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. We’re here and ready to support EVERY BHS student!
FAMILIES
The Brookline Center is offering Fall Psychotherapy Groups for Children and Adolescents. Please see the attached overview and information to consider support for your student.
HEARTplay is a heart-centered bereavement program that offers support services for children and young adults of all abilities who are coping with the life-limiting illness or death of an important person in their lives. There is NO COST for these support programs. Programs can be accessed by zoom or in person at either the Wayland or Newton offices. Please see attached flyers for information in both English and Spanish.
FAMILIES
The Brookline Center is offering Fall Psychotherapy Groups for Children and Adolescents. Please see the attached overview and information to consider support for your student.
HEARTplay is a heart-centered bereavement program that offers support services for children and young adults of all abilities who are coping with the life-limiting illness or death of an important person in their lives. There is NO COST for these support programs. Programs can be accessed by zoom or in person at either the Wayland or Newton offices. Please see attached flyers for information in both English and Spanish.
Mutual Aid Brookline is a group of community members who have been coordinating food deliveries and donations for groceries, medication, and other critical assistance since the start of the pandemic.
- Thanks to special, one-time funding from the Brookline Community Foundation, MAB will be giving out a limited number of money drops of $300 per household on a first-come, first-serve basis to Brookline community members who complete an online form or call our hotline at preset times. We’re not a charity, we just want to take this rare opportunity to distribute some funds to our neighbors, to use however you want! (As a note, if you need food, our delivery program already covers that separately, so get in touch! We’re hoping this money can help with other needs.) We will have several opportunities for you to get in on the drops:
● Drop 3 sign-up opens at 8pm on Monday, September 27th for up to 15 households
● Drop 4 sign-up opens at 12pm (noon) on Tuesday, October 5th for up to 15 households
Please read the full FAQ here, so you will be ready to sign up: shorturl.at/bmxzT. A PDF version is also attached below. You will find the link to sign up for a money drop in that FAQ, but it will only work at the times above. Check the FAQ at those times to sign up! If you prefer calling, you can also call our hotline at (617) 651-1468 during drop times to ask our volunteers to sign you up. If you or a friend in Brookline want a money drop but need translation help, the sign-up form will be translated, and we will also have translators available to help on the phone at specific times (listed in the FAQs above). Please let us know if you have questions, by replying to [email protected] or calling our hotline at (617) 651-1468. Our hotline is currently voicemail-only, so leave a message and we’ll get back to you!
- FREE SERVICES
- ***NEW*** SNAP/EBT Clients Can Use Their Cards for Stop and Shop Delivery - After the long wait, EBT can now be used to set up either pickup or delivery from Stop and Shop! More info: https://www.mass.gov/snap-online-purchasing-program and
https://stopandshop.com/pages/snap-ebt-overview.
- ***NEW*** Coupons for the Brookline Farmers' Market Available - Brookline Department of Public Health - This grant will provide 500 Brookline residents and their families with coupons to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables as well as other food products during the 2021 farmers’ market season. Individuals and families of two will receive $40 in coupons while households of three or more will receive $80 in coupons. The coupons will be valid at the Farmers’ Market through Thursday, Oct. 28. Brookline individuals and families who reside in Brookline Housing Authority sites or whose household income meets federal poverty guidelines are eligible to participate in the program. Beginning in mid-August, staff from the Brookline Department of Public Health will schedule
registration dates at the Brookline Senior Center and various BHA sites to register people who qualify for the program. Information on the location and times to sign up for the program will be available at www.brooklinema.gov/health or by calling 617-730-2295 after Aug. 16. Coupon books for the Farmers’ Market will be distributed at the time of registration. More info:
https://brooklinecovid19.com/2021/08/16/brookline-department-of-public-health-awarded-grant-to -help-families-in-need-access-farmers-market/.
- Brookline Food Pantry Has Moved - PSA: The Brookline Food Pantry has moved from their St Paul St location over to United Parish at 210 Harvard St! (The other locations at Egmont St and High St remain the same.) https://www.brooklinefoodpantry.org/
Hungry? Please check out-
- Brookline Thrives, a free weekend food program for students, starts Friday, September 17. Thrives is available to any family who may benefit from additional food options over the weekend. There are no financial qualifications. Register your student to receive Thrives bags at school on Fridays or pick up bags in person on Fridays from 5-6pm at 226 High Street, Community Room or 55R Egmont Street, Community Room. Go to www.brooklinefoodpantry.org/brookline-thrives.html for details, register, or get involved.
- USDA announces free lunches for any Brookline student for this school year 2021-22, regardless of meal eligibility – go to
https://publicschoolsofbrooklineschoolnutrition.com/
ALL STUDENTS
BHS Government positions are now open! Detailed information can be found on our website at https://bit.ly/BHSgov
● There are 2 open spots on BHS Judiciary for grades 9-12. *Meets during all-campus X block, applications due 10/8
● There are 8 open spots on BHS Student Council for grades 9-12. *Meets during Faculty Collab time Week B, must present candidacy at Student Council meeting on 10/12 in room 403 at 8:30 am
● Email [email protected] with any questions about the process!
New Student ID pictures will be taken between September 28th and Oct. 1st. You are not required to purchase a photo packet; but you should have your picture taken so we can issue your ID. SCHEDULE FOR STUDENT PICTURES AND IDs:
GRADE 9
Sept. 28th & 29th
AUDITORIUM AT OLS TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY.
GRADES 10 THROUGH 12:
Sept. 30th & Oct. 1st
SCHLUNTZ GYM -- THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
Have questions? Please contact the BHS Main Office at 713- 5002/5003.
Need Student Tech support? Or Parent Portal access support?
Please go to the BHS website homepage (http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/) and click the Student Technology and/or Aspen Parent Portal links
PSB can offer financial assistance for school activities to qualified families -
● Go to this PSB link - https://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/Page/2210
● The form can be filled out on your computer and, with the supporting documents, emailed to [email protected]. We accept photos and scans of all the documents. ● You can contact your school's secretary if you need help emailing the documents. ● This application procedure covers most school fees in the full school year: fees for Athletics, Instrumental Music, and other program and field trip fees.
● This application procedure covers Brookline Early Education Program Tuition. ● This application procedure does not cover optional field trips or programs and school lunch, which require a separate application for Free/Reduced fees
● In order to maintain your eligibility for this school year, you MUST submit a new application, along with current supporting documents.
BROOKLINE TEEN CENTER
Save the date for BTC's Block Party, Friday, October 1st, 3 -7pm. For the month of September, the BTC will be open from 2:30pm-6:30pm on Thursdays and Fridays starting 9/10. Masks are required for all persons in the building.
Social Lunch/ Lunch Lounge is back at BHS - 115 campus!
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:
Seeking several responsible, open-minded high school students who are comfortable working with children to lead them in a scavenger hunt, art, and some activities that build on cross-cultural understanding and engagement at our Pierce School community building family event at Emerson park, hosted by our parent group FLARE (Families Leading to Advance Racial Equity) this Tuesday September 28th from 5 to 7. We will also be celebrating Latinx/Hispanic heritage month at this event and as a plus, we will have great Latin American food and music. Please contact Lisa Stahl at [email protected] if you are interested in this great volunteer opportunity.
Help Deliver Tablets and Troubleshoot Technology -- Tech Buddies Program
During the height of the pandemic, many low-income Brookline elder residents were left extremely isolated. Once the Brookline Public Library and BHA community rooms closed, residents relying on shared technology assets were left with no online resources. The new Tech Buddies program provides a tablet and 12 months of free internet access to low-income elders or adults with a disability living alone. We will also provide technology education as well as tech support for our participants. We are in desperate need of volunteers to help us make the Tech Buddies program a success and we are actively recruiting volunteers for the following roles: tablet delivery/set-up/basic education (in-person) or become part of our Tech Squad (remote). Please email Sophie Gordon at [email protected] with your interest or questions. CORI background check required.
Student Directors of the Brookline Tutor Mentor Program (BTMP) are looking for tutors. The BTMP was founded in 2014 with the goal of connecting high-schoolers and middle schoolers both through academics and a supportive mentor system. We individually pair middle school students and high-achieving high school tutors based on students’ academic needs and interests. We aim to offer a tutor and a role model for kids who are struggling academically, need an extra challenge, or just want a
friend. The Brookline Tutor Mentor Program is looking to recruit high schoolers to tutor and guide middle school kids. Being a tutor-mentor is one of the most fulfilling positions in the community. Not only will you receive community service hours and a good addition to your resume, but as a high school student, tutoring gives you an opportunity to truly engage with and support a middle school student. Whether they are struggling with school or need advice from a friendly face, the tutor-mentor program is their rock that can be relied on at any time. As role models, our job is to motivate young students and aid them in growing into mature young adults. Students and their mentors often create deep bonds that transcend age differences and continue even beyond the Tutor-Mentor Program.
Please note: This year, the BTMP schedule is completely remote for the time being due to COVID-19. Because of this, tutoring hours are flexible! Tutors will be offered a large selection of times to meet with their students. If you apply, please regularly check your email for updates on meeting times, etc. If you are interested in giving back, earning community service hours, and adding something meaningful and unique to your resume, apply at https://bit.ly/BTMPTutorApplication. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions!
SENIORS
BHS Guidance department presented the Post High School Planning session for seniors in the auditorium last Monday 9/20. This was a mandatory assembly for all seniors. You can download a copy of the presentation, along with the BHS College Process Guide, by going to this page:
http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance/senior-parent-night2940341
BHS Guide to Applying to Colleges is a good introduction to the nuts and bolts of applying to college from BHS. Document also attached to this email.
Counselors of seniors continue to join senior advisories through early October to share senior’s unofficial transcripts for review plus continue information sharing and support regarding the post high school planning process.
College Representatives Virtually Coming to BHS Seniors again this year! Every fall, BHS hosts admission counselors from many of our top universities. They come specifically to talk to you and answer your questions. It is a great opportunity for you to connect to colleges without traveling! This year, the visits will be virtual, and after school (starting at 4 pm). You will need to sign up for visits through Naviance (https://student.naviance.com/colleges/visits). Please take a look at this list and sign up. If you need help logging in to Naviance, email Lenny Libenzon or your counselor. Rep visits at BHS have started. 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!
Beware of the US News and World Report Rankings! Please read this article to better understand what these rankings may or may not be helpful with - http://hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2021/09/friends-dont-let-friends-us-news.html
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 and students 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!
Seniors - You will be asked to review your unofficial transcript for any missing classes or errors in your upcoming senior seminars. 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 2022 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.
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 earlier than Nov 1, you are late in meeting the BHS deadline. Please see your counselor in the next few days.
College Deadline BHS Deadline
November 1 Monday, Oct 4
November 15 Monday, Oct 18
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] presentation later this year.. Stay tuned!
As mentioned in Lenny Libenzon’s Post High School Planning presentation, NACAC offers Fall Virtual Fairs. The virtual fairs continued to be offered on Oct 3 and 24, and Nov 2 and 14. Go to this link for all the info!
National Voter Registration Day - Tuesday the 28th - League of Women Voters Brookline
Be engaged – register to vote!
The League of Women Voters of Brookline and the Town Clerk’s Office offer all-day registration at the following locations:
St. Mary’s T stop (C line), 1008 Beacon St., 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Corner of Harvard St. and Beacon St. (where Peets Coffee/bank used to be), 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM Senior Center, 93 Winchester St. – in front of the Center, 9:00 am – 4:30 PM
Also participating is the Town Clerk’s Office, Town Hall, 333 Washington St. – in entrance to Town Hall, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
JUNIORS
BHS will be offering the Saturday PSAT on October 16, 2021 at the high school. Online registration will started on Monday 9/20 and will close on Friday 10/8.
Please see the attached flyer for all the details.
MIT Beaverworks is excited to announce the BWSI Fall Program (virtual) for 11th Grade female students starting in October. The program is completely free, all students need are laptops and wifi to be a part of the program. If a student does not have a laptop they can reach out to us for a loaner so make sure that doesn’t stop anyone from signing up. They are offering the following programs:
● Girls Who Program Autonomous Cars
● Girls Who Design, Build and Fly Model Aircraft
● Girls Who Want to Learn Many Interesting Things
● Girls Who Program Cognitive Assistants
● Girls Who Program Autonomous Cars – BWSI-Pacific
● Kwaj Mini-RACECAR Middle School (Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands)
WHO: High School 11th Grade Female Students
WHEN: Saturdays 11am-2pm (EST): October 16, 23, 30, November 6,13, 20, December 4, 11, 2021 WHERE: Virtually, through Zoom!
REGISTER: https://mit-bwsi.formstack.com/forms/bwsi_fall2021
Must fill out application link to be considered. Students must sign up by September 30, 2021.
9TH GRADERS
Please see the attached UPDATED Gr 9 Red and Blue Cohort schedules.