Quarter 1 ends on 11/5. Many students (and staff) are finding this year to be more challenging academically, socially, and emotionally than expected due the shift from remote/hybrid learning to back in-person. School leaders, teachers, student support staff and students are actively discussing and working on how to manage the learning and community building of BHS in a productive, successful, and caring way for all.
Please note that Monday November 1 will be a BHS Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
If a student has questions/concerns/or just wants to say hello to their counselor, please encourage your student to stop by their counselor’s office when not in class. Gr 10-12 counselors are doing their best to support all of their students. Students should still contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related. If a counselor is not available when a student stops by their office, PLEASE leave a note or send an email. Counselors are nonstop with meetings in and out of their offices due to the significant number of BHS seniors now applying early to colleges for 11/1 and 11/15 deadlines. They 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! We’re here and ready to support EVERY BHS student!
Please note that Monday November 1 will be a BHS Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
If a student has questions/concerns/or just wants to say hello to their counselor, please encourage your student to stop by their counselor’s office when not in class. Gr 10-12 counselors are doing their best to support all of their students. Students should still contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related. If a counselor is not available when a student stops by their office, PLEASE leave a note or send an email. Counselors are nonstop with meetings in and out of their offices due to the significant number of BHS seniors now applying early to colleges for 11/1 and 11/15 deadlines. They 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! We’re here and ready to support EVERY BHS student!
FAMILIES
The College and Career Center at Brookline High School is seeking community support for our Career Exploration and Immersion Program (CEIP). The goal of the CEIP is to build intentional connections between the professional expertise in our community and the students, teachers, and programs who seek understanding of and experience with the current professional landscape. The CEIP focuses on a two-fold mission: to bring experts into classrooms and/or the Career Center, as well as to bring students into the professional setting through career exploration and immersion activities.
*By completing this survey you also will become a contact on the BHS community database so that your contact information can be used in future years by BHS Staff.
And the link: https://forms.gle/svzexKwwwYViaWys8
ALL STUDENTS
The Asian American Commission is launching their very first Youth Council Program and are seeking AAPI high school youth who are:
The 2021-2022 Youth Council will run from Nov 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Each Youth Council member will be paid a stipend of $1260 for working 12 hours per month, $15 per hour, serving the whole duration of the program. Eight (8) students will be selected to be a part of the Youth Council.
Requirements for all applicants:
Applications will close on 10/24/21 at 11:59 PM EST
Application link: https://forms.gle/XkGvJPEtNEVgN8Bh8
For questions, email [email protected]g
The Aspen Institute Science & Society Program in partnership with Coda Societies would like to enlist your help in recruiting participants for “Our Future Is Science” (OFIS), a new initiative to link STEAM and social justice and position societally minded youth as leaders and innovators who will push science forward in the 21st century. OFIS features an extracurricular mentorship forum in which high-school students (Mentees) and STEAM graduate students (Mentors) explore together the links between science and social justice. Mentees and mentors will be compensated with a stipend for their participation. Application deadline is this Thurs 10/28. To apply and learn more here - https://ourfutureisscience.org/mentee-info#apply
Curriculum Level Changes and Class Drop Timelines:
For class drops (with end of term being Friday Nov 5):
* For changing of classes, 12/1 will be the deadline for curriculum level changes for full year classes. After that date, a special action form is needed and W on transcript.
Counselors work closely with students to be sure students are considering their graduation credit progress over 4 years at BHS. Students are required to have a minimum of 22 overall credits to graduate with the following specific academic credits. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
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/Integrated Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
+ additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
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. 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:
Greater Brookline area community service opportunities:
– 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.
SENIORS
Complete the Cap & Gown online order form to reserve your Class of 2022 graduation cap & gown. Please do not delay in filling out this online form. A cap and gown is ordered for every BHS senior so if you do not complete the form, we will have to "guestimate" the correct size for you. Only use your (student) official name as it appears in Aspen. The link below to the online form will remain open until the end of October, do not delay! Payment will be required in May 2022. Cut and paste this link to your browser to get your order done - https://jostens.typeform.com/to/jDvqAIFw?typeform-source=www.google.com
Parents of Seniors - Do you have any questions about the college process? Here is the recording link of the October 14 Q and A session for BHS parents and guardians led by Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor -
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/nXSuerGTRvXJh31wbiHxlyYRCJnTueqlhd_W03-oeJabbLr0x2QU9fdRyKeRVVvr.67qKDXeC-YRwuhgz
Passcode: 3^4M@!sV
The powerpoint presentation can be found here - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/uploads/8/0/1/5/801512/2021_coffee_q_a_for_senior_parents.pdf
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.
Senior Portrait Options
Counselors of seniors continue to join senior advisories through part of November to share senior’s unofficial transcripts for review plus continue information sharing and support regarding the post high school planning process.
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? The 18th Annual Brookline High School College Essay Writing Workshop was held this past Saturday. Big thanks to all parents, BHS staff, and community members as well as seniors who participated!
Other 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/
SENIORS– READ YOUR EMAILS! Especially if you are applying to college this Fall!
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 Nov 15 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 1 Tuesday, Nov 2
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.
Interested in a Gap Year? Please refer to the Gap Year resources shared in Lenny Libenzon’s powerpoint mentioned above from the 9/9/21 senior parent presentation and also look into https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/
BHS Guidance will be offering a Gap Year [virtual] Fair later this year on the evening of Tues January 18. More info to come!
As mentioned in Lenny Libenzon’s Post High School Planning presentation, NACAC offers Fall Virtual Fairs. The virtual fairs continued to be offered on Nov 2 and Nov 14. Go to this link (https://virtualcollegefairs.org/conventions) for all the info!
JUNIORS and SENIORS
Are you a young person in your junior or senior year looking to learn more about systemic racism and how to develop your own racial justice and equity practice?
Racial Reconciliation and Healing is a project of Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center. We are a half white and half BIPOC squad of young people who work in collaboration to dismantle racism at its roots. We meet Mondays and Wednesdays October- June from 3:30 to 5:30 pm (mostly zoom for now but some in person too).
Email Darby Neff-Verre ([email protected] ) or BHS social worker John Ortiz ([email protected]) for applications.
Ricardo Diego Suárez Rojas, MA
Master in Bioethics, University of Chicago
MSW/Ph.D. Student, Boston College School of Social Work
Research Assistant, Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Clinical Intern, Jamaica Plain Health Promotion Center (Racial Reconciliation and Healing Project)
Director of Laboratorio en Movimiento (Mexico)
The Financial Aid overview presentation by MEFA last Thurs 10/20 is actually repeated by MEFA. The upcoming presentations with the same content are presented by MEFA again on these upcoming dates: Mon 10/25 - 3-4pm; Thus 10/28- 6:30-7:30pm; Wed 11/3 - 12-1pm; Wed 11/10 - 6:30-7:30pm +. Sign up for the upcoming seminars can be done 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!
Thanks to all parents and students and the excellent college admissions representative panel who participated in the virtual BHS panel discussion of college admissions on Thurs 10/7. Admission representatives from these colleges were in attendance: Boston University, Northeastern, Mass Bay Community College, UMass Amherst, University of Vermont.
The recording of the session is available here.
Please copy and paste this link to your browser (note that you will need to enter the passcode):
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/mzzxsitgrSjHABzEoVigP4d623fx-zMhD1NkaP7zYqre0E8SFmzr38lq_R77MgEK.nQZiAKG9CEVBA1y-
Passcode: xdgDf2$D
BHS Librarians are again offering TEST PREP THURSDAYS for Juniors and Seniors! Please stop by the library to find out the support, resources, and direct tutoring that is available for our students.
Registration for the 2022 AP exams-
Students at Brookline High School will be registering online. Online Exam registration will begin on Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 5:00 AM and end 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:
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.
Planning ahead? College Admissions Test Dates at BHS for this school year - see the attached document. More info about college admissions testing will be presented at this Thurs 10/28 zoom presentation. See below.
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES
This Thursday 10/28 @ 6:30pm on zoom - Junior Year Timeline and Standardized College Admissions Testing presentation - Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 6:30 pm, - BHS Guidance Department with Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, will go over the Junior Year Calendar, and Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group will talk about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP). There will be updates on the ever-evolving testing landscape for college admissions. We will also discuss timelines of when students should be thinking about and taking standardized tests. This night is open to junior and sophomore students and their parents/caregivers. Please note that BHS does not specifically promote any outside testing prep companies, but appreciates their information sharing for this event.
This event will be recorded and shared in next week’s Weekly Update and by PTO reps.
Please register for the event here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3631095787607463437
Go to this link for an electronic version of the College Admissions Testing Guide here: https://mytutor.com/college-admission-testing-guide/ Printed copies of this guide will be available at the BHS Guidance Suite Room 285 closer after this zoom event.
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!
The College and Career Center at Brookline High School is seeking community support for our Career Exploration and Immersion Program (CEIP). The goal of the CEIP is to build intentional connections between the professional expertise in our community and the students, teachers, and programs who seek understanding of and experience with the current professional landscape. The CEIP focuses on a two-fold mission: to bring experts into classrooms and/or the Career Center, as well as to bring students into the professional setting through career exploration and immersion activities.
*By completing this survey you also will become a contact on the BHS community database so that your contact information can be used in future years by BHS Staff.
And the link: https://forms.gle/svzexKwwwYViaWys8
ALL STUDENTS
The Asian American Commission is launching their very first Youth Council Program and are seeking AAPI high school youth who are:
- Motivated to address the issues of anti-Asian violence to brief Commissioners on viable solutions to provide a safe environment and equitable education
- AAPI youth who are interested in getting involved in their communities and are eager for civic engagement and leadership opportunities
The 2021-2022 Youth Council will run from Nov 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Each Youth Council member will be paid a stipend of $1260 for working 12 hours per month, $15 per hour, serving the whole duration of the program. Eight (8) students will be selected to be a part of the Youth Council.
Requirements for all applicants:
- Currently a high school student (grades 11-12 and able to obtain a work permit).
- Leadership abilities
- Oral and written communication skills
- Dedicated to promoting civic participation of AAPIs
Applications will close on 10/24/21 at 11:59 PM EST
Application link: https://forms.gle/XkGvJPEtNEVgN8Bh8
For questions, email [email protected]g
The Aspen Institute Science & Society Program in partnership with Coda Societies would like to enlist your help in recruiting participants for “Our Future Is Science” (OFIS), a new initiative to link STEAM and social justice and position societally minded youth as leaders and innovators who will push science forward in the 21st century. OFIS features an extracurricular mentorship forum in which high-school students (Mentees) and STEAM graduate students (Mentors) explore together the links between science and social justice. Mentees and mentors will be compensated with a stipend for their participation. Application deadline is this Thurs 10/28. To apply and learn more here - https://ourfutureisscience.org/mentee-info#apply
Curriculum Level Changes and Class Drop Timelines:
For class drops (with end of term being Friday Nov 5):
* For changing of classes, 12/1 will be the deadline for curriculum level changes for full year classes. After that date, a special action form is needed and W on transcript.
Counselors work closely with students to be sure students are considering their graduation credit progress over 4 years at BHS. Students are required to have a minimum of 22 overall credits to graduate with the following specific academic credits. Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.
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/Integrated Wellness, 3 - .25 wellness credits
+ additional credits to earn minimum total credits of 22
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. 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:
Greater Brookline area community service opportunities:
– 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.
SENIORS
Complete the Cap & Gown online order form to reserve your Class of 2022 graduation cap & gown. Please do not delay in filling out this online form. A cap and gown is ordered for every BHS senior so if you do not complete the form, we will have to "guestimate" the correct size for you. Only use your (student) official name as it appears in Aspen. The link below to the online form will remain open until the end of October, do not delay! Payment will be required in May 2022. Cut and paste this link to your browser to get your order done - https://jostens.typeform.com/to/jDvqAIFw?typeform-source=www.google.com
Parents of Seniors - Do you have any questions about the college process? Here is the recording link of the October 14 Q and A session for BHS parents and guardians led by Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor -
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/nXSuerGTRvXJh31wbiHxlyYRCJnTueqlhd_W03-oeJabbLr0x2QU9fdRyKeRVVvr.67qKDXeC-YRwuhgz
Passcode: 3^4M@!sV
The powerpoint presentation can be found here - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/uploads/8/0/1/5/801512/2021_coffee_q_a_for_senior_parents.pdf
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
- File must be at least 1MB
- Image files must be JPEG or PNG
- Files must be named lastname_firstname_baby
- Choose a quote to go below your picture.
- A list of your BHS activities
- Character Limit Including Spaces: 270
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.
Counselors of seniors continue to join senior advisories through part of November to share senior’s unofficial transcripts for review plus continue information sharing and support regarding the post high school planning process.
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? The 18th Annual Brookline High School College Essay Writing Workshop was held this past Saturday. Big thanks to all parents, BHS staff, and community members as well as seniors who participated!
Other 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/
- Look at this 8 minute youtube video on College Essay Mistakes (and how to avoid them) offers some excellent considerations as you start/work on/finish your college application essay - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh3V2VU1UcZEDr6E3ztsFkA
- And another 2 minute youtube on the topic The Dangers of Getting Personal Statement Feedback From Too Many People - Meet Pete the Cate… I know. You’ll get it when you watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpKp2x43o1M
SENIORS– READ YOUR EMAILS! Especially if you are applying to college this Fall!
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 Nov 15 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 1 Tuesday, Nov 2
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.
Interested in a Gap Year? Please refer to the Gap Year resources shared in Lenny Libenzon’s powerpoint mentioned above from the 9/9/21 senior parent presentation and also look into https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/
BHS Guidance will be offering a Gap Year [virtual] Fair later this year on the evening of Tues January 18. More info to come!
As mentioned in Lenny Libenzon’s Post High School Planning presentation, NACAC offers Fall Virtual Fairs. The virtual fairs continued to be offered on Nov 2 and Nov 14. Go to this link (https://virtualcollegefairs.org/conventions) for all the info!
JUNIORS and SENIORS
Are you a young person in your junior or senior year looking to learn more about systemic racism and how to develop your own racial justice and equity practice?
Racial Reconciliation and Healing is a project of Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center. We are a half white and half BIPOC squad of young people who work in collaboration to dismantle racism at its roots. We meet Mondays and Wednesdays October- June from 3:30 to 5:30 pm (mostly zoom for now but some in person too).
Email Darby Neff-Verre ([email protected] ) or BHS social worker John Ortiz ([email protected]) for applications.
Ricardo Diego Suárez Rojas, MA
Master in Bioethics, University of Chicago
MSW/Ph.D. Student, Boston College School of Social Work
Research Assistant, Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Clinical Intern, Jamaica Plain Health Promotion Center (Racial Reconciliation and Healing Project)
Director of Laboratorio en Movimiento (Mexico)
The Financial Aid overview presentation by MEFA last Thurs 10/20 is actually repeated by MEFA. The upcoming presentations with the same content are presented by MEFA again on these upcoming dates: Mon 10/25 - 3-4pm; Thus 10/28- 6:30-7:30pm; Wed 11/3 - 12-1pm; Wed 11/10 - 6:30-7:30pm +. Sign up for the upcoming seminars can be done 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!
Thanks to all parents and students and the excellent college admissions representative panel who participated in the virtual BHS panel discussion of college admissions on Thurs 10/7. Admission representatives from these colleges were in attendance: Boston University, Northeastern, Mass Bay Community College, UMass Amherst, University of Vermont.
The recording of the session is available here.
Please copy and paste this link to your browser (note that you will need to enter the passcode):
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/mzzxsitgrSjHABzEoVigP4d623fx-zMhD1NkaP7zYqre0E8SFmzr38lq_R77MgEK.nQZiAKG9CEVBA1y-
Passcode: xdgDf2$D
BHS Librarians are again offering TEST PREP THURSDAYS for Juniors and Seniors! Please stop by the library to find out the support, resources, and direct tutoring that is available for our students.
Registration for the 2022 AP exams-
Students at Brookline High School will be registering online. Online Exam registration will begin on Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 5:00 AM and end 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.
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.
Planning ahead? College Admissions Test Dates at BHS for this school year - see the attached document. More info about college admissions testing will be presented at this Thurs 10/28 zoom presentation. See below.
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES
This Thursday 10/28 @ 6:30pm on zoom - Junior Year Timeline and Standardized College Admissions Testing presentation - Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 6:30 pm, - BHS Guidance Department with Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, will go over the Junior Year Calendar, and Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group will talk about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP). There will be updates on the ever-evolving testing landscape for college admissions. We will also discuss timelines of when students should be thinking about and taking standardized tests. This night is open to junior and sophomore students and their parents/caregivers. Please note that BHS does not specifically promote any outside testing prep companies, but appreciates their information sharing for this event.
This event will be recorded and shared in next week’s Weekly Update and by PTO reps.
Please register for the event here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3631095787607463437
Go to this link for an electronic version of the College Admissions Testing Guide here: https://mytutor.com/college-admission-testing-guide/ Printed copies of this guide will be available at the BHS Guidance Suite Room 285 closer after this zoom event.
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!