Key notes for this week:
- No School for students Gr 9-12 tomorrow, Monday 10/19. This is a Professional Development Day for all BHS faculty and staff.
- Schedule for this week will be: Tues 10/20- “Monday schedule” and Wed 10/21 – “Tues schedule”. Thurs and Friday schedules remain the same. 9TH Graders have further nuances to their schedules this week due to staff preparation for a hybrid start on 10/26. Look for emails directly from the OLS administration please.
- Quarter 1 IPR (interim progress report) #2 will be uploaded to both student and parent portals on Monday 10/26 ONLY FOR STUDENTS WHOSE GRADE IS BELOW A C+. These IPRs offer an excellent opportunity for parents/caregivers to discuss the successes that a student is experiencing with school and provide a morale boost for classes that may not be going smoothly. There continues to be time for students to improve academic work between now and the Quarter 1 end date of 11/6.
- Quarter 1 ends on November 6
- Target Date for shift to Hybrid Learning – Gr 9 à October 26
- Target Date for shift to Hybrid Learning – Gr 10-12 à November 9
The BHS “Whom to Call When” and “BHS Student Support Roles” documents are again attached to this email for this week.
Counselors are doing their best to support EVERY BHS student. Students should contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related. There are now some lags for responses to emails due to the significant number of BHS seniors now applying early to colleges for 11/1 and 11/15 deadlines. Also – please note that some counselors have access to various phone communication and others do not. We are working on a consistent approach regarding phones, but it is best to contact any counselor by email if needed.
Counselors are working closely with these students for advising and counselor recommendation writing. If a student issue is urgent, please indicate URGENT in the email heading. Thanks for your understanding!
Reminder - All NEW UPDATES will be highlighted in BLUE each week for easy scanning of newest info.
ALL STUDENTS
“L” Grade – The “L” grade occurs if a student makes a course level change within the last ten class periods at the end of a marking period, they will receive an L on their transcript for that term grade in the NEW course. The “L” stands for late entry. This policy is particularly important for SENIORS to be aware of since the L grade may appear on transcripts sent to colleges for Term 1.
Any student who thinks they may need to consider a curriculum level change should be talking with their current teacher and counselor during this week of 10/19 to avoid a possible L grade for Quarter 1.
New York Times article worth a read for students on managing their own well-being during the pandemic. The ideas are reasonable and easy to do. (Thanks BHS Social Worker Paul Epstein for sharing!) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/well/family/teenagers-emotional-well-being-pandemic.html?referringSource=articleShare
Mental Health supports:
Brookline Public Library Teen Librarian Robin Brenner is launching new take-away kits just for teens in grades 8-12, our Teen Stress Less kits.
Need to take a break? We've created new Teen Stress Less Kits - complete with everything you need to take a break from screens, complete a relaxing project, and have fun. October's kit features the chance to make DIY Bath Bombs! Get everything you need for this de-stress activity by placing a reservation starting Thursday, October 8 at 7PM at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-stress-less-kits-october-diy-spa-tickets-123082421837
To get text reminders about this and similar teen events, text @brklibteen to the number 81010.
- Family Support Groups offered by BRYT Central. This organization is restarting the online Family Support Groups they began last spring 2020. As they get up and running this fall, groups will happen three times a week and will remain open to all parents (not just parents of BRYT students). We are working on getting a Spanish language group up and running - stay tuned!
Currently, the times are:
o Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
o Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
o Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Feel free to contact [email protected] or your Family Engagement Coordinator for more info! See the attached flyer for more info.
Expert Advisory Panel 2 on Support to Address the Whole Child Experience is posting a tip each Monday to support students and caregivers during this time.
-- Week #2 10/12/20 tip: Screentime and Bedtime
Power down early! To restore healthy sleep habits, make the bedroom a screen-free zone, and have everyone in the family turn off devices an hour before bedtime. If this is not possible, have your children keep a lamp on when using a phone or tablet in bed. Studies show that children have insufficient and poor sleep when they use screens close to bedtime, especially in darkness.
This week's tip: Breathing Techniques
-- Week #1 10/5/20 tip: Certain types of breathing can help calm your nervous system and activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Try practicing one breathing technique with your children at home once a day. It's good to practice these when calm. Here are some to try out:
- ELEVATOR BREATH = breathing in when your hand goes up and out when your hand goes down, slowing the speed of the elevator each time.
- 2X BREATH = Breathe IN for 2 count, OUT for 4.
Then IN for 3, OUT for 6, Then IN for 4, OUT for 8. See how long you can make your "out" breath.
- 5 FINGER BREATHING = Breathe in as you trace one finger UP with your opposite hand, breath out as you trace it back down. Repeat for all 5 fingers.
- BOX BREATHING = Breathe in as you trace your finger up one side of a box, breath out as you go across one side, IN as you go down one side, OUT as you go across. Tracing 4 lines of a box. Repeat and slow the speed of your finger and breath.
BHS College and Career Center info for all students:
ACADEMY OFFERS TWO-DAY VIRTUAL CAREERS IN FILM SUMMIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present its 6th annual and first virtual Careers in Film Summit on Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31. The two-day event will provide high school seniors and college students the opportunity to learn about careers in the motion picture industry from Academy members, Oscar®-winning and nominated filmmakers and other industry professionals.
In partnership with the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, the first day of panel discussions on October 24 highlight careers in science, technology, engineering, visual effects and other post-production careers. The discussions include topics such as:
Visual Effects from Around the World
Color, Sound and Editorial
Science, Technology and Engineering
Virtual Production Technology
All Things Animation
Music in Horror Films
Working Above the Line
The event is free, but registration is required to obtain the Zoom access. For more information and to register, visit Oscars.org/events.
What is a BHS coffee talk? A coffee talk is a time for individuals from the community to talk to students about their career journeys and how they got where they are today. It is a chance for students to network and ask questions about careers they might be interested in themselves. It is a chance to explore different career paths and learn the many ways to achieve future goals after high school! Coffee talks provide students with the opportunity to learn from and create connections with individuals in the fields they are hoping to be in one day.
The first BHS Coffee Talk is this week! Want to learn about construction or how to get into construction management? Come to the VIRTUAL College and Career Center on Friday October 23rd from 10:45- 11:20am, X Block, to hear from John Marsoobian, owner of Twin Peaks Construction, and Jamie Simon, Project Manager at Skanska, the company working on the BHS renovation!
You will hear about their career journeys, and have the opportunity to ask questions!
We hope to see you there!
Topic: Coffee Talk #1: Construction
Time: Oct 23, 2020 10:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89767049507?pwd=Y2Ewa1dXUjY3WnppNzNBa2dCcWw3QT09
Meeting ID: 897 6704 9507
Passcode: FjuD9N
The UMass Amherst College of Engineering, supported by our student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), will be hosting a series of virtual talks, student challenges, panels and drop-in hours from October 20th - 30th. You can access these in real-time or on-demand!
Women in Engineering Career Extravaganza for High School Students – ALL INTERESTED BHS STUDENTS CAN ATTEND!
Tuesday, October 20 - Friday, October 30th
(Orientation to the Hopin.to Platform on Monday, October 19 at 1 PM and 6 PM)
Website: https://tinyurl.com/UMass-CareerDay2020-WebPage [will launch next week]
Please see attached program for details on the dates/times/events.
LIVE events will be via Zoom at this link: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/98414170322?pwd=cEcwaG5MRzMrZ2JzZ3JsY0JvM1FQQT09#success, Passcode: 441628
We will be posting everything in a platform called Hopin.to, where you’ll be able to access recordings “on demand” from October 21st - 23rd and 28th - 30th. We’ll have information “booths” for most of our engineering student organizations and departments that you can also explore on-demand in the platform. Currently we are planning three different student challenges. Student can register for the challenges using this Google Form: https://tinyurl.com/Engineering-Design-Challenges. “Call backs” for the completed design projects will be held the afternoon of Friday, October 30th. We can work with schools to support alternatives as needed. We are holding an orientation for the hopin.to platform at the live events Zoom link at 1 PM and again at 6 PM. The passcode for this link is: 441628.
While we’re packing the two weeks with opportunities to make connections with awesome women engineering undergraduate and graduate students as well as women alumni and friends working in the field, ALL students are welcome, either as individuals or through your classrooms.
The ACE Mentor program, founded in 1994 is a free, award-winning, after-school program designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering industry, including skilled trades. ACE is a federation of more than 70 affiliates (chapters), operating in 37 states and largely based in metropolitan areas, which deliver the program. A national office coordinates and assists affiliates.
Want to learn more about ACE of Greater Boston visit: https://acementor.org/index.php/affiliates/massachusetts/massachusetts/about-us/
Want to register? Apply here: https://acementor.org/files/6915/3210/0924/Student_Database_Registration_Guide_7_2018.pdf
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Career Counselor, Ms. Kennedy at [email protected]!
Community Service and Club opportunities at BHS-
The virtual BHS Club Fair was introduced last week in advisories/hubs with over 85 club opportunities here at the high school. Here’s the link on the BHS homepage - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/clubs-and-activities-list.html
Other ways to consider community service in COVID times – Check out Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
Sliding Scale Virtual Tutoring
-- Hand in Hand Project is an educational equality nonprofit, founded by a BHS alum, currently offering sliding scale tutoring for students all over the United States to try and close the learning gap that has presented itself as a pressing issue in this strange and difficult time. We believe in providing equitable access to academic resources for all children, regardless of race, income, disability, or language. We are currently accepting applications for both mentors, in need of community services hours, and mentees, in need of tutoring in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Russian. For more detailed information please visit our website at handinhandproject.net or email [email protected] for questions!”
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest - Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs. All submissions must adhere to contest requirements. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2020. The contest deadline is January 15, 2021.
First-place: $10,000 Second-place: $3,000 Five Finalists: $1,000 each Eight Semi-finalists: $100 each
SENIORS
Please review your attached unofficial transcript for any missing classes or errors. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
It is your responsibility to be sure your transcript is accurate before giving BHS permission to send to any colleges or post HS grad programs.
You should be checking that you are earning all required credits towards graduation this June 2021 too.
English- 4 credits
Science - 3 credits
Social Studies/History - 3 credits including US History
Math - 3 credits (4 years required for UMass State colleges/universities)
World Language - 2 credits (same language)
Elective - 3 credits distributed across Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Career/Tech, Community Service
Wellness - .5 Lifetime Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
+ additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
We will not be sharing any GPA information with colleges on official transcripts. See your Naviance account for your current “working” BHS GPA.
SENIOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS - Please join BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon & Guidance Department Chair Darby Neff-Verre for a virtual Coffee Talk this Thursday, October 22, 8:30 to 9:30 am. We will try to answer any general questions you may have about the college application process and admissions in a "live" format. This event is only for the parents of current seniors.
If you have a specific question about your senior’s process, please talk to your child first, then contact either their assigned guidance counselor or Lenny Libenzon for more advice.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/96662642037?pwd=cDIrajlOM2tpdGxnZDg5d0xOZDU1dz09
Meeting ID: 966 6264 2037
Passcode: 144256
Did you miss the senior seminar with your counselor? Mr. Libenzon will conduct a make-up seminar on Tuesday, Oct 27 during X block (10:45 - 11:20).
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/97399021172?pwd=dzlkdTg2d3BZM21JdTBjbTRNb0U2UT09
Meeting ID: 973 9902 1172
Passcode: 819346
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 college application deadlines for 10/15 or 11/1 and you have not yet completed a transcript release request, please do this step and contact your counselor immediately to confirm. Also connect with your teachers regarding recommendations since you are behind in informing these critical BHS staff who want to do their best to support your college application process.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
November 15 Monday October 19
December 1 Friday October 30
(includes no school Thanksgiving break)
December 15 Monday November 16
January 1 Monday November 30
(includes no school December break)
January 15 Wednesday December 9
February 1 Wednesday January 6
February 15 Friday January 15
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
Virtual College Representative visits at BHS continue this week – Seniors can attend any and all college sessions of schools they plan to or are interested in attending. The schedule and REQUIRED zoom link registration can be found on your Naviance homepage. This is a wonderful way to learn more about colleges, ask important questions, and show demonstrated interest!
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Interested in a Gap Year?
Check out the Gap Year resources shared in Lenny Libenzon’s powerpoint mentioned above from the 9/17/20 senior parent presentation and also look into https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/
Taking a Gap Year: A Zoom Presentation for BHS Students & Parents – November 5, 6:30-8:15pm
Taking a gap year after high school is becoming an increasingly popular option for students, but how do you know if it's the right choice for you or your child? Join gap year expert Julia Rogers of EnRoute Consulting for a presentation that will cover the benefits, challenges and opportunities surrounding the gap year option in the era of COVID-19. She will guide attendees through the opportunities available in the age of corona - and how plans could evolve based on the global outlook. She will also discuss how to plan for college deferment or reapplication, how to finance gap time and provide tips for designing a meaningful gap year. Please register at this link to join this presentation -
Registration link
Colleges Admissions Answer Your Questions About COVID Impact - If you missed the BHS sponsored College Admissions Panel last week on 10/8/20 with admissions reps from UMass Amherst, Boston Univ, Northeastern Univ, Univ of Vermont, and Mass Bay Community College, please check out the recording -http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/bhs-college-panel-recording
If you missed the webinar College During COVID: LIVE ONLINE EVENT FOR Boston Area HS SENIORS, JUNIORS, & PARENTS hosted by New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen last Monday 10/5, here’s the link to his presentation - https://harlancohen.com/bostonreplay2020/
Students Taking an AP Course-
If you are not taking an AP course this year and don't plan to take an AP exam this year, please disregard this email.
The College Board ordering deadline for all exams is November 13th. Any exam ordered after this date will be an additional $40 late fee. Students need to register and pay for their AP exams using our Total Registration website.
Our AP exam registration period is from:
Friday October 2nd - Thursday Nov. 12th. Students will register for their exams on Total Registration and pay online using a credit card.
www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220445
The cost of each test is $98, and students can request financial assistance if needed.
In order to access the new, free online resources provided by the College Board, all students (and teachers) must also register for their class on the Collegeboard website. I've attached a document from the College Board, which outlines the steps for students.
Step #1 - Register for your exam via Total Registration
Step #2 - Join your AP Class Section, using the College Board Website (www.myap.collegeboard.org) and use your College Board student account login, as well as your course join code, and fill out the information needed. (Join codes are given to you via total registration or via your teacher).
Please let Ms Thomas ([email protected]) or Ms Kennedy ([email protected]) know if you have questions. If students do not complete both steps, registering and paying on Total Registration and signing up for MyAP on the College Board website, they cannot order an AP exam for you.
Since BHS could not hold our annual College Fair last spring, we are recommending that seniors attend one of the NACAC Fall Virtual Fairs. The last virtual fair is offered on =Nov 8. Please see the attached FAQ for more information and next steps. The BHS counselors have not personally attended these fairs, but wanted to share as many options as possible to our seniors as they are the first to navigate this "next normal" of the college admissions process.
JUNIORS
If you missed the BHS Guidance Dept presentation of the Junior Post High School Planning Timeline Overview and critical updates regarding the impact of COVID on college admissions, check out this recording - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance
Recording of the entire Junior PTO Deans meeting and Junior Timeline -
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/MmPcKvo2aaJ_OPpcFYg2KKa9UzQDGGD0uVSdSg4ggtsz-ZVaiCfW3NhcAASDF7Nw.HIRnnE_8zTUnDtPV
Passcode: 38s50w%c
Counselors are doing their best to support EVERY BHS student. Students should contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related. There are now some lags for responses to emails due to the significant number of BHS seniors now applying early to colleges for 11/1 and 11/15 deadlines. Also – please note that some counselors have access to various phone communication and others do not. We are working on a consistent approach regarding phones, but it is best to contact any counselor by email if needed.
Counselors are working closely with these students for advising and counselor recommendation writing. If a student issue is urgent, please indicate URGENT in the email heading. Thanks for your understanding!
Reminder - All NEW UPDATES will be highlighted in BLUE each week for easy scanning of newest info.
ALL STUDENTS
“L” Grade – The “L” grade occurs if a student makes a course level change within the last ten class periods at the end of a marking period, they will receive an L on their transcript for that term grade in the NEW course. The “L” stands for late entry. This policy is particularly important for SENIORS to be aware of since the L grade may appear on transcripts sent to colleges for Term 1.
Any student who thinks they may need to consider a curriculum level change should be talking with their current teacher and counselor during this week of 10/19 to avoid a possible L grade for Quarter 1.
New York Times article worth a read for students on managing their own well-being during the pandemic. The ideas are reasonable and easy to do. (Thanks BHS Social Worker Paul Epstein for sharing!) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/well/family/teenagers-emotional-well-being-pandemic.html?referringSource=articleShare
Mental Health supports:
Brookline Public Library Teen Librarian Robin Brenner is launching new take-away kits just for teens in grades 8-12, our Teen Stress Less kits.
Need to take a break? We've created new Teen Stress Less Kits - complete with everything you need to take a break from screens, complete a relaxing project, and have fun. October's kit features the chance to make DIY Bath Bombs! Get everything you need for this de-stress activity by placing a reservation starting Thursday, October 8 at 7PM at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-stress-less-kits-october-diy-spa-tickets-123082421837
To get text reminders about this and similar teen events, text @brklibteen to the number 81010.
- Family Support Groups offered by BRYT Central. This organization is restarting the online Family Support Groups they began last spring 2020. As they get up and running this fall, groups will happen three times a week and will remain open to all parents (not just parents of BRYT students). We are working on getting a Spanish language group up and running - stay tuned!
Currently, the times are:
o Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
o Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
o Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Feel free to contact [email protected] or your Family Engagement Coordinator for more info! See the attached flyer for more info.
Expert Advisory Panel 2 on Support to Address the Whole Child Experience is posting a tip each Monday to support students and caregivers during this time.
-- Week #2 10/12/20 tip: Screentime and Bedtime
Power down early! To restore healthy sleep habits, make the bedroom a screen-free zone, and have everyone in the family turn off devices an hour before bedtime. If this is not possible, have your children keep a lamp on when using a phone or tablet in bed. Studies show that children have insufficient and poor sleep when they use screens close to bedtime, especially in darkness.
This week's tip: Breathing Techniques
-- Week #1 10/5/20 tip: Certain types of breathing can help calm your nervous system and activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Try practicing one breathing technique with your children at home once a day. It's good to practice these when calm. Here are some to try out:
- ELEVATOR BREATH = breathing in when your hand goes up and out when your hand goes down, slowing the speed of the elevator each time.
- 2X BREATH = Breathe IN for 2 count, OUT for 4.
Then IN for 3, OUT for 6, Then IN for 4, OUT for 8. See how long you can make your "out" breath.
- 5 FINGER BREATHING = Breathe in as you trace one finger UP with your opposite hand, breath out as you trace it back down. Repeat for all 5 fingers.
- BOX BREATHING = Breathe in as you trace your finger up one side of a box, breath out as you go across one side, IN as you go down one side, OUT as you go across. Tracing 4 lines of a box. Repeat and slow the speed of your finger and breath.
BHS College and Career Center info for all students:
ACADEMY OFFERS TWO-DAY VIRTUAL CAREERS IN FILM SUMMIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present its 6th annual and first virtual Careers in Film Summit on Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31. The two-day event will provide high school seniors and college students the opportunity to learn about careers in the motion picture industry from Academy members, Oscar®-winning and nominated filmmakers and other industry professionals.
In partnership with the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, the first day of panel discussions on October 24 highlight careers in science, technology, engineering, visual effects and other post-production careers. The discussions include topics such as:
Visual Effects from Around the World
Color, Sound and Editorial
Science, Technology and Engineering
Virtual Production Technology
All Things Animation
Music in Horror Films
Working Above the Line
The event is free, but registration is required to obtain the Zoom access. For more information and to register, visit Oscars.org/events.
What is a BHS coffee talk? A coffee talk is a time for individuals from the community to talk to students about their career journeys and how they got where they are today. It is a chance for students to network and ask questions about careers they might be interested in themselves. It is a chance to explore different career paths and learn the many ways to achieve future goals after high school! Coffee talks provide students with the opportunity to learn from and create connections with individuals in the fields they are hoping to be in one day.
The first BHS Coffee Talk is this week! Want to learn about construction or how to get into construction management? Come to the VIRTUAL College and Career Center on Friday October 23rd from 10:45- 11:20am, X Block, to hear from John Marsoobian, owner of Twin Peaks Construction, and Jamie Simon, Project Manager at Skanska, the company working on the BHS renovation!
You will hear about their career journeys, and have the opportunity to ask questions!
We hope to see you there!
Topic: Coffee Talk #1: Construction
Time: Oct 23, 2020 10:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89767049507?pwd=Y2Ewa1dXUjY3WnppNzNBa2dCcWw3QT09
Meeting ID: 897 6704 9507
Passcode: FjuD9N
The UMass Amherst College of Engineering, supported by our student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), will be hosting a series of virtual talks, student challenges, panels and drop-in hours from October 20th - 30th. You can access these in real-time or on-demand!
Women in Engineering Career Extravaganza for High School Students – ALL INTERESTED BHS STUDENTS CAN ATTEND!
Tuesday, October 20 - Friday, October 30th
(Orientation to the Hopin.to Platform on Monday, October 19 at 1 PM and 6 PM)
Website: https://tinyurl.com/UMass-CareerDay2020-WebPage [will launch next week]
Please see attached program for details on the dates/times/events.
LIVE events will be via Zoom at this link: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/98414170322?pwd=cEcwaG5MRzMrZ2JzZ3JsY0JvM1FQQT09#success, Passcode: 441628
We will be posting everything in a platform called Hopin.to, where you’ll be able to access recordings “on demand” from October 21st - 23rd and 28th - 30th. We’ll have information “booths” for most of our engineering student organizations and departments that you can also explore on-demand in the platform. Currently we are planning three different student challenges. Student can register for the challenges using this Google Form: https://tinyurl.com/Engineering-Design-Challenges. “Call backs” for the completed design projects will be held the afternoon of Friday, October 30th. We can work with schools to support alternatives as needed. We are holding an orientation for the hopin.to platform at the live events Zoom link at 1 PM and again at 6 PM. The passcode for this link is: 441628.
While we’re packing the two weeks with opportunities to make connections with awesome women engineering undergraduate and graduate students as well as women alumni and friends working in the field, ALL students are welcome, either as individuals or through your classrooms.
The ACE Mentor program, founded in 1994 is a free, award-winning, after-school program designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering industry, including skilled trades. ACE is a federation of more than 70 affiliates (chapters), operating in 37 states and largely based in metropolitan areas, which deliver the program. A national office coordinates and assists affiliates.
Want to learn more about ACE of Greater Boston visit: https://acementor.org/index.php/affiliates/massachusetts/massachusetts/about-us/
Want to register? Apply here: https://acementor.org/files/6915/3210/0924/Student_Database_Registration_Guide_7_2018.pdf
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Career Counselor, Ms. Kennedy at [email protected]!
Community Service and Club opportunities at BHS-
The virtual BHS Club Fair was introduced last week in advisories/hubs with over 85 club opportunities here at the high school. Here’s the link on the BHS homepage - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/clubs-and-activities-list.html
Other ways to consider community service in COVID times – Check out Teen Life - https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/volunteer-boston/
Sliding Scale Virtual Tutoring
-- Hand in Hand Project is an educational equality nonprofit, founded by a BHS alum, currently offering sliding scale tutoring for students all over the United States to try and close the learning gap that has presented itself as a pressing issue in this strange and difficult time. We believe in providing equitable access to academic resources for all children, regardless of race, income, disability, or language. We are currently accepting applications for both mentors, in need of community services hours, and mentees, in need of tutoring in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Russian. For more detailed information please visit our website at handinhandproject.net or email [email protected] for questions!”
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest - Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs. All submissions must adhere to contest requirements. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2020. The contest deadline is January 15, 2021.
First-place: $10,000 Second-place: $3,000 Five Finalists: $1,000 each Eight Semi-finalists: $100 each
SENIORS
Please review your attached unofficial transcript for any missing classes or errors. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
It is your responsibility to be sure your transcript is accurate before giving BHS permission to send to any colleges or post HS grad programs.
You should be checking that you are earning all required credits towards graduation this June 2021 too.
English- 4 credits
Science - 3 credits
Social Studies/History - 3 credits including US History
Math - 3 credits (4 years required for UMass State colleges/universities)
World Language - 2 credits (same language)
Elective - 3 credits distributed across Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Career/Tech, Community Service
Wellness - .5 Lifetime Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
+ additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
We will not be sharing any GPA information with colleges on official transcripts. See your Naviance account for your current “working” BHS GPA.
SENIOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS - Please join BHS College Counselor Lenny Libenzon & Guidance Department Chair Darby Neff-Verre for a virtual Coffee Talk this Thursday, October 22, 8:30 to 9:30 am. We will try to answer any general questions you may have about the college application process and admissions in a "live" format. This event is only for the parents of current seniors.
If you have a specific question about your senior’s process, please talk to your child first, then contact either their assigned guidance counselor or Lenny Libenzon for more advice.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/96662642037?pwd=cDIrajlOM2tpdGxnZDg5d0xOZDU1dz09
Meeting ID: 966 6264 2037
Passcode: 144256
Did you miss the senior seminar with your counselor? Mr. Libenzon will conduct a make-up seminar on Tuesday, Oct 27 during X block (10:45 - 11:20).
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/97399021172?pwd=dzlkdTg2d3BZM21JdTBjbTRNb0U2UT09
Meeting ID: 973 9902 1172
Passcode: 819346
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 college application deadlines for 10/15 or 11/1 and you have not yet completed a transcript release request, please do this step and contact your counselor immediately to confirm. Also connect with your teachers regarding recommendations since you are behind in informing these critical BHS staff who want to do their best to support your college application process.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
November 15 Monday October 19
December 1 Friday October 30
(includes no school Thanksgiving break)
December 15 Monday November 16
January 1 Monday November 30
(includes no school December break)
January 15 Wednesday December 9
February 1 Wednesday January 6
February 15 Friday January 15
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
- use the updated link shared by your counselor (on their CANVAS page or by email)
- be sure to list your college names and addresses CORRECTLY AS THEY APPEAR OFFICIALLY ON THE COLLEGE’S WEBSITE OR NAVIANCE. The processing of your request is slowed down by not including the official name of the college or putting in wrong information.
Virtual College Representative visits at BHS continue this week – Seniors can attend any and all college sessions of schools they plan to or are interested in attending. The schedule and REQUIRED zoom link registration can be found on your Naviance homepage. This is a wonderful way to learn more about colleges, ask important questions, and show demonstrated interest!
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Interested in a Gap Year?
Check out the Gap Year resources shared in Lenny Libenzon’s powerpoint mentioned above from the 9/17/20 senior parent presentation and also look into https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/
Taking a Gap Year: A Zoom Presentation for BHS Students & Parents – November 5, 6:30-8:15pm
Taking a gap year after high school is becoming an increasingly popular option for students, but how do you know if it's the right choice for you or your child? Join gap year expert Julia Rogers of EnRoute Consulting for a presentation that will cover the benefits, challenges and opportunities surrounding the gap year option in the era of COVID-19. She will guide attendees through the opportunities available in the age of corona - and how plans could evolve based on the global outlook. She will also discuss how to plan for college deferment or reapplication, how to finance gap time and provide tips for designing a meaningful gap year. Please register at this link to join this presentation -
Registration link
Colleges Admissions Answer Your Questions About COVID Impact - If you missed the BHS sponsored College Admissions Panel last week on 10/8/20 with admissions reps from UMass Amherst, Boston Univ, Northeastern Univ, Univ of Vermont, and Mass Bay Community College, please check out the recording -http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/bhs-college-panel-recording
If you missed the webinar College During COVID: LIVE ONLINE EVENT FOR Boston Area HS SENIORS, JUNIORS, & PARENTS hosted by New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen last Monday 10/5, here’s the link to his presentation - https://harlancohen.com/bostonreplay2020/
Students Taking an AP Course-
If you are not taking an AP course this year and don't plan to take an AP exam this year, please disregard this email.
The College Board ordering deadline for all exams is November 13th. Any exam ordered after this date will be an additional $40 late fee. Students need to register and pay for their AP exams using our Total Registration website.
Our AP exam registration period is from:
Friday October 2nd - Thursday Nov. 12th. Students will register for their exams on Total Registration and pay online using a credit card.
www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220445
The cost of each test is $98, and students can request financial assistance if needed.
In order to access the new, free online resources provided by the College Board, all students (and teachers) must also register for their class on the Collegeboard website. I've attached a document from the College Board, which outlines the steps for students.
Step #1 - Register for your exam via Total Registration
Step #2 - Join your AP Class Section, using the College Board Website (www.myap.collegeboard.org) and use your College Board student account login, as well as your course join code, and fill out the information needed. (Join codes are given to you via total registration or via your teacher).
Please let Ms Thomas ([email protected]) or Ms Kennedy ([email protected]) know if you have questions. If students do not complete both steps, registering and paying on Total Registration and signing up for MyAP on the College Board website, they cannot order an AP exam for you.
Since BHS could not hold our annual College Fair last spring, we are recommending that seniors attend one of the NACAC Fall Virtual Fairs. The last virtual fair is offered on =Nov 8. Please see the attached FAQ for more information and next steps. The BHS counselors have not personally attended these fairs, but wanted to share as many options as possible to our seniors as they are the first to navigate this "next normal" of the college admissions process.
JUNIORS
If you missed the BHS Guidance Dept presentation of the Junior Post High School Planning Timeline Overview and critical updates regarding the impact of COVID on college admissions, check out this recording - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance
Recording of the entire Junior PTO Deans meeting and Junior Timeline -
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/MmPcKvo2aaJ_OPpcFYg2KKa9UzQDGGD0uVSdSg4ggtsz-ZVaiCfW3NhcAASDF7Nw.HIRnnE_8zTUnDtPV
Passcode: 38s50w%c