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….
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….
National 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.
“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.
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/
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
This event will be taped and added to this weekly update email in a few weeks.
Please find flyer for the event on the BHS Guidance website with links to 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 the BHS Guidance website. Deadline for entry is March 8, 2019.
2019 AP Exam Registration now through March 6, 2019 - see BHS homepage
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.
Grade 9, 10, 11 Students
Applications for ACE EXTENDED to March 8- 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 8. Parent/Guardian schedule an intake interview with Program Coordinator, Amy Bayer.
Course selection for 2019-20 will begin this week!
2019-20 Course Catalog now uploaded to the BHS Homepage! Check it out!
Sttudents will get complete directions on next steps in Advisory Tues 3/5 including:
New course highlights (CTE, 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
JUNIORS AND SENIORS
BHS Guidance welcomes College Success Night presentation by Harlan Cohen: For Parents, Seniors, and Juniors – BHS MLK Room – Tuesday March 6, 7-8:30pm
College success is more than getting in – it’s about staying in, thriving on campus, and graduating with a degree, a purpose, and a passion. New York Times bestselling author and top college life expert Harlan Cohen helps seniors, juniors, and parents know what it takes to be successful in college. Join us for this interactive, lively, and informative event. Parents, seniors, juniors, and families are welcome to attend.
For more information about Harlan, visit www.HarlanCohen.com.
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
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
Mark your calendars now for 2 evening events for juniors and their parents/caregivers: -
* RESCHEDULED Junior Night - Tuesday March 12 – 6:30-8:00 pm, Auditorium
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, 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… Please note that this list will be updated over the next weeks before the fair on 3/21
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
Kaplan will offer a free ACT/SAT combo practice test on Wednesday March 20 in the BHS Café from 3-6:30pm. Registration info will be sent soon so mark your calendars now. Please note that BHS offering this opportunity does not specifically endorse this test prep company.
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 will be available to students with an overview of these reports - scheduled for X block, Thurs March 7th. All sophomores and juniors who took the test should come to the Auditorium for X block for the presentation and to collect their score reports and test booklets outside of the auditorium after the presentation or later that day in their counselor’s office.
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
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.
“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.
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/
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
This event will be taped and added to this weekly update email in a few weeks.
Please find flyer for the event on the BHS Guidance website with links to 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 the BHS Guidance website. Deadline for entry is March 8, 2019.
2019 AP Exam Registration now through March 6, 2019 - see BHS homepage
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.
Grade 9, 10, 11 Students
Applications for ACE EXTENDED to March 8- 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 8. Parent/Guardian schedule an intake interview with Program Coordinator, Amy Bayer.
Course selection for 2019-20 will begin this week!
2019-20 Course Catalog now uploaded to the BHS Homepage! Check it out!
Sttudents will get complete directions on next steps in Advisory Tues 3/5 including:
- Teachers course recommendations on portal
- Student uploads electives and wellness courses to student portal
- Use alternate option on portal to indicate prioritized elective choices
- Review credits needed for your progress to a BHS diploma
- Consider balance of your course load and your extracurriculars for a successful, healthy school year
New course highlights (CTE, 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
JUNIORS AND SENIORS
BHS Guidance welcomes College Success Night presentation by Harlan Cohen: For Parents, Seniors, and Juniors – BHS MLK Room – Tuesday March 6, 7-8:30pm
College success is more than getting in – it’s about staying in, thriving on campus, and graduating with a degree, a purpose, and a passion. New York Times bestselling author and top college life expert Harlan Cohen helps seniors, juniors, and parents know what it takes to be successful in college. Join us for this interactive, lively, and informative event. Parents, seniors, juniors, and families are welcome to attend.
For more information about Harlan, visit www.HarlanCohen.com.
- Participating schools do not endorse any third party products or services
- This presentation will not be recorded
- Free books and fun swag!
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
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
Mark your calendars now for 2 evening events for juniors and their parents/caregivers: -
* RESCHEDULED Junior Night - Tuesday March 12 – 6:30-8:00 pm, Auditorium
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, 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… Please note that this list will be updated over the next weeks before the fair on 3/21
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
Kaplan will offer a free ACT/SAT combo practice test on Wednesday March 20 in the BHS Café from 3-6:30pm. Registration info will be sent soon so mark your calendars now. Please note that BHS offering this opportunity does not specifically endorse this test prep company.
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 will be available to students with an overview of these reports - scheduled for X block, Thurs March 7th. All sophomores and juniors who took the test should come to the Auditorium for X block for the presentation and to collect their score reports and test booklets outside of the auditorium after the presentation or later that day in their counselor’s office.
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