Welcome back to school and Happy 2020 to all!
Two important updates – Thank you from the BHS community as we continue to mourn the loss of a trusted and dear colleague just before the December break. Many Brookline High staff and students were impacted in challenging ways. Your continued patience and understanding is much appreciated.
Clean up continues from the Friday 12/20 frozen water pipe break in a section of BHS. Some offices and rooms have been relocated for a short time while additional work is completed. THE COUNSELORS WITH OFFICES IN THE 285 GUIDANCE COUNSELING HUB (Rich Gorman, Darby Neff-Verre, Ellen Herz, Nicole Bent, Kathy Whelan, Eric Schiff, and Clifton Jones) will temporarily be available in either the MLK room or College-Career Center 280. Bonnie Hatzielefteriadis, the new Guid/Coun Dept Senior Clerk, will be in Room 161. All other counselors and social workers will be at their usual office spaces.
Two important updates – Thank you from the BHS community as we continue to mourn the loss of a trusted and dear colleague just before the December break. Many Brookline High staff and students were impacted in challenging ways. Your continued patience and understanding is much appreciated.
Clean up continues from the Friday 12/20 frozen water pipe break in a section of BHS. Some offices and rooms have been relocated for a short time while additional work is completed. THE COUNSELORS WITH OFFICES IN THE 285 GUIDANCE COUNSELING HUB (Rich Gorman, Darby Neff-Verre, Ellen Herz, Nicole Bent, Kathy Whelan, Eric Schiff, and Clifton Jones) will temporarily be available in either the MLK room or College-Career Center 280. Bonnie Hatzielefteriadis, the new Guid/Coun Dept Senior Clerk, will be in Room 161. All other counselors and social workers will be at their usual office spaces.
ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS- CARETAKERS
Please note –Updates are highlighted in BLUE for quick review.
The goals of the BHS Counseling/Guidance department and the school community overall is to encourage students to try their best in school while keeping their stress levels to a healthy level. If you are ever concerned about your student, please reach out to your student’s assigned school counselor.
This week is the SPECIAL SCHEDULE – see counseling/guid weekly email update
BU Summer Pre-Med - “pre-med” program at BU School of Medicine for high-school students called BU-Introduction to Careers in Medicine (BU-ICM). For Summer 2020, it will be run as a 1-week program. Please see attached flyer on the coun/guid weekly email update - BU-ICM Flyer 2020 – for more information.
Also Summer 2020 Program Harvard Medical School MEDscience and MEDlabs programs - See attached flyers on the coun/guid weekly email update for more information.
On Thursday January 9th from 2:45- 3:30pm there will be a resume writing workshop in the College and Career Center, Rm 279 at 115 Greenough campus. Students who don't have a resume or would like some professional guidelines with resume drafts are welcome to come! Students can also stay for as long as they would like.
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 their academic work between now and the end Quarter 2 on Wed 1/29. Reminder that midyear exams for many courses will be scheduled on Thurs 1/23, Fri 1/24, and Tues 1/28 (no exams on Mon 1/27 due to Category 1 Holiday – Homework Free Weekend from 1/25-26/20.
BHS Guidance Nursing Career Coffee Talk follow up – The BHS Career Counselor Kate Cordner Kennedy would like to thank the 15+ students who attended the 12/2019 presentation. Here are some resources about a nursing career: Next Career Coffee Talk will be held on Wed January 15, X block… more info to follow!
The Caron Center has offered presentations on the dangers of vaping to both Brookline parents and students over the past year. Caron’s new digital learning courses are now available. You will find links to all the courses through Caron's Digital Learning page on their website. Please use the links below to access the individual courses and feel free to share with others in our community:
CONNECT 5: Find the NicoTEEN-Free You! CONNECT 5 is a nicotine reduction and cessation digital experience designed to help youth make a positive impact on their health. This course motivates youth towards change and assists them in developing a personalized plan for success that is unique to their needs and situation. For schools, parents, and students, CONNECT 5 fills a critical need in addressing the widespread abuse of nicotine vaping and other tobacco products among youth.
PREP: Prevention Resources and Education for Parents/Caregivers Parents and caregivers are the most powerful influence in deterring their children from alcohol, nicotine, and other drug use. When parents/caregivers have skills, knowledge, and resources regarding substance use and prevention, their influence on their children’s actions and decisions increases. This program for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers provides information that research shows can reduce the chances that young people will engage in substance use.
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 378 - 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 is now scheduled FOR ALL LUNCHES EVERY WEEKDAY in Room 277 at the 115 campus and LUNCHES on Tuesdays at the OLS 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.
SENIORS
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:
College deadline BHS Deadline
February 1 Monday, January 6
February 15 Friday, January 17
Check out the December Scholarship Letter for all seniors and their families! Every senior should apply for BHS Scholarships using the instructions in this letter, plus other scholarship resources are listed. Pay attention to due dates for various scholarships, especially the Northeastern and Boston Univ scholarship applications due ASAP and the overall BHS Scholarship due April 1, 2020. See attached letter. Update re: scholarship info for Jim Glaser Law annual $1,000 scholarship application available to college students in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in a 2-year college or 4-year university with a GPA of at least 3.0.They have graciously decided to extend the application deadline from December 31st to March 31, 2020 to allow students more time to solidify their fall plans.
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 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 6-8:00 PM on Monday, January 13 at Brookline High School!
- Guest Speaker: 6-6:45 PM MLK ROOM
Presentation on the Ins and Outs of Gap Year Options with 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 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
Seniors - Have questions about your Common Application? Need essay help? Not sure how to send your scores to colleges? Having trouble matching your Common App to Naviance? Still deciding on colleges to apply to?
Juniors- 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.
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
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) Thinking about your next steps in terms of college admissions? Take a look at our Junior year timeline at the BHS Guidance Website. Google BHS Guidance, then click on Junior & Senior Year Timeline (http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance)
3) Junior Seminar Round 1 will happen in Advisories and H blocks through January/early Feb
Junior Seminar Round 2 will happen in March during MCAS mornings. More details on times/dates to come soon!
College Admissions Testing Prep suggestions:
PSAT score reports are out! See below for test prep options plus FREE online Test Prep options attachment and introductory hands-on sessions with BHS librarians after school on these dates- 1/6,1/8.1/9 AND 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.
BHS does not endorse any college admissions test prep company but here is some information you may find helpful - Summit offers free proctored practice tests every weekend in their Newton office, both with regular and extended time. Here is the link for the schedule of our upcoming test dates and locations:
https://mytutor.com/one-on-one/free-practice-tests/
Additionally, we can mail students a practice test if they are unable to make it to one of our testing locations.
Rob Fisher
Summit Educational Group, Inc.
61R Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458
P: 617.831.4375
O: 617.581.6249
SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS
Thanks to many students and parents/guardians for attending the BHS Counseling/Guidance Dept Junior Year Post High School Planning Timeline and College Admissions Testing Overview presentations offered this past Thursday 12/12/19. Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group spoke about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors/seniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP). Please note that BHS does not specifically promote any outside testing prep companies, but appreciates their information sharing for this event.
If you could not attend, you can download the powerpoints from both presentations here. We also have extra copies of the informative Summit Educational Group College Admissions Testing information booklet. 10th and 11th graders can come by the College/Career Center (279) or Lenny Libenzon’s office (280) for a copy.
http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/uploads/8/0/1/5/801512/summit_presentation.pdf
http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/uploads/8/0/1/5/801512/2019_december_junior_presentation.pdf
Sophomores
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.
Please note –Updates are highlighted in BLUE for quick review.
The goals of the BHS Counseling/Guidance department and the school community overall is to encourage students to try their best in school while keeping their stress levels to a healthy level. If you are ever concerned about your student, please reach out to your student’s assigned school counselor.
This week is the SPECIAL SCHEDULE – see counseling/guid weekly email update
BU Summer Pre-Med - “pre-med” program at BU School of Medicine for high-school students called BU-Introduction to Careers in Medicine (BU-ICM). For Summer 2020, it will be run as a 1-week program. Please see attached flyer on the coun/guid weekly email update - BU-ICM Flyer 2020 – for more information.
Also Summer 2020 Program Harvard Medical School MEDscience and MEDlabs programs - See attached flyers on the coun/guid weekly email update for more information.
On Thursday January 9th from 2:45- 3:30pm there will be a resume writing workshop in the College and Career Center, Rm 279 at 115 Greenough campus. Students who don't have a resume or would like some professional guidelines with resume drafts are welcome to come! Students can also stay for as long as they would like.
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 their academic work between now and the end Quarter 2 on Wed 1/29. Reminder that midyear exams for many courses will be scheduled on Thurs 1/23, Fri 1/24, and Tues 1/28 (no exams on Mon 1/27 due to Category 1 Holiday – Homework Free Weekend from 1/25-26/20.
BHS Guidance Nursing Career Coffee Talk follow up – The BHS Career Counselor Kate Cordner Kennedy would like to thank the 15+ students who attended the 12/2019 presentation. Here are some resources about a nursing career: Next Career Coffee Talk will be held on Wed January 15, X block… more info to follow!
The Caron Center has offered presentations on the dangers of vaping to both Brookline parents and students over the past year. Caron’s new digital learning courses are now available. You will find links to all the courses through Caron's Digital Learning page on their website. Please use the links below to access the individual courses and feel free to share with others in our community:
CONNECT 5: Find the NicoTEEN-Free You! CONNECT 5 is a nicotine reduction and cessation digital experience designed to help youth make a positive impact on their health. This course motivates youth towards change and assists them in developing a personalized plan for success that is unique to their needs and situation. For schools, parents, and students, CONNECT 5 fills a critical need in addressing the widespread abuse of nicotine vaping and other tobacco products among youth.
PREP: Prevention Resources and Education for Parents/Caregivers Parents and caregivers are the most powerful influence in deterring their children from alcohol, nicotine, and other drug use. When parents/caregivers have skills, knowledge, and resources regarding substance use and prevention, their influence on their children’s actions and decisions increases. This program for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers provides information that research shows can reduce the chances that young people will engage in substance use.
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 378 - 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 is now scheduled FOR ALL LUNCHES EVERY WEEKDAY in Room 277 at the 115 campus and LUNCHES on Tuesdays at the OLS 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.
SENIORS
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:
College deadline BHS Deadline
February 1 Monday, January 6
February 15 Friday, January 17
Check out the December Scholarship Letter for all seniors and their families! Every senior should apply for BHS Scholarships using the instructions in this letter, plus other scholarship resources are listed. Pay attention to due dates for various scholarships, especially the Northeastern and Boston Univ scholarship applications due ASAP and the overall BHS Scholarship due April 1, 2020. See attached letter. Update re: scholarship info for Jim Glaser Law annual $1,000 scholarship application available to college students in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in a 2-year college or 4-year university with a GPA of at least 3.0.They have graciously decided to extend the application deadline from December 31st to March 31, 2020 to allow students more time to solidify their fall plans.
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 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 6-8:00 PM on Monday, January 13 at Brookline High School!
- Guest Speaker: 6-6:45 PM MLK ROOM
Presentation on the Ins and Outs of Gap Year Options with 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 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
Seniors - Have questions about your Common Application? Need essay help? Not sure how to send your scores to colleges? Having trouble matching your Common App to Naviance? Still deciding on colleges to apply to?
Juniors- 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.
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
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) Thinking about your next steps in terms of college admissions? Take a look at our Junior year timeline at the BHS Guidance Website. Google BHS Guidance, then click on Junior & Senior Year Timeline (http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/guidance)
3) Junior Seminar Round 1 will happen in Advisories and H blocks through January/early Feb
Junior Seminar Round 2 will happen in March during MCAS mornings. More details on times/dates to come soon!
College Admissions Testing Prep suggestions:
PSAT score reports are out! See below for test prep options plus FREE online Test Prep options attachment and introductory hands-on sessions with BHS librarians after school on these dates- 1/6,1/8.1/9 AND 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.
BHS does not endorse any college admissions test prep company but here is some information you may find helpful - Summit offers free proctored practice tests every weekend in their Newton office, both with regular and extended time. Here is the link for the schedule of our upcoming test dates and locations:
https://mytutor.com/one-on-one/free-practice-tests/
Additionally, we can mail students a practice test if they are unable to make it to one of our testing locations.
Rob Fisher
Summit Educational Group, Inc.
61R Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458
P: 617.831.4375
O: 617.581.6249
SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS
Thanks to many students and parents/guardians for attending the BHS Counseling/Guidance Dept Junior Year Post High School Planning Timeline and College Admissions Testing Overview presentations offered this past Thursday 12/12/19. Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group spoke about the different types of standardized tests that our juniors/seniors take (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP). Please note that BHS does not specifically promote any outside testing prep companies, but appreciates their information sharing for this event.
If you could not attend, you can download the powerpoints from both presentations here. We also have extra copies of the informative Summit Educational Group College Admissions Testing information booklet. 10th and 11th graders can come by the College/Career Center (279) or Lenny Libenzon’s office (280) for a copy.
http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/uploads/8/0/1/5/801512/summit_presentation.pdf
http://bhs.brookline.k12.ma.us/uploads/8/0/1/5/801512/2019_december_junior_presentation.pdf
Sophomores
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.