BHS School Counseling Newsletter

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7~ Labor Day - No School

9 & 10 - Student Photo Day

17 - Open House 6PM

21 ~ Yom Kippur - No School

We’re excited to welcome Mr. Michael Falcone to the BHS Counseling Department! While Mrs. Johnson is away on maternity leave through the end of the first semester, Mr. Falcone will be working with her students and supporting their academic and social-emotional needs.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. Falcone (falconem@brookfieldps.org) with questions, concerns, or anything you would normally bring to your school counselor. We’re happy to help!

We look forward to welcoming Mrs. Johnson back after winter break and are grateful to have Mr. Falcone as part of our counseling team in the meantime!

• Meeting with students new to the district to get them registered to BHS!

• Visiting 9th grade ILTs to do a fun ‘get to know you’ activity with our freshmen!

• Hosting two New Student Mixers to help our students new to Brookfield learn more about our school, from their peers!

💚 National Suicide Prevention Week: Connection Matters

September 6–12, 2026 is National Suicide Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind our school community that help is available and connection matters. September is also recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is simply notice, listen, and reach out. If a friend, classmate, or family member seems to be struggling, let them know they don’t have to handle things alone. You don’t need to have all the answers—being willing to listen and connecting someone with a trusted adult can make a difference.

💬 Remember:

It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to check in on someone. And it’s okay to talk about mental health.

Students can always reach out to a school counselor, teacher, trusted adult, or another member of our school support team. If someone needs immediate crisis support, they can call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Let’s make our school community one where every student knows: You matter. You are not alone. And there are people who care about you. 💚

At BHS, students have a team of caring professionals who are here to help them succeed—not just academically, but personally, socially, and emotionally. While school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists have different roles, we work together to support the whole student.

🎓 School Counselors
School counselors help students navigate high school and plan for their future. We support students with academic planning, course selection, graduation requirements, college and career planning, social-emotional concerns, and problem-solving. Students can come to their counselor when they need someone to talk to, have a concern, or aren’t sure where to turn for help.

🤝 School Social Workers
School social workers help students and families address challenges that may affect a student’s ability to learn and thrive at school. They provide individual and group support, connect families with community resources, help students manage difficult situations, and advocate for student needs. They often work closely with families, teachers, counselors, and outside agencies.

🧠 School Psychologists
School psychologists support students’ learning, behavior, social-emotional development, and mental wellness. They may conduct educational assessments, help identify learning or behavioral needs, participate in special education planning, and work with students and staff to develop strategies that support success at school.

One Team, One Goal 💙

Although our roles are different, we share the same goal: helping every student feel supported, connected, and successful at BHS.

You may have heard the term “guidance counselor,” but today’s school counselors do much more than simply provide guidance about classes and schedules!

School counselors are student advocates and support professionals who help students navigate high school and prepare for life after graduation. We work with students individually, and through classroom lessons to support the whole student—academically, personally, socially, and in their college and career planning.

So, what do school counselors do?

📚 Academic Support
We help students understand graduation requirements, choose courses, set goals, and develop plans for academic success.

🎓 College & Career Planning
We help students explore careers, research colleges and career training programs, prepare for life after high school, and navigate the college application and financial aid processes.

💬 Social-Emotional Support
We provide a safe, confidential space for students to talk through challenges, build coping and problem-solving skills, and connect with additional support when needed.

🌟 Student Advocacy
We listen, collaborate with families and teachers, and help students identify resources and opportunities that can help them succeed.

Why don’t we say “Guidance Counselor”?

The term “guidance counselor” can make it sound like our job is simply to give students guidance. The role of a school counselor is much broader. We partner with students to help them identify their strengths, set goals, overcome challenges, and take ownership of their future.

Think of your school counselor as someone in your corner throughout your high school journey. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you come see us—we’re here to help you figure it out! 💙💛

🌱 September = Self-Improvement Month

A new school year is the perfect time for a fresh start! September is Self-Improvement Month—a great reminder that growth doesn’t mean becoming a completely different person. It’s about making small, positive changes that help you become the best version of you.

🌟 Try a Fresh Start This Month:

📚 Build a Better Habit
Try creating a consistent homework routine, staying organized, or preparing for the next day before you go to bed.

💬 Practice a Positive Mindset
Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m still learning.” Progress takes time!

🤝 Surround Yourself With Positivity
Spend time with people who encourage you, support you, and bring out the best in you.

💙 Take Care of Yourself
Make time for sleep, movement, hobbies, friends, and activities that help you recharge.

💡 Counseling Corner

Don’t try to change everything at once. Pick ONE thing you want to improve this month and focus on making it a habit. Small changes can lead to big results over time!

Interested in mental health support during the school day? Please take a moment to learn more about our School Based Health Center!

Summer mode is officially over, and getting back into a homework routine can take a little time! If your schoolwork feels overwhelming at first, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Try these simple strategies to get back on track:

⏰ Create a Routine
Choose a regular time and place for homework each day.

📝 Make a To-Do List
Write down what you need to accomplish and prioritize assignments by due date or importance. Checking things off can help you see your progress!

🎯 Start Small
Feeling overwhelmed? Pick one assignment and focus on getting started. Once you’re moving, the rest often feels more manageable.

📵 Limit Distractions
Put your phone away, silence notifications, and find a workspace where you can concentrate.

⏱️ Take Short Breaks
Work for a set amount of time, then take a quick break to stretch or grab a snack before getting back to work.

🙋 Ask for Help
Stuck on an assignment? Don’t wait until you’re completely overwhelmed. Reach out to your teacher, a classmate, or another trusted adult.

💤 Don’t Forget Sleep!
Staying up late every night to finish homework can make it harder to focus the next day. Build in enough time for both schoolwork and rest.

🌟 Back-to-School Reminder

You don’t have to become perfectly organized overnight. Start with one good habit, stick with it, and build from there. A little consistency can make a big difference!

UCONN ECE Enrollment Information:

REGISTRATION DATES: September 16, 2026 – October 16, 2026 (11:59 PM)

For Fall, Spring, and Full-year courses

A SPRING COURSE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY FEBRUARY

To Add or Drop Spring courses ONLY

UConn Early College Experience Students register online for their courses using the UConn ECE registration system at UConn.DualEnroll.com. All Student registration requests once submitted must be approved by the high school Site Representative, approved by a parent/guardian, and payment information collected (if applicable) to be processed.

Please reference the 2026-2027 Student Registration Card for general registration information and a course planning guide. For detailed instructions on the registration process reference the UConn ECE Student Step-by-Step Guide.

You must enroll online to be eligible for UConn ECE credit. Students will NOT be able to register until the window opens on September 16th. Courses offered for UCONN credit:

AP Spanish: 6 credits

AP Biology: 6 credits

AP US History: 6 credits

English IV H: 4 credits

Intro to Human Rights: 3 credits

Music Appreciation II: 3 credits

Contemporary Issues in Sport: 3 credits

The 5th Annual Pioneer Co-Curricular Summit is a free, virtual event scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM US Eastern Time. It connects underserved and high-potential students with top-tier universities, non-profit access organizations, and gifted programs. It also provides school leaders and educators a space to engage with college admissions representatives and discuss the future of education.

Key Highlights

• Direct Admissions Access: Students can connect with admissions leaders from over 20 top universities, including Carnegie Mellon, UChicago, NYU, and Bowdoin.

• Program Fair: Opportunities to meet non-profit access organizations (QuestBridge, TeenSHARP) and gifted programs (Johns Hopkins CTY, Northwestern CTD, Davidson Institute).

• Educator & Leadership Panels: Sessions for counselors, faculty, and administrators covering higher education admissions trends, AI in education, and student development.

• Keynote Address: Centered around the theme "Cultivating Wisdom: Growing Integrity, Empathy, and Maturity in Education," featuring Dr. Francis Collins (Former NIH Director).

• Completely Free: No registration or travel costs for attendees.

Make sure you mark your calendar:

🗓️️️️️ Date: September 19, 2026

⏰ Time: Event opens at 9:00 AM US Eastern Time

💻 Venue: Online (we’ll send your login details closer to the event – keep an eye on our Summit page!)

⏰ Register: Click here to reserve your place in the summit!

In an effort to ease the financial burden of applying to college, the University of Connecticut is pleased to participate in this year's Application Fee Free Day on November 2, 2026. On this date, students who apply for fall 2027 admission to the University of Connecticut — or any of Connecticut's public universities — will have the opportunity to have their admission application fee waived. Qualifying students include those who have an active mailing address in Connecticut or who are attending a secondary school in Connecticut.

This year, UConn is allowing Connecticut students to have their application fee waived any time from October 15 – November 2.

Students interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should choose the Application Fee Free Day fee waiver option found on the UConn college list as part of the application. Students qualifying for traditional fee waivers may continue to select the appropriate waiver at any time throughout the application cycle.

If you or your students have any questions about Application Fee Free Day, we are happy to assist by phone at (860) 486-1111 or by email at onestop@uconn.edu.

Join us for Rooted: Community at Vassar, an on-campus event highlighting our dynamic and engaging community. Come learn about the many ways Vassar builds a diverse and inclusive community and creates a sense of belonging among our students. The event will include dean and student panels, an opportunity to connect with campus resources, and student-led tours.

At Vassar, we have a proud history of leading with regard to access and inclusion. We believe that our differences make us stronger. We hope you will join us for this special event to learn more!

Schedule of Events: September 25, 2026 12:00pm Check-In Opens

Welcome back, Bobcats! We’re excited to start a new school year and want to make sure you know the people who are here to support you along the way.

Your school counselors are here to help you navigate high school, plan for your future, explore college and career opportunities, and support your academic and personal goals. Whether you have a question about your schedule, need help making a plan, want to explore careers, or simply aren’t sure where to start—we’re here for you!

👋 Get to Know Your Counselors

Jen Gioglio 📚 Last names A-Di 💙 Fun Fact: My hobbies include gardening, yoga and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys!

Bianca Nesello 📚 Last names Do-K 💙 Fun Fact: I was a national champion college cheerleader!

Jackie Cordes 📚 Last names L-Q 💙 Fun Fact: I love reading and writing Fantasy and I spend all of my time with my dog, Thor.

Mike Falcone 📚 Last names R-Z 💙 Fun Fact: I play dungeons and dragons!

Nicole Usher 📚College & Career Counselor 💙 Fun Fact: I have three cats!

You don’t have to wait until you have a problem to visit your counselor! Stop by, send us an email, or make an appointment. We’re looking forward to getting to know you and helping make this a successful school year! 💙💛

Mrs. Gioglio (A-DI) extn. 4023 (gioglioj@brookfieldps.org)

Ms. Nesello (DO-K) extn. 4026 (nesellob@brookfieldps.org)

Ms. Cordes (L-Q) extn. 4022 (cordesj@brookfieldps.org)

Mr. Falcone (R-Z) extn. 4025 (falconem@brookfieldps.org)

Mrs. Usher (College & Career) extn. 4027 (ushern@brookfieldps.org)