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