College Planning Night

Senior College Planning Night was well attended with roughly 100 parents. Many aspects of the college planning and application process were covered. For parents that missed the event, BCAT will be streaming the event within the next few weeks. College informational packets were distributed as well. If you would like to pick up a packet please feel free to stop by the Guidance Office.

Also for parents that missed the event last night we will hold our annual "College Topics for Parents of Seniors" breakfast on October 23rd at 8:30 AM in the BHS Guidance College and Career Center. This informative event will cover the various topics relating to the college selection and application process for parents of Burlington High School seniors.

In terms of financial aid, two very important forms were mentioned last night. The FAFSA and the CSS profile. We encourage parents to investigate both applications ASAP. Please remember that the BHS Guidance Department will host a Financial Aid Night on Thursday January 9, 2014 and BHS will be a location this year for FAFSA Day on January 26th.

Freshman Parent Breakfast

The Burlington High School Guidance Department will be hosting a breakfast for all parents of freshman students on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 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 Planning Night on 9/26/2013

Senior Parents and Seniors are reminded that College Planning Night will be held on Thursday September 26th, 2013 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.

Free PSAT or SAT at BHS on 9/21

Burlington High School students can take either a free SAT or PSAT test at BHS on Saturday 9/21 beginning at 9AM. In order to take the free test students MUST register (registration information below). We strongly recommend students in grades 9 and 10 and 11 consider taking the practice PSAT. BHS will offer the full PSAT exam on Wednesday October 16, 2013.

Seniors that want 1 more chance to take a free practice test OR a senior that has NEVER taken an SAT exam should strongly consider registering for this free opportunity. The SAT exam will be offered at BHS on 10/5, 11/2 and 12/7.

In order to register please call 1-800-KAP-TEST. 

BHS Guidance Schedule of Events

The Guidance Department is happy to announce a full schedule of BHS Guidance Events for the 2013/2014 school year ( links can be found on the right hand side of this blog). In addition to ALL the BHS Guidance Events, we have the schedule for the Guidance Parent Breakfast Series. Based on parental feedback the Guidance Department has identified a variety of topics to cover throughout the school year for any interested parent.

FALL KAPLAN COURSE

Once again KAPLAN will be offering SAT test prep courses this fall for BHS seniors. 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. 

Also Kaplan will be offering a FREE practice test on Saturday September 21st at BHS beginning at 9AM. Students must register by calling 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

Still available spots for Juniors and Seniors to take a Bay Path College Course.

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 huge benefit  is students graduate with 5 BHS credits and 3 Bay Path College credits. Click here for an application. Below are some specifics about the course:

COURSE:  BUS 235-10 --- DYNAMICS OF MANAGEMENT – 3 credits        

Instructor:  Jane Nabokin

Location:  BHS – Room 137

Saturdays 8:00 am – 12:30 pm (8 Saturday Sessions); September 21, 2013 – December 14, 2013 (No class on 10/5, 10/26, 11/2, 11/30 and 12/7)

This course is an introduction to the basic functions and theories of management in the context of a dynamic environment.  Emphasis is on the role of managers in making organizations effective and efficient, in part through developing an understanding of how to assess and capitalize on the changing internal and external environment.  Case studies and exercises will be utilized.

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!