Quarter 3 grades were posted to the Student and Parent Portals on Thursday 4/15. Q4 IPRs for Gr 9-11 students will be uploaded to the portals this Friday 5/14. Please be sure to check this information to help support students who need to finish the school year with a push AND to congratulate students who are consistently doing good work.
There is no special schedule for this school week of 5/3. Please note that the Wednesday schedule for students is D,E, F,G blocks with classes ending at 12:15pm. Staff will have professional development time until 3pm.
Upcoming “Days Of” school wide conversations for the BHS school community:
Monday 5/10 – Day of Courage
Wednesday 5/12 – Day of Dialogue
Friday 5/14 – Day of Change
There is no special schedule for this school week of 5/3. Please note that the Wednesday schedule for students is D,E, F,G blocks with classes ending at 12:15pm. Staff will have professional development time until 3pm.
Upcoming “Days Of” school wide conversations for the BHS school community:
Monday 5/10 – Day of Courage
Wednesday 5/12 – Day of Dialogue
Friday 5/14 – Day of Change
Note that any new updates to the Weekly Update are highlighted in blue.
ALL PARENTS- CAREGIVERS AND STUDENTS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The focus on everyone’s mental health has been highlighted on most of the BHS Guidance/Counseling Weekly Updates over this past year and previously. More reminders and resources will be shared over this month as well.
“YOU ARE NOT ALONE” has been a constant theme around wiping away the stigma of mental health. NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) has adopted this saying for this awareness month. Did you know that ½ of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24? EARLY INVENTION CAN HELP!
What can you do to help someone now? START A CONVERSATION
newmethodwellness.com suggests……It can feel strange or awkward to reach out to someone who may need your assistance. But friends and family members may not feel comfortable asking for help. Therefore, one way to start a conversation is to simply ask your loved ones how they are doing.
You don’t have to make the conversation serious right away. Some ways to initiate a discussion like this include asking questions such as:
• How are you?
• Are you ok?
• Do you need to talk?
• What can I do to be there for you?
• Is there anything that you need from me?
• I want to know how you’re feeling because I care about you.
May is an excellent month to reach out to people who you haven’t spoken to in a while. Check in on your loved ones and find out if they need any support. Calling a friend who lives across the country or sending a text message to a few people from whom you haven’t heard in a while is an easy way to brighten someone’s day.
Remember that you are not their therapist. You don’t have to fix them. You don’t have to offer advice. Just letting someone talk and reminding them that you’re there for them may be all that your loved one needs. If someone needs more support, suggesting that you will help them find more support or go with them to talk to a trained counselor or trusted adult can be an important way to help too.
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.
- 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
Missed this event? Public Schools of Brookline offered a virtual event for parents and guardians of K-12 youth last Wednesday, April 28 - LET'S JUST TALK ABOUT IT: SUPPORTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF K-12 YOUTH. As students go back to school, and we all try to move toward returning to some form of normalcy, each of us can be proactive in supporting our children's mental health. Relevant examples, easy-to-implement tips, and signs of red flags for your student’s mental health were discussed. You can view this webinar at this link until end of day Tuesday 5/4/21 -https://event.webinarjam.com/t/click/vo21lswoirgb11iyxlyil6g4an2whv
ALL STUDENTS
Survey for AAPI students about racism at BHS
In the wake of recent events like the shooting in Atlanta, our community vigil, and discussions with some AAPI students and faculty, APAC (BHS' Asian Pacific American Club) wants to get more information from AAPI students about their experiences at BHS as an AAPI student. This is the first step in being about to make long term, systemic change in our school community. We would appreciate any and all AAPI identifying BHS community members to fill out this form.
https://forms.gle/ucdrFMRZdRdhFti57
Thank you for using your voice and being brave. Together we can make change.
The annual scholarship competition by Brookline American Legion Post 11 just launched!
College or college-bound students can win money for school, with $4000 in prizes to be awarded. The assignment is to create a 2-4 minute video about one of the Memorial Squares in Brookline to educate the viewer about the veteran for whom the square is named.
Details and signup here: https://go.brooklinepost11.com/scholarship
The students did an amazing job last year. Last year’s video entries are available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYwOKTG0NnZbVA8KqTR8CYEIs7SK2Qd9z
Virtual Career Month continues!
BHS Guidance Dept and BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy and team are offering interesting career panels every X block to students! These events will continue during X blocks from now through May 14th. Panels of individuals will share their career journeys within specific career clusters (see table below). Use this opportunity to network, learn about different careers, and explore careers you are interested in pursuing! Come to one or come to all of them! Questions? Email BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy at [email protected].
If you missed the panels on Law/Public Safety and Marketing/Sales/Service last week – go to the BHS Career Counseling section of the Guidance website- http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/career-counseling1.html - to see the recordings and get more information on any future BHS Virtual Career Month panels, plus previous 2020-21 Career Coffee Talk panels or the Resume Writing webinar.
To sign up for any panel please complete this google form link- (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj2sidyBbzQRVic_FeMr1SJQY8Gp0KBx6HXtVgrLnUvBU1Dw/viewform) and indicate all the panels you would like to attend. You will get an email 1 week before the panel. Examples of some (but not all) careers are listed under each career cluster category below:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Farmers, Water resource specialists, environmental engineers)
Hospitality & Tourism (Bartenders, cooks, travel agents)
Architecture & Construction Arts (Carpenters, electricians, architects)
Human Services (Psychologists, social workers, barbers)
Audio/Video Technology & Communications (film and video editors, actors, graphic designers)
Information Technology (video game designers, web developers, computer programmer)
Business, Management & Administration (human resources, facilities managers, project management)
Education & Training (Teachers, coaches)
Manufacturing (woodworkers, chemical technicians, locksmiths)
Finance (accountants, insurance sales, loan officers)
Marketing, Sales & Service (real estate agents, telemarketers, models)
Government & Public Administration (Legislators, national security, building inspectors)
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Physicists, mechanical engineers, automotive engineers)
Health Science (Biomedical engineers, Dentists, doctors)
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (air traffic controllers, truck drivers, dispatchers)
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:
The Brookline High School Women in Entrepreneurship Club has partnered with Invest in Girls, a program of the Council for Economic Education, whose mission is to usher in the first generation of financially literate girls and change the way girls interact with money. Please consider joining one (or all!) of the Friday X block workshop sessions scheduled in April and May. Contact BHS Business teacher Kellie Griffin ([email protected]) to sign up. See attached flyer for more info.
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!
Public Charge Rule Update - Ongoing - Project Bread
You can now apply for SNAP benefits with no risk to obtaining permanent legal residence! Call 1-800-645-8333 for assistance.
Ahora puede solicitar beneficios del SNAP sin arriesgar su capacidad para obtener residencia permanente! Llame al 1-800-645-8333.
211 COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Over the Phone - Ongoing - Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
A Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line helps residents 75 and older more easily schedule an appointment if they do not have internet or are unable to use the website at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
The call center is staffed with over 500 representatives who can provide live phone support to assist residents with booking an appointment.
The line is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators. Call center workers will have the same access to appointments that users will see on the public website.
The line can be accessed by dialing 2–1–1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” Residents may have to wait on the line given expected high call volume.
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
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
Financial Aid Award Letters…. Be sure you know what those letters say!
- Here are some definitions of various financial aid semantics - http://admitted.nacacnet.org/wordpress/index.php/2021/04/09/financial-aid-award-letters-8-things-to-consider/#more-4753
If your child has not submitted the BHS Scholarship Application and CSS Profile but plans to do so, please submit it very soon. 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.
If you missed it…… The Class of 2021 PTO representatives and BPen offered a great evening webinar on "The Post-BHS Transition: What Senior Parents Need to Know."
Speakers Dr. Anjini Virmani, BHS social worker Abby Dean, BPEN's June Harris, and our recent BHS grads who shared their experiences with us.
Here are related links:
15 Life Skills Every Kid Should Know - https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1093421/life-skills-to-teach-your-kids-before-college/?mc_cid=6489d8f4ce&mc_eid=ca3683a655
Off to College: Parents' Medical Tool Kit - https://www.b-pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/anjini_2021_health_kit_for_parents_off_to_college_kit__1_.pdf?mc_cid=6489d8f4ce&mc_eid=ca3683a655
Off to College: Students' Medical Tool Kit - https://www.b-pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/anjini_2021_health_kit_students_off_to_college_kit__1_.pdf?mc_cid=6489d8f4ce&mc_eid=ca3683a655
College Health Checklist- see attached powerpoint document
B-PEN's College Transition Page - https://www.b-pen.org/college-transitions.html?mc_cid=6489d8f4ce&mc_eid=ca3683a655
IMPORTANT DATES for SENIORS:
Saturday, May 1 - Last day to order Yearbooks! Pre-ordered books will be shipped directly to your home address.
Tuesday, May 4 - Special Awards Program on Zoom for academic excellence and citizenship. Award recipients and their families will receive individual invitations. Invited students are encouraged to attend.
Friday, May 7 - Senior Assembly #1 on Zoom during t-block to review the closing calendar, discuss graduation planning, and possible end-of-year gathering. Link will be sent before the meeting.
Wednesday, May 12 - Graduation Speaker Deadline: If you are interested in speaking at graduation, please submit a 2- minute audition video to Dean Summer by Wednesday, May 12. You will be evaluated for appropriateness, delivery, and clarity of thought. We do not expect a finished speech but the more you have completed, the better you will do.
Tuesday, May 18 - Senior Assembly #2 on Zoom during t-block to review end of year expectations and events.
Wednesday, May 19 - Senior Pizza Lunch in the Quad! Come hang out in the Quad with the Class of 2021, eat some pizza and sign virtual yearbooks.
Tuesday, June 1 -- hold this date!
Sunday, June 6 - GRADUATION!
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
Are you interested in Steering? Would you like to help plan commencement events, make decisions on celebrations, design gift items? Please consider joining steering! Email [email protected] and [email protected] to join or for more information. We can't wait to see you!
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
There are still opportunities to attend some virtual COLLEGE FAIRS!
National Portfolio Days
Students can register to attend any of the free, online National Portfolio Days. Copy and paste this link to your browser - https://nationalportfolioday.org/about-national-portfolio-day-events/
Upcoming dates include:
Friday May 7th 10am-4pm CST
Upon registering, participating students will receive information on how to upload their portfolio for the virtual reviews. Representatives will access their work while the review happens virtually on the day/time of the scheduled event.
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
College Admissions Boot Camp – Free webinar sessions on topics important to the college application process. Sponsored by NEARR (New England Area Regional Representatives).
Registration is required - https://regionalreps.org/admissions-bootcamp
Thinking about a Gap Year after graduation? Here’s a resource for free gap year specific webinars - https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/usa-fairs/schedule
BHS Librarians are offering 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