The mask mandate for the town of Brookline remains in place through March 15, 2022 at which time public health data will be reviewed prior to any further recommendations. All BHS students and staff will still be wearing masks upon return from the upcoming vacation.
Quarter 3 academic Progress Reports #1 (IPRs) will be uploaded to the parent and students portals this Friday March 4.
What are FLEX blocks for Gr 10-12 students? There are two Flex blocks for grades 10-12 Hub/Advisory this quarter 3. Flex blocks are a time during Hub/Advisory for students to work on academics. These are scheduled to occur following progress reports. BHS faculty and students have been notified of these Flex dates in advance so that everyone can plan to use these blocks effectively.
Flex 1: March 7, 2021
Flex 2: March 28, 2022
Where? While most students will work in their Hub rooms, students are able to meet with other BHS staff or faculty with an appointment and with their advisor’s prior approval. Attendance and supervision during T blocks matter. It’s each student’s responsibility to ensure advisors have prior confirmation if a student has an appointment to see other faculty. Students MUST report to advisory at the top of the block for attendance purposes. Unlike Tuesday morning H blocks, there is no conflict with Z block classes and attendance WILL BE TAKEN. Since you have this time available, make a plan to use it well.
Course selection for the 2022-23 school year is beginning for students in Grades 9-11.
Please note these important steps in the process:
- Morning zoom course selection meetings were offered for parents-guardians of students in Grades 9-11 with grade level deans and curriculum coordinators. Recordings of these presentations are available – emailed by grade level PTO reps. The Grade 9 presentation is also added in the 2/14/22 Weekly Update under 9th grade info on the BHS Guidance website (see above for link). The 2/15/22 Grades 10-11 presentation recording was shared again by PTO reps and is on this Weekly Update below under Juniors/Sophomores.
- Be sure all students in Grades 9-11 know how to access their Student Portal accounts NOW! This saves time and energy when the portal opens later in March. Here’s the Aspen (student portal) link - https://ma-brookline.myfollett.com/aspen Log in ID: This is the SAME login and password as the student uses for all PSB accounts (BHS Student Wifi Network, Aspen, CANVAS, Google) - grad year +last name + first initial e.g.:21jonesk (must be all lowercase letters) Any student needing to reset their password should use the self-service tool at rmp.brooklinema.gov
- Hub-Advisory time will be offered to share directions and offer time to get started too. Peer support through the BHS Library will be available this year to help students to both access the student portal and to navigate the course selection site in mid-March. Stay tuned for dates and times for these support opportunities!
- Check out the new 2022-23 BHS Course Catalog now. Take some time to review all of the offerings for your grade level. Think about the elective and special subject area options available to BHS students. Consider trying something totally new or check out a course that aligns with an interest or career area you have wondered about…. New this year – QR codes in a number of elective programs to dig deeper into the offerings and visuals to SEE what you learn! While still being finalized with course updates, the catalog can be found on the BHS Homepage or by cutting/pasting this link to your server - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/uploads/8/0/1/5/801512/bhs22_23course_cataloga.pdf
- Teachers in students’ courses are now discussing course options in their subject area and curriculum level recommendations with students individually now. Ask your student what those conversations have been so far!
- The window for course requests being confirmed and uploaded by student to their Student Portal extends from Tues, March 15 to Tues April 5. Keep in mind that this is only the course requests stage. No courses are scheduled for any student until earliest, late spring. Be sure to prioritize your courses by level of interest and list alternate courses during this step. More to come on these considerations but very important to the process!
- Talk with your teachers, parents-guardians, counselor, program coordinator for consultation about building a well-balanced course load that allows for academic rigor while also supporting life balance with extracurricular activities, possibly a job and/or community service, quality sleep, and time to relax with friends and family.
- And be sure to think about the BHS graduation requirements as you plan your courses. Keep in mind that electives and wellness NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR COURSE REQUESTS. Be ready to use the alternates option too!
- Check your current transcript (on your Student Portal) to be sure that you are on your way to earning all required credits towards graduation. Also review for any missing classes or errors.
- 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 – could include Journalism, Community Service, Learning Centers, Tutorial, and/or Scholars
- Wellness - .5 Lifetime Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
- + additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
IMPORTANT NOTE – As always, thank you to students and family members for reading this weekly BHS Counseling/Guidance Dept Weekly Update. This weekly BHS Counseling/Guidance Dept update will continue to be sent out during the earlier weekday of each school week, but not over the weekend/Sunday. 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
Student Mental Health and Family Support Resources:
A BRYT Family Engagement's Youtube Live event recorded on 2/2 called, All You Ever Wanted to Know About Mental Health Crisis Services. Three panelists, at different levels of support (Emergency, Inpatient, and Partial) talked about what to expect when a child requires crisis services, how this is impacted by COVID and some great ideas on how families can plan ahead and manage possible circumstances.
Stay tuned for our next live event coming up in April, called 'Ready to Launch'. This panel of experts will talk with us about post-graduation options and setting our students up for success after high school. This is free and open to ALL families, not just BRYT.
Free, weekly parent-to-parent virtual support groups are available for any parent-guardian to join. See the flyer with links here: BRYT Parent-to-parent supports. Again, open to ALL families of students who are navigating mental health difficulties.
LOCAL COVID VACCINE CLINICS (info from MAB) -
Nearby vaccine clinics:
Ongoing, Fenway Stadium, state vaccination site, all residents 12+, offers Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J (only Pfizer for 12-17), initial round or booster (register here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/cataldofenway, walk-ins also accepted)
Ongoing, Whittier Street Health Center, all residents 5+, offers Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J (only Pfizer for 5-17), initial round or booster (see hours here: https://www.wshc.org/covid-19-vaccine/)
For the most updated info on Brookline's testing and vaccine clinics, please visit the Health Department's website at https://www.brooklinema.gov/2050/COVID-19-Testing-Vaccine-Clinics. (It may take a minute to load.)
Public Schools of Brookline SEPAC continues to sponsor the “IEP for Home” Parent Workshop series through March! Thanks to a very generous collaboration with the Office of Student Services, SEPAC is able to offer four more 90 minute sessions with Developmental Pediatrician Dr. Erik Von Hahn. Dates (all Wednesdays) and topics are as follows-
Module #4 - Schedules and Routines
March 2 from 8:30 -10:00 am
(* offered in conjunction with the Newton SEPAC)
All sessions also include an open Q&A. In previous sessions, these sessions offered excellent conversations about students of all ages. Parents across the age span are encouraged to attend.
The information flyer is attached to this weekly update. The registration link can also be found here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17IHj5_l0lbFS9a9LRIdUfWm4m_Vbd__MgN9DHjrcTNo/edit
ALL STUDENTS
Checking in on your mental health….. BHS counselors, social workers, school psychologists are here to support you! If you are worried about yourself, a friend, a family member, please don’t worry alone. Please talk to a trusted adult, including a BHS support staff person.
Here are other resources to consider:
- Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention Worcester Team: 1-866-549-2142
- Emergency Mental Health Services (EMH): 508-334-3562 - UMass Memorial Hospital
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741
BHS Spring Sports’ registration is open on FamilyID - Spring 2022 HS Athletics Registration | FamilyID from the BHS Homepage under Athletics, as announced by the BHS Athletic Director and Head of School Meyer. Most spring sports begin practices and tryouts on Monday, 3/21. Crew (Monday, 2/28) and Rugby (Wednesday, 3/16) are scheduled to begin earlier. Registration, including submission of an up-to-date health form must be completed online before participation is allowed. Health forms are good for 13 months from the date of the physical. Please cut and paste this link for all of the info - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/registration.html
Are you interested in Social Justice, Global Leadership or Climate Science AND RACIAL AWARENESS SEMINAR (rising Gr 10 only)? Applications for all 3 of these amazing classes are now LIVE! You can apply through the links below by March 4th. Applications can be found on the Academics/Social Studies link of the BHS homepage - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/social-studies-course-listing.html
Here's more information about each class:
-- Racial Awareness Seminar: Open to rising Gr 10 only- Application deadline is March 7 -The class is designed to explore, develop and acknowledge the current complexities of race in American society, Massachusetts, Brookline and Brookline High School in the 21st Century. The class will be an elective that is worth 1 credit. The class will be graded as pass or fail (P/F). While this credit can count towards graduation, it will not replace a Social Studies required course nor will it replace any of the electives needed for graduation. The class will be held 2-3 times a week. There will be a weekly reflection assignment throughout the year, and the goal is to be reflective about racial identity and explore your own racial identity through activities, film, field experiences, speakers and readings.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASS:
1) Attend class sessions 2-3x a week
2) Complete weekly reflection assignments
3) Attend several events outside of the school day – including Race Reels and Asking for Courage
4) Be a sophomore in the 2022-23 school year
-- SOCIAL JUSTICE: Open to rising 11th-12th grade – Application deadline is March 4 - The Social Justice Program allows students to explore critical issues facing the U.S. and to learn how to be change-makers both at BHS and beyond. Inside the classroom, students study complex issues including immigration, incarceration, abortion, sexual violence, food insecurity and housing eviction. Outside the classroom, students hold an internship at a Boston-area non-profit for 1/3 of the year. The class is open to juniors and seniors and meets 2x a week. It is discussion-based and has no tests or quizzes. Contact Kate Leslie ([email protected]) for more information.
-- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP: Open to rising 10th-12th graders – Application deadline is March 4 - The Global Leadership course aims to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, and to lead for a more prosperous and peaceful world. It is an unleveled, BHS Social Studies elective, open to 10th-12th grade students. This is a project-based class that emphasizes teamwork, design and sharing ideas. There is little homework and no tests. For more information, contact Mr. Grande ([email protected]).
-- CLIMATE SCIENCE AND SOCIAL CHANGE: Open to rising 12th graders- Application deadline is March 4 - Climate Science and Social Change is an interdisciplinary Science and Social Studies elective. Students will learn about the transformations to earth’s natural systems due to a warming planet, as well as the impact that has on human systems, including our health and food production. Throughout we will examine how race and equity intersect with climate change. Students will frequently collaborate in project teams to design responses to climate change and how to advocate for change, including communication strategy. The course aims to prepare students for taking leadership roles in addressing the most consequential in our lives. Students may select which credit they wish to earn (science or social studies). For more information, contact Dr. Brown ([email protected]) or Mr. Grande ([email protected]).
GreenZine Brookline (https://greenzinebrookline.wordpress.com/) is a Brookline K-12 online magazine that features work about the environment, climate justice, and the outdoors. We publish three times a year and invite you to submit your work. We strongly encourage writers and illustrators with, or without, experience to work with us to produced a short, published article, poem, photo, illustration or more. This is your voice to address a world increasingly impacted by climate change. Not sure what to write? We have plenty of ideas and would love to have you join us.
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 aims to amplify student voice 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] to learn more.
GreenZine Brookline: Where sustainability is a school issue
The Brandeis University club called Education for Students by Students (ESS) invites middle school and high school students from all places to come to Splash, an event where Brandeis undergraduates teach interactive classes to local youth. This learning extravaganza allows middle and high schoolers to learn and grow their interests about niche subjects. The best part is….IT’S FREE! Spring 2022 Splash will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 2022. This is a virtual event.
Student Registration is now open and course selection is available from March 10-April 7th.
To register as a student, cut and paste this link - https://brandeis.learningu.org/learn/register.html
If you have any additional questions feel free to email us at ess-club@brandeis.edu
Science Help Center Open for grades 9-12
If you're looking for extra help in any of your science class (physics, chemistry or biology) 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.
Check out the UPDATED Summer 2022 Opportunities document!
This document will be updated regularly with more opportunities including jobs, internships, and summer programs. See the attached document for many opportunities.
Thinking about a summer camp counselor job? There are a number of camp organizations looking for counselors NOW! See the BHS Guidance website / Career Counseling link à summer jobs 2022 for more info - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LZJQoWB4C-JLr13sXkUqEcBvCBraUo3eWYtMG_DUDac/edit#heading=h.i9miodlpjya
Current 9th, 10th, 11th graders –
** SWS applications are now being accepted for the 2022-23 school year…. Consider applying to be in SWS (School Within a School) next year! Check out their website (https://www.swsbrookline.org/) to learn more about this small democratic community that exists within BHS. Application link - https://docs.google.com/document/d/15qK-ANdn4liPhGZ9kFvLXYvNsaFvXwzc-SQCbXFpjzU/edit
** ACE continues its 2022-23 application process too –
ACE, a small, competency-based program for 10th-12th grade students who are seeking a more personalized learning experience at BHS is still open for applications for next September. www.ACEHighSchoolYourWay.com
Parents who are interested in learning more about this innovative, award-winning program should reach out to ACE Program Coordinator Amy Bayer with questions – [email protected]
Students who are interested in exploring ACE should attend an information meeting and a classroom visit. See information attached.
Interested students should take the first step by coming to an ACE information session and to review the ACE website:
www.ACEHighSchoolYourWay.com
We will be offering these info sessions during all the upcoming X blocks in the ACE office (room 257) and more times will be added, as needed. Students who would like to attend an info session should contact ACE secretary [email protected] to schedule and to find out location. Once a student has attended an info session, they will be scheduled for a classroom visit.
Need a quiet and social place to enjoy your lunch at the 115 campus? Join Lunch Lounge!
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
BHS Career exploration and community job opportunities:
This Thursday…..Coffee Talk 3/3/22: Interested in government or public administration careers? This Coffee Talk may be for you!
Coffee Talk #3 - Government/Public Administration Careers
Where? College/Career Center, Room 279
When? Thursday, March 3rd, 2022, during X Block
Are you interested in exploring ALL your options after high school? Not sure what career you want to pursue? Are you curious what a career in government could look like? Come join our "Coffee Talk" to hear more about the range of opportunities in this field.
Come on over to the College and Career Center, Room 279, on Thursday 3/3 during X block to hear from a member of Brookline Select Board and a Community Engagement Strategist.
Questions? Email Ms. Fazio at [email protected].
Consider this mentorship program in which one to two high school students will be mentored by the curatorial advisor and founder of Praise Shadows Mentor Program in planning a group exhibition over the time span of six months (March - August). This year's curatorial advisor is Jen Mergel, a nationally respected contemporary art curator and cultural leader. This is a paid position, and applicants must be ages 16-19 who are from the Boston area. Last year's mentees were high school students from Watertown High School and Brookline High School, and they curated a wonderful exhibition Alchemized Dimensions: https://praiseshadows.com/exhibitions/alchemized-dimensions/. I've attached a document describing the program in detail, and I'm hoping you can forward it to students and teachers before the deadline, February 28th. For more information on the gallery, please visit praiseshadows.comPraise-Shadows-Mentor-Program-Application-2022.pdf Praise-Shadows-Mentor-Program-Application-2022.pdf
Ms Kate Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor, is out on leave until March 7, 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 student organizers of the BHS Drone Club are hoping to launch a student-run drone/RC vehicle repair program to raise money for club activities. They are asking students to complete the survey below to see if it would be a worthwhile service to have at BHS/ in Brookline or if we need to rework our strategy. Help them out by completing this short survey here-
Link: https://forms.gle/mTJXEFxa26rwLCGF9
- 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
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
Looking for Spanish speakers to teach a Saturday conversation group to students in Nicaragua. Teachers would work with ~6 Nicaraguan students who know basically no English. Help them develop their skills (this is why proficiency in Spanish is required: the students will need you to do a lot of translating!) The group will meet every Saturday for one hour virtually; the specific time can be flexible to your schedule. If you are interested or would like to know more, please email me: [email protected] (Note: first come, first serve, so if you are interested please reach out soon!)
BHS COMMUNITY SERVICE INFO - Even though Brookline High does not have a community service requirement for graduation, many BHS students become involved in their school or greater Brookline community through service. These opportunities provide a chance for students to better understand and give back to those in need, plus offer a direct strategy to deal with emotions and stress by making connections with others and becoming engaged with something larger than one’s self. Adding community service activities can be beneficial to your college applications down the road too!
You do NOT have to have community service officially listed on your BHS transcript for credit to have its impact be noted for your own sense of self or to colleges. If you do want to have community service hours count for BHS credit, please be aware of these important criteria:
- must be a service within BHS or Brookline or greater Brookline community
- any service hours beyond 50 MUST be approved by the BHS Community Service Coordinator ([email protected]) – see attached form
- 50 hours = .25 credit; 100 hours = .5 credit; 150 hours = .75 credit; 200 hours = 1.0 credit
- hours must be logged and verified by the service organization supervisor and Ms Gaffney at BHS
– 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
SENIORS
MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority) will be offering free informative webinars that provide valuable guidance for high school seniors and their families who have received college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to decide on a college and make a plan to pay for college costs. Topics include different types of financial aid, how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying for the college bills. See attached flyer for more general info on MEFA. Go to this link to register for the webinar date/time (see below) that works best for you - https://www.mefa.org/events/category/how-to-pay-for-college?utm_campaign=Guidance2021&utm_source=MPSchoolCounselorWave27&utm_medium=email&utm_content=CTA1#
March 11, 2022 – 12-1pm
March 30, 2022 – 6:30-7:30pm
April 5, 2022 – 12-1 pm
April 13, 2022 – 6:30-7:30pm
IMPORTANT – The BHS Scholarship Application continues to be available for submission – see below. ALL SENIORS SHOULD COMPLETE and SUBMIT THIS SCHOLARSHIP INFO so BHS can support many students with some amount of financial support for college!
If you would like to be considered for one of the many scholarships awarded through the Brookline High School Scholarship Program, please complete the BHS Scholarship Application and submit your CSS Profile to the BHS Scholarship Program. The application is easy to complete and is available online on the Brookline High School homepage. To make fair decisions, the Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Please use the Brookline Scholarship Program code, which is 0424
If you would like to be considered for the BU or Northeastern scholarships, please apply by January 10th and submit your CSS Profile by then too.
The Scholarship Committee would like students and parents 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.
College Application Reminders:
Help the BHS counselors and teachers support your application process by meeting 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.
JUNIORS and SENIORS
Do you identify as a student with a “diverse” background? Are you interested in studying law in the future? This Boston University diversity initiative opportunity may be of interest for you to apply - “Best of Diversity at Boston University School of Law” is a new program being offered to expose high school juniors and seniors to the legal filed. It is a day event held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 11am to 4pm. It is fully funded. Please see the attached “BUDiv” flyer for more info. Application deadline is March 15, 2022. This is not a Brookline sponsored event.
Still wondering about a Gap Year? Learn more by registering for these Gap Year workshops offered by USA Gap Year Fairs – the organization that the BHS Counseling Dept collaborates with for our annual Virtual Gap Year Fair (offered January 18). Consider joining their dynamic gap year crash course and get the insider knowledge and insight necessary to research and plan the gap year adventure of your dreams.
· Mar 1: Gap Year as Career Exploration
· March 2: Virtual National Gap Year Fair
· Mar 3: How to Choose a Gap Year Program
· Mar 10: How to Win a $5,000 Gap Year Scholarship!
· Mar 13: Virtual National Gap Year Fair
· Mar 24: Virtual National Gap Year Fair
· Apr 6: Virtual National Gap Year Fair
Hosted by USA Gap Year Fairs, the crash course is the perfect complement to the 10 national virtual USA Gap Year Fairs that help connect you with gap year program providers and expert gap year counselors. Here’s the link to register for the crash course workshops - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-take-a-gap-year-the-ultimate-crash-course-registration-253811114877?aff=Email&mc_eid=77284bec4e&mc_cid=c625362665
And here’s the link to the upcoming Virtual Gap Year Fairs - https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/usa-fairs/schedule?utm_source=GoOverseas&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=gyf2022&mc_cid=c625362665&mc_eid=77284bec4e
Brookline SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory) suggests this virtual opportunity - added below - to hear about student support differences between high school and college for students with IEPs and 504s. BHS Guidance will also be offering a virtual panel to share information and answer questions regarding college support for students with learning differences on March 30, 2022 @ 7pm. More info to come on this event….
JUNIORS
Save the date – BHS Virtual College Fair is scheduled for Tues evening March 8 from 6:30-8:30pm. Please see the attached partial list of over 80 colleges and programs that will be represented at this year’s virtual fair. More colleges/programs may be added. Juniors can join the colleges’ virtual booths from the comfort of your home. All you need to do is click on the zoom link!
This is the second time BHS Guidance has offered a virtual college fair and the BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon has worked hard provide this offering for BHS juniors. Please note that zoom links will be shared and will be "live" on Tuesday before the fair.
Important: plan to attend 5 to 10 different booths (see more advice on how to navigate the fair below). Copy and paste this document link to see tips for how to prepare for and navigate the fair, including what questions to ask - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oN9M4jmUHVSBbSPd9i7LuXZee1UuPJS9aBWX99E9g7U/edit
Please email Mr. Libenzon ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the fair!
Juniors and Junior Keepers! Did you miss your junior seminar #1 in advisory? Mr. Libenzon will conduct the make-up session on March 7th and 28th during T-block.
Come to the Auditorium for this in-person session with Mr. L, BHS College Counselor. He will be happy to answer any questions you have about college admissions.
SAVE THE DATE - Junior Parent Virtual Coffee Q&A: On Thursday, March 10, at 8:30 am, Lenny Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) and Darby Neff-Verre (BHS Counseling Department Chair) will conduct the virtual Q&A session about college process. Please come with your questions about the process; zoom link below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/94807459932?pwd=Y1ZwdUtTUHIwRGZ0WURsaitXNm1Kdz09
Meeting ID: 948 0745 9932
Passcode: 402267
The organization titled The Hundred-Seven is expanding its outreach and
including a virtual HBCU Week in collaboration with Xi Omega Chapter,
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. from February 27- March 4. See attached flyer
with registration links.
This virtual HBCU Week has several components including a live-streamed
event each night from 8:30-9:30 EST that will include conversations with
HBCU alumni in different professional fields, highlights of HBCUs in
different regions as well as specialty programs (community colleges,
programs for vets and non-traditional students, programs for students
with learning challenges) and scholarship presentations.
During the week there will also be a pop-up Facebook group where
families and educators can ask questions and interact with
representatives from colleges. Everyone who registers will receive an
e-book that highlights the participating HBCUs and will be eligible for
one of the scholarships that will be presented during the week.
Are you considering an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for your future, but aren't sure which one is right for you? Real Talk (by College Board) is excited to launch their spring season with a two-night HBCU Edition on March 2 and 3, when a variety of campus representatives and current HBCU students will share key information about the college admissions process, scholarships, student life, and more.
This Real Talk event is the perfect opportunity to hear directly from the source and gain the insight you need to help students and their families as they decide which of the 100+ HBCUs across the country should be added to their college lists.
Check out Real Talk: HBCU Edition on Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m. ET! Register by cutting/pasting this link - https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1523152&tp_key=34b6cc8ac2&SFMC_cid=EM664181-&rid=293808035&SFMC_cid=EM666528-&rid=47663053
Revolution Prep organization to offer FREE, virtual online SAT practice test which offers a sample SAT Score Report that students/parents receive instantly upon students completing the exam. This opportunity will be available on Saturday March 5 @ 9am. Cut and paste this link to register -
https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/705/
See the flyer below for more details and registration info. Please note that Brookline High does not specifically endorse any college admissions test prep or tutoring companies. We do recognize that it is helpful to share FREE opportunities to our students/families. You are NEVER obligated to pay for any add’l services from these companies.
Did you miss the virtual Junior Parent Event on Post High School Planning for BHS junior parents-guardians presented by the BHS Counseling Dept? Here’s the recording to find out what you missed -
https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/virtual-junior-parent-presentation-join-us
The BHS counselors have long term experience supporting any BHS junior to start sorting out their plans for life after BHS graduation. We’re here to help them and you!
Counselors have started rotating through junior hub/advisory blocks to share information about post high school planning steps and resources. These Hub advisory presentations will continue through March and include mini themed workshops during the mornings of ELA MCAS on March 22 &23. More details coming soon! Juniors can also reach out to their counselor to set up an individual meeting on these conversations too.
JUNIORS and SOPHOMORES
Senior and Junior Year Course Selection Meeting was presented on
Tuesday, February 15. This meeting was offered for parents and guardians of current Sophomores AND Juniors. Deans will led the meeting and Curriculum Coordinators for each Department described the course options for next year. In addition, SWS and ACE provided an overview of those programs.
This presentation was recorded. Please copy and paste this link to view - https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/play/4XgiG-d10uSE8WPgu8ciQhEJSbPynuhFUtPJiH3Nbk7m9oXYk9yjohdYpY3CR1pmuy4HRacKJkQGhsph.IDlmp-cUBUfhoHNX?continueMode=true
The PreACT will be administered at Brookline High on Saturday, April 9th 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:
· Identify current academic readiness for college and career using the PreACT report
· 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)
· Determine skills you can improve based on your performance (using your results to guide use of the free online ACT Academy prep program)
· Explore how your career aspirations align with your interests.
Registration info will be shared on this Weekly Update in March. Stay tuned! Also – please note - no alternative date will be offered at BHS.
SOPHOMORES
9TH GRADERS
9th Grade School Counselors continue to be busy supporting your students! They continue to join 9th grade Hub advisories to facilitate conversation about Goal Setting and thinking ahead to Gr 10. Counselors will continue to be rotating through each 9th grade Hub over the next 2 months to discuss this important topic.
They will also be offering a Gr 10 Course Selection zoom to all Class of 2025 students during the March 7 Hub advisory block.
As always, 9th graders should reach out to their counselor if they have any questions or concerns about current classes, future course selection, and life in and out of school. The counselors don’t want any 9th grader to worry alone!