark your calendars for BHS Evening Panel Presentation on College Support for Students with Learning Differences – April 2, 2019, 7-8:30pm, MLK
*******************************************************************
JUNIORS
The Junior Mentor College Makeup Seminar will be in room 020 (Multipurpose room in the basement) on Thursday 2/14 during X block. Mr Libenzon will be facilitating this seminar to review your current transcript and beging discussion about key topics related to the post high school planning/ college search process.
Mark your calendars now for 2 evening events for juniors and their parents/caregivers:
–RESCHEDULED TO March 12, 2019 Junior Night - 6:30 -8:30 pm, Auditorium
The BHS guidance and Lenny Libenzon, will present information about post high school planning with a focus on the college search and application process. This presentation is offered for junior students and parent/guardians.
- Thursday, March 21 – BHS College Fair, 6:30-8:30pm, Cafe
Junior Seminar #1 continues in Advisories until Feb vacation and Seminar #2 is scheduled during the mornings of ELA MCAS in March. At this time, students can contact their counselor for information and to set up an individual appointment– stop by, leave a note, send an email if they are not available.
WE ENCOURAGE ALL JUNIORS TO DO A FEW THINGS AFTER VIEWING THEIR PSAT SCORES:
1- MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR TO DISCUSS SCORES AND START THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE PLANNING
2- USE THE FREE ONLINE KHAN ACADEMY LINKED TO THE PSAT REPORT TO LEARN ABOUT HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SCORES
3- ATTEND THE 12/11/18 7pm EVENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BHS JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE AND TO HAVE AN IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING INFORMATION
Juniors- Starting to research colleges? Wondering whether to take the SAT, ACT, or go test-optional? Thinking about when you should take these tests?
Make an appointment with your counselor (email or leave a note, if needed) OR see Mr Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, in College-Career Center 279 or office 280
Good article on Paying for College questions – 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Paying for College - https://grownandflown.com/seven-most-frequently-asked-questions-paying-for-college/
College Applications and SAT/ACT essay – to take or not to take?
SAT essay info:
https://blog.prepscholar.com/schools-that-require-the-sat-essay
ACT essay info:
https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-list-which-colleges-require-act-writing-all-schools
Can going test optional help support diversity on college campuses?https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/04/26/604875394/study-colleges-that-ditch-the-sat-and-act-can-enhance-diversity?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20180426
*******************************************************************
SOPHOMORES
Missed the Jan 16, 2019 Gr 10 PTO/Guidance co-sponsored breakfast meeting on "Next Steps to Junior Year and Beyond"? You can watch the presentation by BHS College Counselor and BHS Coordinator of Guidance/Counseling Darby Neff-Verre now -https://youtu.be/AwNAX95tMjA
Sophomore Seminars continue in Gr 10 Advisory. Get to know your counselor, continue thinking about career exploration in relation to your upcoming course selection for Gr 11 and when planning your extracurricular activities.
PreACT score reports will be available in school during early March and a PreACT score report overview for students is scheduled for X block, Thurs March 7th.
GR 9 STUDENTS
Gr 9 Deans share the Gr 9 --> 10 course selection meeting notes (January 24, 2019) - http://www.bhs-pto.org/uploads/1/0/9/0/10904053/bhs_sophomore_year_course_selection_meeting_notes.pdf