BHS Counseling News
π· Have a safe + restful Spring Break! π·
π What's new!
- All Students: Complete your Start Here lesson in Xello (required by May 1st) + Xello Family access
- Help! I have Test Anxiety Workshop for BHS students!
- Sophomores + Juniors: Field Trip to Metro Detroit College Fair (space is limited!)
- Community Service: Bowers Farm Stewards Leadership Program
- Seniors: It's Spring Application Week! Apply to colleges for free!
- Seniors: Evolving FAFSA Updates from colleges in Michigan (spreadsheet)
- Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Students Annual High School Writing Competition
π¨Schoology app recently updated and no longer works for almost all of BHS students.π¨
The best way for students to access Schoology on their phones is through the Chrome (or Safari, but Chrome works better) app and going directly to berkleyschools.schoology.com.
π Check out...
π° BHS Scholarships List
new scholarships added this week!
βοΈBHS Pre-College + Summer Programs List
more programs added this week!
π£Counseling website + Schoology course
All of this and more on the BHS Counseling website and College + Career course in Schoology
Start Here lesson in Xello! Due May 1st
Click for instructions. Less than 10 minutes to complete! Required for grad - every year!
Xello Family Access
π This Week...
3/20 - Michigan Army National Guard Info Table at lunch
3/22 - US Marine Corps Info Session - Sign-up to attend!
3/22 - Seniors: Community Service hours due to Counseling Center
π Coming up...
4/2 - Digital Readiness Check for students in grades 9, 10, 11 - must bring your Berkley Chromebook!
4/5 - "Help! I have Test Anxiety!" Workshop - Sign-up to attend!
4/9-4/11 - Spring Testing! 1/2 Days PM - must bring your Berkley Chromebook!
4/16 - Next Steps for Seniors attending EMU! - Sign up to attend!
4/16 - Next Steps for Seniors attending GVSU! - Sign-up to attend!
4/16 - Seniors: Understanding your Financial Aid Packages from Colleges - Sign-up to attend!
4/18 - AP Exam Pre-Bubbling 1st and 2nd hours
4/19 - Oakland University Admitted Seniors Workshop! - Sign-up to attend!
4/25 - Metro Detroit College Fair in Novi - permission slip due 4/19
π» Digital Readiness Check (DRC) is April 2nd during English classes
Students MUST bring their District Chromebook to school on April 2nd!
- To prepare for the digital PSAT/SAT all 9th, 10th, 11th graders must participate in the Digital Readiness Check (DRC) during English class on April 2nd.
- Any 11th graders who attend CASA for English must report to College + Career Center during hours 1-4.
Parent/Guardian Opt-out for BigFuture mobile app (10th + 11th grades only)
- During the DRC, 10th + 11th grade students will be asked if they would like to opt-in to the College Boardβs BigFuture School mobile app and Connections.
- If you do not want your student to opt-in to the Big Future app, you must complete and return this opt-out form to the Student Service Center by Monday, April 1st.
Four Free College Scores Sends (11th grade only)
- During the DRC, 11th graders will be able to have their scores sent to four colleges for free. This is optional!
- Students are able to log back into Bluebook to add/remove colleges up to three days after they test.
π Spring Testing 2024 Info + Daily Schedule
Required State Testing will take place April 9th-11th
While our state-mandated standardized testing is not until April, I wanted to send out a quick note detailing the specific tests, the daily schedule for each grade, and other important testing information. One very important item to note is that the College Board has transitioned the SAT suite of assessments (PSAT 9, PSAT 10, SAT) to a digital test format.
Please click here or on the pdf below to view this important information.
Students: Complete Start Here lesson in Xello!
Start Here lesson must be completed by May 1st!
The Start Here lesson is a crucial component fulfilling the annual Education Development Plan (EDP) requirement mandated by the state of Michigan. Students have been using Xello for their EDP since middle school.
This year, many students had the opportunity to complete the Start Here lesson in their Math classes. For those who haven't, rest assured that students can complete it at home!
Detailed instructions on completing the Start Here lesson are available in the College + Career course in Schoology or click here!
If you encounter any difficulties, contact Christina.Belsky@berkleyschools.org.
Parents + Guardians: Access Xello Family
Xello Family extends the benefits of Xello to parents and guardians, allowing active participation in their child's educational and career planning. Gain insights into college research, strengths, majors, and career fields.
Parents and guardians, should have received an email on 3/12/24 with a link to facilitate Xello Family access. This link will be active for 7 days, providing ample time for you to establish this crucial link and actively participate in your child's journey. Be sure to check your Junk/Spam folder!
ππ Metro Detroit College Fair (10th + 11th graders)
April 25th at Suburban Collection Showplace - only 45 spots available!
First 45 10+11th grader students to turn in completed permission slip!
Permission slip below. Due 4/19 in Counseling Center.
π Generation of Promise: Social Justice Youth Program (10th graders)
Apply by April 15th! Only 3 available spots for BHS students!
Generation of Promise is Metro Detroitβs premier social justice youth program from Focus: HOPE.
Click here to apply by April 15th! | Parent/Guardian Permission Slip
Itβs a high school junior program that supports a new generation of leaders who advance racial equity in Southeastern Michigan by developing expertise in key issues, forging friendships across race and culture and leading organizing and advocacy efforts.
Launching annually in the spring, Generation of Promise accepts applications from 15 high schools across southeastern Michigan to form a diverse cohort of about 60 new students. Beginning with an overnight weekend retreat at Camp Copneconic during the summer, students engage monthly for a full school day through the course of the academic year. They uncover their own hidden biases, learn to challenge stereotypes ad create change in society and make lasting connections and friendships. There are 3 spots open for current BHS 10th graders!
As 12th graders, students can remain engaged and to serve as facilitators and leaders. Over 90% of Generation of Promise alumni go on to college.
π BHS FREE After-School Academic Support
Mon, Wed, Thurs from 3:45-4:45 PM in LMC
BHS is proud to offer teacher-led academic support after school in the LMC!
This free service is open to BHS students struggling in English, Math, Science, Social Studies or Spanish classes. No need to sign-up, just drop in after school!
π 12th Grade Community Service Cord
deadline to submit hours is Friday, March 22nd
If you are a senior who has completed at least 75 hours of community service during high school, you are eligible to receive a cord for graduation.
Please send your hours to Mrs. Sloan at lauren.sloan@berkleyschools.org or drop off a printed copy of your hours to her mailbox in the Counseling Center. The deadline to submit hours is Friday, March 22, 2024.
Ways to submit your hours:
- You can use this template to submit your hours.
- You can also send a screenshot of your NHS hours.
- You can provide a letter from organizations outside of BHS as long as the total number of hours is included.
π Bowers Farm Stewards Leadership Program
π₯ Trinity Health Oakland is looking for student volunteers!
π Seniors: It's Spring Application Week! Apply to colleges for free!
π Everything you need to research + apply to colleges! π
ποΈOCC Skilled Trades/Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Pre-Apprenticeship Program Info
- No-cost, 5 week program
- Classes meet Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am β 4:00 pm
- Small class size (maximum 16 students)
- Classroom and lab instruction (in-person) in Auburn Hills
- Two industry tours to local companies that are hiring
- Interview Day β local companies come to campus to interview students
Pre-Apprenticeship Info Sessions
These are 30 minute Zoom calls that provide a high level overview!
πΌ MAT2 Interview Days
What is MAT2?
The MAT2 Apprenticeship Program presents an alternative to a traditional four-year university degree. As educators, you are in a unique position to introduce your students to all available options. MATΒ² can provide a debt-free path that leads them to a career in a high-demand field. Click to learn more.
MATΒ² Network Companies are gearing up for the 2024 hiring season, and we would like to share available career opportunities with debt-free education and on-the-job experience for your (prospective) graduates!
Virtual Info Sessions
Join our upcoming virtual info sessions and let our team answer all your questions on apprenticeships.
Interview Days
April 6th (for seniors only) at Henry Ford College
Seniors are invited to Henry Ford College for an Interview Day. They will be able to connect with MATΒ² Network Companies and learn about apprenticeship opportunities in 2024.
When: April 6, 2024, 10 am - 2pm
- Prospective apprentices will hear from our network companies, including Brose, SW Machines, EMAG and Durr Systems.
- Those interested will have the chance to do short interviews with company representatives.
- Parents/legal guardians are welcome to attend.
April 23rd (for seniors only) at Macomb Community College.
Seniors are invited to Macomb Community College for an Interview Day! Anybody interested will be able to learn more about the MAT2 Apprenticeship Program and interview with MATΒ² Network Companies.
When: April 23, 2024, 5:30pm-7pm
Where: Macomb Community College
π¨ SENIORS: Don't wait! File your FAFSA! π¨
π£ Important FAFSA Updates π£
πFAFSA Help + Resourcesπ
πΉ FAFSA 24-25 Video Walkthrough (from Going Merry)
π» Paying for College Information Sessions
hosted by OCC
Paying for College Information Session Wednesday, Mar 20, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - ROYAL OAK campus
π» Financial Aid/FAFSA Virtual Info Sessions
hosted by MI Student Aid
Are you not able to attend any of the sessions? You can view a recording of the presentation.
Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:
- FAFSA application information
- Federal financial aid programs
- State financial aid programs
- Scholarship searching resources
π°Financial Aid from the state of MIπ°
To receive a Michigan Achievement Scholarship, for Academic Year 2024-25, students must:
- File a current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Completed (submitted, completed, and verified).
- Demonstrate financial need when they complete the FAFSAβby having a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $30,000 or less.
In addition to the financial need eligibility requirements,
students must meet all program eligibility requirements.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Up to $2,750 if they attend a Michigan community college or Tribal college, per year, up to three years.
- Up to $5,500 if they attend a Michigan public university, per year, up to five years.
- Up to $4,000 if they attend a Michigan private college or university, per year, up to five years.
Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship
- Up to $2,000 towards tuition if student enrolls in a qualified career training program with an eligible provider, per year, up to two years.
π€ Financial Aid Offers from Colleges π€
π» BHS Workshop: Understanding Your Financial Aid Packages from Colleges
April 16th during 4th hour
Be sure to bring: college/university portal usernames and passwords, financial aid offer letters
π BHS PreCollege & Summer Programs List!
π Next Gen Teacher Program (free!) at WSU this summer!
π° BHS Scholarships List + Financial Aid Info!
π Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Students Annual High School Writing Competition
π° BHS Local Scholarship Application
Apply by April 12th
A committee of high school staff members will review all applications and award scholarships based upon achievement, financial need, citizenship and by the criteria outlined by the community organizations granting scholarships. Awards will be announced to the student recipients during the week of June 3, 2024. The application deadline is Friday, April 12, 2024.
π Practice Tests at The Tutoring Center
SAT/ACT COMMUNITY TESTS ARE THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH from 2pm-5pm - Call the center or click here to reserve your seat. Space is limited.
π― SAT + ACT Test Prep
π ACT + SAT Weekend Test Dates 23-24
π City of Farmington Hills is hiring!
π¨ Summer Art Jobs @ the Detroit Zoo!
Hiring face painters, photographers, Henna artists, Caricature artists -- no experience necessary!
π Summer Jobs @ the Detroit Zoo!
Hiring concessions, retail, catering, environmental service positions -- no experience necessary!
πThe Tutoring Center in Birmingham is hiring!
ποΈOakland County Parks is hiring!
Aquatics Program Positions
Individuals age 16 & up (no experience required) can join our aquatics team to make a splash on their resume this summer!
Recreation Program Positions
OCP provides all employees a FREE Annual Vehicle Permit and 12 parks access permits to enjoy various park facilities (wave pool entry, rounds of golf, campsite fees or a day at the ORV park)
π june + december in Berkley is hiring!
ποΈLa Collection by Cottonβn Things in Royal Oak is hiring!
Sales Associate (Part-Time)
Responsibilities:
β’ Assist customers in finding and selecting merchandise.
β’ Provide exceptional customer service to ensure a positive shopping experience.
β’ Maintain a tidy and organized store environment.
β’ Process transactions accurately and efficiently.
β’ Keep up-to-date on product knowledge and promotions.
β’ Collaborate with team members to achieve sales goals.
Requirements:
β’ Previous sales experience in a retail environment preferred.
β’ Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
β’ Ability to work weekends and some weekdays.
β’ Detail-oriented with a focus on providing excellent customer service.
β’ Passion for fashion and womenβs clothing.
Benefits:
β’ Competitive hourly wage.
β’ Employee discounts on merchandise.
β’ Opportunities for advancement within the company.
β’ Supportive and collaborative work environment.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and availability to cottonnthings@comcast.net.
La Collection by Cottonβn Things
405 S Main Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-250-8032
π’ Fascination Factory in Birmingham is hiring!
Are you energetic, enjoy working with children, love fun events and looking for a great work environment? Fascination Factory is a children's indoor playspace located in the rail district of Birmingham and we're looking to add team members to our staff. We offer open-play, birthday parties, camps & more. We're looking to add members to our team who are seeking afternoon and weekend hours. It is the perfect job for a high schooler seeking early childhood experience.
Reach out to Director of Operations Meredith by emailing meredith@fascinationfactory.com or call/text 248.736.1197 to learn more about this opportunity.
ποΈ Bravo Intimates in Royal Oak is hiring!
π°Co-pay Reimbursement for Mental Health Services
The Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) Mental Health School Navigators are Behavioral Health Professionals that provide outreach and resources to Schools in Oakland County. Their goal is to reduce barriers to mental health services which sometimes includes financial difficulties.
OCHNβs Mental Health School Navigators can provide families with a financial reimbursement resource that provides up to $2000 per household to help cover co-pays and deductibles by a qualified mental health professional, such as for therapy or psychiatry.
These funds are available to any Oakland County student. For more information and to be considered for the reimbursement, complete this form.
π Meeting with your Counselor
Counselors meet with students by appointment only. (Unless it is an emergency)
- Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Sloan (last names A-D)
- Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Weiss (last names E-K)
- Schedule an appointment with Ms. Drinkard (last names L-R)
- Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Tye (last names S-Z)
- Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Belsky (College + Career Counselor)
π College + Career Center course in Schoology
AllπofπtheπInfo
All BHS students have been added to the "College + Career Center" course in Schoology. In this course, students will have access to info on colleges, careers, jobs, etc. Event dates and Counseling news will also be posted for students.
Parents/Guardians can join the "College + Career Center" course in Schoology by using the appropriate join code below:
- Class of 2024 - BGB4-PSRM-GV93P
- Class of 2025 - R8HQ-9D83-XX2XQ
- Class of 2026 - K82D-N48J-93NTM
- Class of 2027 - Q92Z-K9B2-WWGGJ
You'll know what we know...
Find information on:
- Meeting with your counselor
- Mental health resources
- BHS course information/schedules
- Life after BHS! (college, jobs, careers, scholarships, financial aid)
- Calendar of upcoming BHS Counseling events