Sophomore Parent Breakfast on Wednesday November 14, 2012

The Guidance Department at Burlington High School will be hosting a Sophomore Parent Breakfast on Wednesday November 14, 2012, from 8:30-9:45 AM in the BHS Guidance College and Career Center. The purpose of this breakfast is to give parents of sophomore students the opportunity to have an open dialogue with all members of the guidance staff. The BHS Guidance Department has a variety of resources available for parents and students, and many topics will be covered that are relevant to sophomores, such as the MCAS, PSATs, career and college exploration, utilizing the Naviance program, and academic planning. Please join us for this informative event. We look forward to seeing you! Please RSVP at by calling 781-270-1780.

BC Splash is back Nov. 4!

BC Splash is a rare opportunity both for college and high school students. BC undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to share and showcase their passion for education in a classroom setting while high school students are immersed in the college environment for a whole day. They have the chance to explore the campus, network with undergraduates, and take classes in a wide variety of subjects. 

Student Registration is open

To Register for classes click HERE.

Please note: every student attending BC Splash must bring with them a signed liability form on the day of the event in order to participate. The liability form can be found HERE. Forms will be accepted at student registration only, please do not mail/email them. A reminder email with the form will be sent out the week of BC Splash.

THE FORM HAS BEEN UPDATED PLEASE USE THIS NEW ONE. THANK YOU.

This Fall’s Splash will be on November 4th! Student Registration for this Fall’s event is Open

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Hurricane impact on college related activities

Due to the hurricane the Guidance Department wants BHS students to be aware of the following:

Tomorrow night's College Fair (10/30/2012)  at the Shriners' Auditorium in Wilmington has been cancelled. 

AND for seniors applying Early Action:

Message from The Common Application: 
In response to Hurricane Sandy, several member colleges are extending their November 1 early deadlines. For the most accurate information, please check individual college websites, social media pages and your email as many member colleges have sent emails to applicants with the most up-to-date information and instructions. We continue to monitor the storm and its aftereffects closely and will communicate any new information as necessary.

Senior Parent Breakfast

On Wednesday October 24 ^th at 8 30 A.M. in the Burlington High School College and Career Center the Guidance Department will host a breakfast for senior parents. The purpose of this breakfast is so the counseling staff can give a very brief overview of the college application process, but our hope is to spend most of the time answering any questions or concerns from parents about the college process. Please join us for this informative event. We look forward to seeing you on October 24th at 8:30 AM. Please RSVP at 781-270-1780.

Gearing Up for College

Host: Dr. Mark Montgomery

Date: October 18^th

Time: 6:30PM– 8:00PM

Location: Burlington (MA) High School Auditorium

Who should attend: Parents and student in grades 8, 9, 10 or 11

If a college education is a critical credential for success in the 21^st century, how can I be sure that I’m ready for the challenge?

How should I get prepared?

How can I get into the best college—and make the most out of it?

Much of what we read about college admissions these days sows fear in the hearts and minds of both students and parents.  College admission seems more competitive, more stressful, more expensive, and more unpredictable than ever before. 

Questions swirl:

How will I pick the right college for me?

What is the secret to admission to highly selective colleges?

What if my SAT or ACT scores are lower than I want them to be?

What if I got a C in chemistry…am I doomed?

My GPA suffered freshman year (I was temporarily possessed by aliens); can I still get into Harvard?

Which activities should I pursue to stand out from the crowd?

Why do smart people attend community college?

Will I ever be able to afford to go to college, even if I can get in?

With only 24 hours in a day, how can I be a high school superstar?

This presentation will answer all these questions…and more. 

Looking at college through the lens of the admissions process, Mark Montgomery will share insights about how to prepare for college

Academically

Financially

Emotionally

Strategically

The goal is to help you focus more on the fundamental issues of happiness, success, and prosperity, and less on the things that makes this process one of the craziest, scariest, and most out-of-control aspects of American education. 

Come regain some control.  Come learn how you can Gear Up For College.

This presentation is aimed at students in 8^th through 11^th grade.  But those with a bad case of senioritis also are welcome to attend, as are younger students (and their parents) who want to get ahead of the curve.

Mark Montgomery, Ph.D., is an independent college consultant serving a national and international clientele from offices in Denver, Colorado, Westfield, New Jersey, and Hong Kong, China.  A former college administrator, admissions officer, professor of international relations, and high school teacher of French, he brings a wealth of educational experience and perspective to the process of college selection and admission.  He speaks to audiences around the world about how to choose the right colleges—and get in. 

For more information about Dr. Montgomery, please visit GreatCollegeAdvice.com.  

  

Freshman Parent Breakfast

The Burlington High School Guidance Department will be hosting a breakfast for all parents of freshman students on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 in  the BHS Guidance College and Career Center from 8:30 to 9:45 am. The Guidance Department at BHS has recognized that it often takes a full year for students and parents to understand and access the numerous programs, resources, and committed staff we have at Burlington High School. Our goal is to expedite this process for you by discussing topics important for the transition to high school. Please join The Guidance Department for this informative and open dialogue. Please RSVP by calling 781-270-1780.

College Essay Activity

The below post was written by Ms. Emily Minty  from the BHS Guidance Department

On September 25, 2015, all seniors attended a presentation by a panel of college admission representatives on the topic of the college essay. This event is coordianted and sponseored by the Natioanl Honor Society and the National Honor Society Advisors, Abby Abbot and Alex Allaire.

Panalists:  

Merrimack College James Cristiano cristianoj@merrimack.edu

Salem State Jacklyn Jackie Haas jhaas@salemstate.edu

Suffolk University Sara Morales smorales@suffolk.edu

UNH Kristin Butterfield Kristen.Butterfield@unh.edu

Harvard Meg Brooks-Swift mbswift@fas.harvard.edu 

Northeastern University Alice Smith ali.smith@neu.edu

UMass Lowell Doug Seed Douglas_Seed@uml.edu

Why an essay?

Only piece that comes directly from you, where you get to speak directly.

Convey who you are as a person and what you would bring to campus community.

Can give admissions rep material to advocate for you in committee.

Puts everything else into context.

Dos

• Draft, proofread, revise.
• Have one to two people look it over for you.
• Common app topics on how you overcame a problem could be way to share how you’ve changed and overcome.
• Feel connected to what you’re writing.
• Write about something that isn’t otherwise obvious in your application.
• Be authentic.
• Focus in on one small moment instead of the big picture.
• Pay attention to the question that you’re answering.
• Whatever you’re writing about, focus on how it impacted you.

Don’ts

• You don’t need the “perfect” topic. A mundane topic can still be a great essay.
• Let someone else write it for you or lose your voice in the process.
• Write all about someone else or sports event and not enough about you.
• Accidentally mention the wrong college name.
• Write outside your comfort zone or overdo it.
• Cliche topics: athletic injuries, don’t google “best college essays”, personal tragedies--make sure to focus on how these things affected you and how you’ve overcome.

College-Specific

• UMass Lowell-- Essay is only a focus if they’re on the fence based on GPA and test scores. Rec. letter from one teacher (about who you are as a student). 1-4 total.
• Salem-- Admission decision is purely based on grades and test scores. Do not require essay or recommendation letters. Recommend if need to share special circumstances. DO require it for Summer Bridge Academy, Honors program (emphasize time management skills)
• Harvard-- Essay is the chance to separate yourself. Encouraged to take advantage of optional supplemental essay too. Essay gets read by many people and goes to committees and is often read multiple times by same person. Also require SAT Subject Tests. Alumni interview is arranged after you apply.
• UNH-- Doesn’t offer interviews, but does offer one-on-one appointments with admission counselors. Rec. letter from guidance counselor only.
• Merrimack--Since SATs are not required, essay is  especially important. Extracurricular involvement is extremely important.
• Northeastern-- Holistic review of application, including essay. Looks at Extracurricular activities very closely. Require only one recommendation. Only send others if new information.
• Suffolk--Look at all pieces to see how student fits into community. Test scores will never be the reason that someone does or doesn’t get in, although there are certain majors that you need a minimum score for.

General

• Transcript is always the most important part of the application; to see if student is prepared to be successful in college.
• With extra-curricular activities, important that it’s clear that you had a real passion for things as opposed to just adding as many as you can. Does not only include school-affiliated activities.
• Recommendations from outside people can be interesting.
• Since requirements vary, make sure that you check with each college about their preferences and requirements

Senior College Planning Night

Senior Parents and Seniors are reminded that College Planning Night will be held on Thursday September 27th, 2012 at 6:30 in the Burlington High School Auditorium. The evening will cover a variety of topics in regard to the college selection and application process. The entire guidance staff will be at this event and we look forward to seeing you.

If you cannot make the event, it will be televised on BCAT. The showtimes will be posted soon.

"Academy Night 2012 "

Congressman John F. Tierney invites all high school students in Massachusetts’s 6th Congressional District who have an interest in learning more about the admissions process for one of the nation’s service academies, to attend Academy Night 2012 at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19th, beginning at 7 PM on the Danvers campus of North Shore Community College.

Students who wish to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy must send a completed application packet to Tierney’s Peabody district office by Nov. 1. During November, Tierney's Academy Review Board will evaluate each application, conduct interviews and make recommendations for names to be submitted for nomination to the respective academies in December.

For more information about applying to any of the service academies, contact Claudia Neidhardt in Tierney’s office at 978-531-1669

Class of 2013 Get Ready!!!

September is fast approaching and the BHS Guidance Department is looking forward to helping you make decisions in regard to the college selection and application process. We encourage you to continue using Naviance for your college search and selection process. In addition our Guidance blog has numerous resources that are designed to help you throughout this process. If you look under the college resource section on the right hand side of the blog you can find a wealth of information. Also we encourage parents to take advantage of the Blog and Naviance as well through this process. In a few weeks the Guidance Department will release our 2012/2013 Guidance schedule of events which includes Senior College Planning Night (September 27^th at 6:30) and other important Guidance related activities for all parents.  As a reminder all seniors are enrolled in study first semester. One of the primary goals of this study period is for you to connect with your guidance counselor to formulate a plan for post high school plans. Once again this is just a friendly reminder that summer can be used as a time to get a head start on college planning. See you soon.

International Science Essay Competition

The Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science is sponsoring an international science essay competition for high school students.  I am writing to ask your help in sharing this information with students in your schools who may be interested in participating.

By providing an interdisciplinary forum for sharing undergraduate research, the Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science highlights the important and exciting work being done by Dartmouth students and faculty.  Through the international science essay competition, the undergraduate editorial board seeks to include a broader array of voices in exploring the recent effects and future promise of science in our society.  A complete explanation of the contest, along with rules for participation, can be found online.

Schedule Update

Please keep in mind that besides taking a BHS course, students with schedule conflicts have the below options:

  

Option 1: Sign up for VHS. VHS is an on-line program that allows students to enroll in an on-line course. If you need to add one course that isn’t considered a graduation requirement, please feel free to sign up.

Although the program is available for schedule conflicts, this program can also be used for students in grade 10, 11 or 12 that wish to further advance in a specific academic area, take an AP course, or take a course that BHS does not offer.  Please click here for a link to the VHS Guidelines and click here for an application.

  

Option 2: Sign up for a Bay Path College Course. Bay Path College will offer a fall 2012 course. Students may enroll in this course in lieu of a Burlington High School course for the fall semester. Please remember that students are granted college credits for successful completion of this course. Please click here for an application. 

Lastly, if a student did NOT get into their first choice elective course, please call 781-270-1780 to be added to a waitlist for that course. 

Schedules are in the mail

Schedules are in the mail (mailed on 6/26). Please remember that all students must carry six academic courses each semester plus physical education and/or health. The one exception to this is if a junior or senior is enrolled in two or more AP courses.

Also if there is an error or omission in the schedule you need to make arrangements to correct the problem. If your schedule reads “Please Schedule an Appointment with Guidance” at the bottom then your schedule is invalid and it is imperative that you call to schedule an appointment. There are several options available:

·         Beginning Monday July 9th and continuing through July 26th, then again August 13^th to August 23^rd, Mr. Joseph Attubato, Support Services Coordinator, and several Guidance Counselors will be available (by appointment only) Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Please call Mrs. Patty Lewis at 781-270-1780 beginning on June 25^th to schedule an appointment. 

·         Guidance Counselors will be available during the week of August 20^th through August 23^rd from 8 A.M. to 12 Noon. During this week, students will be helped on a first come first serve basis.

You are encouraged to correct any problems in your course schedule as early as possible.  Doing so will ensure a smooth opening of school for you. Also, please be advised that specific teacher requests cannot be honored

Bay Path College

Burlington High School in conjunction with Bay Path College is happy to offer a fall 2012 business course for Burlington High School seniors and juniors. This is an excellent opportunity for selected seniors (and juniors) to receive dual credit. Dual credit gives BHS students the opportunity to receive college credit and high school credit. Given that Bay Path has a satellite campus at BHS travel requirements are minimal. Click here for an application and details or stop by the Guidance Office to pick up an application.

"College Topics For The Summer" Guidance Breakfast

The Guidance Department will host a breakfast called “College Topics For The Summer”. The purpose of this breakfast is so the counseling staff can give a very brief overview of important tasks associated with the college selection and application process. Although this event is geared for parents of juniors, ALL parents are welcome to attend. Please join us for this informative event. We look forward to seeing you on June 13th at 8:30 AM in the BHS Lower Library. We ask that parents RSVP at 781-270-1780

Advice to the 8th Grade

The Guidance Department asked freshmen to give advice to the incoming eighth graders.  Here are some of their suggestions for the Class of 2016.

Academic advice:
Don't think that freshman year is easy.
Study really hard and don't mess around because you will miss something important.
Don't give up.
Be ready to work harder than you're probably used to.
Take classes and studying really seriously.
Choose an elective that interests you.
Prepare yourself for the classes you chose. Start preparing during the summer.
Be prepared for a lot of homework and projects - and do it!
Don't play games on your iPad during class. You won't learn!
Always do your homework because a wrong answer is better than nothing.
Do your work and stay on task.
Stay organized.
Prepare in advance for tests and quizzes.
Always try your best!
Good luck with your classes!  Study hard.

Personal:
Be open and out-going because mostly everyone at BHS is friendly.
Join lots of activities.
Don't be overwhelmed. It's not that different.
Don't worry too much about getting lost and not finding your class.
It's not as bad as everyone says it is.
Make close friends with the people here and BHS will be great.
Do sports. (Lots of kids recommended)
Visit the high school over the summer.
Join the band.
Participate in school events.
Enjoy it!



Three great quotes:
Come in with an open mind about everything and not listen to the experiences that other people had.

Work really hard at anything you do in high school and you will be successful and do great in high school!

Don't be scared.  It is a great experience. Just work hard and you'll be just fine.

Class of 2007 Records Update

To the Burlington High School Class of 2007:

You were informed when you left Burlington High School that your academic records would be held for five years. After five years, all but your high school transcript would be destroyed

Beginning now and ending June 1, 2012, you may call Theresa Cavanaugh, Registrar at 781-270-1827, to arrange pick-up of your academic records. Proper identification will be necessary and only the 2007 graduate is authorized to pick up the records.

All records, excluding your high school transcript, will be destroyed beginning on June 20th.

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)

Freshman, sophomore and junior parents are invited to attend a free presentation on college financing this Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the BHS auditorium.

This seminar is offered through the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), the Commonwealth's resource for planning, saving and paying for college. An experienced MEFA representative, Carla Berg of Bentley University, will provide an overview of the financial aid process, including types of financial aid, how to apply, and determining financing options for your family. 

Also time is allowed for questions and answers. Please contact the BHS Guidance Department at 781-270-1780 if you have any questions.

Spring College Fairs

NEACAC SPRING COLLEGE FAIRS IN MASSACHUSETTS 

The New England Association of College Admissions Counselors (NEACAC) is holding three college fairs in Massachusetts this spring.  Two new sites have been added to the 2012 schedule at Stonehill College and Merrimack College.  The attendance at these fairs are free to students, parents and counselors.  No registration or notification is required to attend.

To see which colleges and universities will be in attendance just click on the fair sites below. 

NEACAC Fair:  Merrimack College

Lawler Arena in Volpe Athletic Center, North Andover, MA

Monday, May 14, 2012, 7:00pm-9:00pm

NEACAC Fair:  Assumption College

Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption College, Worcester, MA

Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 7:00pm-9:00pm

NEACAC Fair:  Stonehill College

Roche Dining Commons, Easton, MA

Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Dan Whitehead Memorial Scholarship

Seniors 
We have extended the deadline on the Dan Whitehead Memorial Scholarship to this Thursday May 3rd. We encourage you to apply. The award is for any BHS senior that is majoring in a service related industry (included, but not limited to, education, social services or criminal justice). You may download the application from your Naviance account or feel free to swing by the Guidance office and pick up a copy of the application

This  SAT/ipad practice SAT test for April 28th has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. It will be re-scheduled for next fall. The specific date and time will be publicized in August. 

Susan Alterisio Cardelle Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament

Over the past thirty 20 years the Susan Alterisio Cardelle Memorial Fund has contributed over $200,000 to the Burlington Scholarship Program. Due to the generous support of S.A.C. charities, many BHS seniors have been given a financial reward for all their hard work. On June 25th, S.A.C. charities will host the Susan Alterisio Cardelle Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Classic. Registration information can be found by clicking here. All community members are highly encouraged to take part in this annual event.

Welcoming BHS's Newest Students

On Thursday, April 12th, the Guidance Department hosted a New Student Breakfast to help welcome the 15+ new students who've enrolled at BHS since mid-year.  Several student mentors from the class of 2013 were also on hand to meet and greet new students, answer their questions and help with their transition to BHS.  All BHS students are assigned mentors as freshmen, and this breakfast was held to formalize the mentor program for new students as well.  New students were assigned a mentor from the junior class with the hope that the mentoring relationship would continue through next year, if needed.

New student concerns range from getting around the building, to making friends and adjusting to new teachers.  New students feel that teachers have been helpful with assigning students in class to guide them from one class to another, but that getting lost is sometimes still an issue.  They also appreciate the technology at BHS, such as the use of Facebook and their phones, in order to stay in touch with former friends, especially at moments during the day when they may feel uncomfortable.  They did not feel that being able to reach out to old friends impeded the making of new friends.  Some new students and mentors recommended that BHS redesign its school map.

Mentors encouraged new students to reach out to them and ask any questions.  One mentor also stated encouragingly, "It gets better."  Two new students, who are English Language Learners, were provided a student translator, who will also be in touch with their respective mentors.  The students also hope to create a Facebook group to stay in touch, and it's the hope of administration that next year, BHS will implement a Welcoming Committee, an off-shoot of the mentoring program, which exists specifically for newly enrolled students.

Our newest students have enrolled from countries such as Pakistan and Brazil and from several nearby cities and towns.  They were treated to a breakfast of assorted baked goods, fruit, yogurt and beverages provided by both the Guidance Department and the BHS cafeteria.

It's the goal of the Guidance Department to help ease the transition for newly enrolled students as much as possible, and we are always open to suggestions from the students and school community as to how to continue to improve this transition.