Weekly Update

"It's eye opening and very fun."

"I thought the classes were going to be long but they felt really short."

"This is the best thing I've ever done in High School."

- BHS students after the Reducing Sexism & Violence program

Dear BHS Families,

Amid this hectic moment, we want to make sure you see this: Right after winter break is an opportunity for your student to participate in a fun and frank leadership development workshop being offered at BHS for the 4th and final time. The Reducing Sexism & Violence Program is for all grades and genders. Through games, movement activities, and peer-to-peer discussions, students will learn how to recognize stereotypes at play in society, interrupt difficult situations, and build skills for positive relationships.

We know from 70 past student participants and dozens of teachers, how impactful this program is. As one student wrote, "it emphasized how similar we all are even when it's a thing we feel alone on." Please look at the program details with your teen and have them sign up here, it takes 10 seconds. This two-day in-school field trip takes place on Fri 01/06 & Mon 01/09, before the pressure builds toward final exams. And of course snacks are provided!

Thank you for helping us bring this important learning to as many BHS students as possible.

Sincerely,

Mr. Henninger & Mr. Lardie

While there are so many fun and joyful parts of the holiday season, for many it’s also filled with stressors–financial, being over scheduled, increased family stress, and grief, to name a few. There is often lots of pressure to participate in a variety of Hallmark-movie inspired activities that can feel overwhelming. The American Psychological Association shared that during the holiday season, 38% of people experience increased stress, often leading to depression, anxiety, fatigue, illness and an unhealthy use of substances. Knowing this, it’s important to take care of yourself–Be gentle with yourself! It’s okay and normal to not feel “the spirit of christmas.”

McLean Hospital has a webpage dedicated to mental health and the holidays. They discuss the 6 major stressors of the season: lacking “spirit,” grief, pressure to participate in activities, gift stress, lack of sunlight, and feeling alone. McLean has lots of suggestions to help cope as well as links to other articles that could be helpful to understand your feelings and connect with resources. Below you will find several tips to help you and your teen manage stress and emotions–check out the link for more tips and info!

• Only say yes to what feels good to you

• Avoid using drugs and alcohol to cope or numb feelings

• Be with people who feel similarly about the season

• Create new traditions that feel good

• Don’t force yourself to celebrate

• Be patient with yourself and others

• Communicate how your feeling to your family

• Create a self care plan for after seeing family, especially if it may bring up past trauma

• Spend time outside

• Schedule time with someone who feels supportive

• Reach out to a mental health professional to schedule a counseling appointment

As always, if you or a loved one is feeling suicidal, please call Maine Mobile Crisis at 1-888-568-1112 or reachout to the national hotline via phone or text at 988.

Next week at BHS, Sources of Strength organized a Mental Health Awareness Week to show support for people struggling during the season. SOS has asked people to wear different colors each day, ending with Ugly Sweater day on the last day before break. The schedule is in the newsletter–invite your student to participate! If you are interested in joining Sources of Strength, please reach out to Mrs. Schultz.

If you are concerned about your student, and would like to speak to someone at school, please reach out to their school counselor: Mary Moore (R10, OCLC, ESOL), Diane Cook (A-F), Scott Bradley (G-N), Christina Ring (O-Z). You can also reach out to Meredith Vogel (general education social worker) or Mary Kunhardt (special education social worker).

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)- the National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This current cycle will recognize educators teaching grades 7-12. Elementary school teachers (K–6) will be eligible to apply during a future cycle. Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, colleagues, etc.—may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form. To submit a nomination, you’ll need the teacher’s name, email address, and school contact information. Teachers may also initiate the application process themselves at www.paemst.org.

The deadline to nominate is January 9, 2023 or the deadline to apply is February 6, 2023.

BHS Spring Career Exploration Experiences! There are a number of opportunities available for students this spring to explore careers in fields related to animal care, health care, outdoor recreation, and culinary arts! Click here for more information about each opportunity!

If your student is interested in learning more about these experiences or interested in an opportunity created specifically for them, have them email Ms. Myers at mmyers@brunswicksd.org or stop by room 203 to chat!

Wednesday, December 21st

7pm - Crooker Theater

Doors open @ 6:30pm

Free to the public!

To students grades 9-11.

Are you interested in attending Region #10 Technical High School next school year? Follow the link below to complete the Early Enrollment Application. If you are considering Region #10, but need more information before applying, check with Mrs. Moore in the Counseling Office or with your individual counselor. Consider taking advantage of this great opportunity!

https://www.r10tech.org/

Scores have been Released

You scores are posted on studentscores.collegeboard.org.

To access your scores make sure you create an account in College Board if you have not already done so.

There are hundreds of scholarships just waiting for you to apply!!!!

Check out the links below and apply today.

https://sites.google.com/brunswicksd.org/bhsguidancecounceling/home/senior-information/scholarships?authuser=0

National Scholarship Search Links

Going Merry

iGrad Online Scholarship Search
CAPPEX

CollegeBoard

FastWeb!

Petersons

Unigo
Niche

American Legion Scholarships

Seniors – Especially those who are applying Early Decision or Early Action to college. Please make an appointment with your counselor soon so you can pick up and review the Senior Packet.

The Counseling Office is here to provide academic, social and emotional support to students, and to support our parents and guardians as well. Counselors schedule appointments, but students feel free to make your own appointment or stop by the Counseling Office when you have a study hall or FLEX. Parents – you are also welcome to reach out to your student’s counselor in an email or phone with any questions or concerns and to set up an in person meeting.

Counselor Mary Moore (students at Region #10/OCLC) 844-2357 7:30-3:30 email mmoore@brunswicksd.org

Counselor Diane Cook (students A-F) 844-2358 7:30-3:30 email dcook@brunswicksd.org

Counselor Scott Bradley (Students G-N) 844-2355 7:30-3:30 email sbradley@brunswicksd.org

Counselor Christina Ring (Students O-Z) 844-2353 7:30-3:30 email cring@brunswicksd.org

Please click the photo for information regarding Weather Cancellations

Dear Families,

Would you like to know what is happening daily at BHS? Please consider using all of the following options:

Please contact Geno Ring (gring@brunswicksd.org) for more information on vaping and how it affects our students. Thank you!

Please refer to the Brunswick School Department's Community Newsletter for the most recent COVID-19 Health and Safety Updates.

Please call our school nurse, Jennifer Strout, with any questions or concerns: 207-319-1917

Troy Henninger, Principal

Tim Gagnon, Assistant Principal

Katelin Urgese, Dean of Student Engagement

Aaron Watson, Athletic Director

Mary Moore, Guidance Director