Dear Families,

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope you all had a wonderful break.

Course grades were just updated in Schooltool before the break. The 2nd quarter/first semester ends on January 24. Many teachers will close their grade books a little earlier than that to get grades finalized. Please reach out to your child's teacher if there are any concerns so we can work to address them over the next month.

Freshmen & Junior Seminars begin the week of March 10th. Check your spring schedules for the cycle day. If you do not see Seminar on your schedule, see your counselor so we can add it. We'll post the dates around school and make announcements during the morning show to remind you.

Thanks to those of you who came to our 10th Annual College & Career Night last night! If you missed it, we will get some of the presentations up on our website soon.

Let's finish off the semester strong!

Best,

BHS Counseling Office

(585) 242-5000 x4526

https://bhs.bcsd.org/46697_3

As you know, Mrs. Donohue has been on a medical leave from BHS. As of January 27, 2025 (the start of the second semester and 3rd quarter), we will have a consistent substitute counselor in place to work with Mrs. Donohue’s caseload until further notice.

We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Lynne Drake will be subbing for Mrs. Donohue here at BHS! Mrs. Drake has been a school counselor for 32 years. She most recently retired in June 2023 from Pittsford Sutherland High School. Lynne was a high school counselor at Sutherland High School for 28 years and has extensive experience in mental health school counseling, college and career planning, program planning and course selections, and so much more.

Mrs. Drake shared, “I look forward to the opportunity to meet and collaborate with the students, parents, and staff at Brighton High School. I consider it a privilege and joy to work with students as they navigate high school and beyond.”

Students should schedule their 1:1, 20-minute program planning/course selection meeting with Mrs. Drake by clicking on her Bookings Link.

Mrs. Drake may be contacted at Lynne_drake@bcsd.org or via school phone at 585-242-5000, ext. 4530.

Teachers are now making course recommendations for the 24-25 school year, which you will be able to review starting January 26th on SchoolTool. Dr. Hall emailed home a packet last week to each family including a letter explaining the process, how to access course recommendations on SchoolTool and a grade-level specific course selection worksheet.

Full-time enrollment requires a minimum of five classes plus physical education per semester. For a balanced lifestyle, it is highly recommended that students enroll in six classes plus physical education per semester, which allows for a daily free period for lunch.

Please review the Course Selection timeline below:

• 1/22 - PTSA Meeting with the Principal and Counselors
  • Join Dr. Hall and counselors as we review the Program Planning process for 2025-2026 school year. 12 PM via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/99326855403
• 1/23 - Student course recommendations are available to view on SchoolTool
• 1/27 to 3/7 - Counselors meet 1:1 with students to finalize course selections.
  • Students need to schedule a 15-minute meeting with their counselor via Bookings. Links can be found on the Counseling Center Homepage - Be sure to choose the COURSE SELECTION MEETING option.
  • If additional time is needed, another appointment can be made.
  • Counselors and students will review their course recommendations and make final decisions on their course selections for the 25-26 school year.
  • Please have your child come prepared with possible course choices and alternative options.

**Many decisions integral to the operation of our school, including staffing allocations, are made as a result of your child’s course selection. Please choose carefully!

Final course requests will be available to view on SchoolTool in early April.

A list of courses offered next year and the link to the Program of Studies is below. ALL COURSE REQUESTS MUST BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 7TH! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!

Mrs. Crelley's Booking Page

Mrs. Drake's Booking Page (Sub for Mrs. Donohue)

Mrs. Maxson's Booking Page

Ms. Viggiani's Booking Page

Mr. Figueroa's Booking Page

Mrs. Juliano's Booking Page

If you are interested in attending EMCC and were unable to visit in December, there will be a second chance to do so on February 7th. Permission slips are available in the Counseling Office and attached to this email. The permission slip is due to the Counseling Office by January 23rd

**BHS requires that you visit if you think you would like to attend any of their programs. EMCC is a two-year commitment, and we want to be sure you are well informed before making any decisions**

IF YOU ATTENDED THE VISIT IN DECEMBER AND ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING EMCC NEXT YEAR, you need to do the following:

1- Make an appointment to talk with your counselor about EMCC. We will chat about how that would fit in your graduation plans and post-secondary goals. You can sign up for an appointment using our Calendly links (found on the BHS Counseling homepage) or see a secretary in the counseling office.

2- If we all believe that EMCC is the right choice, you will be given an application to complete and return to Mrs. Stern by March 7. THIS APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED AND HANDED IN ON TIME TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMCC.

In our 1:1 meeting we will share more details but wanted to get the ball rolling if you are interested in pursuing this as an option.

This one-year program allows high school seniors to explore careers in health care through partnerships with Rochester General Hospital and St. Ann’s Community. Students participate in a rigorous academic program with hands-on experience in medical careers. Students participate in four 10-week rotations in different medical departments of the health care facility. This placement provides the student with an in-depth look at the responsibilities of patient care in a health care facility.

This is a competitive program to which students much apply and be accepted to attend.

Interested? Talk with your School Counselor and join us for a visit to the program on February 6th.

**You MUST attend the field trip on February 6th to be considered to apply. Please see attached permission slip below.

Students - Stop into the BHS Auditorium during a free period for FREE formal attire and accessories for ALL students:

• dresses
• shirts
• skirts
• ties
• jackets
• suits
• shoes
• purses
• jewelry
• and more!

We will have seamstresses on site if alterations are needed. We hope you join us for a little fun before the winter break. See you soon!

We are currently accepting donations of the items above- drop them off in the BHS Counseling Office!

The Senior Information Page on the BHS Counseling Website has all the information you may need and the past issues of the Senior Newsletter from the fall! https://bhs.bcsd.org/46752_3

**SIGN UP FOR THE LAST INSTANT DECISION DAY WITH MCC - FEBRUARY 25th**

**FAFSA is now open! Complete the form today at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

FLCC will host a SUNY Financial Aid Day event at the main campus on Saturday, Feb. 1 to help future college students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.

The event begins at 9 a.m. It is open to any prospective college student, regardless of the school they plan to attend. Entry is free but registration, which is first-come, first-served, is required online.

More information, including a signup link, is available on the college website calendar at events.flcc.edu. Attendees will need to create a federal student aid ID at studentaid.gov seven days before the workshop.

The FAFSA is the required first step to receive any federal or state financial aid, including the New York State Excelsior Scholarship. After a brief introduction to the financial aid process, guests will convene in a computer lab to complete the FAFSA form.

At the end of the session, guests are invited to stay for a tour and an opportunity to ask questions of admissions counselors.

Interested in the criminal justice system and/or law enforcement? Please see attached for an incredible opportunity to spend a week as a Monroe County Sheriff this summer!

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TO ME BY MARCH 14

If you are selected, you can earn BHS INTERNSHIP CREDIT for your experience!!

Come see me with any questions.

-Mrs. Stern

I am excited to share another excellent opportunity! The New York State Unified Court System is offering High School students and recent graduates the chance to intern with the courts through our Summer Student Aide Internship program.

The mission of the New York State Unified Court System (NYS UCS) is to deliver equal justice under the law and ensure the just, fair, and timely resolution of all matters that come before the courts. The Summer Student Aide Internship offers an invaluable, hands-on opportunity for students to develop a concrete understanding of our government’s Third Branch.

Students will be paired with a judge, gaining insight into court processes, applicable laws, rules, and protocols. They will also explore the diverse careers available within the Judiciary and observe New York State court operations, including the civil, family, and criminal justice systems.

This internship not only provides exposure at the state level but also allows students to understand the collaborative roles of various local agencies that support the NYS Unified Court System. Students will walk away having gained valuable experience through their job assignments while benefiting from training in computer skills, business writing, public speaking, negotiation, and other essential job skills.

Key Details:

• Eligibility: Applicants must be 17 or older by July 7, 2025
• Qualifications: High School students and recent high school graduates (within the last 2 years) 17 years or older at the time program starts, and college students. Those under the age of 18 must obtain a work permit/paper (employment certificate)
• Compensation: $18.00 hourly
• Work status: Full-time - July 7 - August 13
• Application Procedures: apply at https://portal.nycourts.gov/StudentAideApplication/ and submit a written essay answering the following two prompts:

• Why do you want to participate?
• Describe an obstacle you faced in life or school and how you addressed it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at APEDRAZA@nycourts.gov

Have a great day,

Angelique’ E. Pedraza

Justice Coordinator

Embracing Our Community (EOC) Liaison

7th Judicial District

(585)-450-4723

Please help us to put the call out to current high school seniors who missed a chance to participate in a career and technical education program in high school or want to add more training to their portfolio.

The Center for Workforce Development's evening career training programs may be a great option and are available during the spring of senior year and/or after graduation. CWD’s programs are designed to fit busy schedules.

Program Highlights:

· Short-term career and technical education

· Evening classes twice a week for 18 weeks

· Industry-specific curriculum with the latest technology

Course Pairings:

· Industrial & Mechanical Electrical + Heating, Ventalation, Air Conditioning and Refrigerant (HVAC/R)

· Machining + Welding

· Electrical Fundamentals + Carpentry

· Phlebotomy + Dental Assisting

Learn More:

Take a peek inside our career training programs, visit our website, and download our program overview sheet.

Tuition Assistance:

Tuition assistance is available from a variety of sources including RochesterWorks! and ACCES-VR providing support at any time, and the Monroe 2-Orleans Educational Foundation providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing career training in the 2025-26 school year. Visit the Tuition Assistance page on our website for more information and other funding options.

Get Started:

Call 585-349-9100 to sign up for an entrance exam.

The University of Rochester Brain Awareness Campaign (BAC) is holding our annual Brain Bee for students in grades 9-12! The date is Saturday March 8th, 2025. The Brain Bee is a competition for students who want to represent their schools and challenge themselves to learn about the science of the brain. These competitions are sponsored by the international Society for Neuroscience, and thousands of students around the world will compete locally to be their region’s champion. Our previous winners include students from Pittsford-Sutherland, Pittsford-Mendon, Webster Thomas, Our Lady of Mercy, and Brighton High Schools. This friendly competition will cover topics such as anatomy, memory, sensory systems, sleep, neurodegenerative diseases, and addiction. Here are some details about the Brain Bee:

● The Brain Bee is free for all high school students and will be hosted by the University of Rochester in person, from 9:30am-12:30pm on Saturday March 8th.
● The Brain Bee will be judged by a panel of neuroscientists.
● The winner of the Rochester Brain Bee will represent us at the National Brain Bee competition at Rutgers University, NJ. They will also receive a spot in the UR’s Del Monte Institute NeuroEast summer research internship program this summer (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/del-monte-neuroscience/about/diversity-commission/neuro-east)
● Students can practice for the Brain Bee by reviewing the material in the book Brain Facts (free to download at http://www.brainfacts.org/About-Neuroscience/Brain-Facts-book) as well as other study material we will provide upon registration.

REGISTRATION LINK
https://forms.gle/oaPZqp3UguuTpkYAA

In addition to being a fun learning experience, participation will make a great resume point for college applications. If you believe that your school has students who would be interested in competing, we ask that you please forward the following link in order for them to complete registration.

You can learn more on our website:
www.rochestersfn.org/bac/brain-bee.html
If you have any questions about the Rochester Brain Bee, please don’t hesitate to ask! Contact us at RochesterBrainBee@gmail.com.

Exploring provides exciting activities and one-on-one mentorship for youth looking to discover their future. Whether you’re a local organization looking to strengthen the community or a young person wanting to uncover the possibilities of your future, Exploring is a great place to start.

Exploring let’s you “try a career on for size!”

Students ages 14-20 can explore their career interests in a hands-on real-world environment with professionals in that field. There are Explorer Posts for areas of advanced manufacturing, aviation, cosmetology, culinary, engineering, firematics/EMS, health care, law enforcement, legal, military, skilled trades, sports management, veterinary, and many more!

**NEW INTERIOR DESIGN POST STARTING SOON- SEE BELOW!!

https://senecawaterways.org/exploring-ages-14-20/

**You can earn INTERNSHIP CREDIT for joining an Explorer Post! See Mrs. Stern for details!

Transition from school age programs to adulthood

This year's conference will focus on transition topics: Housing Alternatives, ACCES-VR 101: Everything you need to know about Services for Youth and Adults, Managing your Government Benefits, Discipline & Suspension, Alternatives to Guardianship, Family Guide to Transition Planning, Trusts and ABLE Accounts, Public Safety, The Role and Importance Sensory Plays throughout your Lifetime, OPWDD Overview: Supporting Young Adults Transitioning from School, Diagnostic Considerations for Teenagers and Adults: Assessing for Autism Later in Life, NYS Diploma Options for Students with Disabilities, Executive Functioning, Healthy Relationships, Redefining Advocacy for Greater Impact: Moving the Needle on the Housing Crisis and Home Care, and What's Next? Getting your child ready for the Transition from High School to College.

For more info and to sign up, click here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E232727&id=499

Please see below if you are interested in any of our WBL programs:

General Work Experience

• Had a job this summer or during the school year?
• Will you work at least 150 hours?
• Are you a rising junior or a senior?
• If you answered yes to the questions above, contact Mrs. Stern about earning HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT next year just for having a job!

Professional Internship/Job Shadowing

We can work together to figure out a career exploration plan!

For more detailed information on either programs, please check out our site: https://bhs.bcsd.org/46761_3

Set up an appointment with Mrs. Stern if you are interested in either of these programs: https://outlook.office365.com/book/CourtneyStern1@bcsd.org/

Below is the link to our BHS JOB BOARD- your new home for any information about work permits, available jobs or internship opportunities.

This will be updated weekly as opportunities come in. Check it often!!

Hands on experiences are the best way to learn more about the career opportunities available to our young adults. And our students are asking for them! When we thought about who our students could learn from, we wanted to first look to the professionals in our own back yard.

PARENTS- If you are interested in possibly hosting a student for a Job Shadow experience or Professional Internship in the future, we encourage you to fill out the survey below. There is no obligation to host a student shadow or intern currently. It is merely helping us to create a network of professionals in our community. If you have paid jobs available for students, please email Courtney Stern directly.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ZLm1_AgyPkeLzTMrIV6bE1FNnWpNYnRGluEgXgoFHwJUREJWMUJTNTBTWThHN0VQRExKSVZPNURLSy4u

If you have any questions regarding the programs below, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. Thank you in advance for considering hosting a student shadow or intern in the future!

Courtney Stern, College & Career Counselor

Courtney_stern@bcsd.org

Sam Rizzo, CTE Coordinator

sam_rizzo@bcsd.org

If you have questions specific to BHS testing procedures, please reach out to Deirdre Carter: deirdre_carter@bcsd.org. As things are changing so often, please refer to the testing sites for updated information:

Many schools allow students the option of submitting test scores or not. Juniors- It's safe to say it's a good idea to get an exam or two under your belt if you are thinking of applying to a four-year college. Below is some brief information about the two exams and the website to check out to get more information/sign up for the exams.

SAT

Collegeboard.org

• Designed to measure academic aptitude in verbal and numerical reasoning.
• Test Content: Reading, Math and Writing.

ACT

Actstudent.org

• Designed to measure academic achievement.
• Test Content: English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning.

Visit www.fairtest.org for a list of colleges that do not require standardized tests. Check in with your counselor about a Fee Waiver , if needed, to help cover the costs of the exams.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (504s & IEPS)

SAT- The BHS Counseling Office applies for all College Board test mods prior to your sophomore year (this summer). If approved, these will apply to all future SAT & AP Exams

ACT- you MUST REGISTER FOR AN ACT EXAM before we can apply for your test mods. Be sure to sign up early, indicate you will be requesting accommodations, and let your counselor know ASAP so we can get them processed before the test date. This typically takes 6-8 weeks.

Remember- both College Board and ACT are private companies. They have the right to approve or deny any test modifications you may have. If you have any questions, please reach out to your counselor or College Board/ACT for more information.

BHS has a long standing tradition of offering group counseling services to all students. Groups are just starting up- it's never too late to join!

Please check out the QR code below for more information and instructions on how to sign up!

Email: courtney_stern@bcsd.org
Website: https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2063
Location: 1150 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: (585) 242-5000