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BHS Counseling Corner

September 2026

BHS CounselingCornerSeptember 2026

In this Newsletter In this Newsletter

  • Get to know your counseling team at BHS
  • How to make an appointment with your counselor
  • Grade level counselor updates
  • Events happening at BHS
  • Career and College Updates
  • Wellness Corner

Counselors and Social Workers at BHS Counselors and Social Workers at BHS

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Counselor for the Class of 2027

  • Jennifer Caverly caverlyj@brightonk12.com
    • Though Mrs. Caverly has only been part of the BHS community since 2022, this is her 10th year as a high school counselor and 22nd year in public education. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, competing in Spartan races, traveling, reading, and "Ubering" her daughters around to their activities.


Counselor for the Class of 2028

  • Jody Petit petitj@brightonk12.com
    • Mrs. Petit has been in education for 27 years. She taught high school English for 14 years before getting her masters in counseling! She loves working with juniors on their postsecondary plans and looks forward to seeing all of her students walk across that stage next year. She loves to snow ski in the Winter and Boat in the summer!


Counselor for the Class of 2029

  • Katey Feliks feliksk@brightonk12.com
    • Mrs. Feliks has been in school counseling for 9 years. She came from Scranton Middle School and before that was a high school counselor in a neighboring district. She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Central Michigan University. She is a mom of 3 grown boys and enjoys boating on Lake St. Clair in the summer and loves practicing yoga and going on hikes, skiing and bike riding.

Counselor for the Class of 2030

  • Jeff Miner minerj@brightonk12.com
    • Mr. Miner has been working for Brighton schools since 1996, and as a BHS counselor since 2012. Mr. Miner loves spending time with his majestic cat, Sailor!


School Social Workers

  • Jennifer Harper harperj@brightonk12.com
    • With 28 years of experience as a licensed master-level social worker, I am passionate about supporting students as they navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges of high school. I provide individual counseling, group support, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources, with experience supporting students with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and social challenges. I also work closely with students, families, teachers, counselors, and administrators to help ensure that every student has the support and resources they need to feel connected, confident, and successful at school.


      On a personal note, I am proud to be a BHS graduate and feel especially fortunate to now serve the school and community that have been such an important part of my life. I have one child currently in the district, which gives me an additional connection to the experiences of our students and families. Outside of school, I enjoy running, camping and traveling with my family, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.


  • Alexis Jaster
    • Ms. Jaster has been working in the field of social work for 4 years now, both spent in the high school setting. She has a passion for mental health education, supporting students and families, and loves getting to see students grow as they progress through their time in high school. She enjoys reading, lifting at the gym, and spending time with her 2 dogs when she is not at BHS!


  • Erika Vorias
    • This is my 10th school year as a school social worker, and 3rd year here at BHS. I have two little girls at home and we enjoy activities outside, anything that involves animals and time with our family. This year I am looking forward to helping students at BHS feel empowered, comfortable and confident as they navigate their high school experience!


Mental Health Specialist....Rachel Anderson


This is my 4th year in a social work role and my second year at BHS as the Mental Health Specialist! I am here to support students with any social emotional needs, whether that be long term therapy or just having a bad day. I have an amazing family, my husband, three kids, and a large fluffy dog. I enjoy everything outdoors, watching sports, reading, and vegging on the couch with a cup of coffee and a good show/movie.

Counseling Appointments Counseling Appointments

Make An Appointment with Your Counselor

Students -

Starting the week of September 14th, you will be able to make an appointment with your grade level counselor online via BHS's Counseling Website or by clicking the Make an Appointment image below for QR codes.


  • Book the appointment time that works best for you.
  • You will receive an email/calendar confirmation of your appointment. You will use this confirmation as the pass to show your teacher. In order to limit the disruption in your classroom, counselors will NOT send a pass for you.
  • Please make sure to come to counseling promptly at your scheduled time.
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Grade Level Updates Grade Level Updates

SENIORS - - There's A LOT of Important Info! Please READ THOROUGHLY! 🎓 SENIORS - - There's A LOT of Important Info! Please READ THOROUGHLY! 🎓

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Class of 2027 Update

Class of 2027, I have been getting a lot of questions about college applications, sending transcripts, and the Common Application in particular, since it is application season. So if your path after high school doesn't involve college, you can skip this particular message!


I highly recommend getting all of your applications in by November 1st, which is when most colleges consider them eligible for Early Action. This does give you a better chance of being accepted, and it allows you to know where you are going earlier in the year. There are some schools that have earlier or later deadlines, so make sure to check the ones you are applying to.


APPLYING TO COLLEGE is a TWO-STEP process-you must fill out an application AND send a transcript (see below regarding how to send transcripts).


If you are using the Common Application, make sure you invite and assign me as your COUNSELOR, and do the same for anyone writing you a recommendation letter. I will fill out the School Report and will write a recommendation letter if necessary (please complete the Senior Questionnaire if a letter of rec is required). I MUST upload your transcript as part of the School Report, so you do not need to request transcripts be sent to any school you apply to using the Common App.


Any school you apply to using another method besides Common App requires you to put in a request on Parchment for me to send them a transcript. You can track the status of your transcript request in your Parchment account.


If there is a special circumstance and you need your transcript sent directly to a person at a school, please let me know and provide their e-mail address. This happens most frequently with students planning to play a sport in college, where the coach might ask for a transcript to be sent directly to them.


Last thing-I am happy to answer general questions about college applications, deadlines, etc. However, I want to make sure that you know that the best and most accurate source of knowledge about a school's admissions policies and application is the admissions office of that school. Don't be afraid to reach out to them-answering questions is literally part of their job, and they are happy to do so.


College admissions reps are coming to BHS. Sign up here!


I plan to visit English classes over the next couple of weeks to answer some general college questions!


STUDENTS (not parents ) - **Be sure to join the appropriate REMIND group below.** Also be sure to pay your mandatory senior fee and select your senior shirt size**.


I'm looking forward to a great year, seniors :)!


Mrs. Caverly

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Class of 2028 News

Hi Juniors!

Junior year is an exciting and important year, and we want to encourage each of you to make the most of it!

First, do your very best on the PSAT/NMSQT October 7th. While it may feel like “just a test,” the PSAT is a great opportunity to practice for the SAT that you will take in the spring, see where you stand academically, and, for some students, potentially qualify for National Merit recognition. Take the time to prepare, come well-rested, and give it your best effort. You never know where one strong test performance can lead! Mr. Evans will be sending home more communication on test details very soon.


Second, plan on attending the September 24th College Night,hosted by Cleary University from 6-8pm. There will be financial aid information, 50+ Colleges and Universities, Military Recruiters and more!! Please register at the link below.

CollegeNightRegistration


Make sure that you are watching announcements for all of the club information. Just this week I saw information on joining the Book Club, Sierra Club, Euchre Club, Model UN, Science Olympiad, and Boardercross. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people, discover interests, develop leadership skills, and make memories that you’ll carry with you long after high school.


Your junior year will go by faster than you think. Challenge yourself, get involved, show your school spirit, and make this a year to remember.



-Your Counselor, Mrs. Petit

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Class of 2029 News

Welcome to sophomore year! I hope you’re getting settled into your schedules, finding your routines, and getting back into the rhythm of school. It has been so great seeing all of you back in the building, and I’m excited to continue working with you as you work toward your goals at BHS and beyond!

Sophomore year is a great time to find your groove. One thing that can make a BIG difference is having a plan for managing your time. Between homework, studying, activities, friends, and everything else life throws your way, finding a routine that works for you can make things feel much more manageable.

You’re also continuing to knock out those important core requirements, which means you’re getting closer to having more flexibility in your junior and senior years to explore electives and classes that interest you. Now is a great time to start asking yourself: What do I enjoy? What am I good at? What do I want to learn more about? You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do after high school—just start exploring! You never know when a class or new experience might spark an interest or future career idea.

And remember: advocate for yourself! If you’re confused, struggling, or need a little extra help, reach out to your teachers. Don’t wait! I’m always here for you, too, so please don’t hesitate to stop by or reach out with questions or concerns.

Most importantly, make this year YOUR year! Work hard, try new things, make some memories, and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments along the way.

I’m looking forward to an awesome year with all of you!


-Mrs. Feliks

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Class of 2030 News

Hello Class of 2030! I've really enjoyed seeing all of you in the hallway and starting to get to know you. Feel free to stop by my office in Counseling if you need anything, have a question, or just want to steal a Dum-Dum sucker for the road.


I'm hearing really good things from your teachers about your focus and behavior in class. Like we said in the assembly, starting strong and developing good habits from Day 1 really sets you up for success.


Hopefully by this point you feel pretty comfortable finding your way around the building. If you ever get lost or are unsure where something is, you can ask any adult in the hallway, in an office, or in their classroom and they will help you out.


Keep us the good work, build on your strong start, and enjoy the start of your four years at BHS. Graduation day 2030 will be here before you know it!


Mr. Miner

Important Upcoming Events at BHS Important Upcoming Events at BHS

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BHS College Visits

Attention 11th and 12th graders...

We’re excited for this new opportunity for you to meet with College Reps in a classroom setting this year! We’ll continue to have visits outside the lunchroom, but are now offering them throughout the day where you can attend a presentation, learn more about the school, their programs and scholarship opportunities.


Students will be allowed to attend up to 5 presentations throughout the school year, for which absences will be marked accordingly.


STUDENTS...Please scan the QR code or visit the link to view the list of schools and sign-up! (Parents - this link is restricted to BHS email accounts). https://bit.ly/BHS-College

Career and College Updates Career and College Updates

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FAFSA Opens October 1st

Start filling out the FAFSA® form at fafsa.gov beginning on October 1st.


WHY Complete the FAFSA?

You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to be eligible for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is completely FREE. Completing this form provides you access to the largest source of aid to help you pay for college or career school.


Additionally, many colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid. Some private aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid as well.


Save the Date... we will have a FAFSA Parent/Student help session on Dec 9th at BHS...more info to come!

Livingston County College Fair Livingston County College Fair

Join the 50+ colleges & universities that will be at Clearly University! This is a great opportunity for any high school student to talk with college reps, gain information about financial aid, and also talk to military recruiters!

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Wellness Corner Wellness Corner

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Welcome back, BHS families! The start of a new school year brings a lot of excitement - Pink Week, fall sports, clubs, new friendships, and new opportunities to get involved. At the same time, transitions can sometimes feel overwhelming. Adjusting to new routines, expectations, classes, and social situations takes time, so be patient with yourself and your student.


A few reminders for a healthy start:

  • Establish routines for sleep, meals, homework, and downtime.

  • Stay connected. Encourage students to spend time with people who make them feel supported and valued.

  • Get involved. Joining a club, team, activity, or school event is a great way to build connections and find a sense of belonging.

  • Check in regularly. Ask how things are going and listen without immediately trying to fix everything.

  • Reach out early. Struggling is nothing to be ashamed of, and asking for help is a sign of strength.


September is also Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and throughout the month I will be sharing resources and activities focused on awareness, connection, and prevention. One of the most important things we can do is remind our students that they are not alone and that help is available.

If you or your student is struggling with stress, anxiety, sadness, relationships, school, or simply feeling overwhelmed, please reach out. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference. I am here to listen, support, and help connect students and families with the resources they need.

Here’s to a safe, connected, and positive start to the school year!


Mrs. Harper

harperj@brightonk12.com

BHS Counseling Department
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