Welcome to a Week B for this week of December 13!
Quarter 2 IPRs (Interim Progress Reports) will be uploaded to student and family portals approximately this Wed 12/15. This is a good time for students to validate their good academic progress in classes so far in Q2 or to recognize areas needed for improvement before the quarter ends on January 24, 2022. There will be “critical update” reports closer to January 7 for students who continue to have challenges in certain courses, meaning that they have a C grade or lower in that course. This information will also be added to student and family portals. More to come on this information sharing!
While most of us are well aware of the disturbing rise in mental health concerns for adults and adolescents before and during our pandemic lives, this article speaks to the CDC’s recent advisory that the US is in the midst of a youth mental health crisis - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-07/surgeon-general-advisory-youth-mental-health-crisis-looms.
Quarter 2 IPRs (Interim Progress Reports) will be uploaded to student and family portals approximately this Wed 12/15. This is a good time for students to validate their good academic progress in classes so far in Q2 or to recognize areas needed for improvement before the quarter ends on January 24, 2022. There will be “critical update” reports closer to January 7 for students who continue to have challenges in certain courses, meaning that they have a C grade or lower in that course. This information will also be added to student and family portals. More to come on this information sharing!
While most of us are well aware of the disturbing rise in mental health concerns for adults and adolescents before and during our pandemic lives, this article speaks to the CDC’s recent advisory that the US is in the midst of a youth mental health crisis - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-07/surgeon-general-advisory-youth-mental-health-crisis-looms.
I have reviewed and pulled out relevant suggestions and resources from the US Surgeon General’s Protecting Youth Mental Health. Please take a look as BHS teenagers and parents/guardians to continue to manage this too-long challenge in healthy and resilient ways. See attached document.
Also take a look at the BPEN resources below and always remember - If you are worried about your student, please reach out to their assigned counselor or dean. We are here to help and support every student!
B-PEN (Brookline Parent Education Network) – and the BHS support staff of counselors, social workers/psychologists, deans, and special educators - continue to hear that Brookline families are concerned about mental health these days, especially regarding our youth. In fact, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) have come together to declare a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health, acknowledging the urgency of widespread challenges facing children and adolescents. While direct services are often limited, information and resources ARE readily available. Check out the BHS mental health care list (copy and paste - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HXy-ToiqM9sYLkAVM9DowCBiKuvBxwzLr2oXAjfUWnA/edit?mc_cid=5e71b25715&mc_eid=ca3683a655) and B-Pen’s webpage (https://www.b-pen.org/mental-health.html?mc_cid=5e71b25715&mc_eid=ca3683a655).
IMPORTANT NOTE – As always, thank you to students and family members for reading this weekly BHS Counseling/Guidance Dept Weekly Update. Starting this coming week, this update will be sent out during the earlier weekday of each school week, but not over the weekend/Sunday. Putting together this update can take up to 2 hours to organize and share in a thoughtful manner during the weekend. Due to current contract negotiations, I use my in-school working hours to continue compiling Weekly Update information. For more information, please see the Public Statement from BEU on Work to Rule emailed to BHS Families last Friday afternoon. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated!
These BHS Counseling Dept Weekly Update emails are sent to all students and the 1st contact parent/guardian listed on the students’ X2 accounts.
All NEW UPDATES will be highlighted in BLUE each week for easy scanning of newest info.
FAMILIES
Vaccine availability? There is a covid-19 vaccine clinic at the Lincoln school this Tues December 14, 4-8pm by appointment only. Vaccine doses are for ANY AGE group, 1st or second doses, AND boosters available for people 18+.
https://www.appointmentquest.com/scheduler/2180061935?schedule=brooklineschool
Every once in a while, I share short articles offered through the online site Grown and Flown. While much of their material is parent/guardian focused, there are sometimes tidbits of information that make sense to communicate to BHS students and families. This article – Five Hard and Blunt Truths About College Life in 2021 – is one of those articles. Please copy and paste to your browser to read - https://grownandflown.com/truths-about-college/
Mutual Aid of Brookline (aka MAB) - The holiday season is upon us. This is a time of year when it is important for our community to come together and mutually support one another. This kind of support comes in many different ways. One of the ways in which we would like to help our community members is through a non-denominational Holiday Gift Drive.
- Families and community members that are struggling this time of year may sign up for needed items using this form: https://forms.gle/yUtJB1PXnTN7Naaz7
- Any community members that are able to and would like donate some of the requested items can use this form: https://forms.gle/Boqr6ZmQUxywfF916
All participation in this program will remain anonymous! We will do our best to deliver gifts as early as possible. We know that different community members celebrate their holidays at different times during this season. As always, please reach out if you have any questions and feel free to share the forms with anyone you know that may want to participate on either side of this program.
Mutual Aid Brookline
Delivery Email: [email protected]
Delivery FAQs: https://bit.ly/deliveryrecipientFAQs
Delivery Phone: 617-651-1037
Women and Children's Coat Drive - Next Sunday the 19th - Women Thriving
Sunday the 19th, 9:30am - 1pm to drop off donations, 2pm - 6pm to get coats
Brookline Housing Authority's Community Room, 55R Egmont St
Please do come by between 2pm and 6pm if you are in need of women or children's coats. If you are able to donate a coat, we will be accepting donations on Sunday, December 19 from 9:30am - 1 pm. We are also looking for volunteers and if you are able to offer your time, we'd greatly appreciate it! Sign up here to volunteer:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBKh2aHXxJRazAqwPG9R-ZFOA26B5q8iwugm9ffscvl17CTg/viewform.
If you have any questions, please contact Liora at [email protected].
Compassionate Conflict Resolution for Women via Zoom - Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays - Cambridge Women's Center
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Drop in to learn, practice or get support around resolving conflicts with family, friends and co-workers using this established and effective process. All levels welcome! Zoom drop-in times: Sundays 6-8pm. Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Thursdays, 1-3pm. Info/Zoom link: [email protected].
Mutual Aid Brookline (MAB) Food Resource Suggestions:
- SNAP/EBT Clients Can Use Their Cards for Stop and Shop Delivery
After the long wait, EBT can now be used to set up either pickup or delivery from Stop and Shop! More info: https://www.mass.gov/snap-online-purchasing-program and https://stopandshop.com/pages/snap-ebt-overview.
- Brookline Food Pantry Has Moved
PSA: The Brookline Food Pantry has moved from their St Paul St location over to United Parish at 210 Harvard St! (The other locations at Egmont St and High St remain the same.) https://www.brooklinefoodpantry.org/
The Brookline Literacy Partnership is continuing a book drive for three Boston Public Schools (Mather Elementary School, Kenney Elementary School, and Timilty Middle School) at BHS! If you have any new or lightly-used books appropriate for elementary and middle school students, please have your BHS student drop them off in the donation box in the 115 Greenough atrium. The Partnership really appreciates your donations! For more information about the Brookline Literacy Partnership, visit our website - https://www.brooklineliteracypartnership.org/ Please contact [email protected] with questions or if a BHS student wants to get involved with the Brookline Literacy Partnership at BHS!
ALL STUDENTS
We're excited to share our second issue of GreenZine Brookline. GreenZine Brookline is collectively run by Brookline educators and offers students, staff and the Brookline Schools community a forum for news, opinion and creative expression about climate change, outdoor education and the environment. We highlight the excellent work being done by students, staff and parents in our school community, as well as the need for more. GreenZine Brookline offers K-12 students a platform to amplify their voices and passion in order to catalyze conversation about climate change and outdoor education in our schools so that our students will be more resilient and prepared to lead in a climate-disrupted world. Contact [email protected] or your school rep to learn more--and please share with colleagues, students and others!
The weather is getting chillier… Need a quiet and social place to enjoy your lunch at the 115 campus? Join Lunch Lounge!
9th grade Social Lunch has begun at the OLS campus every Wednesday too!
Social Lunch/ Lunch Lounge is offered for all of the students who may or may not have some social connections in classes, including new to BHS students. It is a welcoming, inclusive drop-in lunch community that engages kids with friendly conversation, other kids interested in making friends, and a warm and familiar staff member. At this time, Lunch Lounge is offered for these lunch blocks in Room 277:
Week A - Monday E -Lunch B only
Wednesday C - Lunch A and B
Friday D - Lunch A and B
Week B - Monday E - Lunch B will start week of 9/20
Wed C - Lunch A and B
Friday D - Lunch A and B
Need some extra help in your science class for Grades 10-12?
The Science Help Center is starting Monday 11/15! If you're looking for some extra help, the center will be open every morning (except Tuesdays) during Z Block in room 204. Please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions.
BHS Career exploration and community job opportunities:
Know a teen looking to earn some extra money this winter? Join the Shovel Our Snow program through Brookline Recreation! Residents of Brookline in need of shoveling help will contact students directly to set up jobs and work out payment. This is a great way to help out our community while earning money! To sign up visit www.brooklinerec.com or call 617.730.2069
Ms Kate Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, is out on leave until March 2022. One of the BHS counselor interns, Analisa Fazio, is covering many of the duties of this role while Ms Kennedy is out. Please contact Ms Fazio at [email protected] if you have any questions about career exploration, job seeking and interviewing, and resume writing. She is able to set up an appointment to help you.
BHS Club Info:
- The Do Something Club is back! Our club focuses on doing little things that help our society. Some examples of this are: donating books to Boston Public Schools, compiling and distributing a list of scholarships available to undocumented students, as well as writing kind notes to other students struggling with mental health issues. To learn about "Do Something" you can go to their website: www.dosomething.org. This club will meet Tuesdays of Week A during X-block in room 305. This club does not require too much of your time and our goal is to develop a tight-knit community that can support you throughout this year.
- BHS Club Fair info is available here: http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/clubs-and-activities-list.html This list is for 21-22 clubs. The Club Fair slideshow has also been released via Canvas to students. Students can access/re-access more information on how to join, etc. As more clubs update, we will update the presentation.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xFO5v5lCc98EKmbjhicDnZZ5HBRqhlj9Is1VWLqoE58/edit?usp=sharing
- Interested in Public Health and the right to global health? Join Partners In Health Engage Brookline! During our club meetings, we educate our members on the current status of Global Health, how Partners In Health is involved, hold fundraising events, and advocate Global Health equality legislation to our members of Congress. We meet virtually on Week A Mondays through Zoom at 8:00 PM. If interested, fill out this google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclGf8eTx3VbLuTzDZmuFndW7yn_dkjg2vlIW9a45hmkbwDQQ/viewform
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
- The Brookline Food Pantry needs more volunteers to continue helping our community in the wake of increased food insecurity because of the pandemic. All students ages 15+ that are fully vaccinated are eligible. Here is the link: https://annelisegross3141.wixsite.com/bfp-bhs
- Brookline Community Fridge - Ongoing - Brothers & Sisters Cafe
15 Station St - The way the system works is that a business will host a space for the fridge and pay for electricity. The fridge is run by volunteers who perform tasks like removing expired food, keeping the fridge clean, donating food, and keeping a running list of what the fridge could use. As the holiday season approaches, Siracusa hopes to recruit more donations and volunteers for the project. Anyone interested can find more information on the Brookline Community Fridge Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brooklinecommunityfridge/) or sign up to volunteer via this form: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44a9af28abfdcf8-volunteer1.
- Help Deliver Tablets and Troubleshoot Technology - Ongoing - Tech Buddies
During the height of the pandemic, many low-income Brookline elder residents were left extremely isolated. Once the Brookline Public Library and BHA community rooms closed, residents relying on shared technology assets were left with no online resources. It was not possible for them to video conference with friends or family members, order food delivery online, or even schedule telehealth appointments with providers. The new Tech Buddies program provides a tablet and 12 months of free internet access to low-income elders or adults with a disability living alone. They also provide technology education as well as tech support for participants. They are in desperate need of volunteers to help make the Tech Buddies program a success and are actively recruiting volunteers for the following roles: tablet delivery/set-up/basic education (in-person) or become part of our Tech Squad (remote). Please email Sophie Gordon at [email protected] with your interest or questions. CORI background check required.
- Brookline Thrives Volunteer Opportunities
Brookline Thrives has many volunteer opportunities available to BHS students. Pack bags, restock inventory, or even help with Friday distribution. View and sign up at this link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E45A8A722A5FD0-december
All volunteers must be at least 15 years old.
– Check out Teen Life by copying and pasting this link- https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/?keyword=&location=boston&program-type=volunteer
- The BHS Community Service info on the school’s website has been updated with BHS specific community service opportunities plus opportunities in the Brookline/Boston area - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/community-service.html
- Have free G block and want to be a tutor for students in grades 3-5? The BLP is running a tutoring program for students at Lincoln School in Steps to Success from 2:40 to 3:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays (week B only), and Wednesdays. You Do NOT have to do all three days. You pick the days that work for you. This is a great opportunity to get community service hours and help elementary/middle school students with their homework. If you are interested, please fill out this very short form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevzvNLts20y0w-UopAbZ-AWn9vEGgp2GWOckwpKa6-9FDNAw/viewform
If you have any questions, please email Eleanor, [email protected]
SENIORS
Many seniors who have applied to Early Action and Early Decision colleges have started hearing back decisions from these schools. We join students in their positive news about acceptances. The BHS counselors are also here to support students and to consult with students about next steps if they were not accepted to a college(s) of high interest. Please contact your counselor by email or stop by to talk or leave a note at the counselor’s door if they are not available. We understand this can be an exciting time for many students and a challenging time for others. Use our support!
Did you apply early to college? Have you checked to see each college’s financial aid deadline? Now is the time to check so you can meet those deadlines and be eligible for possible aid. Each college has different financial aid protocols so be sure to look up each school’s instructions. If you are late, go ahead and send your documents as soon as possible!
Also – if you are a senior who applied EA/ED/rolling - All seniors should be reading all emails. It is critically important to check the portals of the colleges they have applied to as well. If any documents are missing for their application, this is where that information will be requested. If an applicant does not provide those documents (or check with your counselor if BHS related), your application may not be considered!
Attention Seniors: Deadlines by Jan 3, 2022- Here is the latest information on steps for you to take for your senior yearbook:
- Lifetouch/Prestige Portraits regarding your Senior Portrait appointment. Please contact Ms Lynn, the BHS yearbook advisor, with any questions at [email protected]. Due to Covid-19, Lifetouch/Prestige Portrait will not be allowing walk-in sessions. We ask that each student use their unique Confirmation Code to schedule and confirm an appointment online. To confirm or change the appointment date and time, please log onto schedule.prestigeportraits.com and enter your confirmation code into the grey box. Students MUST “confirm” their appointment date & time at schedule.prestigeportraits.com which is available to them 24/7 for their convenience. Spots have been filling up quickly and Lifetouch strongly recommends you confirm an appointment as soon as you receive a card to get the date/time they prefer. Having knowledge of this process will allow Lifetouch to take proper precautions and give an amazing experience to all.
- We also encourage everyone to order a yearbook. – copy/paste - https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1066230/Brookline-High-School/2022-Yearbook/2021082013305781058/CATALOG_SHOP/
The only way to guarantee that you will get a yearbook is to order one. You will find all of the information you need about getting your yearbook, placing ads, donations and discounts on the Yearbook page of the BHS website. – copy/paste http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/yearbook-murivian.html
- Senior Yearbook Materials - Due Jan 3 Use this form (copy/paste - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqjwfJNq2ArtilQn6dBeXIFLmE8-owAFiIbURKs9xMZx8O-w/viewform) to submit the following materials:
1. A high quality senior portrait.
· Image file must be at least 1MB
· Image files must be JPEG or PNG.
· No screenshots or HEIC files please
· Files must be named lastname_firstname
2. A picture of you as a baby or small child
· File must be at least 1MB
· Image files must be JPEG or PNG
· Files must be named lastname_firstname_baby
3. Quote & Activities List
· Choose a quote to go below your picture.
· A list of your BHS activities
· Character Limit Including Spaces: 270
You must be logged in with your school google account to access the submission form.
Senior Portrait Options
· Hire a Prestige photographer: schedule.prestigeportraits.com
· Book a free photoshoot with a Brookline Lens student: email [email protected]
· You can also hire a professional photographer or create DIY senior portraits.
Bookmark the Yearbook Page on the BHS Website Please save this page to your bookmarks. It has all of the information and due dates you will need for the yearbook http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/yearbook-murivian.html Join Yearbook Staff! We need more seniors on our staff! Please fill out the form below if you are interested. https://forms.gle/rP6a9WE4QXGjyTsu5
Application Essay Questions? Application essay writing support at BHS:
- Check in with your counselor or Mr Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) for essay support too!
- We continue to recommend the College Essay Guy website for lots of great FREE advice for seniors and essay writing suggestions - https://www.collegeessayguy.com/
College Application Reminders:
Help the BHS counselors and teachers support your application process by meeting these deadlines. Submit your electronic transcript release forms, your
self-questionnaire, your parent/caregiver’s “brag” sheet, and give notice to your teachers who have agreed to write recommendations for you.
If you have a college deadline for Jan 15 or earlier, then you are late in meeting the BHS deadline. Please see your counselor in the next few days.
Note below – If you have January 1 deadlines, please follow the steps below to be sure the BHS counseling department works with you to meet that deadline. With Thanksgiving and December vacations, this deadline is earlier than usual.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
January 15 Monday, December 13
February 1 Wednesday, January 5
February 15 Tuesday, January 18
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
● use the updated transcript release link shared by your counselor
● be sure to list your college names and addresses CORRECTLY AS THEY APPEAR OFFICIALLY ON THE COLLEGE’S WEBSITE OR NAVIANCE. The processing of your request is slowed down by not including the official name of the college or putting in wrong information.
JUNIORS and SENIORS
BHS Librarians are again offering TEST PREP THURSDAYS for Juniors and Seniors from 3-4pm in the BHS Library! Please stop by the library to find out the support, resources, and direct tutoring that is available for our students.
JUNIORS
What does Test Optional REALLY mean?
Copy and paste this brief and informative overview from the Bryn Mawr College blog for more info - https://themawryouknow.blogs.brynmawr.edu/2021/10/27/the-test-of-the-test-should-i-apply-test-optional/ or see attached article.
As part of Winter Wonderland programming, Brookline Adult & Community Education will be offering an SAT Prep Intensive over the December holiday break. Chris Orr is pleased to return to teach this and many students have benefitted from his assistance in the past. This is a lower cost SAT prep option for students to consider.
Please go to this link for more information and registration - https://www.campusce.net/brookline/course/course.aspx?C=5355&pc=58&mc=90&sc=0
PSAT scores were released to juniors on the College Board website last week. If you have not been able to access your PSAT score, please see your counselor or check in with Mr Libenzon, the BHS College Counselor in office 280. Post High School planning activities will be starting for juniors as soon as we return from December break with a required Junior Assembly during T block on Monday January 3. Counselors will start rotating through junior hub/advisory blocks to share information about post high school planning steps and resources during the months of January/February 2022. Juniors can also reach out to their counselor to set up an individual meeting on this conversation, after we return from break. The counselors have long term experience supporting any BHS junior to start sorting out their plans after BHS graduation. We’re here to help you!
See attached testing dates for SAT and ACT offered at Brookline High School.
Also note that MANY colleges and universities are continuing test optional guidelines moving forward. More details on this when juniors attend the January 3, 2022 Junior Assembly and junior seminars begin with counselors in hubs/advisories in January!
SOPHOMORES
Career exploration conversations have been happening in Gr 10 Hub/Advisories over the past month. Gr 10 counselors started rotating into hubs to co-keep circles around this career readiness conversation, especially to tie in what students think they may be interested in to upcoming BHS courses and area community service and job opportunities. Sophomores have also been logging into Naviance to explore the career surveys, links, and RoadTrip Nation stories about different careers highlighted there. These conversations will continue through December. Any 10th grader can contact their counselor to find out more info or email Ms Analisa Fazio ([email protected]) for more info about career interests while our BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy is on leave until March.
9TH GRADERS
The 9th grade counseling team continues to host a Social Lunch for 9th grade students who might benefit from having a quieter place to eat lunch, especially our students who have had a more difficult time finding social connections during lunch! Students should come by the OLS Main Office during any Wednesday lunch period. Thanks to the counselor team for offering this important opportunity!