We have a relatively regular school schedule this May 24 school week. Wednesday will have blocks D,E,F,G blocks. See attached schedule.
No school Monday 5/31/21. Week of June 1 with MCAS Wednesday schedule also attached.
Last day for BHS seniors is this Friday May 28. Graduation is on Sunday June 6.
Last day for all students is Tuesday June 22.
For students in Gr 9-11, quarter 4 IPR #2 (Interim Progress Reports) are being uploaded to the student and parent portals this Thursday 5/27. These progress reports are only for students who are averaging a C (75%) or below.
No school Monday 5/31/21. Week of June 1 with MCAS Wednesday schedule also attached.
Last day for BHS seniors is this Friday May 28. Graduation is on Sunday June 6.
Last day for all students is Tuesday June 22.
For students in Gr 9-11, quarter 4 IPR #2 (Interim Progress Reports) are being uploaded to the student and parent portals this Thursday 5/27. These progress reports are only for students who are averaging a C (75%) or below.
ALL PARENTS- CAREGIVERS AND STUDENTS
FOCUS ON BPEN!
This last week of May continues the focus on Mental Health Awareness Month. Continued reminders and resources will be shared over this month. One of the best resources for mental health resources, as well as educational and support opportunities is B-PEN – Brookline Parent Education Network - https://www.b-pen.org/. Did you know that the Thai word ”bpen” functions as a modal verb meaning “to be able to” or “to be capable of” and it is used for talking about skill and ability to do something?
B-PEN is partially supported by the Brookline Public Health Department and often collaborates with the Brookline PTO and the Public Schools of Brookline.
This is an excellent ongoing resources for upcoming parent workshops, BHS student Peer Leader- led information sharing and online online and direct resources in the greater Brookline area.
Who/what are your additional esources 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
Reminder of more support resources for parents - BRYT Central Virtual Parent Support groups continue….
This Tuesday 5/25, they will have a special event, Ready to Launch. The Family Engagement Team will be hosting this event on May 25, 2021 6:30 - 8:00 PM EST. This will be an opportunity for parents to hear about alternative paths following high school beyond a 4-year college, what college readiness looks like, how students have found success without a college career.
Monday May 17th at 7:00 PM EST - BIPOC Group
Tuesday May 18th at 7:00 PM EST - Parents Supporting Parents
Wednesday May 19th at 7:00 PM EST - Parents Supporting Parents
Thursday May 20th at 7:00 PM EST - Parents Supporting Parents
Thursday May 20th at 6:00 PM EST - Spanish Group
Brookline Center for Community Mental Health offers summer counseling support groups for current and rising 9th graders:
*Please contact Brookline Center Intake at 617-860-2084 with questions or registration*
Girls’ Groups: Rising 8th - 9th Grade Females
This is a group for girls seeking to build their social skills. The group focuses on supporting its members to learn how to initiate peer interactions, read social cues, and increase their self-esteem. The group is semi-structured, where the girls choose and learn from activities together.
Mondays 4:00pm – 4:50pm
Tuesdays 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Liz Turco, LICSW and Melissa Burnett/Margaret Iaccarino
The Monday group is open to new members at this time. The Tuesday group is full at this time. Both groups are billed through insurance.
Casual Connections: Rising High Schooler
This group will be a fun and casual space for rising high school students to find social connection over the summer. The group is focused on supporting students and easing them back into making connections before the challenge of a high school transition after the pandemic year. The group will include crafts, games, and connection-building activities. It will meet outdoors at the Center, weather permitting.
Tentatively Thursdays 3:00-3:50pm
Alana Maserjian, LCSW and Erin Wagner, LCSW
This group is open to new members, is free, and requires enrolling in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
Boys’ Process Group: Rising 9th-11th Graders
This group is focused around making connections and building friends through conversation and play. The group structure and style takes into account the specific areas of challenge for each group member. Common themes include social anxiety/inhibition, impulsive behavior, increasing mental flexibility, managing frustrations, effective communication and difficulties with mood regulation.
Wednesdays, 5:00pm- 5:50pm
Sammie Allen, LCSW and Josh Hoxie, MSW
This group is open to new members at this time, and is billed through insurance [BCBS & Cigna not accepted; self-pay rate available].
Mind-Body Wellness: Rising 9th-11th Grade Females
This is a group for adolescent girls seeking to build skills to manage difficult emotional experiences. The group offers a mind-body approach – implementing mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Using these activities and skills, members will learn stress management skills, cultivate self-compassion, develop positive connections, and self-empowerment.
Wednesdays 4:00pm – 4:50pm
Sammie Allen, LCSW and Laura Austin
This group is open to new members, is free, requires members are engaged with an individual therapist (doesn’t have to be at The Center), and requires enrolling in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
The Soundtrack of My Life: Rising High Schoolers
This group will provide a space for high schoolers to explore and discuss the songs/music videos that have shaped and that reflect who they are (values, interests, habits, etc). This group will provide a weekly opportunity for high schoolers to engage in positive social interactions with peers, as well as to build confidence and a sense of self as an individual within a group, while enjoying a shared interest. Members with diverse taste and identities are welcome.
Mondays 5:00pm-5:50pm
Laura Austin, MS & Brooke Lanigan, MA
This group is free, open to new members, and requires enrollment in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
Teen Process Group: Rising 9th - 12th Grade Females
“What is the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself, it’s the world that convinced her she did not.” (Rupi Kaur) This group is designed to offer a safe and supportive space for high schoolers who identify as female to navigate the everyday challenges in their lives. Group leaders help facilitate discussions and activities around self-confidence, relationships, decision making, mood management, body image, media messages, self-care, and more. The group strives to offer participants the opportunity for creative self-exploration, insight into coping with stressors, and to empower them to show up in the world and in their relationships with courage and strength.
Mondays 4:00pm - 4:50pm
Morgan Westine, MSW
This group is open to new members for the summer session beginning in July and is billed through insurance [BCBS, Cigna, Aetna not accepted; self-pay rate available].
Adolescent DBT Group: Rising 8-12 Grades, Gender-Inclusive
This group is for adolescents seeking additional support around emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, and distress tolerance, and well compliments individual therapy.
This group will meet 2x/week on DAY/TIME and DAY/TIME
Kunaal Doshi, MA and Lynwood McCassie, IV PsyD
This group is open to new members, is free, requires members are engaged with an individual therapist (doesn’t have to be at The Center), and requires enrolling in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
COVID vaccination update for Brookline students
Here’s an opportunity to have your children aged 12 and above receive the Covid-19 vaccine at one of now 2 school locations.
The Public Schools of Brookline and Pelmeds Pharmacy have partnered to offer the 2 dose Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination series to our students ages 12 and above. As of now, their team of vaccinators will come onsite to the designated schools to provide immunizations this week on May 26th and May 27th.
Please use the sign up link below to choose a date and school, and sign up for the Covid-19 vaccine.
May 26 Baker School 12:30pm-4:30pm
Baker School Brookline Calendly URL: https://calendly.com/pelmeds2/baker-school-brookline?month=2021-05
May 27 Ridley School 2:30pm-6:00pm
Brookline Ridley School calendly URL: https://calendly.com/pelmeds2/https-calendly-com-event_types-user-me-1?month=2021-05
Please make sure to print and sign the attached consent form and have the student bring it to school on the day of the clinic. Parent or Guardian signatures are required for any students under the age of 18. All students will be vaccinated free of charge regardless of insurance coverage. If insured please enter insurance information in the online registration. Once registered online there is no need to bring an insurance card to the clinic. A follow up clinic for second doses will be on June 10th, June 16th and June 17th, in accordance with your first vaccine. The registration link will be provided to register for the second dose at a later time. Students who have already received their first dose of the Pfizer series at another location are welcome to register for either date to receive their second shot as long as there has been at least 3 weeks between doses.
We have attached the vaccine consent form in case you have difficulty doing this online. Please be sure that your student brings the consent to the appointment.
The CDC announced last week their approval for the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine in adolescents aged 12 and above.
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges all eligible adults and adolescents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them. The AAP highlights the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine while pushing for clinical trials to include younger children as an urgent next step toward ending the spread of the virus.
While the vaccine is strongly encouraged, it is not required at this time.
HIgh School students do not need a parent present for vaccine administration if they have been signed up, consent signed by parent (if under 18), and brought to the vaccine clinic.
We encourage you to discuss this with your pediatrician or health care provider if you have questions. If your child has or will receive the vaccine elsewhere, we ask that you submit documentation of the vaccine administration to your school nurse once received.
Thinking about or need to take a Brookline High Summer School course? The BHS Summer School Catalog and registration info is 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
Change in Math Extra Help Center time- Student-led Math Center - You can find us online after school at 4 PM at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/96741784699?pwd=QW4yNzZMSlRUR2NQcjhBRmFOQ052Zz09
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.
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/.
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.
Senior Celebrations – here are the details…..
Senior Block Party - Tuesday, June 1 - The Seniors-only Block Party will take place at BHS on Tuesday, June 1 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Our amazing PTO partners are working hard to plan and transform BHS into a Lawn on D Hollywood atmosphere. Tickets are now on sale. Each ticket costs $50 and can be purchased through our online payment system. Parents/caregivers were sent this link on Friday. (You will need your Aspen Portal user name and password in order to set up your account. Need help? Email [email protected]. )
If you would like to request financial assistance, please notify Ms. McIntosh either by coming to see her in suite 162 (off the Atrium) or by emailing her at [email protected]. The last day to purchase tickets is Tuesday, May 25. No tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event. Get dressed in glitz and glam--or what's comfortable!
Rules and Guidelines: No outside guests or underclassmen. * Tickets are required * Temperatures will be taken upon arrival * All students will be subject to a breathalyzer test and belongings search * Students found to be under the influence risk not walking at graduation.
Parents –Would you like to support this event?
--Please donate to BHS PTO by check or PayPal. Details here: http://www.bhs-pto.org/donate.html (Click "Add a Note" and type For Senior Block Party) We are keeping the ticket price low for accessibility; the event costs will greatly exceed our budget.
--Sign up to volunteer with our amazing team, led by Charla Whitley here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1avJl0dGTjwyrs6IllTwrruQdiS25ijN6fAkaL4ooXmQ/edit#gid=0
Graduation - Sunday, June 6 - As you know, Graduation 2021 will take place on Sunday, June 6 at the Fisher Hill Reservoir Park (78-144 Fisher Avenue, Brookline). It will be scheduled for 1:00 pm with a weather window that could shift the start time as early as 11:30 am and as late as 4:30 pm. This shift in time would be to avoid dangerous weather. The event will go as planned at 1:00 pm if there is light rain. Only parents/caregivers and siblings of graduates (maximum total of 4 per graduate) will be allowed as guests and each guest will need to register before the event. Brookline Interactive Group (B.I.G.) will live-stream the entire ceremony. If you will not attend graduation, please let Ms. McIntosh (in room 162 or at [email protected]) know, as well as your dean or program coordinator. Assistant Head of School, Mr. Mason, will send a separate email with all of the details about graduation soon!
Graduation Rehearsal - Thursday, June 3 - We need all graduates to attend a required graduation rehearsal on Thursday, June 3 from 1:40 - 3:00 pm at the Fisher Hill Reservoir Park (78-144 Fisher Avenue, Brookline). This is a new graduation space for all of us, so we need to practice!
Caps & Gowns - You ordered them in the fall and now is the time to purchase your cap & gown (with your 2021 tassel and Class of 2021 mask). These can be purchased on our same online payment system as the Block Party; please note the deadline of Tuesday, May 25. Caps & gowns will be available for pick up during X-block on Tuesday, May 25 and Friday, May 28. Location of pick up will likely be the Quad, weather permitting. Arrangements for alternate pick up times can be made for remote students who cannot get to BHS at these times.
Hold Slips - Please know, all all hold slips (for textbooks, Chromebooks, library books, athletic uniforms/equipment and other materials) must be cleared (all items returned) before seniors can pick up their caps & gowns. Spring sport athletes do not have to return uniforms/equipment that are currently in use! Materials should be returned to your teachers or appropriate departments.
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
-
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 BPEN!
This last week of May continues the focus on Mental Health Awareness Month. Continued reminders and resources will be shared over this month. One of the best resources for mental health resources, as well as educational and support opportunities is B-PEN – Brookline Parent Education Network - https://www.b-pen.org/. Did you know that the Thai word ”bpen” functions as a modal verb meaning “to be able to” or “to be capable of” and it is used for talking about skill and ability to do something?
B-PEN is partially supported by the Brookline Public Health Department and often collaborates with the Brookline PTO and the Public Schools of Brookline.
This is an excellent ongoing resources for upcoming parent workshops, BHS student Peer Leader- led information sharing and online online and direct resources in the greater Brookline area.
Who/what are your additional esources 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
Reminder of more support resources for parents - BRYT Central Virtual Parent Support groups continue….
This Tuesday 5/25, they will have a special event, Ready to Launch. The Family Engagement Team will be hosting this event on May 25, 2021 6:30 - 8:00 PM EST. This will be an opportunity for parents to hear about alternative paths following high school beyond a 4-year college, what college readiness looks like, how students have found success without a college career.
Monday May 17th at 7:00 PM EST - BIPOC Group
Tuesday May 18th at 7:00 PM EST - Parents Supporting Parents
Wednesday May 19th at 7:00 PM EST - Parents Supporting Parents
Thursday May 20th at 7:00 PM EST - Parents Supporting Parents
Thursday May 20th at 6:00 PM EST - Spanish Group
Brookline Center for Community Mental Health offers summer counseling support groups for current and rising 9th graders:
*Please contact Brookline Center Intake at 617-860-2084 with questions or registration*
Girls’ Groups: Rising 8th - 9th Grade Females
This is a group for girls seeking to build their social skills. The group focuses on supporting its members to learn how to initiate peer interactions, read social cues, and increase their self-esteem. The group is semi-structured, where the girls choose and learn from activities together.
Mondays 4:00pm – 4:50pm
Tuesdays 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Liz Turco, LICSW and Melissa Burnett/Margaret Iaccarino
The Monday group is open to new members at this time. The Tuesday group is full at this time. Both groups are billed through insurance.
Casual Connections: Rising High Schooler
This group will be a fun and casual space for rising high school students to find social connection over the summer. The group is focused on supporting students and easing them back into making connections before the challenge of a high school transition after the pandemic year. The group will include crafts, games, and connection-building activities. It will meet outdoors at the Center, weather permitting.
Tentatively Thursdays 3:00-3:50pm
Alana Maserjian, LCSW and Erin Wagner, LCSW
This group is open to new members, is free, and requires enrolling in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
Boys’ Process Group: Rising 9th-11th Graders
This group is focused around making connections and building friends through conversation and play. The group structure and style takes into account the specific areas of challenge for each group member. Common themes include social anxiety/inhibition, impulsive behavior, increasing mental flexibility, managing frustrations, effective communication and difficulties with mood regulation.
Wednesdays, 5:00pm- 5:50pm
Sammie Allen, LCSW and Josh Hoxie, MSW
This group is open to new members at this time, and is billed through insurance [BCBS & Cigna not accepted; self-pay rate available].
Mind-Body Wellness: Rising 9th-11th Grade Females
This is a group for adolescent girls seeking to build skills to manage difficult emotional experiences. The group offers a mind-body approach – implementing mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Using these activities and skills, members will learn stress management skills, cultivate self-compassion, develop positive connections, and self-empowerment.
Wednesdays 4:00pm – 4:50pm
Sammie Allen, LCSW and Laura Austin
This group is open to new members, is free, requires members are engaged with an individual therapist (doesn’t have to be at The Center), and requires enrolling in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
The Soundtrack of My Life: Rising High Schoolers
This group will provide a space for high schoolers to explore and discuss the songs/music videos that have shaped and that reflect who they are (values, interests, habits, etc). This group will provide a weekly opportunity for high schoolers to engage in positive social interactions with peers, as well as to build confidence and a sense of self as an individual within a group, while enjoying a shared interest. Members with diverse taste and identities are welcome.
Mondays 5:00pm-5:50pm
Laura Austin, MS & Brooke Lanigan, MA
This group is free, open to new members, and requires enrollment in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
Teen Process Group: Rising 9th - 12th Grade Females
“What is the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself, it’s the world that convinced her she did not.” (Rupi Kaur) This group is designed to offer a safe and supportive space for high schoolers who identify as female to navigate the everyday challenges in their lives. Group leaders help facilitate discussions and activities around self-confidence, relationships, decision making, mood management, body image, media messages, self-care, and more. The group strives to offer participants the opportunity for creative self-exploration, insight into coping with stressors, and to empower them to show up in the world and in their relationships with courage and strength.
Mondays 4:00pm - 4:50pm
Morgan Westine, MSW
This group is open to new members for the summer session beginning in July and is billed through insurance [BCBS, Cigna, Aetna not accepted; self-pay rate available].
Adolescent DBT Group: Rising 8-12 Grades, Gender-Inclusive
This group is for adolescents seeking additional support around emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, and distress tolerance, and well compliments individual therapy.
This group will meet 2x/week on DAY/TIME and DAY/TIME
Kunaal Doshi, MA and Lynwood McCassie, IV PsyD
This group is open to new members, is free, requires members are engaged with an individual therapist (doesn’t have to be at The Center), and requires enrolling in The Center’s DMH Flex Program. This group is not billed through insurance.
COVID vaccination update for Brookline students
Here’s an opportunity to have your children aged 12 and above receive the Covid-19 vaccine at one of now 2 school locations.
The Public Schools of Brookline and Pelmeds Pharmacy have partnered to offer the 2 dose Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination series to our students ages 12 and above. As of now, their team of vaccinators will come onsite to the designated schools to provide immunizations this week on May 26th and May 27th.
Please use the sign up link below to choose a date and school, and sign up for the Covid-19 vaccine.
May 26 Baker School 12:30pm-4:30pm
Baker School Brookline Calendly URL: https://calendly.com/pelmeds2/baker-school-brookline?month=2021-05
May 27 Ridley School 2:30pm-6:00pm
Brookline Ridley School calendly URL: https://calendly.com/pelmeds2/https-calendly-com-event_types-user-me-1?month=2021-05
Please make sure to print and sign the attached consent form and have the student bring it to school on the day of the clinic. Parent or Guardian signatures are required for any students under the age of 18. All students will be vaccinated free of charge regardless of insurance coverage. If insured please enter insurance information in the online registration. Once registered online there is no need to bring an insurance card to the clinic. A follow up clinic for second doses will be on June 10th, June 16th and June 17th, in accordance with your first vaccine. The registration link will be provided to register for the second dose at a later time. Students who have already received their first dose of the Pfizer series at another location are welcome to register for either date to receive their second shot as long as there has been at least 3 weeks between doses.
We have attached the vaccine consent form in case you have difficulty doing this online. Please be sure that your student brings the consent to the appointment.
The CDC announced last week their approval for the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine in adolescents aged 12 and above.
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges all eligible adults and adolescents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them. The AAP highlights the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine while pushing for clinical trials to include younger children as an urgent next step toward ending the spread of the virus.
While the vaccine is strongly encouraged, it is not required at this time.
HIgh School students do not need a parent present for vaccine administration if they have been signed up, consent signed by parent (if under 18), and brought to the vaccine clinic.
We encourage you to discuss this with your pediatrician or health care provider if you have questions. If your child has or will receive the vaccine elsewhere, we ask that you submit documentation of the vaccine administration to your school nurse once received.
Thinking about or need to take a Brookline High Summer School course? The BHS Summer School Catalog and registration info is 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
Change in Math Extra Help Center time- Student-led Math Center - You can find us online after school at 4 PM at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/96741784699?pwd=QW4yNzZMSlRUR2NQcjhBRmFOQ052Zz09
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.
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/.
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.
Senior Celebrations – here are the details…..
Senior Block Party - Tuesday, June 1 - The Seniors-only Block Party will take place at BHS on Tuesday, June 1 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Our amazing PTO partners are working hard to plan and transform BHS into a Lawn on D Hollywood atmosphere. Tickets are now on sale. Each ticket costs $50 and can be purchased through our online payment system. Parents/caregivers were sent this link on Friday. (You will need your Aspen Portal user name and password in order to set up your account. Need help? Email [email protected]. )
If you would like to request financial assistance, please notify Ms. McIntosh either by coming to see her in suite 162 (off the Atrium) or by emailing her at [email protected]. The last day to purchase tickets is Tuesday, May 25. No tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event. Get dressed in glitz and glam--or what's comfortable!
Rules and Guidelines: No outside guests or underclassmen. * Tickets are required * Temperatures will be taken upon arrival * All students will be subject to a breathalyzer test and belongings search * Students found to be under the influence risk not walking at graduation.
Parents –Would you like to support this event?
--Please donate to BHS PTO by check or PayPal. Details here: http://www.bhs-pto.org/donate.html (Click "Add a Note" and type For Senior Block Party) We are keeping the ticket price low for accessibility; the event costs will greatly exceed our budget.
--Sign up to volunteer with our amazing team, led by Charla Whitley here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1avJl0dGTjwyrs6IllTwrruQdiS25ijN6fAkaL4ooXmQ/edit#gid=0
Graduation - Sunday, June 6 - As you know, Graduation 2021 will take place on Sunday, June 6 at the Fisher Hill Reservoir Park (78-144 Fisher Avenue, Brookline). It will be scheduled for 1:00 pm with a weather window that could shift the start time as early as 11:30 am and as late as 4:30 pm. This shift in time would be to avoid dangerous weather. The event will go as planned at 1:00 pm if there is light rain. Only parents/caregivers and siblings of graduates (maximum total of 4 per graduate) will be allowed as guests and each guest will need to register before the event. Brookline Interactive Group (B.I.G.) will live-stream the entire ceremony. If you will not attend graduation, please let Ms. McIntosh (in room 162 or at [email protected]) know, as well as your dean or program coordinator. Assistant Head of School, Mr. Mason, will send a separate email with all of the details about graduation soon!
Graduation Rehearsal - Thursday, June 3 - We need all graduates to attend a required graduation rehearsal on Thursday, June 3 from 1:40 - 3:00 pm at the Fisher Hill Reservoir Park (78-144 Fisher Avenue, Brookline). This is a new graduation space for all of us, so we need to practice!
Caps & Gowns - You ordered them in the fall and now is the time to purchase your cap & gown (with your 2021 tassel and Class of 2021 mask). These can be purchased on our same online payment system as the Block Party; please note the deadline of Tuesday, May 25. Caps & gowns will be available for pick up during X-block on Tuesday, May 25 and Friday, May 28. Location of pick up will likely be the Quad, weather permitting. Arrangements for alternate pick up times can be made for remote students who cannot get to BHS at these times.
Hold Slips - Please know, all all hold slips (for textbooks, Chromebooks, library books, athletic uniforms/equipment and other materials) must be cleared (all items returned) before seniors can pick up their caps & gowns. Spring sport athletes do not have to return uniforms/equipment that are currently in use! Materials should be returned to your teachers or appropriate departments.
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
-
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