Dear Families,

Love is in the air...and so is course selection! We are busy meeting with students in grades 9-11 to request classes for next school year. Please be sure students have signed up for their 1:1 meeting and reviewed their teacher recommendations in Schooltool. Check out the links below to review the elective options available.

Freshmen & Junior Seminars begin next month! 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:

• 11th Grade- begins February 28th
• 9th Grade- begins March 11th

We'll post the dates around school and make announcements during the morning show to remind you.

Here's to a fresh start this semester!

Best,

BHS Counseling Office

(585) 242-5000 x4526

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

Teachers are now making course recommendations for the 25-26 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:

• 1/27 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!

Counselor Booking Links for Course Selection:

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

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!

Look out for our WEEKLY JUNIOR NEWSLETTER! This will be emailed to students and families every Friday starting after February break. This newsletter will be specific to any updates and information we need to share with juniors as you prepare for life after BHS. Be sure to read it every week!

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**

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48ADAE2BA7F85-49705615-monroe#/

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

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us for “Fueling Your Future: Turning Passion Into Action Through Civic Engagement”—an inspiring panel discussion that will empower you to take your passions and turn them into action for your community and beyond. For current seniors!

Why Attend?

• Hear from leaders in public policy about how they got started and what drives them.

• Discover tips on navigating college, picking a major, and making education affordable.

• Learn how to engage in civic action and drive change in your community—even without making it a career!

Event Details: February 5th, 6:30-7:30 PM

RSVP Here: https://nysacac.memberclicks.net/cbo-opp-progs-feb-5-2025#!/

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with professionals, ask questions, and gain the tools to shape your future.

See you there!

Now that apps have settled, let's focus on getting you some MONEY! Yes, it takes time to search and apply but it's well worth the effort.

We have lots of local (Rochester/Monroe County) scholarships listed on our Counseling Website, including those specifically for BHS students only:

• Brighton Schools Alumni Association
• Jonathan B. Angelone Award for Excellence
• Kiwanis Club of Brighton - Vance Scholarship

We also have links to national scholarship engines - so many opportunties for financial support! Don't miss out!

https://bhs.bcsd.org/46758_3

High school juniors: The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program is now open! Apply by March 20 for awards like full scholarships to college summer programs, up to $1,000 for application resources, essay feedback, and more.

The College Prep Scholars Program helps academically outstanding high school juniors from low-income backgrounds start their paths to admission to a top college. Take a look at what some past College Prep Scholars gained from their experience in the video below.

Find out if you're eligible and apply for free at www.questbridge.org.

See flyer below - space is limited!

Contact Mrs. Pacatte if you'd like to attend: Jennifer_Pacatte@bcsd.org

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

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.

YLI is a free, college empowerment program for high achieving Latino high school juniors, held virtually and at two top universities across the US. This highly selective program is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks by participating in college and career workshops, and interacting with college students and professionals who serve as their mentors.

Check out their website for more info and to apply: https://www.hsf.net/youth-leadership-institute

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!

Law Posts/Mock Trials starting soon!! Conact below if interested.

Harris Beach will meet on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 pm.

Laura W. Smalley Lsmalley@HarrisBeach.com;

Harrison Hartsough- Harrison_Hartsough@nywd.uscourts.gov

Webster will meet on Mondays from 7-8ish pm.

Nonkes, Steven P. snonkes@harrisbeach.com

Robert Braun robertbraunesq@yahoo.com

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.

**New opportunities added as of 2/3!

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.

Understanding Conflict

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction, and teenagers are no exception. Conflicts are bound to happen, so it is important to know the steps to help successfully resolve a conflict. Conflicts typically occur when two people share a difference in opinions or beliefs. This can then lead to big emotions, including anger, frustration, sadness, stress, and even violence. It is important to know how to resolve a conflict in a way that is constructive.

Effective communication skills are crucial for resolving conflicts among teenagers. Clear and respectful communication can help them identify the root cause of the conflict, find common ground and reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Types of Conflicts

The following are types of conflicts that teens might experience:

~Interpersonal conflicts with siblings, peers, or parents

~Intrapersonal conflicts caused by internal struggles and negative self-talk

~Conflict with authority figures, such as teachers or school administrators

Each type of conflict requires a different problem-solving approach.

Key Steps in Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution requires a calm and constructive approach to effectively address the issues at hand. As a teenager, it is important to be able to develop conflict resolution skills in order to prevent conflicts from escalating and in order to find mutually agreed upon solutions. Remember, it is okay to disagree about something and compromises are necessary.

Here are the key steps involved in resolving conflicts:

~Identify the problem: The first step in conflict resolution is to identify the problem. Clearly define the issue and the individuals involved.

~Listen actively: Listening actively is essential to gain an understanding of each person’s perspective and feelings. Listen without judgement and focus on what the other person is saying. Show the other person you are listening by demonstrating good eye contact and body posture.

~Communicate effectively: Communicating effectively means expressing your thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to avoid placing blame. It is also important to reflect back in your own words what the other person is saying and label their emotion so that they know you are listening to what they have to say.

~Brainstorm solutions: Brainstorming solutions with the other person can help identify mutually acceptable solutions. Consider all options and be willing to compromise. You might have to try out multiple ideas until one of the solutions sticks.

~Select a solution: Select a solution that works for both parties. Ensure that it is practical and realistic.

Implement the solution: Once a solution has been selected, take action to implement it.

~Follow up: After implementing the solution, follow up with the other person to ensure that the issue has been fully resolved. If necessary, adjust the solution to better fit the situation.

Other considerations:

“I” statements: “I feel (emotion) when you (action) because (reason). It would be better for me if next time you would (solution).

~”I” statements are a great way to self-advocate and make sure your own needs and wants are being met, without placing blame on the other person. Try to use “I” statements as often as you can for clear and direct communication.

Katie Lembo, M.S., MHC 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

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