ALL PARENTS- CAREGIVERS AND STUDENTS
May is still Mental Health Awareness Month. Continued reminders and resources will be shared over this month. Some facts about anxiety concerns:
Anxiety is also rampant among America’s children and adolescents. Indeed, as the Psychiatric Times recently reported, “Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition in youth . . . with a median age of onset of 6 years.”
As a recent update on the Effective Solutions webpage discusses – “While anxiety might seem less detrimental than depression, these disorders can negatively affect academic performance, social engagement, and family functioning. And according to a report by the Child Mind Institute, ‘Anxiety is a gateway disorder that leads to increased risk of depression, school failure, substance abuse, and suicide.’”
May is still Mental Health Awareness Month. Continued reminders and resources will be shared over this month. Some facts about anxiety concerns:
Anxiety is also rampant among America’s children and adolescents. Indeed, as the Psychiatric Times recently reported, “Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition in youth . . . with a median age of onset of 6 years.”
As a recent update on the Effective Solutions webpage discusses – “While anxiety might seem less detrimental than depression, these disorders can negatively affect academic performance, social engagement, and family functioning. And according to a report by the Child Mind Institute, ‘Anxiety is a gateway disorder that leads to increased risk of depression, school failure, substance abuse, and suicide.’”
We have all experienced changes over and over again this past year plus. More changes will continue. BHS seniors will be heading off to new adventures – college, jobs, gap years, military, and other plans. Many Class of 2021 parents will be dealing with some changes in their homes as well. Grade 9-11 students and all faculty will be heading out to summer vacation in six weeks. Students and adults can consider these simple but time-tested strategies to manage anxiety:
See the attached “Processing Big Changes” tip sheet.
Who/what are your resources available now?
- BHS Student Support Staff – Contact your student’s counselor or Darby Neff-Verre if you don’t know your student’s counselor. Contact a social worker or talk to a trusted adult at BHS .
- NAMI HelpLine’s contact information and hours of availability as a resource for people seeking mental health support: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., ET 800-950-NAMI (6264) [email protected] nami.org/Help
- Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK
Thinking about or need to take a Brookline High Summer School course? The BHS Summer School Catalog and registration info is finally here! Please go to this website for more info - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/summer-school.html
You can contact BHS Summer School Director Brendan Kobus if you have any questions – [email protected]
ALL STUDENTS
Virtual Career Month is coming to a close!
BHS Guidance Dept and BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and team offered many interesting career panels during X block to students over the past month! Only a few more career panels will happen during X blocks in the next week. Students should check their CANVAS pages for info to register to attend.
UPDATES for the science help center at BHS continues and is run by peer tutors. Feel free to stop by if you need help in your science classes, or want to ask a quick question.
We're now offering science help in physics, chemistry and biology over zoom and in person!
When:
Tuesday & Friday X Blocks (2:25-3:00)
Wednesday After School (12:15-1:00)
Where:
In person:
Room 376
Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95563127211?pwd=OUpMd0tXVEc4Qmh0b1loa01SbzdMdz09
Meeting ID: 955 6312 7211
Passcode: science
Questions?
Email [email protected] or [email protected]
BHS Library Hours for the remainder of the school year:
Monday 8-4:00
Tuesday 8-3:00
Wednesday 8-1:00 (starting after break)
Thursday 8-4:00
Friday 8-3:00
Students should reserve a seat in the library, in advance, at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4badae2ea3face9-weekly
No need to reserve a seat for the 3-4pm library seats.
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).
BHS Club and Extracurricular information:
Interested in developing and marketing a social media platform? BHS Club Stemlio is looking for new members to join their team. As a member of the team, you’ll work with other students to market the platform or develop new features (no coding experience required!). Stemlio is a student-run platform for communication in the STEM community. Through our platform, users can start discussions, connect with other students, and explore various projects/ideas. If you’re interested in learning more about Stemlio, please reach out to either [email protected] or [email protected]. We meet on Thursdays at 7:00PM (subject to change).
BHS Outdoor Adventure Club updates:
Saturday May 29th - Hiking Blue Hills
June weekend tbd - Surfing at Hampton Beach
Email Paul Epstein ([email protected]) or Dan Nudel ([email protected]) for more details or to sign on. Lots of students are having a great time at these events! You should check them out!
AAPI Social Wall - Starting May 10 - Public Library of Brookline
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month with us! Beginning on May 10, pick up a copy of our AAPI Social Wall activity sheet to share an Asian American or Pacific Islander story, person, or cool thing (like an invention, food, or piece of art) that is your particular favorite. If you’d prefer to draw your answer, that’s awesome! Return your completed sheet to the library to have it added to our virtual bulletin board, or take a photo and upload it yourself, here. Then, enjoy seeing what you and other library patrons love about AAPI Month!
The first 100 returned activity sheets will also get a surprise to help them celebrate AAPI Month, while supplies last! If you prefer to print your sheet at home, you can download them here: https://www.brooklinelibrary.org/events/event/aapi-social-wall-activity-sheets-begin/.
Volunteer to Help People Make Vaccine Appointments - MA COVID Vaccination Help
Are you tired of this pandemic? Want to do something proactive to make it end already? The volunteer-led group MA COVID Vaccination Help is seeking volunteers, particularly speakers of Portuguese, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, to help book eligible people in Massachusetts who are disproportionately disadvantaged by the state's rollout. There is no minimum time commitment or experience required, and everything is virtual. If you'd like to learn more and to sign up, visit https://macovidvaxhelp.com/volunteer to attend an info session.
COVID and Expanded Resources - From Mutual Aid Brookline
You can check out the Mutual Aid Brookline Facebook group for the latest.
- There is an official timeline for the remaining vaccine eligibility phases:
April 19th: General public ages 16 years of age and older
- Eligible people should now pre-register for vaccine appointments at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/
- Hynes will be expanded with new support from FEMA (this means more available doses)
- You can use https://www.covidvaccinetexts.com/ (unofficial site) to get text alerts when appointments are posted at CVS and Walgreens locations
- You can use https://macovidvaxhelp.com/ (unofficial site) to either sign up for help making your appointment or sign up to help others!
There is a Brookline Vaccine Resource Hub call center! The call center is open from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is 617-879-5636. Those who call after hours may leave a voicemail and their messages will be returned when the call center is open. Questions may also be submitted via email to [email protected].
There is also a Brookline vaccine FAQs page, which includes information about cost (yes, the vaccines will be free, and getting a vaccine will not impact immigration status): https://brooklinecovid19.com/vaccineFAQ/.
Expanded Services Available - Ongoing - Brookline Center
The Brookline Center's "Care Connections" program provides support for residents of Brookline who need assistance with public benefits, advocacy, care coordination, or referrals to community resources. You are not required to be a patient at the Brookline Center to use these services.
See the flyer here (and attached to this email): https://drive.google.com/file/d/13vUu55L-A2Oioq2z5LrEg1YieKV090oJ/view?usp=sharing.
To request assistance: https://bit.ly/3ckfb2h.
For questions about the referral process or other concerns contact [email protected] or 857-707-3471.
Summer Opportunities and Jobs:
Opportunities 2021 for BHS students– Summer is around the corner. Thanks to BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and 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!
Resources for volunteer opportunities for BHS and the Brookline area - Check out this community service link from the free resource Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
Thinking about a summer job? Check out the BHS Career Website – http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/career-counseling and/or contact BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy directly at [email protected].
SENIORS
Seniors Attending College Next Year….
Please update your college results, indicating which school you will be attending. You will be asked to indicate which college you deposited to and we will send your final BHS transcript to that school. You don’t need to do anything else!
Here is how:
1) Go to Naviance, Colleges I am Applying to, then click on EDIT. We need your result for each school. Make sure you choose the "College I will be attending".
2) Complete the BHS Senior Survey. You can find it on Naviance under About Me, Surveys, Surveys not Completed.
Here is how we will celebrate YOU!
Senior Surprises
Wednesday is Senior Surprise Gift Day! For your next, and final, three Wednesdays at BHS, we want to shower you with gifts! The first surprise senior gift was distributed this past Wednesday May 12 at BHS. If you missed it, contact your dean.
Next Wednesday, May 19, we will have a senior pizza lunch and distribute your second senior surprise gift in the Quad. You will have a chance to virtually sign yearbooks and we will also have an additional special surprise treat for you!
June 6th - Graduation!
We have the approval we have been waiting for! On Tues 5/11, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Mason, and Dean Redding met with Dr. Jett, Brookline Director of Health and Human Services, to discuss our plans for an in-person graduation on Sunday, June 6 at Fisher Hill with a limited amount of guests for each graduate in attendance. We will make a few adjustments to our plan based on the feedback from Dr. Jett, but we are a go! More information will come soon. For now, plan on having the option of graduating in-person. We also ask that you and your family keep that full day available as we will determine the time of the ceremony to coincide with the best weather that day! And hold June 3rd for Graduation Rehearsal--more details to come!
June 1st - Senior Block Party!
We are finally so excited to share news with you about a special end-of-year gathering organized by senior parents and the BHS PTO along with your BHS team. Dr. Jett has approved our Senior Block Party to be held on June 1 from 6:00 -10:00 pm --YAY!! Have you ever been to The Lawn on D? Well, think games, music, food trucks, and more! We are so excited to bring you all, Class of 2021, together to safely celebrate your accomplishments. Tickets will go on sale very soon....more info soon!
We are so excited to share this good news with you and are looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2021!
Dean Redding, Dean Summer & Dean Sudmyer
CONGRATULATIONS to all seniors who have proceeded through the college process and have now made the decision about your next step after BHS graduation!
If you are still sorting out your plan, we may be in touch with you to offer support and resources. If you would like to reach out, please contact your counselor, dean, special education liaison, or other trusted BHS adult so we can work with you to have a plan that you are proud of and excited about as you leave the BHS community.
Heading to college and haven’t completed your FAFSA financial aid form yet? NOW IS THE TIME!
Here are some resources or talk to your counselor or contact Mr Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) ASAP:
- https://www.doe.mass.edu/financialaid/resources.html
- Schedule a 30-minute call for one-on-one help (American Student Assistance)
- Stumped or overwhelmed? Help is available by signing up for 30 minute phone support: https://calendly.com/asa_service_center/30min?month=2021-05&back=1
- EDCO direct phone support: https://www.massedco.org/locations/boston/boston-area-education-and-career-planning-center
-
Do this now if you haven’t already….
If your child has not submitted the BHS Scholarship Application and CSS Profile but plans to do so, please submit it by this Wednesday. The application is easy to complete and is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp0n0dznzcGGiZ12S8sfE57lyshVlD_DOKqlfyjz_2yK0l1w/viewform and online on the Brookline High School homepage. To make fair decisions, the Scholarship Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Submit the CSS Profile to code 0424 (the Brookline Scholarship Fund) ASAP too. The last piece that will be required is your child's financial aid letter from the college they plan to attend. So, once that is decided, have them send Ms Whelan a screenshot/picture of their financial aid letter that college provides (or of their student portal page from the college that shows their financial aid info). Her email is [email protected]. We know that many students may not make this decision before May 1st.
- Additional Note: The Scholarship Committee uses 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.
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Here’s a post high school plan different from the college route- The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship (MPF) is an AmeriCorps program that offers an alternative to college in a gap year format. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, be willing to comply with a criminal background check, and be a US Citizen or US National or Permanent Resident Alien. The application has now opened!
The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship (MPF) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to increasing youth academic enrichment and college and career exploration through Out-of-School-Time (OST) interventions and data-driven programming. We are a passionate team that strives every day to empower young people to succeed as part of a national movement to achieve education equity. We do this because we believe that all young people have a right to Caring Adults, Safe Spaces, A Healthy Start, An Effective Education, and An Opportunity to Serve.
As a Mass Promise Fellow, participants serve at one of our partner youth-serving programs at schools, city agencies, or community-based organizations in Massachusetts. Their mission will be to build intentional relationships with young people between 6th and 12th grade and support their academic engagement or post-secondary success. Fellows will work to decrease the dropout rate, close the opportunity gap, and support the futures of youth. If someone believes in the power of relationship building to positively impact the life of a young person, this role is for them.
MPF's training curriculum, networking opportunities, and career coaching provide our Fellows with the opportunity to increase their leadership development and gain meaningful skills needed for careers in the education and non-profit sectors. On average, 25% of Fellows are hired by their host site for full-time employment following their year of service. Within three months of graduating from MPF, 95% of our Fellows have full time employment or are continuing school.
Students can learn more about MPF, the benefits of our program, and our host sites across Massachusetts at https://masspromisefellows.org/apply
JUNIORS
Another brief article on considerations for college search and applications – 8 Factors to never consider when choosing a college - https://www.collegedata.com/resources/getting-in/8-factors-to-never-consider-when-choosing-a-college?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8_factors_to_never_consider&dm_i=50NV,E8CM,2HLH1D,1HMPF,1
Start becoming familiar with financial aid information – Check out MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority) - FREE state funded college financial aid information resource - https://www.mefa.org/financial-aid-made-simple
Brimmer & May School is happy to announce their first College Essay Writing Bootcamp this summer! This camp is open to all rising seniors who are interested in getting a jumpstart on their college essay, including editing and feedback by our college counselors (and former college admissions professionals). At the conclusion of this one week experience, students will leave with an edited draft of their college essay and a number of tips and tricks to guide them through their additional supplemental essays.
Please find the attached flyer with more information, including pricing, dates, and the registration link.
Questions? Reach out to the Brimmer and May Director of Summer Programs, Cassie Abodeely, at [email protected]
STUDENTS' SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS FOR HELPING WITH COLLEGE/POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
By the second semester of junior year, family stress ramps up significantly as students try to balance schoolwork, study for SATS, look into colleges or other post-BHS options, etc. All of this comes with a lot of internal and external judgment, even during years when COVID is not an issue. How can families be supportive without adding to the pressure? This year’s BHS Peer Leaders have put together some excellent tips to consider in the Parent Tip Sheet Student Suggestions to Parents for Helping with College/Post-High School Planning - https://www.b-pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655
EXCELLENT FREE ONLINE RESOURCE for all topics related to the college search, application and financial consideration process – COLLEGE GUIDANCE NETWORK - https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/
- The most recent April 14 webinar on The College Search: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat can be very helpful for parents/ caregivers AND juniors in the college search process
- Another CGN webinar highlight from October 2020 – Money Matters: College Affordability and Financial Aid 101 (in 2 parts)
- Check out the entire CGN episode library under their “episode” link, as well as sign up for upcoming webinars. The information shared and the panelists are on target and can be a great addition to your conversations with your BHS counselor and BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon
Check out this website if you are a student with diagnosed learning differences and have an IEP or Accommodations Plan (504 or ICap) – LDadvisory.com/families_students/
BHS Guidance DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC PRIVATE COMPANY FOR TUTORING OR CONSULTING but this site does offer FREE and accurate insights on college topics for students with LD or ADHD.
Take 3-4 minutes each to view these youtube messages:
- What Students With Disabilities Should Do Before They Enroll in College
- When Students with Disabilities Should Register with College Disability Services Offices
- Benefits of Students Registering for College Disability Services/Accommodations After Depositing/ Enrolling to College
BHS Librarians continue to offer FREE online ACT/ SAT/ TOEFL test prep support continues. 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
- Focus on what you can control
- Write out your feelings on paper
- Keep up your self-care where you can
- Find support
- Tune into the good
- Make plans
- Think of your strengths
See the attached “Processing Big Changes” tip sheet.
Who/what are your resources available now?
- BHS Student Support Staff – Contact your student’s counselor or Darby Neff-Verre if you don’t know your student’s counselor. Contact a social worker or talk to a trusted adult at BHS .
- NAMI HelpLine’s contact information and hours of availability as a resource for people seeking mental health support: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., ET 800-950-NAMI (6264) [email protected] nami.org/Help
- Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK
Thinking about or need to take a Brookline High Summer School course? The BHS Summer School Catalog and registration info is finally here! Please go to this website for more info - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/summer-school.html
You can contact BHS Summer School Director Brendan Kobus if you have any questions – [email protected]
ALL STUDENTS
Virtual Career Month is coming to a close!
BHS Guidance Dept and BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and team offered many interesting career panels during X block to students over the past month! Only a few more career panels will happen during X blocks in the next week. Students should check their CANVAS pages for info to register to attend.
UPDATES for the science help center at BHS continues and is run by peer tutors. Feel free to stop by if you need help in your science classes, or want to ask a quick question.
We're now offering science help in physics, chemistry and biology over zoom and in person!
When:
Tuesday & Friday X Blocks (2:25-3:00)
Wednesday After School (12:15-1:00)
Where:
In person:
Room 376
Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95563127211?pwd=OUpMd0tXVEc4Qmh0b1loa01SbzdMdz09
Meeting ID: 955 6312 7211
Passcode: science
Questions?
Email [email protected] or [email protected]
BHS Library Hours for the remainder of the school year:
Monday 8-4:00
Tuesday 8-3:00
Wednesday 8-1:00 (starting after break)
Thursday 8-4:00
Friday 8-3:00
Students should reserve a seat in the library, in advance, at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4badae2ea3face9-weekly
No need to reserve a seat for the 3-4pm library seats.
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).
BHS Club and Extracurricular information:
Interested in developing and marketing a social media platform? BHS Club Stemlio is looking for new members to join their team. As a member of the team, you’ll work with other students to market the platform or develop new features (no coding experience required!). Stemlio is a student-run platform for communication in the STEM community. Through our platform, users can start discussions, connect with other students, and explore various projects/ideas. If you’re interested in learning more about Stemlio, please reach out to either [email protected] or [email protected]. We meet on Thursdays at 7:00PM (subject to change).
BHS Outdoor Adventure Club updates:
Saturday May 29th - Hiking Blue Hills
June weekend tbd - Surfing at Hampton Beach
Email Paul Epstein ([email protected]) or Dan Nudel ([email protected]) for more details or to sign on. Lots of students are having a great time at these events! You should check them out!
AAPI Social Wall - Starting May 10 - Public Library of Brookline
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month with us! Beginning on May 10, pick up a copy of our AAPI Social Wall activity sheet to share an Asian American or Pacific Islander story, person, or cool thing (like an invention, food, or piece of art) that is your particular favorite. If you’d prefer to draw your answer, that’s awesome! Return your completed sheet to the library to have it added to our virtual bulletin board, or take a photo and upload it yourself, here. Then, enjoy seeing what you and other library patrons love about AAPI Month!
The first 100 returned activity sheets will also get a surprise to help them celebrate AAPI Month, while supplies last! If you prefer to print your sheet at home, you can download them here: https://www.brooklinelibrary.org/events/event/aapi-social-wall-activity-sheets-begin/.
Volunteer to Help People Make Vaccine Appointments - MA COVID Vaccination Help
Are you tired of this pandemic? Want to do something proactive to make it end already? The volunteer-led group MA COVID Vaccination Help is seeking volunteers, particularly speakers of Portuguese, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, to help book eligible people in Massachusetts who are disproportionately disadvantaged by the state's rollout. There is no minimum time commitment or experience required, and everything is virtual. If you'd like to learn more and to sign up, visit https://macovidvaxhelp.com/volunteer to attend an info session.
COVID and Expanded Resources - From Mutual Aid Brookline
You can check out the Mutual Aid Brookline Facebook group for the latest.
- There is an official timeline for the remaining vaccine eligibility phases:
April 19th: General public ages 16 years of age and older
- Eligible people should now pre-register for vaccine appointments at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/
- Hynes will be expanded with new support from FEMA (this means more available doses)
- You can use https://www.covidvaccinetexts.com/ (unofficial site) to get text alerts when appointments are posted at CVS and Walgreens locations
- You can use https://macovidvaxhelp.com/ (unofficial site) to either sign up for help making your appointment or sign up to help others!
There is a Brookline Vaccine Resource Hub call center! The call center is open from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is 617-879-5636. Those who call after hours may leave a voicemail and their messages will be returned when the call center is open. Questions may also be submitted via email to [email protected].
There is also a Brookline vaccine FAQs page, which includes information about cost (yes, the vaccines will be free, and getting a vaccine will not impact immigration status): https://brooklinecovid19.com/vaccineFAQ/.
Expanded Services Available - Ongoing - Brookline Center
The Brookline Center's "Care Connections" program provides support for residents of Brookline who need assistance with public benefits, advocacy, care coordination, or referrals to community resources. You are not required to be a patient at the Brookline Center to use these services.
See the flyer here (and attached to this email): https://drive.google.com/file/d/13vUu55L-A2Oioq2z5LrEg1YieKV090oJ/view?usp=sharing.
To request assistance: https://bit.ly/3ckfb2h.
For questions about the referral process or other concerns contact [email protected] or 857-707-3471.
Summer Opportunities and Jobs:
Opportunities 2021 for BHS students– Summer is around the corner. Thanks to BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and 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!
Resources for volunteer opportunities for BHS and the Brookline area - Check out this community service link from the free resource Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
Thinking about a summer job? Check out the BHS Career Website – http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/career-counseling and/or contact BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy directly at [email protected].
SENIORS
Seniors Attending College Next Year….
Please update your college results, indicating which school you will be attending. You will be asked to indicate which college you deposited to and we will send your final BHS transcript to that school. You don’t need to do anything else!
Here is how:
1) Go to Naviance, Colleges I am Applying to, then click on EDIT. We need your result for each school. Make sure you choose the "College I will be attending".
2) Complete the BHS Senior Survey. You can find it on Naviance under About Me, Surveys, Surveys not Completed.
Here is how we will celebrate YOU!
Senior Surprises
Wednesday is Senior Surprise Gift Day! For your next, and final, three Wednesdays at BHS, we want to shower you with gifts! The first surprise senior gift was distributed this past Wednesday May 12 at BHS. If you missed it, contact your dean.
Next Wednesday, May 19, we will have a senior pizza lunch and distribute your second senior surprise gift in the Quad. You will have a chance to virtually sign yearbooks and we will also have an additional special surprise treat for you!
June 6th - Graduation!
We have the approval we have been waiting for! On Tues 5/11, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Mason, and Dean Redding met with Dr. Jett, Brookline Director of Health and Human Services, to discuss our plans for an in-person graduation on Sunday, June 6 at Fisher Hill with a limited amount of guests for each graduate in attendance. We will make a few adjustments to our plan based on the feedback from Dr. Jett, but we are a go! More information will come soon. For now, plan on having the option of graduating in-person. We also ask that you and your family keep that full day available as we will determine the time of the ceremony to coincide with the best weather that day! And hold June 3rd for Graduation Rehearsal--more details to come!
June 1st - Senior Block Party!
We are finally so excited to share news with you about a special end-of-year gathering organized by senior parents and the BHS PTO along with your BHS team. Dr. Jett has approved our Senior Block Party to be held on June 1 from 6:00 -10:00 pm --YAY!! Have you ever been to The Lawn on D? Well, think games, music, food trucks, and more! We are so excited to bring you all, Class of 2021, together to safely celebrate your accomplishments. Tickets will go on sale very soon....more info soon!
We are so excited to share this good news with you and are looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2021!
Dean Redding, Dean Summer & Dean Sudmyer
CONGRATULATIONS to all seniors who have proceeded through the college process and have now made the decision about your next step after BHS graduation!
If you are still sorting out your plan, we may be in touch with you to offer support and resources. If you would like to reach out, please contact your counselor, dean, special education liaison, or other trusted BHS adult so we can work with you to have a plan that you are proud of and excited about as you leave the BHS community.
Heading to college and haven’t completed your FAFSA financial aid form yet? NOW IS THE TIME!
Here are some resources or talk to your counselor or contact Mr Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) ASAP:
- https://www.doe.mass.edu/financialaid/resources.html
- Schedule a 30-minute call for one-on-one help (American Student Assistance)
- Stumped or overwhelmed? Help is available by signing up for 30 minute phone support: https://calendly.com/asa_service_center/30min?month=2021-05&back=1
- EDCO direct phone support: https://www.massedco.org/locations/boston/boston-area-education-and-career-planning-center
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Do this now if you haven’t already….
If your child has not submitted the BHS Scholarship Application and CSS Profile but plans to do so, please submit it by this Wednesday. The application is easy to complete and is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp0n0dznzcGGiZ12S8sfE57lyshVlD_DOKqlfyjz_2yK0l1w/viewform and online on the Brookline High School homepage. To make fair decisions, the Scholarship Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Submit the CSS Profile to code 0424 (the Brookline Scholarship Fund) ASAP too. The last piece that will be required is your child's financial aid letter from the college they plan to attend. So, once that is decided, have them send Ms Whelan a screenshot/picture of their financial aid letter that college provides (or of their student portal page from the college that shows their financial aid info). Her email is [email protected]. We know that many students may not make this decision before May 1st.
- Additional Note: The Scholarship Committee uses 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.
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Here’s a post high school plan different from the college route- The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship (MPF) is an AmeriCorps program that offers an alternative to college in a gap year format. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, be willing to comply with a criminal background check, and be a US Citizen or US National or Permanent Resident Alien. The application has now opened!
The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship (MPF) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to increasing youth academic enrichment and college and career exploration through Out-of-School-Time (OST) interventions and data-driven programming. We are a passionate team that strives every day to empower young people to succeed as part of a national movement to achieve education equity. We do this because we believe that all young people have a right to Caring Adults, Safe Spaces, A Healthy Start, An Effective Education, and An Opportunity to Serve.
As a Mass Promise Fellow, participants serve at one of our partner youth-serving programs at schools, city agencies, or community-based organizations in Massachusetts. Their mission will be to build intentional relationships with young people between 6th and 12th grade and support their academic engagement or post-secondary success. Fellows will work to decrease the dropout rate, close the opportunity gap, and support the futures of youth. If someone believes in the power of relationship building to positively impact the life of a young person, this role is for them.
MPF's training curriculum, networking opportunities, and career coaching provide our Fellows with the opportunity to increase their leadership development and gain meaningful skills needed for careers in the education and non-profit sectors. On average, 25% of Fellows are hired by their host site for full-time employment following their year of service. Within three months of graduating from MPF, 95% of our Fellows have full time employment or are continuing school.
Students can learn more about MPF, the benefits of our program, and our host sites across Massachusetts at https://masspromisefellows.org/apply
JUNIORS
Another brief article on considerations for college search and applications – 8 Factors to never consider when choosing a college - https://www.collegedata.com/resources/getting-in/8-factors-to-never-consider-when-choosing-a-college?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8_factors_to_never_consider&dm_i=50NV,E8CM,2HLH1D,1HMPF,1
Start becoming familiar with financial aid information – Check out MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority) - FREE state funded college financial aid information resource - https://www.mefa.org/financial-aid-made-simple
Brimmer & May School is happy to announce their first College Essay Writing Bootcamp this summer! This camp is open to all rising seniors who are interested in getting a jumpstart on their college essay, including editing and feedback by our college counselors (and former college admissions professionals). At the conclusion of this one week experience, students will leave with an edited draft of their college essay and a number of tips and tricks to guide them through their additional supplemental essays.
Please find the attached flyer with more information, including pricing, dates, and the registration link.
Questions? Reach out to the Brimmer and May Director of Summer Programs, Cassie Abodeely, at [email protected]
STUDENTS' SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS FOR HELPING WITH COLLEGE/POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
By the second semester of junior year, family stress ramps up significantly as students try to balance schoolwork, study for SATS, look into colleges or other post-BHS options, etc. All of this comes with a lot of internal and external judgment, even during years when COVID is not an issue. How can families be supportive without adding to the pressure? This year’s BHS Peer Leaders have put together some excellent tips to consider in the Parent Tip Sheet Student Suggestions to Parents for Helping with College/Post-High School Planning - https://www.b-pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/jr._parent_tip_sheet.pdf?mc_cid=95767123c3&mc_eid=ca3683a655
EXCELLENT FREE ONLINE RESOURCE for all topics related to the college search, application and financial consideration process – COLLEGE GUIDANCE NETWORK - https://www.collegeguidancenetwork.com/
- The most recent April 14 webinar on The College Search: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat can be very helpful for parents/ caregivers AND juniors in the college search process
- Another CGN webinar highlight from October 2020 – Money Matters: College Affordability and Financial Aid 101 (in 2 parts)
- Check out the entire CGN episode library under their “episode” link, as well as sign up for upcoming webinars. The information shared and the panelists are on target and can be a great addition to your conversations with your BHS counselor and BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon
Check out this website if you are a student with diagnosed learning differences and have an IEP or Accommodations Plan (504 or ICap) – LDadvisory.com/families_students/
BHS Guidance DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC PRIVATE COMPANY FOR TUTORING OR CONSULTING but this site does offer FREE and accurate insights on college topics for students with LD or ADHD.
Take 3-4 minutes each to view these youtube messages:
- What Students With Disabilities Should Do Before They Enroll in College
- When Students with Disabilities Should Register with College Disability Services Offices
- Benefits of Students Registering for College Disability Services/Accommodations After Depositing/ Enrolling to College
BHS Librarians continue to offer FREE online ACT/ SAT/ TOEFL test prep support continues. 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