Grade 9, 10, 11 Students - Course Request Information
From Hal Mason, Assistant Head of School
The student and parent portals are now open for course registration for the 2019/2020 school year. The deadline for student course requests is Thursday, March 21. You can also watch a short video explaining the course selection process at: https://youtu.be/NksLUjRkWx8
Please spend some time until March 21 reviewing these important decisions with your child to help choose a strong schedule for next year. Students should also speak to teachers and counselors for course selection advice. Again this year we have asked teachers to spend more time on the “comments” attached to the course recommendations. These comments should give you and your child additional information helpful in creating a balanced schedule. Please remember that students are responsible for knowing and meeting all our graduation requirements.
The course selections that you make this month determine how we staff the high school. Therefore choose courses carefully and commit to those courses for 2019-2020 as there is not always room to make changes and switches later. Students overriding teacher recommendations must do so by April 2, 2019. To proceed with an override please have your child contact the guidance counselor.
From Hal Mason, Assistant Head of School
The student and parent portals are now open for course registration for the 2019/2020 school year. The deadline for student course requests is Thursday, March 21. You can also watch a short video explaining the course selection process at: https://youtu.be/NksLUjRkWx8
Please spend some time until March 21 reviewing these important decisions with your child to help choose a strong schedule for next year. Students should also speak to teachers and counselors for course selection advice. Again this year we have asked teachers to spend more time on the “comments” attached to the course recommendations. These comments should give you and your child additional information helpful in creating a balanced schedule. Please remember that students are responsible for knowing and meeting all our graduation requirements.
The course selections that you make this month determine how we staff the high school. Therefore choose courses carefully and commit to those courses for 2019-2020 as there is not always room to make changes and switches later. Students overriding teacher recommendations must do so by April 2, 2019. To proceed with an override please have your child contact the guidance counselor.
New course highlights :
Wellness
** Advanced Swimming and Lifeguard Training – will run 2Xwk for one semester
This course is divided into two focus areas: advanced swimming and lifeguard training certification. For students interested in advanced swimming, the course will focus on a personalized swimming fitness program designed to improve swimming technique and endurance. For students interested in the lifeguard training certification, the course, guided by the American Red Cross, will provide the knowledge and skills of water safety and how to quickly and effectively respond to water emergencies to prevent or reduce drowning and injuries.
Periods Per Week: 2 Credit: .25 Prerequisite: Yes Limited to 15 students
Advanced Swimming
Prerequisites for Advanced Swimming:
o demonstrate at least two different types of swimming strokes for one length of the pool
o swim at least three laps consecutively
Lifeguard Training - Prerequisites for Lifeguard Training:
The candidate must:
o be 15 years of age on or before the start session.
o swim 300 yards continuously for at least 100 yards using the front crawl and breaststroke
o starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10 pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object, and exit the water without using a ladder or steps, within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
** Advanced Wellness Course will run 2 days a week for the year
Career Tech Education (CTE)
Autonomous Robotics I – Check the online BHS Course Catalog on the BHS Homepage for more information
ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS
School Counselors week was back in February but here is a link to help you understand all that the BHS counselors are here to do…..
PS – Remind students to leave a note or email their counselor if they want have a question or want to set up a meeting!
Boston Globe 11/23/18 - School Counselors Matter” article – see attached article.
Want to better understand what it takes to land a summer job? Come to the College and Career Center in Room 279 during X block this Thursday March 14th to find out how!
TRANSITIONING TO COLLEGE: EXPERT GUIDANCE AND ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH ADHD, LEARNING DISABILITIES, AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (LEVEL 1) – see BHS guidance website flyer re: full day parent workshop in Newton, April 6, 2019, Sliding scale fee available. This workshop is NOT PSB affiliated or endorsed.
Friday Lunch Lounge continues!
Any student can join for one Friday lunch or become a regular. There’s lots of pizza, fun conversation or space to have your own quiet lunch space. Please join us in Room 277 for all three Friday lunches!
Students, Taking APs, and Expecting Our Young People to be Perfect – Good article from online site Grown and Flown -
https://grownandflown.com/trying-perfect-killing-teens/
It's time to think about your summer plans!
Please go to the BHS Guidance 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.
*******************************************************************************
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/
Juniors/Seniors/and Parents-Caretakers - Mark your calendars for BHS Evening Panel Presentation on College Support for Students with Learning Differences – April 2, 2019, 7-8:30pm, MLK
SENIORS
If your grade 12 student would like to apply for the BHS Scholarships but has not done so already, please have them submit their scholarship application ASAP. The application is easy to complete and can be found on the home page of the Brookline High School website. After completing the scholarship app, your student's CSS Profile (found on the College Board website) needs to submitted to the Brookline High School Scholarship Program - code 0424. Once students decide which college they will attend next year, they need to either email or bring a copy of their financial aid letter from that college to Ms. Whelan.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Whelan at her email - [email protected] or drop off documents to her office is in room 317.
Please note: The Scholarship Committee would like parents/guardians to know that three criteria are used 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. 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
College admissions decisions are now happening! Congratulations to students who are receiving good news! If you are still waiting or have concerns about your admissions decisions so far, please contact your counselor or Lenny Libenzon so we can work with you moving forward. Although waitlist numbers can change dramatically at the same school from year to year, see how many students were on the 2017-18 school year waitlist in this article - https://www.collegetransitions.com/waitlist-statistics
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
THIS TUESDAY! Junior Night for juniors and their parents/caretakers - Tuesday March 12 – 6:30-8:00 pm, Auditorium
BHS guidance and
College Counselor Lenny Libenzon will present information about post high school planning with a focus on the college search and application process.
NEXT WEEK - Thursday, March 21 – BHS College Fair, 6:30-8:30pm, Caf – JUNIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/CAREGIVERS - We invite you to attend our annual BHS College Fair, We will host over 100 colleges and programs from around the country. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet with the representatives from a variety of schools and programs. Please come with an open mind. You might discover a great school you have never heard about! List of current colleges/programs attached here and added to the BHS Guidance website… This list will be continually updated over the next week before the fair on 3/21.
Brookline High School and Kaplan Test Prep have partnered to offer an SAT/ACT Combo Practice Test after school at 3pm on Wednesday March 20, 2019. Through this unique event students will have the opportunity to experience more than one college entrance exam in a single test experience. Results from each test provide a performance analysis for each exam, detailing a student's strengths and weaknesses, and can be used as an SAT and ACT score predictor prior to sitting for the actual exam.
To guarantee a seat, please register: https://www.kaptest.com/class/SKKA190014
Another College Fair option - NACAC College Fair – Thurs 4/4 – 9-12, 6-8:30pm or Fri 4/5- 9-12 , Boston Seaport World Trade Center
https://hub.nacacnet.org/viewtemplate?render=pdf&tid=a2K1a000000LuLU&id=a0k1a00000j344iAAA
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/
“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.
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
PreACT score reports/ test booklets are now available for pick up at your counselor’s office. Please do not miss any classes to pick up your materials. Thanks!
GR 9 STUDENTS
Dean/ PTO Gr 9 Parent 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
Wellness
** Advanced Swimming and Lifeguard Training – will run 2Xwk for one semester
This course is divided into two focus areas: advanced swimming and lifeguard training certification. For students interested in advanced swimming, the course will focus on a personalized swimming fitness program designed to improve swimming technique and endurance. For students interested in the lifeguard training certification, the course, guided by the American Red Cross, will provide the knowledge and skills of water safety and how to quickly and effectively respond to water emergencies to prevent or reduce drowning and injuries.
Periods Per Week: 2 Credit: .25 Prerequisite: Yes Limited to 15 students
Advanced Swimming
Prerequisites for Advanced Swimming:
o demonstrate at least two different types of swimming strokes for one length of the pool
o swim at least three laps consecutively
Lifeguard Training - Prerequisites for Lifeguard Training:
The candidate must:
o be 15 years of age on or before the start session.
o swim 300 yards continuously for at least 100 yards using the front crawl and breaststroke
o starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10 pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object, and exit the water without using a ladder or steps, within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
** Advanced Wellness Course will run 2 days a week for the year
Career Tech Education (CTE)
Autonomous Robotics I – Check the online BHS Course Catalog on the BHS Homepage for more information
ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS
School Counselors week was back in February but here is a link to help you understand all that the BHS counselors are here to do…..
PS – Remind students to leave a note or email their counselor if they want have a question or want to set up a meeting!
Boston Globe 11/23/18 - School Counselors Matter” article – see attached article.
Want to better understand what it takes to land a summer job? Come to the College and Career Center in Room 279 during X block this Thursday March 14th to find out how!
TRANSITIONING TO COLLEGE: EXPERT GUIDANCE AND ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH ADHD, LEARNING DISABILITIES, AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (LEVEL 1) – see BHS guidance website flyer re: full day parent workshop in Newton, April 6, 2019, Sliding scale fee available. This workshop is NOT PSB affiliated or endorsed.
Friday Lunch Lounge continues!
Any student can join for one Friday lunch or become a regular. There’s lots of pizza, fun conversation or space to have your own quiet lunch space. Please join us in Room 277 for all three Friday lunches!
Students, Taking APs, and Expecting Our Young People to be Perfect – Good article from online site Grown and Flown -
https://grownandflown.com/trying-perfect-killing-teens/
It's time to think about your summer plans!
Please go to the BHS Guidance 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.
*******************************************************************************
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/
Juniors/Seniors/and Parents-Caretakers - Mark your calendars for BHS Evening Panel Presentation on College Support for Students with Learning Differences – April 2, 2019, 7-8:30pm, MLK
SENIORS
If your grade 12 student would like to apply for the BHS Scholarships but has not done so already, please have them submit their scholarship application ASAP. The application is easy to complete and can be found on the home page of the Brookline High School website. After completing the scholarship app, your student's CSS Profile (found on the College Board website) needs to submitted to the Brookline High School Scholarship Program - code 0424. Once students decide which college they will attend next year, they need to either email or bring a copy of their financial aid letter from that college to Ms. Whelan.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Whelan at her email - [email protected] or drop off documents to her office is in room 317.
Please note: The Scholarship Committee would like parents/guardians to know that three criteria are used 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. 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
College admissions decisions are now happening! Congratulations to students who are receiving good news! If you are still waiting or have concerns about your admissions decisions so far, please contact your counselor or Lenny Libenzon so we can work with you moving forward. Although waitlist numbers can change dramatically at the same school from year to year, see how many students were on the 2017-18 school year waitlist in this article - https://www.collegetransitions.com/waitlist-statistics
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
THIS TUESDAY! Junior Night for juniors and their parents/caretakers - Tuesday March 12 – 6:30-8:00 pm, Auditorium
BHS guidance and
College Counselor Lenny Libenzon will present information about post high school planning with a focus on the college search and application process.
NEXT WEEK - Thursday, March 21 – BHS College Fair, 6:30-8:30pm, Caf – JUNIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/CAREGIVERS - We invite you to attend our annual BHS College Fair, We will host over 100 colleges and programs from around the country. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet with the representatives from a variety of schools and programs. Please come with an open mind. You might discover a great school you have never heard about! List of current colleges/programs attached here and added to the BHS Guidance website… This list will be continually updated over the next week before the fair on 3/21.
Brookline High School and Kaplan Test Prep have partnered to offer an SAT/ACT Combo Practice Test after school at 3pm on Wednesday March 20, 2019. Through this unique event students will have the opportunity to experience more than one college entrance exam in a single test experience. Results from each test provide a performance analysis for each exam, detailing a student's strengths and weaknesses, and can be used as an SAT and ACT score predictor prior to sitting for the actual exam.
To guarantee a seat, please register: https://www.kaptest.com/class/SKKA190014
Another College Fair option - NACAC College Fair – Thurs 4/4 – 9-12, 6-8:30pm or Fri 4/5- 9-12 , Boston Seaport World Trade Center
https://hub.nacacnet.org/viewtemplate?render=pdf&tid=a2K1a000000LuLU&id=a0k1a00000j344iAAA
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/
“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.
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
PreACT score reports/ test booklets are now available for pick up at your counselor’s office. Please do not miss any classes to pick up your materials. Thanks!
GR 9 STUDENTS
Dean/ PTO Gr 9 Parent 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