The BHS SEPAC organization is offering a virtual conversation (with your coffee!) on Tuesday Nov 9 from 8-9:30am. Parents/guardians of students with IEP and 504 plans can be introduced to available BHS special educators, specialists, school social workers, counselors, and team facilitators. Join if you can! The zoom meeting ID and password can be found on the attached flyer.
RESCHEDULED SCHOOL ID AND PICTURE DATES:
- PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN AT OLS FOR 9TH GRADE ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY, NOV. 8th & 9th IN THE OLS AUDITORIUM.
- MAIN CAMPUS (115) PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN IN THE SCHLUNTZ GYM ON WEDNESDAY, NOV. 10th & FRIDAY, NOV. 12th (NOV. 11th -SCHOOL CLOSED)
Please be sure to go with your class at the assigned time. You do not need to purchase a picture package; but you do need to have your picture taken in order to have your ID issued. Students/parents who wish to order school pictures should go (before picture) date to: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/h00fCmZMy6Iv6NXRT9sC7-?domain=click.m.lifetouch.com
Brookline High School Picture Day ID is: EVT4QMQZG
Orders placed on mylifetouch.com will be shipped directly to the student's home.
Supporting Siblings during COVID – online support groups for children and teens who have a sibling challenged by mental health issues. Read below and see attached flyer for more info.
ALL STUDENTS
Always want to get Red Cross Certified in Lifeguarding, the have a job immediately afterward? Here’s your opportunity…. The Brookline Pool is in desperate need of lifeguards. They are offering FREE certification class. Then high paying lifeguard jobs right here at pool. See attached flyer for more info!
Are you interested in Marine Biology?
§ Have you heard of the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, MA?
§ Are you looking for an amazing experience over April Vacation 2022?
§ If interested... We are holding an informational meeting on a possible six day, overnight field trip to the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, MA. Please see the attached flyer
§ There will be an informational meeting on Zoom on 11/9 at 7:00 PM High School Science Discovery Program Information Session.
§ In order to have this field trip run, we will need to gain interest and discuss the funding, as we apply for this field trip with BHS and with the Brookline School Committee.
§ Please visit this site for more information - https://sites.google.com/psbma.org/mbl2022/home
GreenZine Brookline invites students (pre-K-12!) to submit articles, artwork, photos and poetry for a new webzine that highlights news, views and more about climate change, outdoor education and environmental issues. GreenZine Brookline is an initiative of teachers, parents and students in the Brookline Public Schools. We aim to make sustainability a school issue and to provide students (and occasionally staff) with an opportunity to publish their work. See our pilot issue from Spring ‘21.
We’re looking for news articles about happenings at your school, opinions, art, photography, interviews, poetry and more. Is there a school project you’d like to highlight? Want to share information about local or global events? What activism is happening at your school or in your community? What change would you like to see at your school? Is there a school or community person you’d like to interview? If students have an idea, or would like help developing one, they should contact [email protected]. Students or their teachers and caregivers can submit articles here (all K-8 submissions will require signoff from a parent/caregiver before publication. Please help us get the word out to staff and parents/caregivers and, especially, encouraging students. Questions? Write to: [email protected].
Do you identify as Asian Americans and are willing to make a change in our society? MAASPI (Massachusetts Asian American Students Political Initiative) is recruiting new members! We are a youth-led organization committed to increasing Asian American political involvement through education and action. Currently, we are hosting biweekly meetings for Asian American students to have open-minded, thought-provoking discussions on pressing and relevant political topics. We also hold speaker webinars and other community events.
If you are interested, please sign up using this link: https://forms.gle/dgiDhXT1PEjbHfH47. There are also leadership positions available. Every meeting is open to any self-identifying Asian American high school/college students. But you do not have to come to every meeting to be a part of our organization. Please DM our instagram (@m.asspi) or reach us through email ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
BHS Club Info available here: http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/clubs-and-activities-list.html This list is for 21-22 clubs. The Club Fair slideshow has also been released via Canvas to students. Students can access/re-access more information on how to join, etc. As more clubs update, we will update the presentation.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xFO5v5lCc98EKmbjhicDnZZ5HBRqhlj9Is1VWLqoE58/edit?usp=sharing
Career Exploration suggestions from BHS Career Counselor Kate Kennedy:
Paid Opportunities for High School students at Dana Farber and the Harvard Cancer Center -
YES for CURE
The Young Empowered Scientists for ContinUed Research Engagement (YES for CURE) Program is a three-year training initiative for highly motivated high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. Through engagement in mentored summer research projects, participation in an advanced scientific curriculum during the academic year, and year-round professional skills training, students will acquire scientific knowledge and technical skills, and increase their understanding of how to conduct biomedical research. This initiative is funded through an R25 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI CA221738).
Application deadline November 22nd
To apply and check eligibility visit https://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/research/cancer-disparities/students/yes-for-cure/
CURE Summer Only
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program introduces Massachusetts high school and college students from underrepresented populations to the world of cancer research by placing them in real research settings at local cancer research institutions. Our goal is to encourage students to pursue future careers in the biosciences—particularly cancer research—giving practical meaning to academic course work and to expand and extend their interest in basic, clinical and/or population science research. At the same time, students make a valuable contribution to the DF/HCC research mission. By participating in a program at DF/HCC—an NCI comprehensive cancer center with more than 1100 researchers across seven Harvard institutions—students will learn from experts who are devoted to preventing, treating and curing cancer.
Application Deadline February 4th
To apply and to check eligibility visit https://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/research/cancer-disparities/students/cure-overview/
MassBay Community College STEM Stories Virtual Program is happening again this Fall 2021
This year marks the second year of MassBay's Virtual STEM Stories Program! Participants meet STEM faculty, staff, students, graduates and industry professionals to learn about innovative STEM programs at MassBay, resources and supports for MassBay STEM students and are introduced to some exciting career opportunities in the STEM fields.
High school students, teachers and administrators are invited to attend one of these virtual STEM Division information Sessions that will be held monthly throughout the Fall semester on Zoom. Our first program will launch during STEM week on October 21st. Go to these links to register:
- MassBay STEM Stories: Start Here. Go Anywhere. Session 2
Tuesday, November 17th | 12:00 PM - https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6484358/Fall-2021-MassBay-STEM-Stories-Start-Here-Go-Anywhere-Session-2
- MassBay STEM Stories: Start Here. Go Anywhere. Session 3
Wednesday, December 15th 11:00 AM - https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6484372/Fall-2021-MassBay-STEM-Stories-Start-Here-Go-Anywhere-Se
Social Lunch/ Lunch Lounge is back at BHS - 115 campus! 9th grade Social Lunch has begun at the OLS campus every Wednesday.
Social Lunch/ Lunch Lounge is offered for all of the students who may or may not have some social connections in classes, including new to BHS students. It is a welcoming, inclusive drop-in lunch community that engages kids with the “social scaffolding” of friendly conversation, other kids interested in making friends, and a warm and familiar staff member. At this time, Lunch Lounge is offered for these lunch blocks in Room 277 (Updated Location):
Week A - Monday E -Lunch B only
Wednesday C - Lunch A and B
Friday D - Lunch A and B
Week B - Monday E - Lunch B will start week of 9/20
Wed C - Lunch A and B
Friday D - Lunch A and B
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
- The student-led organization "A Better Brookline" is working on transforming Brookline's government. We are looking for student volunteers to help out with activities such as phone banking and door knocking this fall. If interested, please contact [email protected]
- Are you interested in helping senior citizens and getting community service hours? Join Letters for Rose, a BHS student run volunteer organization. We take letters, cards, and artwork made by volunteers and send them to Brookline senior homes. Our goal is to make sure that Brookline senior home residents remember that they are loved and appreciated. We need your help to make sure all these seniors know they are loved!
How to get involved:
Sign up to volunteer using this form: https://forms.gle/KCVm6zS3SwoqKK7r5
-AND/OR-
Fill out this quick form to be added to our club email list: https://forms.gle/mRjNrme5ReJSemFb7
LEADERSHIP ROLES:
We have 1 social media leadership role open for seniors! Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/UEQntfFnD2U15zNeA
Whether you sign up to be a general volunteer or as a member of our leadership team, Letters for Rose is a super fun and easy way to help the community and get service hours. We’re looking at you National Honor Society members ;)
If you need more information, please contact us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram: @lfr.brookline
- The Innovation Fund winter appeal is around the corner. We're looking for a few student volunteers to help with a mailing going to all 1860 BHS families. We're a nonprofit based in the school in Room 167. Helping out during free blocks is a convenient way for students to earn community service hours and support academic innovation at BHS. We'll need help starting the week of November 1st and we'll finish before the Thanksgiving break. If interested, please contact Ms. Zelbow at: [email protected] Or, stop by room 167.
– Check out Teen Life by copying and pasting this link- https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/?keyword=&location=boston&program-type=volunteer
- The BHS Community Service info on the school’s website has been updated with BHS specific community service opportunities plus opportunities in the Brookline/Boston area - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/community-service.html
- Brookline Thrives Volunteer Opportunities
Brookline Thrives has many volunteer opportunities available to BHS students. Pack bags, restock inventory, or even help with Friday distribution. View and sign up at this link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e45a8a722a5fd0-brookline3
All volunteers must be at least 15 years old.
Have free G block and want to be a tutor for students in grades 3-5? The BLP is running a tutoring program for students at Lincoln School in Steps to Success from 2:40 to 3:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays (week B only), and Wednesdays. You Do NOT have to do all three days. You pick the days that work for you. This is a great opportunity to get community service hours and help elementary/middle school students with their homework. If you are interested, please fill out this very short form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevzvNLts20y0w-UopAbZ-AWn9vEGgp2GWOckwpKa6-9FDNAw/viewform
If you have any questions, please email Eleanor, [email protected]
SENIORS
Brookline METCO is proud to announce the first-ever, in-person HBCU College Fair and on-the-spot admissions event, taking place on November 18- 20. HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities; please see the list of schools attending below. Note that admission is open for all interested students (you can identify with any race/ races). Please see the attached letter for the link needed to register for the panel discussion, fair and on-the-spot admissions event. The fair and panel discussion are open to students AND parents. On-the-spot admissions & interviews are for students only.
All admissions are non-binding, which means that you do not have to attend the school you are admitted to. This is a unique opportunity to practice your interviewing skills, get advice in-person from the college admissions professionals, learn about some amazing colleges and figure out where you are and where you want to be. Don’t miss it!
Senior November Scholarship Letter #1 from BHS College Counselor - Lenny Libenzon – see attached
Did you miss the BHS FAFSA Festival? Still get FREE Help Applying for College Financial Aid!
FAFSA Day is a non-profit, volunteer driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Go to this link to register - https://masfaa.org/fafsaday/
Attention Seniors: Deadlines by Jan 3, 2022- Here is the latest information on steps for you to take for your senior yearbook:
- Lifetouch/Prestige Portraits regarding your Senior Portrait appointment. Please contact Ms Lynn, the BHS yearbook advisor, with any question at [email protected]. Due to Covid-19, Lifetouch/Prestige Portrait will not be allowing walk-in sessions. We ask that each student use their unique Confirmation Code to schedule and confirm an appointment online. To confirm or change the appointment date and time, please log onto schedule.prestigeportraits.com and enter your confirmation code into the grey box. Students MUST “confirm” their appointment date & time at schedule.prestigeportraits.com which is available to them 24/7 for their convenience. Spots have been filling up quickly and Lifetouch strongly recommends you confirm an appointment as soon as you receive a card to get the date/time they prefer. Having knowledge of this process will allow Lifetouch to take proper precautions and give an amazing experience to all.
- We also encourage everyone to order a yearbook. – copy/paste - https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1066230/Brookline-High-School/2022-Yearbook/2021082013305781058/CATALOG_SHOP/
The only way to guarantee that you will get a yearbook is to order one. You will find all of the information you need about getting your yearbook, placing ads, donations and discounts on the Yearbook page of the BHS website. – copy/paste http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/yearbook-murivian.html
- Senior Yearbook Materials - Due Jan 3 Use this form (copy/paste - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqjwfJNq2ArtilQn6dBeXIFLmE8-owAFiIbURKs9xMZx8O-w/viewform) to submit the following materials:
1. A high quality senior portrait.
· Image file must be at least 1MB
· Image files must be JPEG or PNG.
· No screenshots or HEIC files please
· Files must be named lastname_firstname
2. A picture of you as a baby or small child
· File must be at least 1MB
· Image files must be JPEG or PNG
· Files must be named lastname_firstname_baby
3. Quote & Activities List
· Choose a quote to go below your picture.
· A list of your BHS activities
· Character Limit Including Spaces: 270
You must be logged in with your school google account to access the submission form.
Senior Portrait Options
· Hire a Prestige photographer: schedule.prestigeportraits.com
· Book a free photoshoot with a Brookline Lens student: email [email protected]
· You can also hire a professional photographer or create DIY senior portraits.
Bookmark the Yearbook Page on the BHS Website Please save this page to your bookmarks. It has all of the information and due dates you will need for the yearbook http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/yearbook-murivian.html Join Yearbook Staff! We need more seniors on our staff! Please fill out the form below if you are interested. https://forms.gle/rP6a9WE4QXGjyTsu5
Virtual College Rep Visits continue for BHS seniors Mon –Thurs from 4-8pm. These reps come specifically to talk to you and answer your questions. It is a great opportunity for you to connect to colleges without traveling! You are required to sign up for visits through Naviance (https://student.naviance.com/colleges/visits). If you need help logging in to Naviance, email Lenny Libenzon or your counselor. Seniors can attend any and all college sessions of schools they plan to or are interested in attending. This is a wonderful way to learn more about colleges, ask important questions, and show demonstrated interest!
Application Essay Questions? Application essay writing support at BHS:
- Check in with your counselor or Mr Libenzon (BHS College Counselor) for essay support too!
- We continue to recommend the College Essay Guy website for lots of great FREE advice for seniors and essay writing suggestions - https://www.collegeessayguy.com/
College Application Reminders:
Help the BHS counselors and teachers support your application process by meeting these deadlines. Submit your electronic transcript release forms, your
self-questionnaire, your parent/caregiver’s “brag” sheet, and give notice to your teachers who have agreed to write recommendations for you.
If you have a college deadline for Dec 1 or earlier, then you are late in meeting the BHS deadline. Please see your counselor in the next few days.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
December 15 Monday, November 15
January 1 Monday, November 29 (includes no school December break)
January 15 Monday, December 13
February 1 Wednesday, January 5
February 15 Tuesday, January 18
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
● use the updated transcript release link shared by your counselor
● be sure to list your college names and addresses CORRECTLY AS THEY APPEAR OFFICIALLY ON THE COLLEGE’S WEBSITE OR NAVIANCE. The processing of your request is slowed down by not including the official name of the college or putting in wrong information.
As mentioned in Lenny Libenzon’s Post High School Planning presentation, NACAC offers Fall Virtual College Fairs. The last virtual college fair is on Nov 14. Go to this link (https://virtualcollegefairs.org/conventions) for all the info!
JUNIORS and SENIORS
Registration for the 2022 AP exams- This is the last week to register for AP Exams. See below and check the BHS website for all registration information..
Students at Brookline High School will be registering online. Online Exam registration began on Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 5:00 AM and ends on Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM. Any student who signs up after this date, is charged a $40 late fee from the College Board.
Many students are signing up on the College Board, but not signing up on Total Registration which is where they pay for the exams. STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE BOTH STEPS.
The AP exam registration process has two steps, but both can be completed in one sitting when the student and parent/guardian do this together. Even if you do not plan to take the AP exam, you need to complete both steps to access the College Board’s AP resources. Both steps must be completed in order to have AP exams ordered:
Step 1: Begin the process by registering at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220445. Here you will indicate both the AP courses you are taking this year and the exams you wish to take. You will receive your join codes and directions to complete the second required step. Any exam fees will be paid online so be sure to have a debit card or credit card available before beginning registration. Paying online is a great way to make sure that payment has been made while avoiding mailing payment.
Step 2: Use the join codes provided at the completion of step one to enroll the student's AP courses and exams in the College Board's system.
This year each AP exam costs $105.00. Brookline High School would like to support every student in an AP class to take their AP exams. Students requiring financial assistance should contact Alexia Thomas, [email protected], to learn more. If a student decides not to take an exam they must cancel their exam by November 15th, 2021 to get a full refund, students can get a partial refund if they cancel by March 15th, 2021.
Here are the important dates for the registration process:
· Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 5:00 AM - Registration Begins
· Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM - Registrations and payments after this date will incur a $40 late fee per exam.
· Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 11:59 PM - Registration Ends
· Mon, Nov 15, 2021 - Registrations that have not been paid for will be cancelled and exams will not be ordered.
· Mon, Nov 15, 2021 - Last day to cancel an exam and receive a full refund.
Please contact Alexia Thomas, [email protected] , if you would like to register for an exam not listed or have any questions. -- Alexia Thomas and Kate Kennedy, AP Exam Coordinators
The Financial Aid overview presentations by MEFA continue... Check out this presentation - Wed 11/10 - 6:30-7:30pm +. Sign up for the seminar by following this link - https://www.mefa.org/events/category/college-financing MEFA offers many helpful information and resources at their website - https://www.mefa.org/events BHS will be offering additional resources and opportunities on the important topic of paying for college. Stay tuned!
BHS Librarians are again offering TEST PREP THURSDAYS for Juniors and Seniors from 3-4pm in the BHS Library! Please stop by the library to find out the support, resources, and direct tutoring that is available for our students.
JUNIORS
Introducing ….Thrive Scholars - This flagship college application support program admits students during their junior year of high school who meet the qualifications listed below.
If admitted through their application process, this program supports admitted juniors as they apply to college and prepares them to pursue their career goals. Thrive Scholars offers a two-stage application process. The Thrive Scholars application process includes several essay questions as well as academic and financial documents that you need to prepare. Please make sure you give yourself enough time to complete it.
Thrive Scholars reviews applications holistically and does not have absolute requirements for admission. However, students who are accepted into the program typically meet the following criteria: currently enrolled as a junior in high school, have SAT or PSAT score of 1200+ / ACT or Pre-ACT score of 25+ (*if available- In response to the global pandemic and its continuing impact on student access to standardized tests, Thrive Scholars is reviewing applications with a test-optional policy. Since many students will not have test scores to report, we will focus more on a student’s grades and academic rigor within the context of what their school offers (AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, etc.), identify as one of the following- a first-generation college student and/or a student of color.
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES
Did you miss the 10/28 webinar on Junior Year Timeline and Standardized College Admissions Testing presentation? BHS Guidance Department with Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, discussed the Junior Year Calendar, and Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group presented about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP).
You can find the pdf of the powerpoint slides attached to this email. Also, here is the link to access the recording:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/6840206291095598604
If you are interested, here is the link for them to register for our FREE practice ACT or SAT tests:
https://mytutor.com/one-on-one/free-practice-tests/
Go to this link for an electronic version of the College Admissions Testing Guide here: https://mytutor.com/college-admission-testing-guide/ Print copies of this guide are available at the BHS Guidance Suite Room 285.
SOPHOMORES
Thrive Scholars is a program that equips high-achieving, underrepresented scholars to thrive at top colleges and meaningful careers. Their On-Ramp Program focuses on male African American students in their sophomore year of high school. Only 50 students nationally will be included in this new initiative with this organization. Are you a 10th grader POC who identifies as male? Learn more - https://www.thrivescholars.org/onrampapplication/
9TH GRADERS
The 9th grade counseling team continues to host a Social Lunch for 9th grade students who might benefit from having a quieter place to eat lunch, especially our students who have had a more difficult time finding social connections during lunch! Students should come by the OLS Main Office during any Wednesday lunch period. Thanks to the counselor team for offering this important opportunity!