Welcome back to school! Here’s hoping everyone had some excellent rest and relaxation over the winter break. As Quarter 3 continues (midpoint for Q3 is 3/11), students in Grades 9-11 are also considering their course requests for the next school year. Finding the important school and life BALANCE for each student is key. Students should be hearing from their teachers regarding course level recommendations. They also should be aware of what credits they need to earn a BHS diploma by graduation. Students will have access to their portal from March 9 through 30 to upload elective and wellness courses. The 2021-22 BHS Course Catalog is now available on the BHS homepage - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/
And we return to school with another special schedule this week with a student ½ day tomorrow Monday 2/22 for faculty PD. Please see the attached schedules with weeks with Monday early release included.
Dates to Note-
ACE Applications due 3/5/21
March 9-30 - Portal open to add electives, wellness for senior year
April 5 - Deadline for course level changes. Next opportunity is after two week waiting period in September.
April 6 - Quarter 3 ends
And we return to school with another special schedule this week with a student ½ day tomorrow Monday 2/22 for faculty PD. Please see the attached schedules with weeks with Monday early release included.
Dates to Note-
ACE Applications due 3/5/21
March 9-30 - Portal open to add electives, wellness for senior year
April 5 - Deadline for course level changes. Next opportunity is after two week waiting period in September.
April 6 - Quarter 3 ends
ALL STUDENTS
It’s time to submit your school picture for the yearbook! Visit the link sent to all students on CANVAS to find all the information you will need to participate. School pictures are due on Feb 25th!
Students – Need help in math? Check this out…. Student-led Math Center with the guidance of Mr. Paris and Ms. Kostant. Every morning from 7:30 to 8:15, they hold a Zoom Meeting that students can join to receive help in any of their work in math.
Here’s a link to the daily Zoom Meeting: (https://zoom.us/j/96741784699?pwd=QW4yNzZMSlRUR2NQcjhBRmFOQ052Zz09).
ACE program info….. Attention BHS 9th-11th Graders - This past week, ACE is officially launching the application process for enrollment next September.
ACE, #High School Your Way, is a small, competency-based program for 55 students, grades 10-12, within BHS.
If you don't know much about ACE, you can also check out our website at:
ACE Your Way
If you are interested in applying to ACE, you need to schedule an appointment to do a zoom info. meeting and then a zoom classroom visit. Please schedule this with ACE Secretary: [email protected]
The link to the ACE application is also here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VnZl41KUmXDmF9SMmBku3tO6uDtWAxqR/view?usp=sharing The application deadline is Friday, March 5th.
We hope you will take the time to explore ACE if you feel like you need a change in your BHS high school experience.
Amy Bayer
ACE Program Coordinator
[email protected]
BHS Club information:
Want to learn more about environmental racism and take action in the fight for climate justice? Join BHS Amnesty International, the Environmental Action Club, and Sunrise Brookline in Climate Justice Month. Starting February 24th, we’ll be hosting four different events each Wednesday focused on education and actions surrounding climate justice.
We’ll watch Mossville: When Great Trees Fall, a documentary on the impact of a power plant on a community of color. Then, we’ll learn about the climate justice movement, what environmental racism is, and the Green New Deal. The following Wednesday, we’ll discuss different local and federal legislation surrounding climate change and phonebank. For our last event, we’ll listen to a speaker and engage in a conversation about the climate crisis and its implications. We’ll be meeting at 7:30pm for around an hour each Wednesday of the month.
Lastly, if you come to 3 out of the 4 events you will be eligible to win a prize!
To sign up, use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uks8OlUWKFn5aKeYzxXy30H0WaTxNq1y3lNgB0gpqVg/edit
Greater Boston STEM Program (gbSTEM) - an enrichment program that delivers free introductory computer science and mathematics courses to elementary and middle school students in the Greater Boston area. Since March 2020, we have brought free virtual lessons to over 250 Massachusetts youth.
Mental health Supports:
Students - Feeling down? Always anxious or worried? Concerned about someone else in your life – friend, family member? Not sleeping well because your mind can’t shut down? If these questions sound familiar, please don’t worry alone.
Guidance/school counselors and other clinical support staff at Brookline High are here to listen, assess, and support you so you are not carrying these burdens alone. Please reach out to your counselor. You can also reach out to a BHS faculty member (including Darby Neff-Verre – Coordinator of BHS Guidance/Counseling) to start the conversation about how we can help you build strategies or get connected to feel safe and better about your situation. Contact your counselor at their email, zoom visiting hours, or phone.
COVID Related Resources
Mutual Aid Brookline (MAB) shares this information…
FREE SERVICES
211 COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Over the Phone - Ongoing - Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
A new Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line has been launched to help residents 75 and older more easily schedule an appointment if they do not have internet or are unable to use the website at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
The call center will be staffed with over 500 representatives who can provide live phone support to assist residents with booking an appointment.
The line will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators. Call center workers will have the same access to appointments that users will see on the public website.
The line can be accessed by dialing 2–1–1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” Residents may have to wait on the line given expected high call volume.
Opportunities 2021 for BHS students– Summer is only 4 months away and it’s time to think to sun, temperatures in the 80’s and interesting ways to spend your summer. Thanks to BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and her counseling intern David Ehrlich, please copy and paste this google doc in your browser for more info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o7GiMWRfEo2ByK8I7d1EvNRgF4h4NkGHKT9T64XtuNU/edit
And here’s a link to the Teen Life updated 2021 Summer Programs guide - https://indd.adobe.com/view/68806d31-27c9-4616-bfa7-7283711259c0. A great resource for many summer opportunities! They are also offering a virtual summer opportunities fair on Feb 25 from 6-8:45pm. Registration is required - https://www.teenlife.com/summer-virtual-fair/
RESOURCES FOR REMOTE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR BHS STUDENTS:
Brookline Cares - Empowerment Coats winter drive
Brookline Cares is a student-run, volunteer organization started by Brookline High School students. Our organization promotes awareness, fundraises, and accepts donations of winter clothing to donate to people in need. The clothing collected is given to people in communities with high rates of COVID-19 in the Greater Boston area. We are urgently raising money through a GoFundMe to purchase Empowerment coats to give out to people in communities with high rates of COVID. These communities also have high rates of poverty and homelessness. Empowerment coats are coats that convert into sleeping bags and can be used by people experiencing homelessness or people who do not have shelter. Visit their website for more information: https://www.empowermentplan.org/the-coat. The coats will be distributed by Mass General to people in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, Charlestown, and Everett through their mobile testing vans. If you want to help make a positive difference in the world we live in, then this is the perfect cause to donate to. Please visit our page for more information: https://brooklinecares.wixsite.com/home
Updated Inspo:Expo Online Volunteer Match – Here is the link to see a list of Inspo:Expo partners who have remote (or low social contact) volunteer opportunities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EjWNx3AF7i4wkbVoLizNQ4NwGnHNcmLpbb_PAvBoeoI/edit
If you scroll through and see something you're interested in, simply email the organization directly through their listed contact info.
Try checking out this community service link from the free resource Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
Career Exploration at BHS:
This Friday 2/26 X block Career Coffee Talk….. Are you interested in a career in business or marketing or just want to learn more about these career clusters? Come hear from Sean Duffy, VP - Contact Strategy, Search, & Customer Acquisition, Marketing at Bloomingdales headquarters on Friday 2/26 during X block in the virtual College and Career Center. If interested, email Ms. Kennedy, [email protected], for the zoom link!
The Boston chapter of PWC (Professional Women in Construction) is offering this great event for young women looking at construction and design related fields. This virtual event is on March 9th from 3-4pm. The event will include discussions of the different career paths available in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction fields.
There will be an opportunity for students to speak with professionals to ask questions and discuss any topics of interest. Registration is required and free for all – see below. The event will take place on zoom (link will be sent to registered attendees in advance of the event). Copy and past this link to your browser to register - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/full-steam-ahead-career-paths-of-women-in-aec-tickets-141997511379
A FREE DAY OF LIVE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS FOR EMERGING FILMMAKERS IN GRADES 7-12 – MARCH 6, 10AM TO 4PM
This year, Gold Coast International Film Festival and Hofstra University are teaming up to present VIRTUAL Youth Film Day. This event is FREE for all interested students – you just need to register in advance. This year’s event will include:
The College and Career Center at Brookline High School is seeking community support for our Career Exploration and Immersion Program (CEIP). The goal of the CEIP is to build intentional connections between the professional expertise in our community and the students, teachers, and programs who seek understanding of and experience with the current professional landscape. The CEIP focuses on a two-fold mission: to bring experts into classrooms and/or the Career Center, as well as to bring students into the professional setting through career exploration and immersion activities.
https://forms.gle/94SfA1CrXYudhSGZ9
MassBay STEM stories - Learn more about the programs MassBay Community College offers in their STEM Division. To view our current Associate Degree and Certificate programs, please go to: https://www.massbay.edu/stem. The focus in on why this is a good time to consider pursuing an education/career in STEM. There are pre-recorded videos where students “meet” STEM faculty and students and see some of their labs. One of the videos is of a former biotech student speaking about this program. Another video is of a MassBay graduate who is an Engineer, now working in the wind energy field. There is an overview about the supports Mass Bay offers students and the smart economics of starting at a community college, regardless of where students want to end up.
Genetic Counseling Career opportunity for students… Want to learn about the vastly growing health profession of genetic counseling? Genetic counselors are health care professionals who:
· Help people understand hereditary diseases
· Facilitate decision making about genetic testing
· Provide emotional support to patients
Genetic counseling has multiple specialties and is a growing field with excellent job availability. More information about this career can also be found online at https://www.nsgc.org/page/frequently-asked-questions-students.
The Division for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is hosting a free virtual career day to provide more information about genetic counseling on Saturday, February 27th, 2021. The event will be held virtually over zoom and all are welcome to attend.
Interested individuals can register online at: https://genetic-counseling-career-day-2021.eventbrite.com
If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us at [email protected].
SENIORS
12th graders – take a look at this short and sweet article – “Dear High School Seniors- What NOT to Do Spring of Your Senior Year” - https://grownandflown.com/high-school-seniors-not-do-spring-senior-year/ It’s hard not to do some of these things when senioritis strikes but be mindful of these points… They’re all true! And please don’t forget to have some fun, even in these strange times!
If you got into a school and you are 100% sure you will not go there, please let them know (especially if this is a state school). Colleges are experiencing a huge increase in applications this year, and are therefore using waitlist and deferrals--so your email might help another student get in.
Interested in applying to Framingham State University? You have a great opportunity to get accepted on the spot at Framingham State University…. Join FSU and BHS for a Virtual Admissions Decision Day. Register to meet with an FSU admissions representative to discuss your application and receive your decision (please note, in some cases FSU will not be able to provide a decision at the time of meeting, but will let you know what your next steps are. Application fees will be waived for participating applicants). Here are the steps:
1) Make an appointment for the zoom session. Important: this will be a zoom meeting with the FSU Admissions Counselor who makes the admission decisions. Please come on time & represent BHS well.
2) Complete Commonapp.org for FSU, or FSU’s own application. Framingham State does not require an essay. To get the fee waiver, there is a question on both the FSU App, and then on the Common App (in the FSU questions) that asks if you are eligible for a school specific waiver. Select "official campus visit." It's okay if you submit the app before the meeting, once the meeting takes place FSU will make sure the app fee is waived.
3) Complete the transcript release form, & email Mr. Libenzon ([email protected]) to indicate that you will attend the on-the-spot session.
Senior portraits for yearbook – DEADLINE EXTENDED to 2/28/21! A little more time has been added for seniors to submit your senior portraits. The new deadline is February 28th. Don't wait until the last minute for this extended date! The yearbook staff needs your prompt submissions so we can meet our deadlines and get the book to you on time! We know that many of you just had your pictures taken by Prestige and are waiting for proofs. Please complete the rest of the google form for now and leave out the senior portrait. We will be able to see your selected yearbook portrait and download it from the Prestige site.
Are you still trying to figure out what your plans are after graduation? If the answer is yes, check out the opportunity to serve with City Year. City Year is a one-year program where you work full-time in an urban Elementary, Middle, or High School bridging the gap between the support that students actually need and what their schools are designed and resourced to provide. They are looking for folks that have a passion for working with youth and would be willing to work hard to help them to see their full potential. They partner with schools and districts to identify students who are at risk of not graduating on time with their peers, and provide them with extra academic, emotional, and social support, and the skills that they need to be successful for college and a career. To learn more about City Year contact recruitment manager, Kristen Hill, at [email protected]
When your college financial aid package arrives, please join MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority)…… After the College Acceptance
Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm
This webinar provides valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Register at : https://www.mefa.org/events/after-the-college-acceptance2
The alternate date is Thursday, April 08, 7pm. Register at
https://www.mefa.org/events/after-the-college-acceptance4
Thinking about a post grad path that is NOT college specific? Check in with your counselor and/or Kate Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, for ideas and resources.
JUNIORS
The third junior seminar will be this Monday 2/22 from 1-2pm to review your unofficial transcript and to discuss course scheduling for senior year. Your unofficial transcript is now available to review on your student portal. Please review your unofficial transcript for any missing classes, incompletes or errors. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
You should be checking that you are on your way to earning all required credits towards graduation in June 2022.
English- 4 credits
Science - 3 credits
Social Studies/History - 3 credits including US History
Math - 3 credits (4 years required for UMass State colleges/universities)
World Language - 2 credits (same language)
Elective - 3 credits distributed across Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Career/Tech, Community Service
Wellness - .5 Lifetime Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
We encourage you to contact your counselor for a 1:1 zoom meeting now.
HOLD these dates….. March 10th at 6:30 PM BHS Virtual College Fair – More details to come!
March 31 - Virtual Panel re: College Support Services for Students with Learning Differences - 6:30pm
Many colleges & universities remain test-optional for the Class of 2022. Copy and paste this link to see the regularly updated list from FairTest - https://www.fairtest.org/more-half-all-us-colleges-and-universities-are-alr
A Crash Course on Applying to College in the UK and Europe – Ethan Sawyer of the College Essay Guy website if offering this free information session this Wednesday, Feb 24th @ 7-8pm Eastern Time. This site is an EXCELLENT source of many free resources related to the college search and applications process.
Free registration is required. Copy and paste this link to your browser: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/173/m0n4gtp3
On this UK/Europe session, they will cover:
· Why you might consider attending college in the UK or Europe
· Four ways the college experience in the UK and Europe differs from the US experience
· An overview of options that include England, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands and European business schools
· Application timelines
BHS Librarians are offering….. FREE online ACT/ SAT/ TOEFL test prep support started Thurs Feb 11. Any junior can register for any or all sessions to support their admissions testing preparation. Check out the attached flyer and register here - https://forms.gle/2y1uxvhMs9j7xW2M7
College Board is offering a series of virtual regional college fairs over the next 6 weeks. Cut and paste this link to get more information and register - https://pages.collegeboard.org/big-future-days?SFMC_cid=EM438518-&rid=47663053
You can attend any event and more than one. Explore your college options in each region!
BigFuture Days Southeast Tuesday, February 23
BigFuture Days Northeast Sunday, March 7
BigFuture Days Midwest Thursday, March 11
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES
PreACT REGISTRATION AT BHS ENDS TOMORROW, MONDAY 2/22 at 3pm.
The PreACT will be administered at Brookline High this Saturday, February 27th from 7:45-11:30 am.
The PreACT is a shorter practice version of the ACT college admissions test, normed for sophomores in high school. The PreACT also offers a built-in career interest inventory. Each student taking the test will have the opportunity to:
v Identify current academic readiness for college and career using the PreACT report
v Predict how you’ll perform on the ACT after an additional junior year of learning (predictive quality of test is different for juniors since they already are having that “additional year” of curriculum as defined by the ACT)
v Determine skills you can improve based on your performance (using your results to guide use of the free online ACT Academy prep program)
v Explore how your career aspirations align with your interests.
Please complete the attached registration form and drop it off to the BHS Main Entrance in the Atrium with a $20 check or money order payable to: Brookline High School Guidance. Look for the small cashbox with the pink PreACT form attached. We do not accept cash. Also – please note - no alternative date will be offered at BHS and no other area schools are opened for PreACT testing.
If you feel that you may qualify for a fee waiver, please let the Guidance office staff know at 617-713-5016 or contact your guidance counselor.
It’s time to submit your school picture for the yearbook! Visit the link sent to all students on CANVAS to find all the information you will need to participate. School pictures are due on Feb 25th!
Students – Need help in math? Check this out…. Student-led Math Center with the guidance of Mr. Paris and Ms. Kostant. Every morning from 7:30 to 8:15, they hold a Zoom Meeting that students can join to receive help in any of their work in math.
Here’s a link to the daily Zoom Meeting: (https://zoom.us/j/96741784699?pwd=QW4yNzZMSlRUR2NQcjhBRmFOQ052Zz09).
ACE program info….. Attention BHS 9th-11th Graders - This past week, ACE is officially launching the application process for enrollment next September.
ACE, #High School Your Way, is a small, competency-based program for 55 students, grades 10-12, within BHS.
If you don't know much about ACE, you can also check out our website at:
ACE Your Way
If you are interested in applying to ACE, you need to schedule an appointment to do a zoom info. meeting and then a zoom classroom visit. Please schedule this with ACE Secretary: [email protected]
The link to the ACE application is also here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VnZl41KUmXDmF9SMmBku3tO6uDtWAxqR/view?usp=sharing The application deadline is Friday, March 5th.
We hope you will take the time to explore ACE if you feel like you need a change in your BHS high school experience.
Amy Bayer
ACE Program Coordinator
[email protected]
BHS Club information:
Want to learn more about environmental racism and take action in the fight for climate justice? Join BHS Amnesty International, the Environmental Action Club, and Sunrise Brookline in Climate Justice Month. Starting February 24th, we’ll be hosting four different events each Wednesday focused on education and actions surrounding climate justice.
We’ll watch Mossville: When Great Trees Fall, a documentary on the impact of a power plant on a community of color. Then, we’ll learn about the climate justice movement, what environmental racism is, and the Green New Deal. The following Wednesday, we’ll discuss different local and federal legislation surrounding climate change and phonebank. For our last event, we’ll listen to a speaker and engage in a conversation about the climate crisis and its implications. We’ll be meeting at 7:30pm for around an hour each Wednesday of the month.
Lastly, if you come to 3 out of the 4 events you will be eligible to win a prize!
To sign up, use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uks8OlUWKFn5aKeYzxXy30H0WaTxNq1y3lNgB0gpqVg/edit
Greater Boston STEM Program (gbSTEM) - an enrichment program that delivers free introductory computer science and mathematics courses to elementary and middle school students in the Greater Boston area. Since March 2020, we have brought free virtual lessons to over 250 Massachusetts youth.
- We are looking for passionate high school students to join the gbSTEM community and teach classes remotely through Zoom. Volunteering as an instructor will show initiative, strengthen your resumé, and allow you to contribute to the community during this difficult and confusing time.
- Our spring semester will run from March 6th to June 19th, 2021. The deadline for instructor applications is February 28, 2021.
- Our application form and all course descriptions can be found on our website: https://gbstem.org
- If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. We are so excited to work with you this spring. Thank you so much!
Mental health Supports:
Students - Feeling down? Always anxious or worried? Concerned about someone else in your life – friend, family member? Not sleeping well because your mind can’t shut down? If these questions sound familiar, please don’t worry alone.
Guidance/school counselors and other clinical support staff at Brookline High are here to listen, assess, and support you so you are not carrying these burdens alone. Please reach out to your counselor. You can also reach out to a BHS faculty member (including Darby Neff-Verre – Coordinator of BHS Guidance/Counseling) to start the conversation about how we can help you build strategies or get connected to feel safe and better about your situation. Contact your counselor at their email, zoom visiting hours, or phone.
COVID Related Resources
Mutual Aid Brookline (MAB) shares this information…
FREE SERVICES
211 COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Over the Phone - Ongoing - Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
A new Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line has been launched to help residents 75 and older more easily schedule an appointment if they do not have internet or are unable to use the website at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
The call center will be staffed with over 500 representatives who can provide live phone support to assist residents with booking an appointment.
The line will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators. Call center workers will have the same access to appointments that users will see on the public website.
The line can be accessed by dialing 2–1–1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” Residents may have to wait on the line given expected high call volume.
Opportunities 2021 for BHS students– Summer is only 4 months away and it’s time to think to sun, temperatures in the 80’s and interesting ways to spend your summer. Thanks to BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and her counseling intern David Ehrlich, please copy and paste this google doc in your browser for more info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o7GiMWRfEo2ByK8I7d1EvNRgF4h4NkGHKT9T64XtuNU/edit
And here’s a link to the Teen Life updated 2021 Summer Programs guide - https://indd.adobe.com/view/68806d31-27c9-4616-bfa7-7283711259c0. A great resource for many summer opportunities! They are also offering a virtual summer opportunities fair on Feb 25 from 6-8:45pm. Registration is required - https://www.teenlife.com/summer-virtual-fair/
RESOURCES FOR REMOTE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR BHS STUDENTS:
Brookline Cares - Empowerment Coats winter drive
Brookline Cares is a student-run, volunteer organization started by Brookline High School students. Our organization promotes awareness, fundraises, and accepts donations of winter clothing to donate to people in need. The clothing collected is given to people in communities with high rates of COVID-19 in the Greater Boston area. We are urgently raising money through a GoFundMe to purchase Empowerment coats to give out to people in communities with high rates of COVID. These communities also have high rates of poverty and homelessness. Empowerment coats are coats that convert into sleeping bags and can be used by people experiencing homelessness or people who do not have shelter. Visit their website for more information: https://www.empowermentplan.org/the-coat. The coats will be distributed by Mass General to people in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, Charlestown, and Everett through their mobile testing vans. If you want to help make a positive difference in the world we live in, then this is the perfect cause to donate to. Please visit our page for more information: https://brooklinecares.wixsite.com/home
Updated Inspo:Expo Online Volunteer Match – Here is the link to see a list of Inspo:Expo partners who have remote (or low social contact) volunteer opportunities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EjWNx3AF7i4wkbVoLizNQ4NwGnHNcmLpbb_PAvBoeoI/edit
If you scroll through and see something you're interested in, simply email the organization directly through their listed contact info.
Try checking out this community service link from the free resource Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
Career Exploration at BHS:
This Friday 2/26 X block Career Coffee Talk….. Are you interested in a career in business or marketing or just want to learn more about these career clusters? Come hear from Sean Duffy, VP - Contact Strategy, Search, & Customer Acquisition, Marketing at Bloomingdales headquarters on Friday 2/26 during X block in the virtual College and Career Center. If interested, email Ms. Kennedy, [email protected], for the zoom link!
The Boston chapter of PWC (Professional Women in Construction) is offering this great event for young women looking at construction and design related fields. This virtual event is on March 9th from 3-4pm. The event will include discussions of the different career paths available in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction fields.
There will be an opportunity for students to speak with professionals to ask questions and discuss any topics of interest. Registration is required and free for all – see below. The event will take place on zoom (link will be sent to registered attendees in advance of the event). Copy and past this link to your browser to register - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/full-steam-ahead-career-paths-of-women-in-aec-tickets-141997511379
A FREE DAY OF LIVE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS FOR EMERGING FILMMAKERS IN GRADES 7-12 – MARCH 6, 10AM TO 4PM
This year, Gold Coast International Film Festival and Hofstra University are teaming up to present VIRTUAL Youth Film Day. This event is FREE for all interested students – you just need to register in advance. This year’s event will include:
- LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOPS – Cinematography, Experimental Filmmaking, Special FX Makeup, Directing, Low Budget Special Effects and more! Login to as many workshops as you want throughout the day. For descriptions of all workshops, see attached flyer.
- CONVERSATIONS WITH AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKERS – Hear from award-winning filmmakers whose work has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, FX Networks and has won awards at film festivals around the world
The College and Career Center at Brookline High School is seeking community support for our Career Exploration and Immersion Program (CEIP). The goal of the CEIP is to build intentional connections between the professional expertise in our community and the students, teachers, and programs who seek understanding of and experience with the current professional landscape. The CEIP focuses on a two-fold mission: to bring experts into classrooms and/or the Career Center, as well as to bring students into the professional setting through career exploration and immersion activities.
https://forms.gle/94SfA1CrXYudhSGZ9
MassBay STEM stories - Learn more about the programs MassBay Community College offers in their STEM Division. To view our current Associate Degree and Certificate programs, please go to: https://www.massbay.edu/stem. The focus in on why this is a good time to consider pursuing an education/career in STEM. There are pre-recorded videos where students “meet” STEM faculty and students and see some of their labs. One of the videos is of a former biotech student speaking about this program. Another video is of a MassBay graduate who is an Engineer, now working in the wind energy field. There is an overview about the supports Mass Bay offers students and the smart economics of starting at a community college, regardless of where students want to end up.
Genetic Counseling Career opportunity for students… Want to learn about the vastly growing health profession of genetic counseling? Genetic counselors are health care professionals who:
· Help people understand hereditary diseases
· Facilitate decision making about genetic testing
· Provide emotional support to patients
Genetic counseling has multiple specialties and is a growing field with excellent job availability. More information about this career can also be found online at https://www.nsgc.org/page/frequently-asked-questions-students.
The Division for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is hosting a free virtual career day to provide more information about genetic counseling on Saturday, February 27th, 2021. The event will be held virtually over zoom and all are welcome to attend.
Interested individuals can register online at: https://genetic-counseling-career-day-2021.eventbrite.com
If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us at [email protected].
SENIORS
12th graders – take a look at this short and sweet article – “Dear High School Seniors- What NOT to Do Spring of Your Senior Year” - https://grownandflown.com/high-school-seniors-not-do-spring-senior-year/ It’s hard not to do some of these things when senioritis strikes but be mindful of these points… They’re all true! And please don’t forget to have some fun, even in these strange times!
If you got into a school and you are 100% sure you will not go there, please let them know (especially if this is a state school). Colleges are experiencing a huge increase in applications this year, and are therefore using waitlist and deferrals--so your email might help another student get in.
Interested in applying to Framingham State University? You have a great opportunity to get accepted on the spot at Framingham State University…. Join FSU and BHS for a Virtual Admissions Decision Day. Register to meet with an FSU admissions representative to discuss your application and receive your decision (please note, in some cases FSU will not be able to provide a decision at the time of meeting, but will let you know what your next steps are. Application fees will be waived for participating applicants). Here are the steps:
1) Make an appointment for the zoom session. Important: this will be a zoom meeting with the FSU Admissions Counselor who makes the admission decisions. Please come on time & represent BHS well.
2) Complete Commonapp.org for FSU, or FSU’s own application. Framingham State does not require an essay. To get the fee waiver, there is a question on both the FSU App, and then on the Common App (in the FSU questions) that asks if you are eligible for a school specific waiver. Select "official campus visit." It's okay if you submit the app before the meeting, once the meeting takes place FSU will make sure the app fee is waived.
3) Complete the transcript release form, & email Mr. Libenzon ([email protected]) to indicate that you will attend the on-the-spot session.
Senior portraits for yearbook – DEADLINE EXTENDED to 2/28/21! A little more time has been added for seniors to submit your senior portraits. The new deadline is February 28th. Don't wait until the last minute for this extended date! The yearbook staff needs your prompt submissions so we can meet our deadlines and get the book to you on time! We know that many of you just had your pictures taken by Prestige and are waiting for proofs. Please complete the rest of the google form for now and leave out the senior portrait. We will be able to see your selected yearbook portrait and download it from the Prestige site.
Are you still trying to figure out what your plans are after graduation? If the answer is yes, check out the opportunity to serve with City Year. City Year is a one-year program where you work full-time in an urban Elementary, Middle, or High School bridging the gap between the support that students actually need and what their schools are designed and resourced to provide. They are looking for folks that have a passion for working with youth and would be willing to work hard to help them to see their full potential. They partner with schools and districts to identify students who are at risk of not graduating on time with their peers, and provide them with extra academic, emotional, and social support, and the skills that they need to be successful for college and a career. To learn more about City Year contact recruitment manager, Kristen Hill, at [email protected]
When your college financial aid package arrives, please join MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority)…… After the College Acceptance
Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm
This webinar provides valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Register at : https://www.mefa.org/events/after-the-college-acceptance2
The alternate date is Thursday, April 08, 7pm. Register at
https://www.mefa.org/events/after-the-college-acceptance4
Thinking about a post grad path that is NOT college specific? Check in with your counselor and/or Kate Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, for ideas and resources.
JUNIORS
The third junior seminar will be this Monday 2/22 from 1-2pm to review your unofficial transcript and to discuss course scheduling for senior year. Your unofficial transcript is now available to review on your student portal. Please review your unofficial transcript for any missing classes, incompletes or errors. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
You should be checking that you are on your way to earning all required credits towards graduation in June 2022.
English- 4 credits
Science - 3 credits
Social Studies/History - 3 credits including US History
Math - 3 credits (4 years required for UMass State colleges/universities)
World Language - 2 credits (same language)
Elective - 3 credits distributed across Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Career/Tech, Community Service
Wellness - .5 Lifetime Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
We encourage you to contact your counselor for a 1:1 zoom meeting now.
HOLD these dates….. March 10th at 6:30 PM BHS Virtual College Fair – More details to come!
March 31 - Virtual Panel re: College Support Services for Students with Learning Differences - 6:30pm
Many colleges & universities remain test-optional for the Class of 2022. Copy and paste this link to see the regularly updated list from FairTest - https://www.fairtest.org/more-half-all-us-colleges-and-universities-are-alr
A Crash Course on Applying to College in the UK and Europe – Ethan Sawyer of the College Essay Guy website if offering this free information session this Wednesday, Feb 24th @ 7-8pm Eastern Time. This site is an EXCELLENT source of many free resources related to the college search and applications process.
Free registration is required. Copy and paste this link to your browser: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/173/m0n4gtp3
On this UK/Europe session, they will cover:
· Why you might consider attending college in the UK or Europe
· Four ways the college experience in the UK and Europe differs from the US experience
· An overview of options that include England, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands and European business schools
· Application timelines
BHS Librarians are offering….. FREE online ACT/ SAT/ TOEFL test prep support started Thurs Feb 11. Any junior can register for any or all sessions to support their admissions testing preparation. Check out the attached flyer and register here - https://forms.gle/2y1uxvhMs9j7xW2M7
College Board is offering a series of virtual regional college fairs over the next 6 weeks. Cut and paste this link to get more information and register - https://pages.collegeboard.org/big-future-days?SFMC_cid=EM438518-&rid=47663053
You can attend any event and more than one. Explore your college options in each region!
BigFuture Days Southeast Tuesday, February 23
BigFuture Days Northeast Sunday, March 7
BigFuture Days Midwest Thursday, March 11
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES
PreACT REGISTRATION AT BHS ENDS TOMORROW, MONDAY 2/22 at 3pm.
The PreACT will be administered at Brookline High this Saturday, February 27th from 7:45-11:30 am.
The PreACT is a shorter practice version of the ACT college admissions test, normed for sophomores in high school. The PreACT also offers a built-in career interest inventory. Each student taking the test will have the opportunity to:
v Identify current academic readiness for college and career using the PreACT report
v Predict how you’ll perform on the ACT after an additional junior year of learning (predictive quality of test is different for juniors since they already are having that “additional year” of curriculum as defined by the ACT)
v Determine skills you can improve based on your performance (using your results to guide use of the free online ACT Academy prep program)
v Explore how your career aspirations align with your interests.
Please complete the attached registration form and drop it off to the BHS Main Entrance in the Atrium with a $20 check or money order payable to: Brookline High School Guidance. Look for the small cashbox with the pink PreACT form attached. We do not accept cash. Also – please note - no alternative date will be offered at BHS and no other area schools are opened for PreACT testing.
If you feel that you may qualify for a fee waiver, please let the Guidance office staff know at 617-713-5016 or contact your guidance counselor.