Dear Families,

Only 28 class days left of the 23-24 school year...but who's counting!? Lots going on in the coming weeks as we are inching closer to summer, so make sure to stay on top of your school work so you can join in on all the fun that lies ahead- Senior Decision Day, Senior Bash & Springfest all at the end of this month!!!

Good luck to those students taking AP exams this month. We wish you all health and wellness!

Best,

BHS Counseling Office

(585) 242-5000 x4526

https://www.bcsd.org/domain/122

We are proud to share our Counseling Family Night Series for next school year. These nights are open to all families (yes, parents/guardians and students!), but strongly suggested for certain grades (see below). We look forward to seeing you all next year for these informative nights!

BHS College Application Process (12th grade) - September 12th, 6:30pm

Financial Aid 101 (12th grade) - October 10th, 6:30pm

*NEW THIS YEAR* Program Planning Night (9th grade and new families) - November 21st, 6:30pm

College & Career Night (9th-11th grades) - January 16th, 6pm

Post-Secondary Planning Night (11th grade) - March 20th, 6:30pm

Aside from final quarter grades, teachers will continue to update Schooltool by set dates (even if just a running average). Please be sure to check Schooltool in the evenings on these dates for a snapshot of where your child is in their classes:

4th Quarter

· Wednesday, May 15, 2024, by 8:00 AM

· Wednesday, June 5, 2024, by 8:00 AM

If you have any questions regarding grades, please reach out to the individual teachers for more information.

Check out the weekly JUNIOR ONLY Newsletter starting NEXT WEEK! Please read the newsletter and check out the BHS Counseling Website for all of the post-secondary planning information you will need! You will find all issues posted here: https://www.bcsd.org/domain/122

BHS SENIOR DECISION DAY!!!

Please note change of date due to AP Exams

Please join us Thursday May 23rd as we celebrate your wonderful accomplishments and honor your next steps!

Stop in the Atrium during a free period for a celebration of YOU!

• All seniors must complete the Senior Exit Survey, so why not have fun with it?! (The Senior Exit Survey must be completed before you can pick up their cap and gown and to send your final transcripts to their destinations)
• Wear any gear related to your post-secondary choices that day- no matter if you will be heading into a job, joining the military, attending college, joining an apprenticeship program or taking a gap year- we are excited to celebrate YOU!
• Grab a treat!
• Create and hang an “I Decided” poster to proudly share your plans for next year!

**Cap and gown pick up is on May 24th- your Senior Exit Survey MUST be completed before you can get it!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOU! As your plans are coming together, we would love to help you in your decision making. Please see us any time to talk through your options, ask questions and keep us in the loop.

Please check out the Senior Information Page on the BHS Counseling Website for more information!

https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2085

Check the Scholarship page of the BHS Counseling Website for the most up to date list of available scholarships.

https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2087

Last month we had the amazing opportunity to learn about the new VISIONS SCHOOL OF BEAUTY! Our very own BHS Alumni, Janiya June, was here to share more about her mother's school. Please see below for more information on the school and stop in to the summer kick off to learn more!

Visions School of Beauty

The official grand opening for Visions School Beauty was February 2024. We are the first, black-owned, private cosmetology school in the city of Rochester New York. We are here to help aspiring cosmetologist reach the next level in business and beauty. Our cosmetology program, that covers hair skin and nails, will help those unlock and achieve new levels in the beauty industry.

The lead director name is Kenisha June. She has over 25 years of experience in hairstyling, she also owns her own hair salon one door down from the school. This passion has led her to open up a hair school in the city of Rochester, where she was born and raised

Vision school of beauty offers a cosmetology program as well as a natural hair care program. We offer very competitive pricing as well as hands-on learning experience to ensure that our students graduate fully equipped and confident to start and or continue in the beauty industry. Our website is linked below.

Visions School of Beauty

Cardinal Nurse Camp helps high school students learn more about a career in the nursing field. Campers will meet faculty, alumni, and current Fisher students to hear about their experiences. Through simulation, virtual reality opportunities, and a hospital tour and shadow experience at RGH, campers will get a glimpse of all the possibilities a career in nursing can offer.

Campers will receive a free backpack, refillable water bottle, photo ID badge, and camp t-shirt. Snacks and lunch will be provided daily.

Details and Registration

• Dates: July 8-12, 2024
• Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Wegmans School of Nursing and Rochester General Hospital
• Cost: $450 (includes lunch) *Students who receive free or reduced lunch can register for free. Contact ssmyth@sjf.edu for more information.
• Registration: Register online by May 15, 2024
  • Register and make payment through QuikPAY (email verification required)
  • You will be prompted to enter a valid email address to receive a one-time security code via email. Follow the instructions for the verification process.
  • Once verified, you can complete your payment and registration.
  • You can pay by credit card, debit card, or eCheck.

Contact Stephanie Smyth at (585) 899-3834 or ssmyth@sjf.edu with any questions.

Hosted at RIT, Camp Tiger summer camp caters to enthusiastic, hands-on learners in 3rd through 12th grade with programs centered on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, otherwise known as STEAM.

Camp Tiger is Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with optional morning care (7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.), and evening care (3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.). We offer weeklong programs during a four-week period. Each week's programs align with what RIT does best -- inspiring the innovators and makers of tomorrow. Camp Tiger costs include project-based instruction, family-style lunch at an RIT dining hall, supervised social interaction, and T-shirts to wear at camp. Scholarships and free camps are available.

Serving more than 700 students annually, we are proud to be the largest and oldest summer camp program at RIT.

The University of Rochester’s Pre-College Programs offer current high school students a wide range of academic programs and a true sense of college life. Students can explore the flexible Rochester Curriculum and learn what they love with like-minded peers. No matter which program you choose, get ready for the Rochester Effect.

https://admissions.rochester.edu/pre-college/programs/

Spend up to two weeks as a Roberts Wesleyan student when you participate in one of our overnight Academic Summer Camps. Have one on one access to faculty and professionals in your chosen camp. Not only will you experience campus life as a Roberts Wesleyan University student, you will also experience what Rochester, NY has to offer with our city outings! Camps run Sunday-Friday the weeks of July 14 and July 21, 2024, with an optional weekend stay. The cost of camp includes meals, overnight stay, camp experiences, labs, and more.

Open to high school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in the fall of 2024. Registration for each camp is limited to the first 24 students to sign up and submit their registration fees.

https://www.roberts.edu/summer-at-roberts/summer-camps/

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!

Reach out to our Exploring Executive, Casey West for more information on sessions available:

Casey.west@scouting.org

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

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

Ways to get "on campus"

Now is a great time to get on campus- in person or virtually! Check out these resources:

• Individual college websites
• Naviance (many of the colleges have videos and interactive information posted there)
• www.campusreel.org - over 15,000 real videos, tours and experiences from 300+ college campuses, created by current students
• Thanks to an incredible colleague in a College Admissions Counselor group who put together this working excel file. Including demographic data from College Board, she lists colleges in the US and Canada who offer virtual tours, youtube channels, etc. UK coming soon! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sO7pVos0EvK0BvXoMbnyg00K6r7hXbOQE0HNXF4N4eM/htmlview

Interested in touring a campus but can’t seem to get there due to travel constraints, jammed schedule or lack of time?

Make an appointment in the Counseling Office to use our new Virtual Reality Headsets to tour whatever campus you like, here’s how:

1. Download the free “YouVisit” app to your smartphone. (If you do not have a smartphone you can use your lab top to take a similar 360 experience for multiple colleges
2. Complete the 1 page registration.
3. Turn your phone’s Bluetooth on – and pair it with “SI VIRTUAL” (adjust Velcro head straps and ear pieces)
4. Turn your phone’s “DO NOT DISTURB” mode on/ Turn volume to a comfortable level
5. Type in a college you wish you visit
6. Click on the GOGGLES icon
7. Place phone into docking station of goggles and press firm until you hear click (may need to take off aftermarket phone case in some instances)
8. Follow onscreen prompts using the pointer to navigate from location to location and enjoy your tour!
9. Hand back in the googles

We have been testing it out in the office and having a blast, while also learning some great information about some schools. We hope you all will be able to take advantage of these great new assets to the department!

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!!

**REMEMBER- IF YOU ARE A JUNIOR OR SENIOR, YOU CAN EARN CREDIT FOR YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE! See Mrs. Stern for more details!!

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://www.bcsd.org/Page/2067

**Many of the community based opportunities above could count as Internship credit!!

Email Mrs. Stern if you are interested in either of these programs.

We need adult mentors!!

We have many students interested in job shadowing and internship experiences to learn more about their future career goals. If you are willing and interested in supporting our students through a shadowing or internship experience, please fill out the form below. There is no obligation at this time. Courtney will contact you if we have a student interested in your career field. Thank you so much for you support of our students!!

If you have paid jobs for our high school students, please contact Courtney directly and we can post on our Job Board. Courtney_stern@bcsd.org or (585) 242-5000 x4529

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.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Students with ADHD might have trouble sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulsive behavior to the point that it interferes with and impacts their academic, social, and work life. Students who have ADHD can be successful in school and life with identification and support. Below are several areas that can be impacted by ADHD along with strategies for use at school and home that may help.

Focus and Attention

- Seat in the front of the classroom

- Seat away from distractions

- Seat near quiet peers and away from disruptive peers

- Increase space between seats

- Private cue to stay on/return to task

- Involve student in discussions/activities

- Make instructions clear and brief

- Pair written and oral instructions

- Check to be sure assignments are copied correctly

- Break large assignments into parts with deadlines

- Make extra eye contact with student

- Teach in close proximity to student

- Consider need for smaller environment with more adult support

Impulsivity and Hyperactivity

- Ignore minor impulsive behavior

- Keep student occupied and active

- Supervise closely during transitions

- Reprimand(s) should be brief and private if possible

- Seat near good role model

- Notice and reinforce positive behaviors

- Set up behavior contract with clear short-term goals

- Encourage hand-raising and waiting

- Rewards and consequences should be immediate

- Allow student to stand and move at times

- Provide movement breaks between seated activities

- Consider need for smaller environment with more adult support

Organization and Planning

- Use adults to support organization – teachers, parents, resource teachers

- Create “Homework Loop” to complete daily assignments

- Check to see that assignments are written down correctly

- Be sure correct books go home or consider extra copies

- Encourage parents to set up homework time and place and assistant

- Have teachers ask for completed assignments

- Empty and reorganize book bag and locker at least weekly

- Use colored dividers and folders

- Consider peer assistant for organization

- Use multi-sensory approaches for giving assignments and teaching

- Consider allowing tape recording of assignments and lessons

- Use consistent repetitive approach to getting organized

- Ask student to repeat instructions

Oppositional Defiant Behavior and Attitude

- Praise compliance – “catch them being good”

- Post rules and review them regularly

- Ignore minor problems and refocus on task

- Use sensitive reprimands with consequences

- Set up contract for expectations and rewards

- Avoid lecturing and shaming interventions

- Give two positive choices when possible

- Cast in leadership role when possible

- Cast in assisting role with teachers, staff, parents

- Model communication and anger management skills

- Encourage communication and problem solving

- Spend some private time building alliance/attachment

- Develop signals to communicate building stress/agitation

- Encourage social interactions in and out of the classroom

- Focus delicately on accomplishments and talents

- Use friendly humor avoiding sarcasm

- Be careful with competition, public rewards

- Prepare and support student through crises – even those they create

- Consider need for more supportive environment (counseling, consult teacher, self-contained classroom, day treatment)

Academic Achievement

- Ask school staff for feedback on learning strengths and needs

- Use multi-sensory techniques in all phases of teaching

- Use games, songs and chants/raps for learning and memorization

- Accommodate weaknesses in learning – math, reading, foreign language

- Be aware that learning weaknesses worsen attentional problems and vice versa

- Schedule regular meetings/communication with parents about learning concerns

- Direct parents to practice skills with student

- Parents can consider private tutoring or after-school homework support

- Consider need for formal 504 accommodations or Special Education support

- Emphasize any areas of interest in academics content

Katie Lembo, M.S., LMHC is currently serving TCMS and Brighton High School students on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Brighton High School. Services will continue throughout the summer. If you are interested in outpatient mental health treatment for your child, please call Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness at 585-279-7800. You can also visit our website at https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/behavioral-health-wellness/outpatient.aspx

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