ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS
Midyear Exams Continue– Monday 1/28 and Tuesday 1/29. You got this! Parents – Do you have a stressed out teen at home during midyear exams or generally? See the article with 10 suggestions to offer support from the helpful Grown and Flown website on the BHS Guidance website.
Last day of Semester 1/ Term 2 is this Wed 1/30. Please see modified schedule for this day on the BHS Guidance website.
Let your teenager know you love them this Valentine’s Day Feb 14…see an easy and caring idea to make the entire month of February special for both of you on the BHS Guidance website!
Consider this....What Straight-A Students Get Wrong If you always succeed in school, you’re not setting yourself up for success in life - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/08/opinion/college-gpa-career-success.html
Midyear Exams Continue– Monday 1/28 and Tuesday 1/29. You got this! Parents – Do you have a stressed out teen at home during midyear exams or generally? See the article with 10 suggestions to offer support from the helpful Grown and Flown website on the BHS Guidance website.
Last day of Semester 1/ Term 2 is this Wed 1/30. Please see modified schedule for this day on the BHS Guidance website.
Let your teenager know you love them this Valentine’s Day Feb 14…see an easy and caring idea to make the entire month of February special for both of you on the BHS Guidance website!
Consider this....What Straight-A Students Get Wrong If you always succeed in school, you’re not setting yourself up for success in life - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/08/opinion/college-gpa-career-success.html
Students and Tech/ Video Gaming…. When is this a problem? Read this article - 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. Wednesday March 6th from 7-8:30 PM at the 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. Click here for more information. Deadline for entry is March 8, 2019.
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!
BHS Career Workshop student opportunity – Meet the BHS Career Counselor Ms Kate Cordner and attend the presentation from Jessica Mallette, licensed massage therapist and owner of Hara Therapeutic Massage and Wellness. 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? Raffle will be happening with prizes for some students who attend the entire presentation! Go to the College and Career Center, room 279 this Thursday 1/31, X block.
It's time to think about your summer plans! Please go to the BHS Guidance website for a helpful info sheet for many ideas. 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 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.
*******************************************************************
SENIORS
BHS 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.
Upcoming College Application Deadlines (Feb 1, Feb 15, March) - Remember that you are responsible to get all needed documents to your counselor, teacher, and the BHS Guidance office 4 weeks before your college deadline. Needed documents include: completed transcript request form, student self-questionnaire, parent brag sheet, list of colleges to any teacher who has agreed to write your recommendations. See your counselor if you have any questions.
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
GAP YEAR INFO - BHS Counseling Dept/ USA Gap Year Fair 1/14/19 event update – The taping of the “What is a Gap Year?” presentation did not come together. Sorry to all! Instead, last year’s 2018 taped presentation can be viewed here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH6yYkdLEy0&feature=youtu.be
Also feel free to check out the Teen Life website and click Gap Year programs on homepage. Coming soon - Find their comprehensive guide on our BHS Guidance Website under Gap Year link to right of home page.
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/
Seniors - Have questions about your Common Application? Need essay help? Not sure how to send your scores to colleges? Having trouble matching your Common App to Naviance? Still deciding on colleges to apply to?
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
CURRENT JUNIORS, SOPHOMORES, FRESHMEN
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.
In addition, ACE Parent Information Night is scheduled for February 4th, at 6:30 in the MLK Room.
****************************************************************************
JUNIORS
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
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
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.
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. Wednesday March 6th from 7-8:30 PM at the 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. Click here for more information. Deadline for entry is March 8, 2019.
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!
BHS Career Workshop student opportunity – Meet the BHS Career Counselor Ms Kate Cordner and attend the presentation from Jessica Mallette, licensed massage therapist and owner of Hara Therapeutic Massage and Wellness. 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? Raffle will be happening with prizes for some students who attend the entire presentation! Go to the College and Career Center, room 279 this Thursday 1/31, X block.
It's time to think about your summer plans! Please go to the BHS Guidance website for a helpful info sheet for many ideas. 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 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.
*******************************************************************
SENIORS
BHS 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.
Upcoming College Application Deadlines (Feb 1, Feb 15, March) - Remember that you are responsible to get all needed documents to your counselor, teacher, and the BHS Guidance office 4 weeks before your college deadline. Needed documents include: completed transcript request form, student self-questionnaire, parent brag sheet, list of colleges to any teacher who has agreed to write your recommendations. See your counselor if you have any questions.
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
GAP YEAR INFO - BHS Counseling Dept/ USA Gap Year Fair 1/14/19 event update – The taping of the “What is a Gap Year?” presentation did not come together. Sorry to all! Instead, last year’s 2018 taped presentation can be viewed here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH6yYkdLEy0&feature=youtu.be
Also feel free to check out the Teen Life website and click Gap Year programs on homepage. Coming soon - Find their comprehensive guide on our BHS Guidance Website under Gap Year link to right of home page.
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/
Seniors - Have questions about your Common Application? Need essay help? Not sure how to send your scores to colleges? Having trouble matching your Common App to Naviance? Still deciding on colleges to apply to?
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
CURRENT JUNIORS, SOPHOMORES, FRESHMEN
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.
In addition, ACE Parent Information Night is scheduled for February 4th, at 6:30 in the MLK Room.
****************************************************************************
JUNIORS
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
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
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.