Counseling Corner
August 2026 Edition
In This Edition...
- Registration Information
- Schedule Change Requests (available 8/31 - 9/11)
- How to Make an Appointment with Your Counselor (available starting 9/14)
- Grade Level Updates
- Upcoming Events in the Area
- Parenting Teens 101
Registration at BHS happens at the following days/times:
Seniors: 8-11am on Monday 8/31
Juniors: 12-3pm on Monday 8/31
Sophomores: 8-11am on Tuesday 9/1
Freshmen: 12-3pm on Tuesday 9/1
**If students are unable to attend registration, students may pick up a copy of their schedules in the main office on the first day of school.**
***Responses Accepted 8/31 - 9/11***
- To request a schedule change, please scan the appropriate QR code and complete the Google Form.
- **NOTE: YOU MUST BE LOGGED INTO YOUR student BHS GOOGLE ACCOUNT ONLY!
- Requests will be reviewed in the order they are received.
- Please note that certain types of requests (such as teacher requests, classes with friends, lunch requests) will NOT be honored
Class of 2027
I've started to get a few questions about college applications. Remember to review information included in my Future Senior Presentation for FAQs!
If you are using the Common App to apply to college, you need to add me as your COUNSELOR as well as any teachers writing recommendations as recommenders. Once that happens and you submit the application, I will get a notification that you submitted, and that's my cue to then fill out and submit my part. I will do the School Report, attach a transcript, and also, if required, submit a recommendation letter. If you need help with Common App, here are some helpful resources:
- First Year Tutorial Video: How to Fill out the Common App 26-27
- Common App Frequently Used Terms
- Common App: Understanding the Testing Section
- Common App: BHS Specific Information for Class of 2027
Regarding letters of rec....if, for example, you apply to Central, Western, Eastern, and Michigan State-none of those schools need or want any recommendation letters. In that case, I wouldn't write one because nobody would read it. If you apply to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, they require one from the counselor, so of course I would submit one.
If you apply to any schools that are not on the Common App, you'll need to request to send a transcript to that school by using Parchment.com. It's free to set up your account. Here are instructions for Parchment.
I will do Common Apps in the order they are received, starting the week of August 24th so we have updated transcripts that include your 12th grade course selection. Please give me at least two weeks to get to yours, and in some cases it might be even longer. Based on previous years and the size of our class, I would expect to do about 250 Common Apps - and each one takes between at 20-30 minutes (without a letter of rec)! Thanks, in advance, for your patience!
It's going to be a great senior year:).
Mrs. Caverly
Class of 2028 Update
Dear Juniors,
Welcome to one of the most important years of your high school journey!
11th grade is a year that can have a major impact on your future. For many of you, this is the time to start making important decisions about college, careers, scholarships, and the goals you want to pursue after high school.
Your grades matter, but so do the choices you make outside the classroom. Challenge yourself academically, get involved in activities that interest you, build strong relationships with your teachers, and take opportunities to explore your interests. If you are thinking about college, this is also a great time to research schools, understand admissions requirements, and begin preparing for applications and financial aid.
Most importantly, don't wait until senior year to start preparing for your future. The habits you develop now like organization, time management, perseverance, and asking for help, can make your senior year and the transition after graduation much easier.
You don't need to have your entire future figured out. You simply need to take this year seriously, make thoughtful choices, and keep moving forward.
Make 11th grade count. Your future self will thank you!
Can't wait to see all of you on September 8th!
-Mrs. Petit
Class of 2029
Welcome Back, Sophomores!
I hope you all had an amazing summer filled with sunshine, fun, and great memories! As summer comes to an end, it’s important to begin transitioning back into “school mode.” Reestablishing routines, getting organized, and preparing for the start of the school year will help you feel confident and ready when you walk through the doors of BHS. Start building those habits now!
As you begin your 10th-grade year, take some time to set goals for yourself. Sophomore year is an exciting time—you’ll begin exploring classes and subjects that interest you while continuing to build on the foundation you established as freshmen. If last year didn’t go exactly as planned, remember that it’s never too late for a fresh start. Think about what you can do differently this year to reach your goals and make the most of your opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you’re unsure about an assignment, an expectation, or something happening in class, reach out to your teachers early. Asking questions and seeking support is a strength and can make a big difference in your success.
Finally, try something new this year! Join a club, try out for a team, attend a BHS event, or find another way to get involved. Getting connected to your school community can make your high school experience more enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support as you continue your journey at BHS. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon!
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and have a fantastic sophomore year!
Mrs. Feliks
Class of 2030
As a reminder, our class registers on Tuesday September 1st from Noon-3:00. It's important that you attend if at all possible, as you do things there like pick up your schedule, get your picture taken for your ID, etc. There will also be a Club Fair in the Aux Gym, where you can check out the different clubs and see if there are any you are interested in joining. If you can't attend, you should come down to Counseling on the morning of our first school day of September 8th, and we'll get you your schedule and then go from there.
Some of you might be a bit anxious about starting at BHS. While that's totally understandable, just know that Mr. Grabowski and I, your teachers, the secretaries, and even our older students are here for you to make your transition smooth and keep your stress low. Don't hesitate to reach out, stop us in the hallway, or go into any office if you have a question or need help with something. At the end of that first week, you'll be a BHS veteran and feeling much more comfortable in your new school.
See all of you soon!
Mr. Miner
Counselor, BHS Class of 2030
Hello BHS families!
I hope you and your family have had a wonderful summer. It's hard to believe we're already approaching the start of another school year! Whether your summer has been filled with travel, family time, new experiences, work, or simply slowing down, I hope you've found moments to recharge.
While there's still time to enjoy these last weeks of summer, now is also a great opportunity to begin easing back into school routines. The transition from summer freedom to school schedules can be challenging for both students and parents, but a little preparation can make those first few weeks much smoother.
Here are a few simple ways to help your teen get ready for a successful start:
Start Shifting Routines
A week or two before school begins, gradually adjust bedtime and wake-up times so your teen isn't making a sudden change the night before school. Reestablish routines for meals, screen time, and daily responsibilities.
Get Organized
Review class schedules together, gather school supplies, and make sure any summer assignments are completed. Setting up a planner or digital calendar now can help students stay organized once classes begin.
Check In Emotionally
The start of a new school year brings excitement for some students and anxiety for others. Ask open-ended questions about how they're feeling, what they're looking forward to, and what they may be worried about. Simply listening can make a big difference.
Prepare Together
Include your teen in back-to-school preparations, from shopping for supplies to planning transportation and extracurricular activities. Feeling prepared helps build confidence for the first day.
Encourage Social Connections
If possible, encourage your student to reconnect with friends before school starts or attend any back-to-school events. Seeing familiar faces can ease first-day jitters and help students feel more connected.
Keep the Conversation Going
Once school begins, check in regularly. A simple conversation at dinner or during a car ride can provide an opportunity to celebrate successes, problem-solve challenges, and remind your teen that they have your support.
As always, our counseling team is here to support every student and family. If you have concerns about your student's emotional well-being, adjustment to school, or mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to partnering with you to help make this a positive, healthy, and successful school year.
Wishing you a wonderful finish to summer—we'll see you soon!
Jennifer Harper, LMSW
General Education Social Worker
Brighton High School Counseling Office