ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS- CARETAKERS
Let your teenager know you love them this Valentine’s Day Feb 14…see the attached flyer for an easy and caring idea to make this day special for both of you!
Please read the 2 articles below on recognizing and supporting our high school students-
Modeling Self-Care and Mindfulness for Adults/Guardians (since our young people are watching our ways of managing in the world) - https://thoughtcatalog.com/ryan-holiday/2018/04/13-life-changing-habits-to-try-and-do-every-single-day/
Many High Achieving Students are At Risk -
https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/high-achieving-students-at-risk
STUDENTS - Do you need a reboot as you start Semester 2 at BHS? “Finding Success in Your Second Semester” – adapted from original article for college students by Dr Deborah Cohan, PhD, Psychology Today, 1/2/18. Check out these 9 tips - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-lights/201801/finding-success-in-your-second-semester
Let your teenager know you love them this Valentine’s Day Feb 14…see the attached flyer for an easy and caring idea to make this day special for both of you!
Please read the 2 articles below on recognizing and supporting our high school students-
Modeling Self-Care and Mindfulness for Adults/Guardians (since our young people are watching our ways of managing in the world) - https://thoughtcatalog.com/ryan-holiday/2018/04/13-life-changing-habits-to-try-and-do-every-single-day/
Many High Achieving Students are At Risk -
https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/high-achieving-students-at-risk
STUDENTS - Do you need a reboot as you start Semester 2 at BHS? “Finding Success in Your Second Semester” – adapted from original article for college students by Dr Deborah Cohan, PhD, Psychology Today, 1/2/18. Check out these 9 tips - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-lights/201801/finding-success-in-your-second-semester
This is WEEK B schedule
It's time to think about your summer plans! Please check out the attached helpful info sheet for many ideas (updated 1/2020). Note that programs listed here are not all inclusive and Brookline High does not specifically endorse any program. Remember to read the intro at the top of the info sheet. See your counselor for more feedback or questions!
Coronavirus Information and Medical Supply Drive:
BHS Clinic Update re Coronavirus – PSB school health services will continue to stay informed of updates regarding the coronavirus. We work collaboratively with the Brookline health department, and the state health department, as well as listen to CDC conference calls when they are given, and daily review the CDC website for updates. Our schools continue to follow the guidelines given by the CDC, whose main goal is to protect public health and safety.
While the coronavirus continues to be a rapidly evolving situation, the CDC and DPH state that the risk to Massachusetts residents remains low at this time.
We can all do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect us against other respiratory viruses as well:
** Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
** Cover your coughs and sneezes
** Stay home if you are sick
Medical Supply Drive Information:
I am a senior at BHS and from the WuHan community in China. As you know, this is a very serious situation and my relatives there have expressed the importance of having more access to face masks and other medical supplies. As a result, I am launching a collection of medical supplies on Tuesday, February 4th by putting collection boxes in several key locations within BHS (including the atrium, the cafeteria, and next to the library). I have contacted the Harvard Medical School Chinese Student Association who are working with me to guarantee a way to mail the supplies in the coming weeks. I will keep these boxes out until the end of February. According to several hospitals in WuHan, the most urgently needed supplies include:
- 3M N95 masks (serial #1860/1860s/1870) that have a Fluid Resistant Claim and an Airless valve
- Medical Safety Goggles / Protective Eye gear (must cover the whole face)
- Medical disposable latex gloves
- Medical protective clothing （must meet Level 4 Biohazard Laboratory requirement)
Ann Wu – BHS student
BHS Career Exploration opportunity - This Wednesday February 12 come to the College and Career Center, Room 279 at 115, to hear from Victor Divine, Realtor and Brookline Alum! He will talk about his career as a realtor as well as how he became successful in this field!
Did you know..
** With a high school diploma or equivalent real estate agents make an average of $52,490
** With a post- secondary certificate you can make an average of $62,400 as a real estate agent.
Career events outside of BHS…..
** Female students with interest in the nontraditional career of Electric Power Utility Technology (EPUT) field – see the attached flyer for an upcoming Female Career Exploration Networking and Lunch Panel on Thurs 2/13 for more info.
** Students interested in the growing health profession of genetic counseling- Genetic counselors are health care professionals who:
- Help people understand hereditary diseases
- Facilitate decision making about genetic testing
- Provide emotional support to patients
- Genetic counseling has multiple specialties and is a growing field with excellent job availability. More information about this career can also be found online at https://www.nsgc.org/page/frequently-asked-questions-students. The Division for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is hosting a free career day to provide more information about genetic counseling on Saturday, February 8th, 2020. We will have three sections of the event:
- A half-day overview aimed towards high school age students (9am-12pm)
- Interested students and career advisors can register online at genetic-counseling-career-day-2020.eventbrite.com
- If students have any questions, you are welcome to contact [email protected]
The ACE Program is currently accepting applications for entrance for next Sept 2020. Applications are due no later than Friday, March 6th. Launched in 2015, ACE is an innovative, competency-based program at Brookline High School for55 students who choose to be in a smaller educational setting where they can move at their own pace and engage in project-based and experiential learning. ACE provides a rigorous college-preparation pathway in which students are placed in multi-age classes based on their skill levels, can progress at their own pace and graduate with a Brookline High School diploma when they complete their content and skill competencies. Students can also pursue internships for academic credit and take college classes through dual enrollment programs while still in high school. ACE Parent Information Night on Tuesday, February 25th from 6:00-7:30pm in the MLK Room. ACE Student Information Meetings and classroom visits will be held throughout the month of February. Students should email ACE Secretary, [email protected] to schedule a time to attend one.
School Within a School (SWS) is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year. Deadline for applying and completing all steps to the application process is Friday 2/14/20. Please go to this link for more info - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/sws.html
It's time to think about your summer plans!
Please see the attached info sheet for many ideas (updated 1/17/20). Note that programs listed here are not all inclusive and do not suggest that Brookline High specifically endorses any program. Remember to read the intro at the top of the info sheet. See your counselor for more feedback or questions!
Some suggested summer pre-college opportunities with financial aid available - http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/summer-pre-college-programs-2019/
Please note that attending a pre-college program at any particular college does not usually offer any special consideration during future admissions at that school.
Bill of Rights Institute sponsors the 2019-2020 We the Students Essay Prompt - What does civil discourse mean to you? DEADLINE APRIL 15, 2020 - Civil discourse is a concept that goes beyond a simple dictionary definition, and understanding it involves a combination of personal experience and ‘big ideas.’ Perhaps it is something you recognize from an occurrence in your own life. Maybe you can easily recognize when it is missing. Differing perspectives are a key part of learning, of democracies, and of civil society. For this essay, we ask you not only share your comprehension of what civil discourse is meant to be but to also relate what it looks like when it works – and when it doesn’t – and why. Perhaps you will choose to include mention of a time when you, yourself, were part of an exchange intended to understand something – how did you go about it? We encourage you to bring emotion, creativity, specific examples (including current events), and well-researched facts into what you write. A good essay will demonstrate how civil discourse is not just an abstract idea, but is, in fact, action inspired by constitutional principles, and demonstrated through civic virtues. We want to know what you think civil discourse truly means.
The winners of this year’s contest will receive:
1st Place – $7,500 and a scholarship to our 2020 Constitutional Academy in Washington, D.C.Runners Up – 5 prizes at $1,500 eachHonorable Mentions – 8 prizes at $500 eachhttps://billofrightsinstitute.org/engage/students-programs-events/scholarship/we-the-students-rules-and-regluations/
UPDATED BHS Clubs/Organizations Info for students:
Interested in Medicine? Come to Medical Club in room 343 - Meets X Block in Week A Only.
- Talks by health professionals who will speak about their field in medicine that will provide information like: what's it like to be a doctor, information about their certain field, what medical school is like, and what you need to do in order to accomplish your dreams!
- Fundraisers!
- Hosting events as a club for the school
- Field Trips**
- Snacks will be provided!
This is a great way to explore your passion for medicine! Want to be added to the email list for updates? Email: [email protected]
Lunch Lounge Updates:
Lunch Lounge happens ALL LUNCHES EVERY WEEKDAY in Room 277 at the 115 campus.
At the OLS campus LUNCH LOUNGE happens on Wednesdays all lunches. This alternative lunch space offers a place for fun conversation, a board game competition, or having a quiet lunch. BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH. Any student can join for one lunch lounge or become a regular.
SENIORS
Parents of Seniors – helpful quick article from Grown and Flown online site to consider -
https://grownandflown.com/advice-parents-high-school-seniors/
Applications are available online at the BHS homepage under 2020 BHS Scholarship Application. The deadline for applying for BHS scholarships for students attending ANY OTHER college is April 1. To make fair decisions, the Committee requires that families fill out the CSS Profile financial aid form, available at CollegeBoard.com. Please use code #0424
Deferred to regular decision? Please carefully read advice from the BHS Counseling/Guidance Department about next steps – attached
If you haven’t already, please say thanks to your teachers and counselor who supported you by writing recommendations for your application process. Just stopping by to say thanks and let them know where you stand with admissions or writing a quick note makes a BIG difference to those who helped you!
As College Counselor Tara Anne Dowling suggests-
“Say 'Thank you' as well as 'No, thank you'
--‘Thank you for taking time with my credentials’, ‘thank you for answering my questions’, ‘thank you for offering me a scholarship’ etc.
--‘No, thank you, I will be attending another college’ (you can say the name of your attending college if you feel comfortable)
This is done in myriad ways:
* via the online portal they may give you the option to decline your offer and say where you are going
* via email to the rep who has been working with you
* via post--did you get a big packet in the mail? There may be a postcard that asks for you to respond with info if you are declining the offer
What is goodwill and why does it matter?
--Admission officers very often become invested in the students they are reviewing. They have read your file, recommended you to the admission committee, and perhaps put you up for a scholarship. Hard work deserves a big thank you.
--You never know if you may need to transfer
--You may have a younger sibling or friend who will attend this university. How can a good relationship that helps other people be a bad thing?
What's in it for me?
--If good will doesn't move you (or good manners!) then think of kids on waitlists who are dying to find out if they can have that place that is currently being held by you. You can help colleges clean up their records and make room for other candidates!
READ YOUR EMAIL IF YOU HAVE APPLIED TO COLLEGE! Set up and check your portal for each college. If you have questions, students (not parents) should be contacting the admissions offices!
Although over 83% of the BHS Class of 2020 has applied to college as of 2/9/20, there are still seniors working on their post- high school plan. There are many 4 year colleges still accepting applications or considering other post high school options, so see your counselor, Mr Libenzon/BHS College Counselor, or Ms (Cordner)Kennedy/ BHS Career Counselor for support.
Thinking about an alternative plan to 4 year college? You are not alone! Almost 10% of last year’s BHS graduates planned to attend a 2 year technical or community college, work full time, or considered the military. Please see Kate Cordner Kennedy, the BHS Career Counselor in Room 279 or 280 for more info. If she is not available when you stop by (since she is also working with 9th graders at the OLS campus), please leave her a note!
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
Who requires Subject Tests? Not many colleges anymore - See this link from the Compass Prep list with required and recommend subject test schools, just updated on Thursday morning 2/6:
https://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/
Talk to your counselor or Lenny Libenzon, BHS College Counselor for more information and advice.
Be Aware of Financial Aid/Scholarship Support Scams! You should not need to pay a consultant or organization to complete forms or learn about aid and scholarships. The attached letter has been sent out to various BHS students/families and we do NOT recommend this support. Contact MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority) or use websites like Fastweb.com for FREE help!
Post Secondary Fair for Students Who Learn Differently – Landmark School/ Alice Ansara Athletic Center, 447 Hale Street, Prides Crossing, MA on Thurs - March 26, 2020 from 6-8pm. Attendees will meet representatives from college and university admissions and student support services, gap year programs, technical schools,
and other non-traditional options –High school students, parents, guardians, guidance counselors, and educators are all encouraged to attend.
Suffolk Univ offering:“Is Accounting for Me?” High School spring conference!
Date: March 6, 2020
Location: Suffolk University
1st Floor Function Room for Welcome/Breakfast: 8:30am
Join us to for a day of exploring the accounting profession!
New this year, students will have the opportunity to participate in technology break-out sessions to understand how cutting edge technological advances are affecting the accounting profession and being used by CPAs in their day to day career. Students will have the opportunity to learn about blockchain, data visualization, bots, and virtual reality (and try out some virtual reality goggles!)
The event includes:
• Interactive activities;
• Panel discussions with accounting professionals;
• Technology demo break-out sessions
• A networking lunch with students and CPA practitioners
• An optional tour of the campus
These conferences are appropriate for high-performing juniors and seniors who are considering studying accounting or business at the college level. Students may come unchaperoned with Ms Cordner Kennedy’s approval. Contact Ms Cordner Kennedy (BHS Career Counselor - Room 279/280) if you'd like to attend.
There is no fee to attend.
Final details will be emailed to the email address provided approximately 1 week before the conference.
REGISTER TODAY!
SENIORS, JUNIORS, and SOPHOMORE FEMALES
Summer 2020 STEM Sampler Workshops at MassBay Community College MassBay Community College is excited to offer the Summer 2020 STEM Sampler Workshops for *underserved female (*underserved-Must be one of the following: Eligible for free or reduced lunch, will be the first in their family to attend college, or are under-represented in college admissions) high school students who identify as female. The workshops are a five-day exploratory in Science (biotechnology lab work), Technology (robotics and web design), Engineering (engineering design), and Math (interactive, contextualized in STEM). Preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors, and graduating seniors. Program dates are July 13th-17th, 2020; 9AM-3PM at the MassBay Wellesley Hills campus.This program is FREE and funded through STEM Starter Academy. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.massbay.edu/stem-summer-sampler
JUNIORS
Junior Night – this WEDNESDAY, Feb 12 – 6:30-8:00 pm, Auditorium.
The BHS guidance and Lenny Libenzon, will present information about post high school planning with a focus on the college search and application process. This presentation is offered for junior students and parent/guardians.
Your Naviance account has been updated with your GPA and your assigned counselor for this school year. Please check that it is correct. If you do not remember your Naviance login, talk to your counselor or email Mr. Libenzon ([email protected])
2) Junior Seminar Round 2 starts in advisories this Monday Feb 10 through early March. Seminar Round 3 is scheduled during ELA MCAS mornings in later March. Be sure to attend your advisory to get the most updated information from your counselor.
3) Starting to research colleges? Wondering how to use Naviance for college searches? Wondering whether to take the SAT, ACT, or go test-optional? Thinking about when you should take these tests?
Make an appointment with your counselor (email or leave a note, if needed) OR see Mr Libenzon, BHS College Counselor, in College-Career Center 279 or office 280.
College Admissions Testing Prep suggestions:
BHS Librarians are offering FREE online test prep tutorials every Thurs after school from 3-4pm in the Library. See attached flyer
REMINDER - Kaplan Test Prep will offer a combination ACT/SAT Practice Test on Tues Feb 25 from 2:45-5:45. The Combo Practice Test is a great opportunity for students to get a feel for each of the tests and the environment of test day. In addition, it will give students experience on each section of the SAT and the ACT, allow them to receive their scores immediately after completing the test so that they will leave the event knowing exactly how they performed and where they will need to focus their test preparation, and help them to know which test is the right exam for them to take for college admission.
To register for this practice combo test go to kaptest.com/class/SKRB200003
Or call 1.800.KAPTEST (1.800.527.8378) and use event code: SKRB200003.
Your student MUST be pre-registered in order to take the ACT/SAT Practice Test.
Your best score on the ACT/SAT comes from the preparation. Start this month with a free, instructor-led bootcamp from Kaplan. Review test content, learn strategies, and have your questions answered by the experts. Learn more.
Please note that BHS does not specifically promote any outside testing prep companies, but appreciates their information sharing for these events.
SAT? Go to Kahn Academy on the College Board website for specific help related to your individualizes PSAT score results… and it’s free!
ACT? Check out the ACT Academy on their website.
Mark your calendars now for 2 evening events for juniors and their parents/caregivers:
- Thursday, March 19 – BHS College Fair, 6:30-8:30pm, Cafe
SOPHOMORES and JUNIORS
IMPORTANT - PreACT at BHS on Saturday 2/29 from 7:45-11:30am - Registration form attached. Registration forms have been distributed to all 10th and 11th graders in advisories. The registration period ends this Friday 2/14. Please bring a completed registration form and check (made out to BHS Guidance) to Bonnie Hatz in the BHS Counseling/Guidance Hub in 285. Be sure to add information if student may be eligible for testing accommodations.
Choosing College: Ask the Right Questions to Help Your Teen Make the Best Choices for College and Beyond - Join the Greater Boston College Resource Collaborative (CRCBoston) and The Brookline Teen Center on Wednesday 2/26 at 7pm for an evening with Michael Horn, author of the book, Choosing College. Michael will dispel the myth that the best college for your teen is one ranked highest in the US News and World Report. He will share an alternative approach that centers on identifying your students’ motivations. Students who pick the right schools “for them” will transition to college easier and experience greater success while there. Michael will also offer tips to parents about how to support their teens with meaningful, productive, values-based conversations throughout the college process. Our event will conclude with Q & A. We encourage students to attend with their parents so they can continue the dialogue at home.
Michael holds a BA in history from Yale University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. He serves as the head of strategy for the Entangled Group, an education venture studio, and as a senior partner for Entangled Solutions, a strategy consultancy for the education ecosystem. He is also the co-founder of and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, a non-profit think tank. Michael is the author and coauthor of multiple books, white papers, and articles on education, including the award-winning book Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns and the Amazon-bestseller Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools.
2020 Post-Secondary Fair, for students who learn differently - attendees will meet representatives from college and university admissions and student support services, gap year programs, technical schools, and other non-traditional options.
"[The fair] was incredible! Both my daughter and I left feeling less stressed and better prepared to make a college list. We even started to plan our trips/visits." -2019 parent attendee
Save the date for Thursday, March 26, 2020, 6-8 p.m.
447 Hale Street, Prides Crossing, MA
Landmark School Alice Ansara Athletic Center
This event is FREE and open to the public.
High school students, parents, guardians, guidance counselors, and educators are all encouraged to attend.
SOPHOMORES
Thanks to all Gr 10 parents who attended the PTO/ Guidance Breakfast on Wed 1/15. The power point from the breakfast is attached. Also attached is a form for sophomores to start mapping out their college admissions testing plan, starting with the PreACT (practice for the ACT college admissions test normed for 10th graders specifically which also includes a career interest inventory).
9th GRADERS
Class of 2023 Parent Meeting Regarding 10th Grade Course Selection
This Tuesday, February 11th, 8-9:30am, MLK Room at BHS (first floor, use main entrance and walk straight ahead)
* Learn about the elective options available to 10th graders.
* Representatives from School Within a School, ACE and other specialized programs will be on hand.