Weekly Update
December 15th, 2023
Dear Families,
December can be full of fun family activities and joyful holiday memories. It can also be a really challenging time of year. For many people, the holiday season adds to or heightens several stressors: packed schedules, additional expenses, increased family stress, work/social obligations, and grief, to name a few. Sometimes these stressors are manageable or balanced out by the joy of the season that they feel but for others it can make it more challenging to cope with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and substance use. During the holiday season it can feel like we are being oversaturated by social media, movies, music, and advertisements depicting the perfect holiday season, but the reality is that most people experience a combination of joyful and uncomfortable emotions…Remember to be kind to yourself–it’s ok not to feel festive all the time (or even at all)!
Knowing all of that, it’s important to take care of yourself! The JED Foundation shared that “the holiday blues” are often a normal part of the holiday season and should be taken seriously–try not to minimize how you’re feeling! JED shared a number of self-care tools to use this year. In addition to their resources, here is a list of other tips and tools:
Only say yes to what feels good to you
Avoid using drugs and alcohol to cope or numb feelings
Be with people who feel similarly about the season
Create new traditions that feel good
Don’t force yourself to celebrate
Be patient with yourself and others
Communicate how your feeling to your family
Create a self care plan for after seeing family, especially if it may bring up past trauma
Spend time outside
Schedule time with someone who feels supportive
Reach out to a mental health professional to schedule a counseling appointment
As always, if you or a loved one is feeling suicidal, please call Maine Mobile Crisis at 1-888-568-1112 or reach out to the national hotline via phone or text at 988.
If you are concerned about your student, and would like to speak to someone at school, please reach out to their school counselor: Mary Moore (R10, OCLC, ESOL), Diane Cook (A-F), Scott Bradley (G-N), Christina Ring (O-Z). You can also reach out to Meredith Vogel (general education social worker), Mary Kunhardt (special education social worker), or Malene Schultz (special education social worker).
Sincerely,
Troy, Meredith, Mary K., Mary M., Diane, Scott, Christina and Malene
Please click the photo above and/or use the QR code to access the Brunswick High School Holiday Wish Fund. Thank you!
The Holiday Wish Fund Committee
Holiday Wish Fund Helpers, Eva Kousky, Ella Wilby & Autumn Sanford,
at the Hockey Games at Bowdoin Arena Saturday Night 12/9/23
BIG TOP DELI FUNDRAISER FOR CLASS OF 2027
Dear Class of 2027 Parents and Supporters of the Class of 2027,
The freshman class of 2027 is hosting a fundraiser on December 16th, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOME VARIATION OF THE VOUCHER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT!!
100% of the profit will be given to the freshman class of 2027!!!
This fundraiser has been organized by elected officers Zunairah H. Khan (President), Isabella Petroff (Vice President), Jonathan Bisson (Secretary), and Anna Klingle (Treasurer).
Here is how the fundraiser works:
1. Voucher: The voucher allows you to order your items specifically for our fundraiser
2. Where do I get the voucher?: The voucher will be sent out in this email for you to use digitally or print out and show the staff at Big Top Deli.
It will also be available on the official class of 2027 Instagram (bhsclassof2027_) and physical versions will be handed out to students prior to the event.
3. How do I use the voucher?: Once you have received the voucher you can show it to the staff at Big Top Deli and they will be aware that your money is going towards the Class of 2027
4. What is my money going towards?: These funds will be going towards our Senior Trip and Senior Prom. We'll be having many more fundraisers this year and in the coming years to raise as much money as we can!
Again, the Big Top Deli fundraiser will be on December 16, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Class of 2027 officers hope you will come to support us! Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Your Class of 2027 Officers
Or one of the class officers
Isabella Petroff(Vice President): 27petroffi@brunswicksd.org
Jonathan Bisson(Secretary): 27bissonj@brunswicksd.org
Anna Klingle(Treasurer): 27klinglea@brunswicksd.org
Independent Science Projects and Science Fair Projects
The Maine State Science Fair will take place on Saturday, March 23rd. Students who would like to work on an independent science, computer, or math project in preparation for participation in the Science Fair or for ELO credit need to see Mrs. Perkins in room 229 as soon as possible. Students who are interested in participating, may enhance a project done for a science or math class or begin and work through a new project.
National Honor Society Applications
Junior class students who are applying for admission to the BHS Chapter of the National Honor Society must complete the initial application form no later than Monday, December 18th. Application essays, community service hours, and recommendations are due no later than Friday, January 7, 2024. All decisions will be made the week before the February break.
Parents and Guardians! We Need Your Help!
We are looking for people from different occupations within our community to come to BHS to talk with students about resume writing and job interviews. We will supply the resume examples and a lesson plan to follow. All you need to bring is your experience in writing/reading resumes and asking/answering tough interview questions. This would take place on January 10th from 9am-9:45am (you would have about 25 minutes with students once they get settled). If you are interested and willing to help us out, please email Molly Myers at mmyers@brunswicksd.org.
BHS Mathletes
Your BHS Mathletes maintained their top five state ranking with a strong 329 points at Freeport on 12/6.
Sophomore Indigo Selinger paced the Dragons with a perfect score of 60. Alexei Douhovnikoff and Wesley Haynes were close behind, each missing only one question.
Great job, team.
Our next meet is January 24, so there's still time to join the fun. Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday after school in room 101.
Career Readiness Series at OCLC
The Off-Campus Learning Center (OCLC) continued its Career Readiness Series with its visit last week to the newly constructed Brunswick-Topsham Water District in Topsham. Students learned about the history of the water district, discussed information about the manpower and credentials needed to run the water division, and took a tour of the plant featuring the sophisticated water filtration process.
Dominic Fleming showing us his holiday spirit!
Congratulations to Angelina Vo and Caleb Chang!!
Congratulations to Angelina Vo and Caleb Chang for winning the Smashburger Slider competition sponsored by Brickyard Hollow!! They created a delicious burger topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, a sunny side up fried egg and their own special sauce. Our guest judges were Nick and Brandon from Brickyard Hollow and Mark Roma, a BHS teacher and coach. Our next competition will be held on December 19 and it will be sponsored by 555 North.
Izzy Garside has been assisting Kate Furbish Teacher Charlotte Mastropasqua during her study hall for multiple years...thank you Izzy and thank you Ms. Mastropasqua for hosting!
Counseling Program Update
The Brunswick School K-12 Counseling Program has developed a comprehensive plan to guide the services and curriculum provided by counselors in all schools. The full comprehensive plan can be found here.
As part of this plan, the BSD counselors are seeking feedback to inform program development. They are asking students, parents/guardians, and staff members to complete this short survey. The link to the survey can be found here. The survey will be open until Monday, 12/18/23.
Grade 9
Semester 1 is nearing an end. Please note that Mid-term Exams are scheduled to start January 16th. Once students return from break there will be nine school days before the exams. This will be a new experience for the class of 2027. It is a great time to be asking teachers about the format and expectations for the exam so there is ample time to prepare. Something to note, semester averages are reported on transcripts (the permanent record for classes taken at BHS), not specific exam grades or quarter grades.
Counselors have started meeting with their grade 9 students to talk about their transition to BHS. When meeting with counselors, discussions include how classes are going, what interests students have, home supports, and just “getting to know” more about the students and sharing what the Counseling Department and BHS can offer students while at BHS. This is also a great time to discuss any issues with schedules for next semester- additions or changes that may need to be made as well as what classes to sign up for next year.
Grade 10
It is almost Mid-term Exam time. Students should start thinking about ways to prepare for the exam and get organized! Next month in Flex there are going to be activities focused on college and career pathways. Sophomore year is a great time to explore a few college campuses, job shadow, and investigate local opportunities to discover potential options for the future. Students interested in or planning to attend Region #10 next year, make sure you complete the online application and sign up for a January visitation with Mrs. Moore.
Grade 11
Juniors, by this time next year many of you will have completed your college application process- wow! After winter break, counselors will be meeting with you to discuss your plans for senior year and your transition to your next steps after high school. Fee free to set up your own appointment and get the ball rolling!
Grade 12
If you have not yet applied to colleges and have a deadline that is over the winter break, make sure you have connected with your counselor about your application(s). Counselors are not available December 22- January 1. They will be back in the building the same day you return.
As you hear back from colleges, please let the counseling office know about your acceptances. If you have not been accepted to colleges, please let us know as well, we are here to help discuss other options and we all encourage you to find an alternative path to help you reach your goals.
Scholarship Information
Many scholarship applications will require you to have submitted the FAFSA (see below). Once you have done this, make sure you are checking the website on the counseling office website, or stop in the office and someone can help you in your search for scholarships. Two that are highly recommended for students to pursue are:
And of course, the FAFSA.
Here is a recent update our office received about filing the FAFSA:
Important FAFSA Update from FAME
FAME (Finance Authority of Maine) administers Maine’s higher education finance programs. Through a variety of loan, grant and scholarship programs, FAME helps Maine students and families meet the costs associated with higher education. To aid in this important effort, FAME also oversees an extensive outreach and counseling program that is designed to encourage young people to aspire to and pursue higher education
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be released by December 31, 2023. This year’s FAFSA delay likely has you eager to file as soon as possible. Given the significant changes to the FAFSA and the move to a new platform, FAME recommends waiting to file the FAFSA until a week or so after it’s been released. Another reason not to feel pressured to file immediately is that there will also be a delay in the processing and sending of FAFSA files to schools. Schools won’t start receiving FAFSA records until late January.
In the meantime, get ready to file by creating any needed Federal Student Aid accounts (FSA ID). For more information on which parents need a Federal Student Aid account, check out this infographic from Federal Student Aid.
FAME is available to support you through this process and will begin holding both in-person and virtual FAFSA Help Sessions in mid-January. For additional information and tips on filling out the 2024-2025 FAFSA and for a list of upcoming FAFSA Help Sessions (which will be added by the end of the month), visit FAME’s Filing the 2024-2025 FAFSA page.
Check in with your school counselor!!! Counselors schedule appointments, but students feel free to make your own appointment or stop by the Counseling Office when you have a study hall or FLEX. Parents please reach out to your student’s counselor in an email or phone with any questions or concerns.
Counselor Mary Moore (students at Region #10/OCLC) 844-2357 7:30-3:30 email mmoore@brunswicksd.org
Counselor Diane Cook (students A-F) 844-2358 7:30-3:30 email dcook@brunswicksd.org
Counselor Scott Bradley (Students G-N) 844-2355 7:30-3:30 email sbradley@brunswicksd.org
Counselor Christina Ring (Students O-Z) 844-2353 7:30-3:30 email cring@brunswicksd.org
Join Brunswick High School Athletics on Instagram @wearebrunswickdragons
BHS Lunch Menu
Link to Say Something Tip Line (SSARS)
Link to BHS/SASSMM Information Packet
Translation Information
Brunswick High School
Troy Henninger, Principal
Tim Gagnon, Assistant Principal
Katelin Urgese, Dean of Student Engagement
Kaili Phillips, Athletic Director
Mary Moore, Guidance Director
71 Dragon Drive
Brunswick, ME 04011
Phone: 207-319-1910
Fax: 207-798-5515