It’s another week with a special schedule with today’s MLK holiday and also this Friday 1/22/21 is a ½ day for students with staff having professional development time. Please see the attached special schedule for this week. Special schedule attached.
Parents/ Guardians - It’s time to shift from “I’ve got this” to “You’ve got this” for your BHS student. Here’s a Grown and Flown article that simply speaks to this parenting shift - https://grownandflown.com/stop-fixing-things-for-your-kids/
ALL STUDENTS
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]
On Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, ACE will also host an ACE Information Night for parents to learn more about the program. This event will be at 7pm on zoom. See flyer for zoom link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bhv2YmolQLb_8-c__fANIQ9kwmLqOriQ/view?usp=sharing
Parents/ Guardians - It’s time to shift from “I’ve got this” to “You’ve got this” for your BHS student. Here’s a Grown and Flown article that simply speaks to this parenting shift - https://grownandflown.com/stop-fixing-things-for-your-kids/
ALL STUDENTS
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]
On Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, ACE will also host an ACE Information Night for parents to learn more about the program. This event will be at 7pm on zoom. See flyer for zoom link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bhv2YmolQLb_8-c__fANIQ9kwmLqOriQ/view?usp=sharing
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]
The SWS (BHS School Within a School) admissions process is now open!
SWS Admissions Info Packet
Please take the opportunity to see if SWS could be a good fit.
School Within a School, located on the fourth floor of BHS, is an alternative, democratic community for a diverse group of approximately 120 sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Goals for students include taking as much responsibility for their education as possible, sharing decision-making in running SWS, and contributing to building a caring community. For 50 years, SWS has provided students with the opportunity to participate actively as leaders in their own educations and develop meaningful relationships with teachers based on mutual respect. Admission to SWS is based on a lottery, the criteria of which are determined by the SWS Town Meeting. In addition to Town Meeting, SWS students take at least two classes in the program, including English. They take the rest of their classes in the mainstream of BHS. More information about the program, and the admissions process, can be found at swsbrookline.org.
Missed the BHS Guidance sponsored Virtual Gap Year Fair last Wednesday 1/13? Here’s the recording of the Gap Year 101 presentation and other resources - Gap Year 101 recording.
Here’s a reminder of the upcoming How to Take a Gap Year: The Ultimate Crash Course event series coming up soon. More information can be found at https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm#inbox/FMfcgxwKkbhCgsmpTLmTcwHlJtRbsNNz
Brookline High January Drive Through Food Drive Details
Date: 1/24/21
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00am for food drop off
We will be there later organizing and delivering, but please drop off as early in the day as you can as we aim to begin deliveries by about 1:30.
Location: BHS - In front of the main entrance
115 Greenough St., Brookline, MA 02445
Details: Drive down Greenough, stop your car in front of BHS, and put your items on the sidewalk in the designated drop zone. We will take it from there. We will all keep our distance and follow safety precautions.
Link: Items to Bring
I will add items to this doc if we get any special requests. We could really use medium size boxes in addition to some paper bags with handles.
Number of Grocery Deliveries:
We are up to 48 BHS families and able to add more to this list.
Volunteers:
We have a full list of volunteers for this food drive! Please email [email protected] if you are interested in the waiting list and you will be contacted if there are any cancelations.
Mental health Supports:
SAVE THE DATE
The Brookline High School PTO and B-PEN present
"When the S*** Hits the Fan: Parenting during the Pandemic"
A virtual conversation with Joani Geltman, MSW
Jan. 25, 7 p.m.
Please join us for a virtual evening with parenting expert Joani Geltman, a clinician, parenting coach, college professor, and public speaker with over 30 years of experience. Using humor and storytelling, Joani will send parents/caregivers of teens and tweens home with a "goody bag" of practical insight and helpful techniques for parenting through these unprecedented challenges. She will address issues ranging from screen use and recognizing the difference between COVID blues and clinical depression to strategies for dealing with social isolation and self-care. Bring your questions or feel free to submit concerns you’d like Joani to address to [email protected].
Zoom log in -- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85217590099?pwd=UGM1VHY3MHB3Qis0dTN2Y25qMXA5QT09
HEARTplay Children's Bereavement Program – Here’s an update on their bereavement program offerings. All programs continue to be held on line via zoom at this time and are offered at no cost to all families. Below are a few highlights. Please visit our website for additional information: heartplayprogram.org.
- On-Going groups and individual grief support for children, teens, and young adults of all abilities. New participants welcome.
- Specific Grandparent Loss and Pet Loss Workshops offered monthly.
- NEW Spanish Speaking Grief Group. Facilitated by native Spanish-speaking clinicians. We are actively seeking referrals for this newly formed group.
If there are students and families in your communities who could benefit from these services, please pass this information along to them, and/or contact Jennifer Wiles, LMHC, BC-DMT, HEARTplay Director, with referrals at 508-309-5107 or [email protected].
The BRYT Family Engagement Team is excited to share their NEW and IMPROVED Parents Supporting Parents FLYER. Flyer is also attached.
Group Schedule:
PLEASE note there is NO BIPOC group this Monday 1/18 in observance of MLK Day.
Managing Family Relationships during a Pandemic FLYER
Tuesday January 19 at 7:00 PM EST
Wednesday January 20 at 7:00 PM EST
Thursday January 21 at 9:00 AM EST
Spanish Speaking Group
Thursday January 21 at 7:00 PM EST
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.
New Resource - DownDog is offering their yoga, HIIT and barre classes to teachers and students for free - https://www.downdogapp.com/schools
HandholdMA.org is a new online initiative from DMH/CBHI to provide comprehensive, accessible, multi-lingual mental health information for parents, caregivers, and families. Parents-caregivers know their child better than anyone. You may still have a few questions. COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse.
It answers common questions such as, 'Should I worry?' 'What can I do?' and 'Who can help?'
Here's the link: https://handholdma.org/
Reminder - Free breakfast and lunch items are available for FREE for ANY STUDENT in the school district for the remainder of the school year. If your student needs a breakfast or lunch, have them stop by the cafe at either 115 or OLS. Special order lunches can be pre-ordered at Meal Ordering Form Questions/Concerns? Please contact directly with any questions/concerns/feedback - Sasha Palmer Food Service Director Tel: 617 730-2499 Email:[email protected]
Brookline COVID Testing Site - Mondays through Saturdays - Department of Public Health**
**Testing site and subsidy program for uninsured residents will continue into 2021! PSB students in grades 6-12 will have access to weekly asymptomatic testing for 8-10 weeks in early 2021 (stay tuned from an update from PSB)**
Where: Public Health building at 11 Pierce St
Who: town residents, Public Schools of Brookline students and teachers, town staff
Test type: PCR swab tests
When: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be made by booking online.
How much: COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals and close contacts is covered by insurance in Massachusetts, and should be billed to insurance by mPathy (the testing vendor). Uninsured symptomatic individuals and close contacts will have the cost of their test covered by the Town via CARES funding. Asymptomatic individuals will be required to pay $140 (except for those in the surveillance testing program through PSB). Asymptomatic individuals who seek testing may request reimbursement for the expense through their insurance company.**
More information: https://brooklinecovid19.com/2020/11/19/town-of-brookline-makes-covid-19-testing-free-for-uninsured-residents-who-have-symptoms-or-have-been-identified-as-close-contacts/ and https://brooklinecovid19.com/2020/12/23/public-schools-of-brookline-and-town-of-brookline-provide-update-on-covid-19-testing-and-safety-efforts/.
**Note: this service is not free under all circumstances. It has been included here as there are no-cost services included in the Town's offerings, depending on your insurance provider and now expanded with the uninsured testing subsidies. You can use this map from MEMA to locate other testing options:
https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13.
Please contact your healthcare or insurance provider, or MAB if you don't have a provider, if you need further assistance finding a testing center. Whether or not to seek COVID testing should not be a financial decision!
Mutual Aid Brookline (MAB) is a community-built and volunteer-run initiative launched in the very first days of the quarantine. We have plenty of remote volunteering opportunities in translation, organizing, delivery dispatch, and fundraising, and in-person volunteering opportunities for grocery/supply/medication and library deliveries. If you'd like us to match you with a volunteer role, sign up at https://forms.gle/KjDFcmpPhbRJRu158 or email [email protected].
Tutor
MAB is hoping to begin offer tutoring and homework help to students in Grades 1-6 by the end of the month. If you are interested in offering tutoring or homework help, please contact [email protected]
Hotline
The MAB hotline is always looking for more volunteers to take shifts! Volunteers are fully remote and can choose shift times according to their schedules. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in helping out with the hotline.
Delivery
MAB is particularly looking for remote dispatch volunteers to fill a weekly or every other week five hour shift connecting delivery clients with delivery volunteers (fully remote). You can sign up for our January dispatch training at https://forms.gle/pCf87xLrgKu9xBTN7 and email [email protected] with any questions.
We’re also in need of more delivery drivers (or bikers, or walkers, or cartwheelers)! We have both in-store grocery deliveries (requires going in-store and shopping for clients) and contactless library deliveries (contactless pickup from library of hold materials). Email [email protected] to sign up and indicate if you’d like to be on the grocery list, library list, or both!
OTHER RESOURCES FOR REMOTE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR BHS STUDENTS:
- 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
email the organization directly through their listed contact info.
* New BHS student run community services group – Brookline Cares:
This group is doing a winter clothes drive and they have a GoFundMe page to raise money to buy empowerment coats for people who are homeless or who don’t have shelter. Check out their website - https://brooklinecares.wixsite.com/home
- Try checking out this link from the free resource Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
Other Community Service Ideas – BHS/ Brookline area:
Hello everyone, this is Anna Lin from BHS. I would like to share a music-community service organization that I have initiated at Brookline called Virtuosi @ Brookline, under the organization Virtuosi Music Mentorship. We are a group of high school musicians that provides free, virtual music mentorship sessions to K-8 students.
Once a student signs up, we match them with a high school mentor, and the mentee can contact the mentor directly about scheduling. Usually the mentorship sessions are only 30min long. You can view our website for more details: https://musicarementor.org
We have 50+ mentors covering 8 towns, 14 instruments, with over 150+ families participating from across 10 states, 18 cities and 5 countries.
If you would like to become a mentor, please sign up using this form, NOT the one on the website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScx5Jrb_gEQndbtADhdWMwaEk6D83f8A8hRK0VSOtPH5E2bow/viewform?usp=sf_link
Career Exploration at BHS:
BHS Coffee Talk event……Are you interested in working in the construction industry after high school? Come to the Virtual College and Career Center on January 29th during X block to hear from Nick Pavone, the NE Regional Apprentice Coordinator for the New England Laborers Union.
Did you know... "The Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) has been training its members to work in the highly competitive construction
market for fifty years. With the demand for the highest-skilled and most
qualified worker greater than ever, LiUNA has once again established itself
at the forefront of the labor movement by implementing the Construction
Craft Laborers' (CCL) Apprenticeship Program. Approved in all six New
England states, this program is directed by the New England Laborers'
Training Trust Fund and has trained thousands of young men and women
who aspire to a rewarding career in the construction industry as proud members of LiUNA".
If you are interested please email Ms. Kennedy from your school email at [email protected] for the zoom link.
We hope to see you there!
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
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
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION FOR SENIORS….Below is the partial list of scholarships available to qualified students. You can find many more scholarships on goingmerry.com, fastweb.com and through your student’s Naviance account, under Scholarships & Money.
BHS Scholarships
The Brookline High School Scholarship Committee announces that applications are now available for tuition scholarships to Boston University (2 full-tuition renewable scholarships) and Northeastern University (2 half-tuition renewable scholarships). Applications are available online at the BHS homepage under BHS Scholarship Application. Applications must be completed ASAP. To make fair decisions, the Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Please use code #0424
NOTE: If you would like to be considered for the BU or Northeastern scholarships and have not yet applied, you must do so ASAP and submit your CSS Profile. The Committee is in the process of reviewing applicants now. Let Ms. Whelan know if you have questions - her email is [email protected]
The Scholarship Committee would like parents to know that we use three criteria for choosing award recipients: academics, contributions and activities at BHS, and most importantly, unmet financial need. There are no merit scholarships per se given out through this program. The deadline for applying for BHS scholarships for students attending ANY OTHER college is April 1. Please use the same application as above.
Point Foundation National LGBTQ Scholarship. Point Foundation considers many factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including working for the betterment of the LGBTQ community and financial need. To apply go to: https://pointfoundation.org/point-apply/application-faqs/
Henry David Thoreau Foundation If you are planning on pursuing an interest in the environmental field, you may be eligible for up to $20,000 from the Henry David Thoreau Foundation. More information and applications are available online at http://www.thoreauscholar.org/student/application.html
Yawkey Scholars Program If you plan to attend a private college, have mentored someone during high school, have faced significant challenges and/or obstacles and have significant financial need, you may be eligible to receive a Yawkey Foundation Scholarship. To access the application go to: https://www.tpi.org/what-we-do/scholarships-college-success
Red Pine Scholarship The Red Pine Scholarship supports students from low- to middle-income families in Massachusetts who have demonstrated academic excellence to attend competitive colleges. Please make sure that you are eligible for the scholarship by reviewing the Guidelines and Eligibility Requirements. For more information go to: https://www.tpi.org/what-we-do/scholarships-college-success
The National Catholic College Admission Association Scholarship The National CCAA Scholarship is awarded to eight college-going high school seniors from various geographic regions attending one of our member institutions. http://www.catholiccollegesonline.org/students-parents/financial-aid/nccaa-scholarship.html
Caring.com Scholarship. Caring.com is a senior care organization that seeks to support family caregivers, their loved ones, and professionals in the senior care community. They have scholarship resources that could be useful for potential nursing students.
Scholarships for Undocumented Students. The list contains 344 undergraduate scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency. Undocumented students pursuing higher education need to know that scholarships and fellowships are available to them—regardless of their immigration status. https://immigrantsrising.org/2020scholarships/
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. City Year’s most popular application deadline is right around the corner on Friday, January 22nd! To learn more about City Year contact recruitment manager, Kristen Hill, at [email protected] or join us at the below Virtual City Year Information Session:
*City Year Information Session-Tuesday, January 19th at 2:00pm
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
DEADLINE for YEARBOOK PHOTOS IS ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY - JANUARY 31…. This is a reminder to submit your portrait, baby picture, quote, and activities by January 31st. We are also asking for a selfie so we can create a senior class group picture. You can submit everything here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT_pigMBuSmLHXsx14S5VL3EhFcsSz4Qnj-fG3bPt8t5qqSQ/viewform
If you would like to have your portrait taken at BHS, you can schedule a photoshoot with Prestige Portraits or emailing [email protected] to set up an appointment with a student photographer. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]
HAVE YOU APPLIED TO COLLEGE? IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO READ YOUR EMAILS (FROM COLLEGES AND BHS)! ALSO BE SURE TO FOLLOW ANY APPLICANT PORTAL DIRECTIONS for colleges you will be applying to, if they have a portal protocol. Your efficiency in opening up these accounts after applying is sometimes monitored by admissions offices to gauge your level of interest!
Reminder - ALL SENIORS MUST EARN WELLNESS CREDIT TO GRADUATE. Spring athlete Seniors who are NOT playing their sport should be scheduled in a Wellness Class now for Semester 2. Depending on the ongoing status of the current Winter sports team situation, the Wellness department will work on next steps about the impact of wellness credits for graduation. Stay tuned… With so many seniors remote, we understand that many have decided not to participate on a sports team this year. Seniors are responsible to be in touch with their counselor and make arrangements to earn their final wellness credit to graduate from BHS.
“As you look back on your life, you realize that every time you thought you were being rejected from something good, you were actually being redirected to something better.”
Were you deferred from a college that you are still interested in being considered? See BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon’s What to Do if you are Deferred or Waitlisted info sheet – see attached. If you need any guidance, please reach out to your counselor or BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon.
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.
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.
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
- use the updated link shared by your counselor (on their CANVAS page or by email)
- 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.
BHS Counselors are ready to start working directly with you to develop your post high school plans.
REQUIRED ATTENDANCE TO JUNIOR ASSEMBLY – T BLOCK TOMORROW TUES 1/19.
The BHS counselors of juniors are kicking off the college process for juniors during the T block tomorrow Jan 19 (9:55 to 10:30). Juniors are required to attend this assembly during T block/ Advisory. The BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon will be presenting. All counselors of juniors will be attending.
Below is the Zoom invite
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/97057856743?pwd=eFk4UFhVZXZHZnBHTDVvZTJOdzlldz09
Meeting ID: 970 5785 6743
Passcode: 078023
THIS THURSDAY IS JUNIOR NIGHT FOR GR 11 STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS/GUARIDANS. The BHS guidance and Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, will present information about post high school planning with a focus on the college search and application process. This presentation is offered for junior students and parents/guardians. Thursday, January 21, 6:30 pm
Zoom Link below:
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/91440497278?pwd=Z3c3UkljRUlKdnNtTkFUSEdvSE5tQT09 Meeting ID: 914 4049 7278 Passcode: 775945
Junior seminars with your counselor will start in T block on Friday 1/29.
We encourage you to contact your counselor for a 1:1 zoom meeting starting in February.
Juniors - Please review your current unofficial transcript for any missing classes 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
+ additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
SOPHOMORES
Did you miss the SOPHOMORE PTO/BHS GUIDANCE-COUNSELING BREAKFAST – "Next Steps to Junior Year and Beyond" last Wednesday?
http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/sophomore-parent-breakfast1638400
Watch the recording to hear about:
- Graduation requirements
- Post graduation stats for the Class of 2020
- Fairtest.org
- Naviance
- Pre-ACT & PSAT
- MCAS
- Career "Fair" during April X Blocks