This is Week A for students in Gr 9-12.
Q4 IPRs for Gr 9-11 students will be uploaded to the portal on approximately Tuesday 5/10. Please be sure to check this information to help support students who need to finish the school year with a push AND to congratulate students who are consistently doing good work.
Upcoming “Days Of” school wide conversations for the BHS school community:
This Thursday 5/12 – Day of Racial Reform and Solidarity
Thursday 5/19 - Day of Jewish Identity and Fighting Anti-Semitism
Q4 IPRs for Gr 9-11 students will be uploaded to the portal on approximately Tuesday 5/10. Please be sure to check this information to help support students who need to finish the school year with a push AND to congratulate students who are consistently doing good work.
Upcoming “Days Of” school wide conversations for the BHS school community:
This Thursday 5/12 – Day of Racial Reform and Solidarity
Thursday 5/19 - Day of Jewish Identity and Fighting Anti-Semitism
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The focus on everyone’s mental health has been highlighted on most of the BHS Guidance/Counseling Weekly Updates over this past year and previously. More reminders and resources will be shared over this month as well.
“YOU ARE NOT ALONE” has been a constant theme around wiping away the stigma of mental health. Did you know that ½ of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24? EARLY INVENTION CAN HELP!
1 in 5 young people report that the pandemic had a significant impact on their mental health. (NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness)
How to Say the Right Thing to Someone Struggling: (MINDWISE Innovations website)
Seven in ten teens view depression and anxiety as major problems among their peers. Talking about these mental health conditions can be challenging – but it doesn’t have to be if you know the right words to say. Oftentimes, people with the best intentions end up using language that isn’t helpful. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of the words you use to show your support. You can use the ACT acronym as an easy way to remember how to help – Acknowledge what they’re feeling, show you Care, and help them by Telling an adult. Here are some tips on how you can ACT:
- “Tell me more about it.” – Instead of saying phrases like “get over it” or “you’ll feel better soon,” remember the power of being a good listener.
- “I’m here for you.” – Show your support by letting your friend or loved one know you care. You may not understand how they are feeling, but you can express your willingness to be there whenever needed.
- “It’s OK to feel this way.” – People who are struggling with their behavioral health often feel alone and hopeless. Remind your friend or loved one that you are sorry that they’re feeling this way. Fight the urge to come up with simple solutions. Depression is not a simple problem you can easily solve.
- “What can I do to help you?” – People with depression often feel tired and overwhelmed. Let them know you’re available. Taking on small tasks can make a big difference for someone who is struggling.
- “This isn’t your fault.” – Depression is a mental health condition that cannot be fixed with just a bit of positive thinking. Avoid saying, “This will pass.” Phrases like this minimize your friend’s or loved one’s feelings.
IMPORTANT NOTE – As always, thank you to students and family members for reading this weekly BHS Counseling/Guidance Dept Weekly Update. This weekly BHS Counseling/Guidance Dept update will continue to be sent out during the earlier weekday of each school week, but not over the weekend/Sunday. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated!
These BHS Counseling Dept Weekly Update emails are sent to all students and the 1st contact parent/guardian listed on the students’ X2 accounts.
All NEW UPDATES will be highlighted in BLUE each week for easy scanning of newest info.
ALL STUDENTS
IMPORTANT MBTA M7 and Student Pass info - All 2021-2022 academic school year Student CharlieCards will remain active through August 31, 2022, allowing all students with an active Student CharlieCard full access to the MBTA at reduced fares over the summer months! Please be sure stored funds are used before August 31st. The T does not refund money on student passes. Effective at mid-night on June 30, 2022, all M7 CharlieCards and Student Stored Value CharlieCards (S-cards) that remain active will both function as a Stored Value S-card, giving students the ability to load both their M7 and S-card with stored value (pay per ride) or a monthly pass at MBTA Fare Vending Machines (FVM) located at any MBTA subway station.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DURING THE SUMMER LOST M7 OR STUDENT CARDS CANNOT BE REPLACED.
Taking AP exams this week? Here’s another reminder of the steps you need to take – If you signed up for one or more AP exam this year, see the AP exam schedule attached to this email with room locations included. Please note, that if you have approved accommodations from the College Board, you need to check for your specific room location outside of room 164 (off of the atrium), because you will test in a separate setting. If you haven't already been in touch with us about your accommodations, please email us individually to make sure everything is all set. If you are taking the BC Calc or Spanish exam, there may be changes to the room location, and we will send you a separate email with more information.
If you are scheduled for an 8:00am exam, you must report to the exam room by 7:30am. If you are scheduled for an afternoon exam, you must report to the exam room by 11:30am.
Please bring the following materials to each exam:
- Photo ID
- #2 Pencils (no mechanical pencils allowed)
- Pens with blue or black ink only
- Calculator (if applicable, based on your exam)
- Cell phones are prohibited during exams and will be collected at the beginning of each exam.
- Students are excused for the entire day when taking an AP exam. These absences do not count toward the attendance total.
If you have any questions regarding your upcoming exams, please email Alexia Thomas or Kate Kennedy - AP Exam Coordinators- for more information: [email protected], [email protected]
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR EXAMS!
In the wake of ongoing violence/racism against the AAPI Community, APAC (BHS' Asian Pacific American Club) wants to get more information from AAPI students and faculty about their experiences at BHS as an AAPI student or faculty member. This is the first step in making long-term, systemic change in our school community. We would appreciate any and all AAPI identifying BHS community members filling out this form. https://forms.gle/JJKWF3QmRnVCaVni7
Thank you for using your voice and being brave. Together we can make change
Do you identify as a South Asian teen/young adult? See the attached flyer for info about a free weekly zoom support group you may want to check out!
Check out the UPDATED Summer 2022 Opportunities document! Copy and paste this link for the most updated programs - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LZJQoWB4C-JLr13sXkUqEcBvCBraUo3eWYtMG_DUDac/edit
This document is being updated regularly with more opportunities including jobs, internships, and summer programs.
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 friendly conversation, other kids interested in making friends, and a warm and familiar staff member. Unfortunately, Lunch Lounges will be closed again for these days due to AP testing:
Week A (May 9,11,13)
- Monday E -Lunch A and B - CLOSED
- Wednesday C - Lunch A and B - CLOSED
- Friday D - Lunch A and B - CLOSED
Lunch at 22 Tappan –
Does the cafeteria sometimes feel too loud or too crowded? Does it sometimes feel difficult to make friends with new people during the lunch block?
Come join Lunch Lounge on Fridays in room 206, a dedicated space to form positive relationships with peers! Games will be provided. Fun is optional and encouraged!
Club Opportunities at BHS:
People Not Prisons is facilitated by BHS junior Sari Frankl. After working on countless campaigns trying to save innocent people from being executed, her feelings of anger, hopelessness, and desperation for change made her want to work for prison reform.
There are five main aspects that make up the criminal justice system: law enforcement, prosecution, defense attorneys, courts, and corrections. People Not Prisons mainly focuses on prosecution (sentencing) and correction (what happens in the actual prisons themselves). At People Not Prisons, they work together to understand how sentencing works and imagine alternative rehabilitative scenarios rather than incarceration. There is also imagining of restorative programs that can be put into prisons that will be cost efficient, psychologically effective, supportive, and offer inmates a real opportunity for a second chance.
Above all, this club is about an open dialogue concerning inequity in the criminal justice system, inequity in sentencing, and inefficient rehabilitation programs within penitentiaries. Our generation has the opportunity to creatively, compassionately, and effectively rethink criminal justice and prison reform. This is a small, new club and anyone is welcome to join or stop by! Meetings happen Week A during X block in room 213. Please click the link below to sign up and get involved!
https://forms.gle/edpwPWrmDkNxyeBd7
Summer Job Opportunities:
Lifeguard Training and certification - get ready for a summer job AND possibly get the training for free! See the attached flyer.
The JCC of Greater Boston is excited to announce a new program of paid internships for summer camp staff. In addition to working with children, interns may attend a series of professional development workshops designed to give them a better understanding of career choices and paths in the non-profit world and beyond.
Make a difference in a child’s life! Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC’s arts and science day camp in Newton, is now offering paid internships for counselors who know how to make a camper’s day extraordinary.
· Interns are rising 11th graders or older. Junior counselor interns ages 16 & 17 earn $2800-$3500. Counselor interns who are high school graduates or older earn a minimum of $4100 for the full summer. They supervise campers and may teach or co-teach theater, arts, sports, boating or other activities. All learn leadership skills and conflict mediation, make lasting friendships, and may take advantage of professional development workshops facilitated by industry leaders.
· Camp dates are June 27-August 19, with orientation the week of June 20. While we prefer staff who can commit to the whole summer, shorter commitments will also be considered. Send us a note and/or resume at [email protected]. More camp information is at www.bostonjcc.org/kaleidoscope. Job descriptions and application are at JCC Summer Jobs.
Other summer camp counselor jobs - There are a number of camp organizations looking for counselors NOW! See the BHS Guidance website / Career Counseling link summer jobs 2022 for more info - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LZJQoWB4C-JLr13sXkUqEcBvCBraUo3eWYtMG_DUDac/edit#heading=h.i9miodlpjya
Community Service Opportunities for BHS Students:
Are you interested in food equity and hope to combat food security? Join Mutual Aid Brookline! We are an organization started during the pandemic to address the urgent needs of the community right here in Brookline, including grocery delivery, language access, and financial support. We are short on volunteers, donations, and need help as much as we can! Sign up here to join: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YunqZkNG7cKLvp9FSb2UAJPUESM_bxTLNMixzfsD0u0/viewform
Brookline Community Fridge - Ongoing - Brothers & Sisters Cafe
15 Station St
The way the system works is that a business will host a space for the fridge and pay for electricity. The fridge is run by volunteers who perform tasks like removing expired food, keeping the fridge clean, donating food, and keeping a running list of what the fridge could use. Anyone interested can find more information on the Brookline Community Fridge Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brooklinecommunityfridge/) or sign up to volunteer via this form: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44a9af28abfdcf8-volunteer1.
BHS COMMUNITY SERVICE INFO - Even though Brookline High does not have a community service requirement for graduation, many BHS students become involved in their school or greater Brookline community through service. These opportunities provide a chance for students to better understand and give back to those in need, plus offer a direct strategy to deal with emotions and stress by making connections with others and becoming engaged with something larger than one’s self. Adding community service activities can be beneficial to your college applications down the road too!
You do NOT have to have community service officially listed on your BHS transcript for credit to have its impact be noted for your own sense of self or to colleges. If you do want to have community service hours count for BHS credit, please be aware of these important criteria:
- must be a service within BHS or Brookline or greater Brookline community
- any service hours beyond 50 MUST be approved by the BHS Community Service Coordinator ([email protected]) – see attached form
- 50 hours = .25 credit; 100 hours = .5 credit; 150 hours = .75 credit; 200 hours = 1.0 credit
- hours must be logged and verified by the service organization supervisor and Ms Gaffney at BHS
– 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
SENIORS
CONGRATULATIONS to all seniors who have proceeded through the college process and have now made the decision about your
next step after BHS graduation!
If you are still sorting out your plan, the BHS Counseling Dept may be in touch with you to offer support and resources. If you would like to reach out, please contact your counselor, dean, special education liaison, or other trusted BHS adult so we can work with you to have a plan that you are proud of and excited about as you leave the BHS community.
From the BHS Deans for Seniors - Prom and After-the-Prom Party tickets go on sale this Monday (important instructions on how to make purchases are at the end of this important letter). As you read in the Senior Letter sent on Wednesday, April 13, all students who attend the Senior Prom must also attend the After-the-Prom Party and stay until at least 3:30 am.
This is a safety issue.
The BHS After-the-Prom Party is a 32-year-old tradition that has kept our Seniors, their dates, and Brookline’s roads safe every year since its inception on one of the most dangerous nights of their high school careers. This Brookline tradition has not only been a great relief for senior parents and caregivers, but Brookline Police and local doctors as well:
"I help out each year because I know it works. We do not have ER visits from Brookline students on their prom night." – 2019 ATPP Volunteer and Emergency Room Doctor
This year promises to be another spectacular event, themed, "Hollywood!” Seniors will revel in the spotlight, walking the red carpet, while being treated to a variety of foods, live entertainment, games, and fun activities that will keep them engaged all night long. All of this is planned by dozens of our amazing PTO volunteers who spend countless hours planning, setting up, chaperoning, and cleaning up after this incredible event! We are grateful for the many caregiver volunteers who are committed to giving our seniors a fun and safe place to be after the Prom.
For this night to be successful, we need your support in communicating to your seniors and their friends that they must attend.
Here are some talking points for you:
- The Tappan gym building will be transformed into a 3-story party palace, with every surface decorated so our seniors will feel like movie stars!
- There is entertainment all night long: DJ, game show, karaoke, arcade games, and a hypnotist show!
- There is a buffet with their favorite foods: burritos from Los Amigos, pizza from Otto’s, chicken fingers from Raising Canes and so much more!
- There are prizes: T-shirts, gift cards to JP Licks, and other favorites!
- Fine up to $2,000 or
- Imprisonment for up to a year or
- Both
Please see below instructions on how to log into our online payment system.
Purchasing Prom & After-the-Prom tickets as well as Cap & Gown payment beginning Monday, May 2, 2022:
The payment system BHS is using this year is new this year.
Please follow the instructions below your Senior purchases.
Step 1: Use this link- https://ma-brookline.intouchreceipting.com. Tickets can only be purchased through parent/caregiver accounts.
Step 2: Click "first time user" (since you are a 1st time user of this site).
Step 3: Use your Aspen user name that you use to see grades and attendance on the Aspen site.
Step 4: "Create" a "new" password (or choose the same password you use for Aspen to keep it simple).
Step 5: Click the button to “create account.” You should now be able to purchase your senior items.
Are you interested in participating in your graduation ceremony (in addition to receiving your diploma!)? Do you sing or play an instrument? Would you like to give a graduation speech? If you think you may be interested, be sure to note the deadlines below – May 11 -- Graduation speaker deadline: If you are interested in speaking at graduation, please submit a 3-5 minute audition video to Dean Figueroa by Wednesday, May 11th. A smaller group will be selected for a live audition the week of May 16th. You will be evaluated for appropriateness, delivery, and clarity of thought. We do not expect a finished speech but the more you have completed, the better you will do.
Please contact Dean Redding if you have any questions.
Every year, BHS Guidance relies on our seniors to enter their college admissions results in Naviance. This helps our juniors and sophomores to then have updated scattergrams for each university. So we need you help now.
Please log in to your Naviance account and update your results for every college you have heard from (admit, deny, waitlist, etc). Here is how: Go to Naviance account and click "Colleges I Am Applying to," then click on the little pencil (Edit), and update your results.
PLEASE HELP US NOW! Juniors will be grateful!
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Did you miss the BHS Counseling and Special Education Departments’ virtual "College Supports for Students with Learning Differences" panel? We discussed topics such as support available at colleges and then answered questions from the audience. The panel included Ms Neff-Verre and Mr. Libenzon (BHS Counseling Dept), Ms. April Zyirek (BHS Special Education Coordinator), Mr. Brendan McCarthy (BHS Transitions Program) and Admission Counselors from several MA colleges.
To see the recording and powerpoint, plus check out other resources, go to this link - https://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance- and look for the blog listing “Zoom Panel: College Supports for Students with Learning Differences”.
JUNIORS
Want to be considered for BHS National Honor Society as a senior?
Here’s what you should be doing:
- maintain an overall 3.3 or better BHS GPA
- complete minimum of 15 hours of community service (Sept 2021 – August 2022) - If you'd like a tool for keeping track of your community service, you can use this google doc organizer - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OStrm_4nJw0_rheAZVLYJpWGwsTO1IHSXMfBbtWFJQI/edit#gid=0. Make and save a copy of it to maintain your own record. You'll be able to submit this as part of your application in your senior year.
- NHS info blast shared to all eligible seniors in May and applications completed in early Sept 2022
JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES
PreACT takers… Ready to get your scores? Plan to join the PreACT score report zoom presentation on Thurs 5/19 during X block. Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, will provide an overview of the PreACT score report - zoom link will be shared starting next week. Students can pick up their own report from their counselor at the end of the presentation in the BHS Atrium (at the entrance where the Warrior statues “live”).
We will not be distributing these score reports until 5/19 X block and afterwards. See you all then!
SOPHOMORES
Check out the BHS Junior Timeline attached to this email. This will give you a preview of the important steps you’ll be taking as you start next year.
9TH GRADERS
Lunch at 22 Tappan –
Does the cafeteria sometimes feel too loud or too crowded? Does it sometimes feel difficult to make friends with new people during the lunch block?
Come join Lunch Lounge on Fridays in room 206, a dedicated space to form positive relationships with peers! Games will be provided. Fun is optional and encouraged!