Counseling Corner
Brighton High School Counseling Office
Updates for BHS Students & Families
March 2024
Dear Families,
The sun is popping out more and more, we're starting to hear birds chirping...spring is coming! We hope this month brings you luck as we move further into the 3rd quarter.
Freshmen & Junior Seminars are starting! 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 March 4th
- 9th Grade- begins March 12th
TWO GREAT FIELD TRIPS COMING UP FOR OUR JUNIORS - GET YOUR PERMISSION SLIPS IN ASAP!!
- NACAC College Fair March 18th
- SUNY Geneseo Campus Tour April 19th
We wish you all health and wellness!
Best,
BHS Counseling Office
(585) 242-5000 x4526
BHS Counseling Center Updates
9th, 10th, 11th GRADE STUDENTS- LAST CHANCE FOR YOUR COURSE SELECTION APPOINTMENT!
If we don't see you, we'll have to pick your classes for you! So, sign up for a meeting with your counselor ASAP!
https://www.bcsd.org/domain/122
ALL COURSE REQUESTS MUST BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 8TH! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!
Updates to Grades in Schooltool
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:
3rd Quarter
· Wednesday, March 20, 2024, by 8:00 AM
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.
EMCC Open House
9th and 10th graders - if you have any interest in attending EMCC in the future, this is a great way to learn more! Please consider visiting the programs as a family. Reach out to your School Counselor with any questions.
Class of 2025
NACAC National College Fair - BHS Field Trip
BHS WILL BE TAKING INTERESTED JUNIORS ON MONDAY MARCH 18th. See permissions slip attached below OR pick one up in the Counseling office.
Limited spots available on a first come, first serve basis - preference to current Juniors
Sign up today - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 11th!!!
Attend a Free College Fair at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) invites students, parents, and counselors to explore the college search process at the NACAC National College Fair in Rochester held on Sunday, March 17 2024, from 1:00pm-3pm (PARENTS AND STUDENTS) and Monday, March 18, 2024, from 9am-11:30am at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Student Registration for the Rochester National College Fair
(How to get your Student Barcode Pass)
All students will be required to have a barcode on a mobile device or a printed barcode. Unlike previous years, technology will NOT be available on site to register or print out barcodes.
Step 1: Visit the following website: https://www.nacacattend.org/24Rochester
Step 2: Click on “Attendees – Register Here
Step 3: Fill out the field to complete your free account.
Step 4: Once all fields have been completed, you will receive your barcode. You can either print the barcode or save it to your mobile device. Two days prior to the fair, you will receive an email with your registration barcode. The colleges you visit at the fair will scan your barcode to attain your contact information.
More Information
More information about the NACAC National College Fair in Rochester — including directions, a list of colleges exhibiting at the event, and tips to help students prepare for the fair — is available online at https://www.nacacattend.org/24rochester/4308407
About NACAC
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 25,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. NACAC is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the association's Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024, 10:00 AM
Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, East Main Street, Rochester, NY, USA
Post-Secondary Planning Night
Join us to learn more about the BHS post-secondary planning process. BHS Counselors will be on hand to walk you through your options, and what you need to know this spring to be ready for the fall.
Topics to include:
• Post-secondary options
• Junior-Senior timeline
• College & career search
• Standardized testing
• College admissions overview
• What to expect senior year
We look forward to seeing you soon in the auditorium!
This event will not be recorded. Materials will be posted online after the event.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024, 06:30 PM
Brighton High School, Winton Road, Rochester, NY, USA
SUNY College Fair for Families
You and your family are invited to join SUNY representatives for an in-person College Fair designed to provide information and answer your questions about the college search process and all that is available to undergraduates at The State University of New York.
https://engage.suny.edu/register/?id=1d7d4bff-5ee9-4bc5-b000-37a1628233bb
Wednesday, Apr 17, 2024, 06:00 PM
SUNY Brockport, Monroe Avenue, Brockport, NY, USA
SUNY Geneseo Campus Visit & Tour - BHS Field Trip
JUNIORS - Join us for a campus tour and FREE LUNCH at SUNY Geneseo! Learn more about the admissions process and get the chance to visit this beautiful campus.
Spots are limited and priority is given to current 11th graders. Permission slips due March 28th.
Friday, Apr 19, 2024, 09:00 AM
SUNY Geneseo, College Circle, Geneseo, NY, USA
Class of 2024
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.
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://www.bcsd.org/Page/2085
MID-YEAR GRADES WERE SENT TO ALL COLLEGES BEFORE FEBRUARY BREAK.
**FAFSA is now open! Complete the form today at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Now is the time to look into SCHOLARSHIP! Check our BHS Counseling Website for more info, LOTS of new local scholarships available!!
SENIORS - APPLY FOR THE BSAA’s Robert Lambrix Scholarship
Award
This scholarship is an award of $2,500/year from the Brighton Schools Alumni Association (BSAA), to be used to purchase textbooks or other required academic materials. The award will be provided for four years if the recipient remains in school on a full-time basis. It is now named for Robert (Bob) Lambrix, BHS’57, founder of the BSAA.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a college-bound graduating senior at Brighton High School in Rochester, NY, with a grade point average of at least 3.0.
- The applicant must be accepted as a full-time student at an accredited two- or four-year educational institution.
Application Process
The student must complete this application and submit it to the BHS Counseling Center by April 6, 2024.
The applicant must include an essay of no more than 500 words, addressing the topic of:
Over your years in the Brighton schools, as well as in the Town of Brighton itself, you have had lots of experiences and interactions that show you Brighton is a different place from most. In a typed one-page essay (12-point font, single-spaced, 500 word maximum), please discuss in your own words what makes Brighton a special place that created a connection or bond that will be there for the rest of your life.
Selection Process
Five finalists will be selected from the applicants by a panel that includes two BSAA Scholarship Committee members, three BHS faculty members and one student. Finalists will be notified in April, and interviews will take place at the high school shortly thereafter. The final decision will be based on the student’s extracurricular and community activities, essay, interview and financial need. The recipient(s) will be featured in the BSAA’s annual newsletter, announced at the BHS Awards Assembly and invited to the BSAA/BHS Alumni Hall of Fame Gala Recognition as the BSAA’s guest(s).
Application is below or paper copies are in the Counseling Office
Career Connections, College Access & Community Programs
Spring Rep Visits!
Reps from the military and colleges will be visiting in-person and virtually. Reps have already begun to snag spots at BHS, so check Naviance regularly for our schedule.
- If a rep is in person, they will be in room 257 (the conference room across from the Counseling Office)
- If they are virtual, you will be able to access a link to their zoom via Naviance. You may come to the Counseling Office and we can help find you a quiet space to attend if needed.
- In person or virtual, you will need teacher permission to attend if the visit takes place during a class. Grab a pass from the counseling office.
You are welcome to attend as many visits as you'd like! We encourage you to sit in on the ones you know, as well as some that you've never heard of before. There are so many INCREDIBLE institutions all over the country with phenomenal opportunities. You just don't know about them yet!
Be sure to check out Naviance & the College Visits page on the BHS Counseling Website for a complete list of ALL visits this season. Check often- we get new visits scheduled every day!
SCAN OUR NEW QR CODE! Posters are around school and will lead you directly to our College Visit Website. Check often and bookmark the page!
Leadership Rochester - Emerging Leaders Program
My name is Angelique Pedraza, I'm the Youth Program Manager with Leadership Rochester. I'm reaching back out to you about our upcoming spring cohort for the Emerging Leaders Program. I'm hoping to have your help and support in recruiting teen leaders to participate in our program. It is a great opportunity for students to develop leadership skills while meeting some of the area's most prominent community leaders. Our goal is to have a diverse group of leaders. To accomplish this we aim to have students from different school districts. I'm hoping we are able to have at least 3 students from your school to participate in the program. I have attached the Information sheet for this year's spring cohort.
I look forward to working with you to help your students reach their full potential as a leader and advocate within our community. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Have a great day.
--
Angelique Pedraza
Youth Program Manager
75 College Avenue Rochester NY 14607
Youth@leadershiprochester,org
Summer Youth Employment Program
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a government-funded program, operated by RochesterWorks in collaboration with the City of Rochester’s Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP), which provides youth with six weeks of paid work experience through work sites and programs all across Monroe County.
In 2023, 696 youth were given the opportunity to gain work experience, meet people, and learn new skills through these programs.
For more information or questions please contact us.
The Summer Jobs Roadmap lays out the timeline for SYEP/SOOP from initial application in February through program completion in July or August.
Questbridge Junior Scholars Program
High school juniors: The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program is now open! Apply by March 22 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.
Explorer Program
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:
https://senecawaterways.org/exploring-ages-14-20/
**You can earn INTERNSHIP CREDIT for joining an Explorer Post! See Mrs. Stern for details!
Monroe County Youth Senate
The Monroe County Youth Bureau is excited to offer a new opportunity for youth voice to be heard through our Monroe County Youth Senate. Please encourage youth in your district to become part of a new team of youth leaders across the County working together on contemporary issues. Students selected will have the opportunity to meet with the County Executive, DHS Commissioner, Legislators and other elected officials from across Monroe County.
Eligibility:
- Candidates must reside in Monroe County and be between 14 and 19 years old
- A recommendation letter from an educator in your school or community (business, coach, scout leader, local politician or church leader)
- Ability to attend meetings, presentations and events
See flyer attached for complete information. Forward the flyer to any colleague in the County who works with youth from 14 to 19 years old. There is a QR code and link to the application. Our first meeting is on March 13, 2024. This group is youth run and adult supported!
Thank you so much for your assistance in elevating the voice of youth in Monroe County.
Imagine RIT
You will discover interactive presentations, exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, research projects, and artistic performances.
RIT Tigers are shaping the future and improving the world through creativity and innovation at the intersection of technology, the arts, and design. Let’s inspire the next generation of problem solvers by connecting young people to the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math, design, business, health sciences, the liberal arts, and the arts.
Are you ready to peel back the curtain on our campus? Join us for a day of discovery!
Saturday, Apr 27, 2024, 10:00 AM
Rochester Institute of Technology, Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, USA
Virtual Reality Headsets!!
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:
- 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
- Complete the 1 page registration.
- Turn your phone’s Bluetooth on – and pair it with “SI VIRTUAL” (adjust Velcro head straps and ear pieces)
- Turn your phone’s “DO NOT DISTURB” mode on/ Turn volume to a comfortable level
- Type in a college you wish you visit
- Click on the GOGGLES icon
- 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)
- Follow onscreen prompts using the pointer to navigate from location to location and enjoy your tour!
- 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!
Experiential Learning Opportunities
BHS Job Board
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!!
Work Based Learning at BHS
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
Academic Supports
SAT & ACT
SAT/ACT Test Prep
Chariot Learning has partnered with Brighton Community Ed on the SAT/ACT Boot Camps at BHS. The next one runs March 19, 20, and 21 from 3:15-5:15pm (register here).
Chariot Learning is also hosting a free practice SAT at the Brighton Library on March 30.
Check out our SAT/ACT page on the BHS Counseling Website for more info on the exams and prep opportunities.
Standardized Testing Information
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
- Designed to measure academic aptitude in verbal and numerical reasoning.
- Test Content: Reading, Math and Writing.
ACT
- 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.
Health and Wellness
Social Emotional Learning Topic of the Month: How to check in with teens and tweens
“How are you feeling?”
When was the last time you tried to get a middle school student or high school student to engage with the above question? How often do we receive an answer that is either dismissive or along the lines of “fine” and “good?”
Talking about feelings is inherently risky: it’s letting someone into your inner world. In a time where teens are facing so much fear, frustration, and confusion, parents and teachers alike are realizing social-emotional support is a pressing need. But that same fear, frustration, and confusion can make it hard for teens to feel comfortable enough to open up and share that vulnerable inner world. When everything around us seems especially volatile, self-preservation can look like putting on emotional armor. But we know that being able to have a safe, healthy outlet to express and validate feelings can prevent teens from engaging in riskier behaviors to let off steam or process hard emotions.
Some common triggers of stress include uncertainty, lack of control, and lack of information. We’re all experiencing these stress triggers to different degrees. But for teens (and adults!) experiencing trauma, these can also be triggers for the trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. So, if you ask the question, “How are you feeling?” you might get one of these replies:
Fight: Strong reaction, pushing back. “Ugh, why are you always up in my business? Just leave me alone!”
Flight: Making a joke, changing the subject, leaving the room. “Is this therapy? I thought this was math class. Can I go to the bathroom?”
Freeze: No response, shrugging, one-word answers. “I don’t know.”
Fawn: Trying to placate you, make you feel OK. “I’m fine. Are you OK? Do you need anything?”
So how do we give our teens, who are holding so much, a space to feel seen, valued, and heard so that they can feel brave enough to process their emotions?
Next time you’re looking for insight into a teen’s emotional world, see it as an opportunity to share, connect, and process rather than a one-sided interrogation. Here are a couple of exercises to help jumpstart the conversation:
- Roses & Thorns (& Buds)
A great dinner table prompt or opening check-in for class. In the past week, we’ve all probably experienced some “roses” in our life (moments that make us feel good) and some “thorns” in our life (moments that challenge or hurt us). Let each person go around and share a rose and a thorn. It’s important that adults share, too! Modeling vulnerability helps teens know they’re not on the spot. For a bonus round, feel free to include a bud (something you are looking forward to in the future).
Example: “My rose this week was going out to dinner with my friends and my thorn was having to study.”
Once everyone has shared, you can invite “crosstalk.” Ask people if they’re comfortable talking more about what they shared. Don’t push anyone to participate in crosstalk who doesn’t opt in. This demonstrates respect for their boundaries and communicates that their autonomy is important to you.
- Future Focused Prompts
Part of creating a healing-centered space is giving kids a chance to imagine and hope for the future. At home, you can choose one of these prompts during a car ride one-on-one or when you’re working on something together as a family. In class, you can present it as a journaling opportunity and then offer a chance to share out. Let it turn into a conversation! Again, adults should share, too.
If it weren’t too greedy to ask of the universe, I would ask for ______________________.
If I am ever strong enough to handle it, I would ask to be ______________________.
If I could somehow let go of my nerves long enough, I would definitely ______________________.
If it wasn’t such a risk, I would want to ______________________.
If I could have enough support, I would probably try ______________________.
It’s way too scary, but if it weren’t I might find ________ exciting.
If I didn’t worry about disappointing people, I would probably quit ______________________.
Both check-ins work because they are specific, reflective, and are meant as part of a collective experience. They give teens a chance to explore their inner world and then connect with others based on what they hear and how they relate. This connection is what starts to build a safe space in which teens can start to peel back some of the layers of armor.
Katie Lembo, M.S., LMHC is currently serving TCMS and Brighton High School students on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Brighton High School. 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
Brighton High School Counseling Department
Email: courtney_stern@bcsd.org
Website: https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2063
Location: 1150 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: (585) 242-5000