Schedule Update

We are so excited to inform students of some outstanding opportunities available at Burlington High School for the 2013/2014 school year. Each summer the Guidance Department meets with many students in order to choose available alternate elective courses. Over the years we have been limited to what is listed in our program of studies. However, for the 2013-2014 school year, we have some new and exciting opportunities as part of the course offerings that students need to be aware of. We believe students and parents should strongly consider some of these options. Below are the highlights and details for each unique option.

As many know we share a campus with Bay Path College. Bay Path is offering a business course called “Dynamics of Management” available to juniors and seniors. Students can take one less course during the school day and receive college credit. We have been offering this course for the past three years and the benefit here is students leave BHS with 3 college credits. Click here for an application.

Lastly, for juniors and seniors, many students take advantage of the VHS program. The VHS (Virtual High School) Program offers many unique and interesting courses NOT offered at BHS. We have had students take courses such as AP Psychology, criminology, contemporary Irish literature, screenwriting and forensic science. In order to take VHS course students should complete an VHS application by clicking here.

All applications must be delivered to the BHS Guidance Department in person.

2013 2014 Schedules

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” then your schedule is invalid and it is imperative that you call to schedule an appointment. There are several options available:

Beginning Monday July 8th and continuing through July 25th, then again August 12^th to August 22^nd  , 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 24^th to schedule an appointment.  The office will be closed beginning June 28^th and re-open on July 8^th.

Guidance Counselors will be available during the week of August 19^th through August 22^nd  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. If you were not enrolled in your first choice elective course please call the guidance office to be added to a wait-list. Also, please be advised that specific teacher requests cannot be honored.

Annual Advice for the Eighth Grade

Each year the BHS counselors visit Marshall Simonds to introduce themselves to the eighth grade.  Last year, we started asking the current ninth graders for advice they'd give to incoming students.  Here is some of what they've recommended:

Advice from the class of 2016 to the class of 2017:

Get involved and don't be afraid to try new things.

Try your hardest in class because it really does matter.

Play sports or get involved and you'll make a ton of new friends.

Be prepared to work hard.

Don't procrastinate.

Really put your focus on academics first and sports second.

Join clubs & sports.

Be confident!

Finding people who share common interests really helps.

The high school is not as confusing as it looks.

Always do your homework.

Do not use your iPad for social reasons. Don't let them distract you. They're actually really good for school if you use them right.

Don't spread yourself too thin.

Don't let the freedom go to your head.

Be open to making new friends.

Study!!

Get a lot of sleep.

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We look forward to welcoming next year's students to BHS in the fall!

Dual Enrollment at BHS

BHS is in its 3^rd year of offering Dual Enrollment courses with Middlesex Community College. These courses are offered during the school day. Many students and parents have questions about the process and program. Below are some common questions:

1. What is Dual Enrollment?  Dual enrollment is when a high school student not only receives high school credit, but college credit as well.

2. What Dual Enrollment courses does BHS currently offer? BHS offers Honors Calculus and Honors Portfolio Advanced Art as dual enrollment courses. These courses are listed as MAT 270Calculus I and ART 191 Independent Study: Portfolio on the Middlesex Community College transcript.

3. Who teaches these courses? The teachers teaching these courses are not only considered BHS teachers, but adjunct professors at Middlesex Community College.

4. How do students qualify for dual enrollment? For the calculus course, students are required to take the math ACCUPLACER placement exam and a precalculus challenge exam. If students meet qualifying scores they have the option to earn dual enrollment credit. For the art portfolio course, students are required to take the ACCUPLACER ELA exam

5. What is the ACCUPLACER test? ACCUPLACER is a suite of tests that determines your knowledge in math, reading or writing as you prepare to enroll in college-level courses. ACCUPLACER is used to identify your strengths and weaknesses in each subject area. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with your academic background, goals and interests, are used by academic advisors and counselors to place you in the appropriate college courses that meet your skill level.

6. Why are all students taking ACCUPLACER if they are not required to take the course? All dual enrollment students must take the ACCUPLACER placement test. By requiring students to take the test now makes things much easier next year in the event they would like to receive the credit next spring. Secondly, taking the ACCUPLACER provides the teacher with some very good curricular information before the start of the course and even allows the teacher to adjust the curriculum and/or have a better understanding about where to focus.

7. Are test scores released to any 3^rd party? Test scores are not released to any 3^rd party and are only used for placement purposes.

8. Are students required to take either course as dual enrollment? No, since students are required to pay a reduced fee for college credit, they do NOT have to participate in dual enrollment.

9. Are students guaranteed to be part of the Dual Enrollment Program once they register for the class with BHS? No, students must meet qualifying scores first in order to be considered for dual enrollment. After meeting the qualifying scores students are then required to complete an application.

10. What colleges or Universities accept Middlesex Community College credit? Both dual enrollment courses meet the requirements of the MassTransfer Block, which is a portable block of general education courses. While it is up to the receiving institution to determine if the course qualifies for course credit, we are focused on offering dual enrollment courses that are commonly transferable. For more information on the MassTransfer Block visit http://www.mass.edu/masstransfer/students/TransferBlock.asp.

11. How will my Dual Enrollement course be reported to any colleges that I apply to? This course will read (on the BHS transcript, reports card, etc.) that the student is enrolled in an Honors Calculus or Honors Portfolio Art course. In order for your dual enrollment course to be transferred to a college or university, you must request to have official Middlesex transcripts mailed to each of your respective colleges that you’ve applied to. This request is made through the Middlesex Community College website or Student Information Center.

College Topics For The Summer

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 12th at 8:30 AM in the Guidance College and Career Center. We ask that parents RSVP at 781-270-1780. 

KAPLAN Test Prep

Once again KAPLAN will be offering SAT test prep courses this summer and fall to BHS students. Information will be mailed out next week, but we wanted to post the schedule for students/parents that wanted to get an early jump on test prep. registration. Registration must be completed as soon as possible. Burlington students only pay $249, which is a reduced price. To register please call 1-800-KAP-TEST.

In addition, Kaplan offers Free on-line PSAT, SAT and ACT test prep using the access codes. You can find the access codes by clicking here. 

Go to kaplanatschool.com/burlington and enter:

Code KAS2013SAT for SAT Prep
Code KAS2013 ACT for ACT Prep
Code  KAS2013 PSAT for PSAT Prep

The above codes should be entered on the Payment & Confirmation page when you check out online.