Counseling Newsletter

So much has happened since our return from winter break. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the fires. Our thoughts are also with those who have come to California's aid including our figerfighters and first responders. One of our very own Birmingham Counselors, Ms. Lilian Galvez, Class of 2027, lost her home in the Eaton Fire and if you would like to help please donate to https://gofund.me/db57219f

Freshman counselors will be meeting with students in February in their English classes. Counselors will be discussing summer school/credit recovery and students will be able to choose their classes for Sophomore year.

Mrs. Martinez (A-F)

Ms. Marquez (G-N)

Mrs. Mutia (O-Z)

Happy New Year! Counselors will be meeting with every student in February in their Science Classes to plan their Junior year courses as well as summer school credit recovery class needs. Meetings will be held with students and parents who are not on track for graduation. Please encourage your students to visit our website and explore our course catalog to see what classes we offer and what they might want to take in junior year.

Mrs. Gazarian (A-F)

Ms. Galvez (G-N)

Ms. Rocha (O-Z)

One semester left of junior year! Our juniors have been taking advantage of all the opportunities. We have a busy semester ahead of us preparing academically and mentally for senior year. Junior students and parents must be reading emails, google classroom postings for the class of 2026 because we have many events happening starting this month through summer. Space is limited and sign-ups are often required. Please don’t miss out on the following events:

• Academy Group $20,000 Scholarship/Mentoring Application Workshop 1/29 *Deadline to sign up 1/21 bit.ly/appworkshopag

• Junior Symposium - Wednesday mornings at 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM starts 2/12- 4/19 Get a head start on college series *Deadline to sign up 2/05 bit.ly/collposium

• Junior Parents College Info Zoom 3 Part Series In English at 5 PM and Spanish at 6 PM *Links will be shared via ParentSquare

• 1/29/25 - Preparing for Senior Year

• 2/05/25- Financial Aid Explained

• 2/12/25 - Scholarships

Mrs. Riusech (A-F)

Ms. Easley (G-N)

Ms. Vasquez (O-Z)

Let’s welcome our Class of 2025 to their last semester of high school! The counselors are so proud of our seniors’ diligence in completing their classes and will continue to monitor their progress. We have already emailed the graduation and A-G progress updates to both students and parents. Students must complete their post secondary plan requirement by uploading proof to our Class of 2025 Google Classroom to be eligible to walk the graduation stage. We will be meeting with our seniors for a final senior graduation/A-G check in the coming months. We are excited to finish the year and celebrate our seniors!

Mrs. Brown (A-F)

Mrs. Perez (G-N)

Mrs. Palacios (O-Z)

Birmingham Virtual Academy offers a fully remote program with flexible scheduling. We offer AP and Honors classes and promote a College/Career readiness program. Further, we are A-G, 4-year College aligned. Students interested in Music/Band/Theater/ASL/Cooking can take courses on the main campus (Concurrent Enrollment). In addition, BVA offers NCAA-approved courses to student-athletes. Athletes can play their sport of choice and learn online, allowing additional flexibility for travel and games. BVA also caters to students with medical needs and other circumstances where they can not partake in a traditional school setting. Tutoring for all courses with live instructors is available as well.

For more information visit our Birmingham Virtual Academy page below:

https://www.birminghamcharter.com/admissions/independent-study-clone

In light of the recent LA wildfires, we acknowledge the immense impact this event has had on our community. Many families are facing challenges, and it is important to recognize the emotional toll these circumstances can have on both children and adults. We encourage all families to take care of their mental well-being and reach out for support when needed. Our school is here to assist with resources, including mental health support and local hotlines. We also recommend utilizing self-care tools, such as mindfulness practices and connecting with loved ones, to help navigate this difficult time. To help, please reference the flyer with some self-care strategies.

For immediate support, please see the list of hotlines and resources for those affected:

1. Disaster Distress Helpline
   1-800-985-5990
   Provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support for individuals impacted by natural disasters.

2. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH)
   1-800-854-7771
   Offers mental health support and resources for those affected by disasters.

3. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
   988
   Available 24/7 for individuals in crisis, offering emotional support and assistance.

4. Crisis Text Line
   Text HOME to 741741
   Provides free, 24/7 text-based support for individuals in crisis.

5. Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA)
   1-800-854-7771
   Offers resources and support for mental health services in Los Angeles.

6. California HOPE Program
   1-800-500-4931

Please remember to reach out for help if needed, and don't hesitate to connect with these resources during challenging times.

Make sure to follow us on instagram to stay updated with our monthly campaigns! PSW @bcchs_psw & H.O.P.E. Club @ bcchshopecblub

College Applications are OPEN:

• UC Application opened August 1

• Apply: universityofcalifornia.edu/apply

• Common App opened August 1

• Apply: commonapp.org

• CSU Application will open October 1

• Community College application for Summer/Fall 2026 will open in late Fall

*FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND COLLEGE INFO!

9th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/scholar9

10th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/scholar10

11th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/scholar11

12th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/12scholar

Schedule an appointment using the links below.

Wendy Quiñonez

College Counselor (Last Names A-L)

w.quinonez@birminghamcharter.com

Schedule Meeting:

calendly.com/wq1

Erika Lopez

College Counselor (Last Names M-Z)

er.lopez@birminghamcharter.com

Schedule Meeting:

calendly.com/er-lopez

Angela Zook

Career Counselor

a.zook@birminghamcharter.com

Schedule Meeting:

calendly.com/a-zook

STEP 1:

Student must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA (All grades of C or higher) to qualify for work permit.

STEP 2:

Download B1-1 Work Permit Application

*Click B1-1 Application link and download a copy at home or come to the Blue & Gold Center to pick one up.

STEP 3:

Fill out the B1-1 Work Permit Application and have your parent and employer sign it.

*No digital signatures/scanning permitted*

STEP 4:

Return the B1-1 Work Permit Application filled out and signed back to school. Drop-in, no appointment necessary.

• To: Mrs. Margie Curtis
• Where: Blue & Gold Center
• When: Monday - Friday
• Time: Between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

STEP 5:

Either Mrs. Curtis or Mrs. Zook will print your work permit.

*Student must be present to sign the work permit

See Below for more information!