ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS- CARETAKERS
IMPORTANT MIDYEAR SCHEDULE UPDATE! MIDYEAR EXAMS ARE NOW SHIFTED TO TUES 1/28, WED 1/29, & THURS 1/30 WITH FINAL Q2 GRADES DUE ON FRIDAY 1/31 MORNING. There will be a special schedule on Mon 1/27 and Fri 1/31.
REMINDER - The midpoint Quarter 2 IPRs were uploaded to parent/student portals on Thurs 12/19. Now is the time for students to use the Help Centers at both the 115 and OLS campuses to seek support and improve any challenging academic situations before the end of Quarter 2.
IMPORTANT MIDYEAR SCHEDULE UPDATE! MIDYEAR EXAMS ARE NOW SHIFTED TO TUES 1/28, WED 1/29, & THURS 1/30 WITH FINAL Q2 GRADES DUE ON FRIDAY 1/31 MORNING. There will be a special schedule on Mon 1/27 and Fri 1/31.
REMINDER - The midpoint Quarter 2 IPRs were uploaded to parent/student portals on Thurs 12/19. Now is the time for students to use the Help Centers at both the 115 and OLS campuses to seek support and improve any challenging academic situations before the end of Quarter 2.
STUDENTS - Apply to Serve on the Public Schools of Brookline’s Superintendent Search Public Advisory Committee (SSPAC)! DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS EXTENDED TO JANUARY 16! The Public Schools of Brookline’s Superintendent Search Committee is seeking volunteers to serve on a committee that will assist the Search Committee in selecting the next Superintendent of the Public Schools of Brookline.
The SSPAC’s work will include assisting in the development of district goals for the hiring of a new superintendent, reviewing candidate resumes, participating in candidate interviews and recommending potential finalist candidates to the Search Committee. The Search Committee anticipates that the SSPAC may meet at least once a week during the months of January and February 2020 for approximately 2 hours per meeting. The SSPAC will be subject to the Massachusetts open meeting and ethics laws (including, without limitation, the laws pertaining to the confidentiality of executive sessions). The application process for the SSPAC is open to residents of Brookline as well as non-residents who have a substantial connection to the Public Schools of Brookline. Anyone interested in serving on the SSPAC can apply by preparing a letter that includes: 1. Your name, home address, email address and phone number; 2. An explanation as to why you are interested in serving on the SSPAC; and 3. Any particular skills or experiences that you have that may be beneficial to the Superintendent search process.
Applicants may include a resume or curriculum vitae with their application. Applicants are encouraged to include any information about any affiliation they may have with any organization or group that works, partners or is associated with the Public Schools of Brookline or any other education-related organizations in their application letter. Applicants may send application letters by email to Robin Coyne at [email protected], or deliver application letters by hand or mail to: Robin Coyne, Brookline School Committee, 333 Washington Street, 5th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445. Application letters must be received by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020 (deadline extended for student applicants only). The Superintendent Search Committee anticipates appointing approximately 15 members to serve on the SSPACC.
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. Please go to this link for more info - http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/sws.html
Are you interested in learning more about Information Technology (IT) or the IT field? Come to the College and Career Center Room 279 on Wed January 15th X block to hear from Steven Luby about his experience in this industry! He is the founder and CEO of Vistagy, then Senior VP of Siemens after Siemens acquired Vistagy, and now entrepreneur, mentor and investor.
Summer PreCollege Program Info Fair - 1/25 - Mt Ida / UMass Amherst campus, Newton, 1-3pm
Bill of Rights Institute sponsors the 2019-2020 We the Students Essay Prompt - What does civil discourse mean to you?
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:
BHS Marketing Club - The Brookline Literacy Partnership Club is holding a silent online action the date TBA. The proceeds will go to building libraries in underdeveloped areas. Stay tuned for the link to the auction!
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 happens ALL LUNCHES EVERY WEEKDAY in Room 277 at the 115 campus 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.
115 campus - PIZZA LUNCH will be offered all 3 lunches this Wednesday 1/15 at the 115 campus.
SENIORS
The Brookline High School Scholarship Committee announces that applications are now available for tuition scholarships to Boston University (2 full-tuition renewable scholarships) and Northeastern IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR LUNCH LOUNGE IS NOW ON WEDNESDAYS! PIZZA PARTY COMING on Wednesday January 22nd! OLS Lunch Lounge takes place in the Fireplace Room inside Home Base Room 107. 9th graders should bring their own lunch on the 15th and on subsequent Wednesdays after the Pizza Party on 1/22.
The Brookline High School Scholarship Committee announces that applications are now available for tuition scholarships to Boston University (2 full-tuition renewable scholarships) and Northeastern University (2 half-tuition renewable scholarships). Applications are available online at the BHS homepage under 2020 BHS Scholarship Application. Applications must be completed ASAP.
The deadline for applying for BHS scholarships for students attending ANY OTHER college is April 1. Please use the same application as above. The Scholarship Committee would like parents to know that we use three criteria for choosing award recipients: academics, contributions and activities at BHS, and most importantly, unmet financial need. There are no merit scholarships per se given out through this program. 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
Seniors – 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!
Early Decision acceptances - please contact all colleges also applied to for EA/RD and remove your name from their lists...and congrats!
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!"
Transcript release / Teacher-Counselor Recommendation Deadlines
Upcoming due dates:
Note that you have missed the deadline if applying for the 1st time with Feb 1 application deadline. Please see your counselor on Mon 1/13.
College deadline BHS Deadline
February 15 Friday, January 17
Yearbook deadlines - Seniors can find the information below and other updates on the Class of 2020 canvas page-
Senior Picture deadline was FRIDAY DECEMBER 20th. Please email Yearbook Advisor Ms. Lynn at [email protected] if you did not make this deadline. If you've already let her know, you don't have to write again. Image submissions: https://images.jostens.com/414893698 (Links to an external site.)
Write-up (quote and activities): senior write up google form (Links to an external site.)
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 77% of the BHS Class of 2020 has applied to college as of 1/1/20, there are still seniors working on their post- high school plan. There are many 4 year colleges still accepting applications, so see your counselor or Mr Libenzon, BHS College 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
Don't miss this year's USA Gap Year Fair event from 6-8:30 PM on Monday, January 13 at Brookline High School! Many diverse gap year programs attend the fair, including some that are free (for example- City Year) and others that offer generous scholarships (such as Irish Gap Year and Up With the People).
PRE-REGISTER: https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/usa-fairs/programs?location=253403
Guest Speaker: 6-6:45 PM MLK ROOM
Gap year advisor Julia Rogers of Enroute Consulting will kick off the evening with a dynamic presentation explaining the ins and outs of gap year options and offering tips for navigating your gap year research.
Fair: 6:45-8:00 PM CAFETERIA
During the fair, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with 42 gap year program representatives about their program offerings!
Please check out the article below for no-low cost gap year ideas too-
https://www.wbez.org/shows/wbez-news/extending-the-gap-year-after-high-school-beyond-kids-of-means/ee20b74a-5bc9-4b5c-9bf2-492062a50a85
Naviance access for BHS parents/guardians - BHS does not provide separate parent accounts to Naviance. Parents are encouraged to use their students' username and passwords. It is
possible to log in to naviance as BHS guest, click on "Log in as Guest" from the Naviance website and the password is "bhs" (all small letters).
JUNIORS
Boston Univ is hosting a special Winter Visit Day for juniors and their families to learn more about Boston University. This event will include an in-depth information session, covering everything from student life to study abroad opportunities to what makes an application competitive for admission. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit our schools and colleges to learn more about specific academic programs. Lunch will be provided in one of our dining halls.
Winter Visit Day: Friday, February 21, 2020
Boston University George Sherman Union
775 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m.
1) 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 1 will happen in Advisories starting this Thursday January 9 in advisories through early Feb. Junior Seminar Round 2 will happen in Feb and early March advisories with Seminar Round 3 during ELA MCAS mornings in later March. Be sure to attend your advisory to get the most updated information from your counselor.
More details on times/dates to come soon!
3) Starting to research colleges? Missed the Naviance tutorial for college search support? 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:
PSAT score reports are out! See below for test prep options plus FREE online Test Prep options attachment and one remaining introductory hands-on sessions with BHS librarians after school 1/15 - X block - Room 277
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:
– Junior Night - Tuesday 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.
- Thursday, March 19 – BHS College Fair, 6:30-8:30pm, Cafe
SOPHOMORES
REMINDER – This Wednesday 1/15 morning…… SOPHOMORE PTO/BHS GUIDANCE-COUNSELING BREAKFAST – "Next Steps to Junior Year and Beyond" on Wednesday, January 15th 8-9:15 am in MLK room. Darby Neff-Verre, Lenny Libenzon and counselors of 10th graders will present to parents of sophomores. Muffins and coffee will be provided.
FRESHMAN
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR OLS LUNCH LOUNGE - NOW ON WEDNESDAYS! PIZZA PARTY COMING on Wednesday January 22nd! 9th graders should bring their own lunch on the 15th and on subsequent Wednesdays after the Pizza Party on 1/22.
Lunch Lounge:
What: A drop-in lunch space with games, occasional snacks, a friendly staff member, and other kids looking to eat with others.
When: Every Wednesday, all lunches, staffed by Kate Lipman, Guidance Interns Sufia and Emma, and Josh the buiding sub
Where: In the Fireplace Room inside of Room 107 (Home Base)