BHS Counseling Corner

• Tutoring Resources
• Grade level updates
• Financial Aid Presentations, Scholarship Information ***Seniors ....pay close attention to Fee Waivers for College Apps this month!!!!***
• Upcoming Events at BHS
• Upcoming Events in the Area
• Career Connection
• Wellness Corner

After you read Mrs. Caverly's update, keep scrolling for a whole section dedicated to you regarding: College App Fee Waivers and FAFSA info!

Seniors,

It's been great to see so many of you in my office lately regarding college, college apps, and opportunities to pursue if you are not attending college. Application season is definitely in full swing, and taking advantage of the free applications offered during October by many schools is a smart play. Getting your applications finished and sent in is the first step to going to college, but in some ways the easiest one.

**If you are applying to college via Common App's and have a Nov 1st Early Action deadline, you must invite me prior to October 26th to ensure I am able to complete my portion(s) by Nov 1.

**If you need a letter of rec (required by college), you must communicate with me (or the staff you need one from) to give us enough notice you need one! If you need a letter from me or Mr. Evans, you must complete this Senior Questionnaire. Please give us 2 weeks notice!

**If you are not using Common App to apply to college, make sure you send your transcripts to colleges via Parchment.

The most difficult one is often waiting for schools to give you a decision so you can make your choice and start to figure out where you'll be next fall. Some schools will tell you quickly, others will wait until December or even later. I know this can be very frustrating, especially when you are waiting for THAT ONE SCHOOL that you really want to attend. It's especially frustrating because they aren't on our time frame, and we have no control over the process.

However, there are many colleges out there, and many of those will be good fits for you. If choice #1 doesn't accept you, chances are that you will have just as good an experience at choice #2 or 3, or maybe even better!

If you aren't going to college, or aren't sure, now is a good time to start making plans for June and beyond. Are you going to transition into full time work? Look at options for joining the military? Checking out training programs for skilled trades? Whatever it is, it's better to have a plan for life than to just let it happen to you. I'm happy to meet with you to help you navigate your next steps!

Be safe and enjoy your last Homecoming.

Mrs. Caverly

Hi Juniors!

I am enjoying sending you down for a quick credit update and making sure you have access to your updated overall GPA! If I haven't given you your transcript yet, hang tight! As you review your progress, remember that junior year is an important time to stay focused and continue working hard. Every assignment, test, and class matters, so keep putting forth your best effort and taking responsibility for your academic success. Stay motivated and finish each marking period strong!

Here are a few important updates and opportunities to keep on your radar:

• Job Shadow Opportunity: Registration opened on October 14th! This is a great opportunity to explore a career field, learn more about different professions, and gain valuable real-world experience. Be sure to look into this opportunity and register if you are interested! Here is the link to sign up. https://app.grouptrail.com/public/sites/22195

• PSAT Scores: You should be receiving your PSAT scores by October 22nd. Once your scores arrive, take some time to review them and think about areas where you can continue to grow and improve as you prepare for future college admissions testing.

• College & Career Exploration with XELLO: In November, you will have dedicated time in the media center to explore colleges, careers, and future opportunities using XELLO. Take advantage of this time to learn more about your interests, research potential career paths, and begin thinking about what your future might look like after high school.

Juniors, this is an exciting and important year! Stay focused on your academics, get involved in opportunities that interest you, and begin taking steps toward your future goals. The effort you put in now can make a difference down the road.

I will see you soon!!!

Mrs. Petit

Hello, Sophomores!

I can’t believe we’re already halfway through October! I hope you all enjoyed Homecoming Week and had the chance to participate in Spirit Week and all the festivities!

By now, you should be settling into your classes and establishing a routine that helps you balance homework, studying, and your other activities. One of the biggest keys to success is staying organized and having a plan for managing your time. If you’re finding this challenging, I’m here to help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!

I’ll be visiting with you during your science classes the week before Thanksgiving to continue our career exploration journey using Xello. I’m looking forward to helping you learn more about yourselves, explore your interests, and begin setting goals for life after high school. Career exploration is one of my favorite parts of being your school counselor, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you!

I’ll see you all soon. Keep up the great work, and remember that I’m here to support you along the way!

Mrs. Feliks

Mr. Grabowski and I had a great time coming into your US History classes and talking with you about grades, pathways after high school, and the positives and negatives about being at BHS so far. You offered some fantastic feedback, and it seems like BHS is off to a great start for most of you.

I continue to enjoy meeting and learning more about each of you. My plan is to keep calling you down individually to Counseling as time allows to continue doing this. Please feel free to stop by anytime, whether it's to talk about life, solve a problem or issue, or simply to grab a Dum Dum sucker off my desk!

Thanks,

Mr. Miner

Join us in the Media Center at BHS on 11/11/26 at 6pm to get help on your FAFSA from a Financial Aid Expert! You must register by 10/26/26 to join!

What is FAFSA?

It is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Why complete the FAFSA do?

Get access to:

• Federal financial aid programs.
• State financial aid programs.
• Institutional financial aid programs.
• Loans, grants, and work study opportunities.

By completing the FAFSA, your could qualify for:

• A significantly REDUCED TUITION (approximately ½ the cost) associate degree or skill certificate at a community college with the Community College Guarantee. The scholarship also provides significantly reduced tuition for students attending community college before transferring to a four-year university. Plus, students receiving the Federal Pell Grant qualify for an extra $1,000 to help pay for living expenses. All Michigan high school grads are eligible and there are no GPA or household income requirements.

• Up to $27,500 ($5,500/year up to 5 years) for a private or public university through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. 7 out of 10 students in Michigan may qualify, no matter their academic or athletic abilities.

• Up to $4,000 for a career training program with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship. Students simply choose an eligible career training provider and complete their application through the MiSSG student portal.

Helpful links:

What is the FAFSA and why should you fill it out?

How Financial Aid Works

Federal Student Aid

MI Student Aid

Need help completing the FAFSA?

Here is a link to virtual financial aid presentations.

If you still need help, you can contact the Financial Aid Office of a college you are applying to for further assistance and/or plan to attend our FAFSA Workshop on 11/11/26 at BHS (see more info above).

High school students and families interested in learning more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are encouraged to attend an informational webinar provided by MI Student Aid.

Participants will be able to gather the following information:

• Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
• Important action items for students and families
• Additional resources and program information

All sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited.

REGISTER HERE!

Brighton High School Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming up quick. We will have in-person PT Conferences on Thurs 10/22 and virtual PT Conferences on Tues 10/27.

• You may notice one of your student’s teachers has an alternative schedule for conferences due to extenuating circumstances. Please contact them directly via email with any questions or clarifications.

To schedule a conference, visit: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Brighton_High_School_1

Simply check the boxes for the teachers you would like to set up conferences with and you will receive an email with the times they are available for conferences. If you select a virtual conference, the teacher will send you an email directly with the link to the virtual conference session in the near future.

Juniors and Seniors.... You have an awesome opportunity to attend college visits from admissions reps at BHS. You will get up-to-date admission information as well as other insight into what is unique about colleges in our area. Register today for these informational sessions!

Are you or your student looking to attend a college fair? Here is a list of accredited fairs in Michigan!

Help take the next step toward the future! Registration for our annual LivCo Job Shadow Days officially opens on Wednesday, October 14th.

Job shadowing gives students a firsthand look inside real workplace environments, helping them test-drive potential careers and make informed decisions about life after high school.

How Students & Families Can Prepare:

• Discuss Options: Have a conversation this weekend about career fields, industries, or job roles that spark your interest.
• Register Early: Registration opens Wednesday, Oct. 14th on the Livingston Career Hub. Popular placements fill up quickly, so don't wait!
• Complete Prerequisites: Make sure all required permission slips and documentation are submitted by the posted deadlines.

Registration & Support:

• Need help signing up? Check out the Student Registration and Sign up for step-by-step instructions.

Thank you for supporting our student career readiness initiatives! If you have any questions, please reach out to:

• Your BHS Counselor
• Dr. Clark: clarkt@brightonk12.com
• Laura Saline: laurasaline@livingstonesa.org | 517-540-6807

Explore Your Future: Discover Your “E”!

Our goal is to provide students with meaningful, real-world career experiences that help them discover their interests and passions. We know there is no single path to success after high school! Whether students choose to Enroll in college, Enlist in the military, Employ their skills in the workforce, Engage in vocational or trade school, or Explore opportunities through internships or a gap year, we want to help every student discover the path that is right for them.

Here are some exciting ways students can explore their future this month!

Career Chats During Advisory

Career Chats give students the opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways right here at school. Guest speakers from different industries share their experiences, offer real-world insights, and help students learn about future possibilities.

Check the BHS Career Chats Calendar for upcoming speakers, dates, and topics.

Share Your Career Story! We are always looking for guest speakers from a variety of career fields to inspire our students. If you or someone you know would like to share your career journey, please sign up using our Volunteer Link.

LivCo Job Shadow Days: November 4–6, 2026

Is your student interested in experiencing a career firsthand? LIVCo Job Shadow Days provide an exciting opportunity for students to visit professional workplaces, observe daily operations, and explore potential career paths.

Mark Your Calendar!

• Job Shadow Dates: November 4–6, 2026 (dates vary by employer)

• Registration Opens: October 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM

• Registration Deadline: October 26, 2026

• Register Through: The Livingston Career Hub

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Encourage your student to take advantage of these opportunities to explore their interests, discover new possibilities, and take meaningful steps toward their future. Together, we can help every student discover their “E”!

If you have further questions, please reach out to Dr. Tanya Clark at clarkt@brightonk12.com.

October is a busy time at Brighton High School! Fall activities are in full swing, academics are picking up, and Homecoming Week brings plenty of excitement. As the initial excitement of returning to school settles, students may begin to feel the demands of balancing academics, sports, clubs, jobs, friendships, and family responsibilities. It is not uncommon for stress levels to rise during this time of year.

Navigating Friendships and Miscommunication

Peer conflict can become more noticeable during busy or stressful times. Many disagreements begin with miscommunication, assumptions, or misunderstandings. A text may be interpreted differently than intended, a comment may be taken out of context, or someone may feel left out without knowing the full story. Encouraging students to pause before reacting, ask questions rather than make assumptions, and communicate directly and respectfully can help prevent small misunderstandings from becoming bigger conflicts.

Parents can help by listening without immediately jumping to conclusions, validating their teen’s feelings, and encouraging them to consider different perspectives. Sometimes, a simple question like, “Can you help me understand what happened?” can open the door to a productive conversation.

Finding Balance in a Busy Season

Even positive activities can become overwhelming when students have too much on their plates. Balance doesn't mean doing everything perfectly; it means making time for priorities, rest, and connection. Sleep, downtime, and supportive relationships are important parts of mental health, not luxuries to fit in only when everything else is done.

Parents can check in regularly by asking, “How are you managing everything right now?” or “Is anything feeling like too much?”

As we move through the fall, let's encourage students to communicate with kindness, give one another the benefit of the doubt, and recognize when they need support. If your teen is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, reaching out early can make a difference. The BHS Counseling Office is here to support students and families!

Mrs. Harper

BHS Social Worker