At Bellbrook High School, we recognize the importance of providing each student with complete and thorough academic preparation, as well as supporting the development of their emotional, interpersonal and social growth. We strive, through our programs and services, to provide timely dissemination of information and foster close working relationships with students, parents, teachers and school administrators. A partial listing of the services we provide includes:
- Guidance in career and post-secondary options
- Assistance in decision-making processes
- Acting as an advocate for the students of Bellbrook High School
- Assisting in communications between parents, students, teachers and administrators
- Identifying community resources available for families and individuals
- Sponsoring meetings and providing emails and mailings dispensing important information to members of our school and community
- Offering individual and group counseling services
- Completing college and scholarship applications and transcripts
- Maintaining student records and grade cards
Counselors are available to meet with students on a drop-in basis or by appointment. Many questions and concerns, especially of the informational type can be answered on an informal basis, without an appointment.
Due to a more complex scheduling procedure at Bellbrook High School, the enrollment process is lengthier than at the other schools in our district. To better serve our students, we make every attempt to ensure a proper fit in the courses selected. In order for the counselors to give your family the needed attention, it is best to schedule an appointment at a mutually agreeable time. If your designated counselor is not available when you call or stop in, please see Kiki Kramer, Registrar (ext. 2902) and she will assist you in making an appointment. Please be aware of the items needed for registration. Having the required documents at the time of enrollment will expedite the procedure.
We look forward to meeting students and their families alike and working with you throughout your student’s high school career.
Sincerely yours,
Debra Sanderman
Andrew Hartley
Khris Scohy
Kiki Kramer
(Photo, from left: Andy Hartley, Khris Scohy, Kiki Kramer, Debra Sanderman)
Most students want to find the "perfect" college. The truth is, there's no such thing. You can find many colleges where you can be happy and get a great education. The college search is about exploring who you are and what you want and then finding colleges that will meet your goals.
Before searching consider these EIGHT FACTORS:
Size
Location
Available Majors and classes
Available extracurricular activities
Distance from home
Makeup of the student body
Housing Options
Campus Atmosphere
Questions to consider:
Which of these aspects are things you feel you must have to be comfortable at a college?
On which factors are you flexible?
What do you want to accomplish in college?
Do you want to train for a specific job or get a wide-ranging education?
If you have a major in mind, do the colleges you are considering specialize in that major?
A great option to sort through the many options out there, based on your preferences, is BigFuture.
Steps you can take to find colleges where you will thrive:
Keep an open mind: Although it's good to have some ideas in mind about what sorts of colleges will be right for you, stay open to all the possibilities at the beginning of your search.
Talk to people who know you: Tell parents, teachers, relatives, friends, and your school counselor about your goals, and ask if they can suggest colleges that may be a good fit for you.
Don't limit your search: At the start of this process, you may rule out colleges because you think they are too expensive or too hard to get into, but this may not be the reality. Remember, financial aid can make college more affordable, and colleges look at more than just grades and test scores.
Do your homework: Once you have a list of schools, it's time to do some research. To learn more about the colleges you're considering, check out college guidebooks and websites. Talk to your school counselor, check out colleges' student blogs, contact college admission officials and visit college campuses.
College applications can be stressful to complete, but this is also an exciting time. Work with your counselor, your parents, and others to get through it all. You got this!
Plan ahead
Review each part of the applications before you get to work. Some applications will require the same basic information and others will have unique requests.
Get organized
Keep track of the materials and many parts for each application. Make a folder for each application to keep all materials together.
Be accurate
Ensure that you put together an organized and accurate application. Review for grammar and typos. Make sure your name is the same on all elements of your application. Double-check that all documents you're submitting are correct.
Submit and save
Print and save the completed application before you send it and keep a copy for your files. And remember: only submit it once -- either online or via mail.
Use a fee waiver
If you used an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you are automatically eligible for application fee waivers to over 2,000 colleges.
Ask for help
Ask your counselor, teachers, or parents to review your application, essays, and other materials before you submit them. Request a letter of recommendation at least two weeks before your deadline and provide supporting material to help them write the best one for you.
Set a schedule
Allow for time to get your requirements together, get input from your counselor or other adults, review them as a whole, and revise as needed. Keep a close eye on the application deadline, along with other deadlines for financial aid and scholarships. Do NOT procrastinate!
Letters of Recommendation Tips and Tricks
Whether it is required for a college application or a scholarship opportunity, a letter of recommendation plays a crucial role in painting the complete picture of YOU. While grades, entrance exam results, and extracurricular activities all describe the type of student you are, the letter showcases your accomplishments, personal attributes and skills.
When to ask?
The earlier the better!
One month before your earliest application deadline, especially when asking a teacher or counselor who might be writing many letters.
Whom to ask?
If you're considering a specific major, you might consider getting a recommendation from a teacher of a related subject.
If it can be any teacher, core subject teachers, such as your English, math, science, or social studies teachers, make good candidates.
It is recommended to ask someone from your junior year or a current teacher. It is best not to go back too far, as colleges want current perspectives on their potential candidates.
How to ask?
Ask in a way that allows a teacher to decline comfortably if he or she does not have time to do a good job. For example, "Do you feel you know me well enough, and have enough time, to write a letter of recommendation for me?"
The college essay is your chance to use your voice to add to your college application. Many colleges require the essay as a way to hear from the student directly and to get a sense of who you are in your own words. It's a great opportunity to personalize your application beyond the grades, scores, and other information you've provided and can make a difference at decision time.
EIGHT KEY POINTS Admission Officers look for:
A command of the basics of good writing
A direct answer to the essay question
A strong opening paragraph that captures the reader's interest
A comprehensive argument or narrative -- make your point and stick to it
A style that is comfortable for you and that is appropriate for the subject matter
Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
Correct data -- check your facts, dates and names
Succinctness -- pay attention to the recommended length
Make It Personal:
Often you will be asked to write about a personal experience, an achievement, or a person who has been significant to you. Go beyond the what or the who and dig into the how and why. If you write about a trip or event, describe how this experience affected you and is meaningful to you. If you are writing about a person in your life, be personal and specific, not just sentimental. Explain how or what this person did for you that is important.
Things To Keep In Mind:
Revise, revise, revise! Show, don't tell. Be authentic. Just get started!
College Credit Plus (CCP) was designed to increase dual enrollment opportunities for students to earn college and high school credits at the same time. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a variety of options for Bellbrook students. As required by law, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools will bear all tuition costs for classes taken through public universities. Students choosing to enroll in a participating private college or university may incur limited costs.
There will be an in-person CCP meeting at 6:30 p.m. on February 12, for students interested in participating in the 2026-2027 school year. Students and parents MUST participate in a counseling session prior to participation (CCP Information meeting)!
Interested students must complete the Intent to Participate Google form by April 1! Any student who provides notification by the first day of April may be approved to participate in the program for the next full school year. Any student who provides notification by November 1 may be approved to participate in the program for the next semester or spring term only. After the April 1 and November 1 deadline, you will need special permission from the school superintendent or principal to participate.
Resources:
Is your student college ready? Check out this guide: 28 Skills of a Really Ready Student https://www.ohiohighered.org/content/college_credit_plus_info_students_families *link does not work
CCP Books: Each college has a different process for acquiring your CCP books. Before going online to the bookstore at the college, you should check the BHS CCP book inventory in Mrs. Scohy's office to see if we already have the book.
CCP Transcripts: Seniors, as a reminder any student who took college credit plus courses must request an official transcript from the CCP college to be sent to your future college. For example, any student who took French 1020 through Wright State University will request a transcript at the completion of the course. Click below for the links to request transcripts.
Bellbrook High School is accepting college representative and military recruiters for lunch visits this year. Please contact Kiki Kramer in the counseling office to set up a visit—kiki.kramer@bss.k12.oh.us or call 937-848-3737 ext. 2902.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Form will be available for all families starting Oct 1st this year. You must create an FSA ID by going to this student aid website.
BHS will host a Financial Aid Night on Sep 24th at 6:00pm. A representative from the WSU Financial Aid office will deliver a Financial Aid 101 presentation including updates about the changes to the 26-27 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
An easy checklist to help you navigate the college application, fafsa timeline and scholarship applications. This timeline is specific to Wright State, but it can be used as a general timeline for any college.
To create your FSA ID for the 2026-2027 FAFSA, parents and students will need the following:
1. You and your parents will need an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID to access the FAFSA and sign the form electronically. The FSA ID must be obtained at studentaid.gov before you start the FAFSA, and we recommend applying 3-5 days before you plan on starting the FAFSA.
Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA® Videos – Videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA® form, who is a FAFSA® contributor, and what happens after submitting the form.
Bellbrook High School welcomes military families and understands the challenges you take on as a military member. We try our best to help and accommodate our military families. Your military family liaison at BHS is school counselor Mrs. Khris Scohy. She can be reached at 937-848-3737 ext. 2911 or khris.scohy@bss.k12.oh.us.
Below are links and contacts that military families might find useful:
Military Family Life Counselors
One-on-one counselor to help with personal and education transition issues. Beth Bench is our MFLC at the high school. She is available to meet with students on Fridays.
The Compact Commission deals with military children's challenges and frequent relocations. It allows for uniform treatment as military families transfer between member-state school districts.
Feb 12th - Scheduling Night (your chance to talk to teachers about courses being offered next year)
Mar 11/12 - 9th - 11th scheduling meetings, counselors visit classrooms (11th English, 10th American Studies, 9th World Studies). This is when you’ll get your login information and course selection sheets
Mar 19 - BHS Counselors to BMS for large group scheduling presentation (BHS Counselors will email approved Biology and English Honors students hopefully Mar 20th)
Mar 20 - Deadline for 9th-11th students to input requests, turn-in signed course request form to homeroom teacher
Apr 1 - BHS Counselors to BMS to help input course requests
Scheduling Night: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Department tables set-up in the hallway outside the gym, 5:30 pm - Scheduling Q&A session (8th grade parents highly encouraged to attend), 6:30 pm - CCP meeting.
No schedule changes will be made after the first day of school! Schedules will hopefully be distributed at the end of May. Students who wish to make a schedule change must complete the change before school starts in August!
Here's a complete list of all National/State/Dayton Area scholarships that we have received information on for area scholarships offered.
Local scholarship applications will be available for students on January 16. Students will be emailed a Google form application to complete. Applications are due on February 20.
Anyone wishing to offer a local scholarship for students at BHS can contact Kiki Kramer at 937-848-3737 ext. 2902. Local scholarships are announced at the Senior Awards Ceremony in May.
Bellbrook High School has partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcripts and other credentials securely. You can also use this link to request a copy of your unofficial transcript.
Finding the Perfect College
Most students want to find the "perfect" college. The truth is, there's no such thing. You can find many colleges where you can be happy and get a great education. The college search is about exploring who you are and what you want and then finding colleges that will meet your goals.
Before searching consider these EIGHT FACTORS:
Size
Location
Available Majors and classes
Available extracurricular activities
Distance from home
Makeup of the student body
Housing Options
Campus Atmosphere
Questions to consider:
Which of these aspects are things you feel you must have to be comfortable at a college?
On which factors are you flexible?
What do you want to accomplish in college?
Do you want to train for a specific job or get a wide-ranging education?
If you have a major in mind, do the colleges you are considering specialize in that major?
A great option to sort through the many options out there, based on your preferences, is BigFuture.
Steps you can take to find colleges where you will thrive:
Keep an open mind: Although it's good to have some ideas in mind about what sorts of colleges will be right for you, stay open to all the possibilities at the beginning of your search.
Talk to people who know you: Tell parents, teachers, relatives, friends, and your school counselor about your goals, and ask if they can suggest colleges that may be a good fit for you.
Don't limit your search: At the start of this process, you may rule out colleges because you think they are too expensive or too hard to get into, but this may not be the reality. Remember, financial aid can make college more affordable, and colleges look at more than just grades and test scores.
Do your homework: Once you have a list of schools, it's time to do some research. To learn more about the colleges you're considering, check out college guidebooks and websites. Talk to your school counselor, check out colleges' student blogs, contact college admission officials and visit college campuses.
College applications can be stressful to complete, but this is also an exciting time. Work with your counselor, your parents, and others to get through it all. You got this!
Plan ahead
Review each part of the applications before you get to work. Some applications will require the same basic information and others will have unique requests.
Get organized
Keep track of the materials and many parts for each application. Make a folder for each application to keep all materials together.
Be accurate
Ensure that you put together an organized and accurate application. Review for grammar and typos. Make sure your name is the same on all elements of your application. Double-check that all documents you're submitting are correct.
Submit and save
Print and save the completed application before you send it and keep a copy for your files. And remember: only submit it once -- either online or via mail.
Use a fee waiver
If you used an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you are automatically eligible for application fee waivers to over 2,000 colleges.
Ask for help
Ask your counselor, teachers, or parents to review your application, essays, and other materials before you submit them. Request a letter of recommendation at least two weeks before your deadline and provide supporting material to help them write the best one for you.
Set a schedule
Allow for time to get your requirements together, get input from your counselor or other adults, review them as a whole, and revise as needed. Keep a close eye on the application deadline, along with other deadlines for financial aid and scholarships. Do NOT procrastinate!
Letters of Recommendation Tips and Tricks
Whether it is required for a college application or a scholarship opportunity, a letter of recommendation plays a crucial role in painting the complete picture of YOU. While grades, entrance exam results, and extracurricular activities all describe the type of student you are, the letter showcases your accomplishments, personal attributes and skills.
When to ask?
The earlier the better!
One month before your earliest application deadline, especially when asking a teacher or counselor who might be writing many letters.
Whom to ask?
If you're considering a specific major, you might consider getting a recommendation from a teacher of a related subject.
If it can be any teacher, core subject teachers, such as your English, math, science, or social studies teachers, make good candidates.
It is recommended to ask someone from your junior year or a current teacher. It is best not to go back too far, as colleges want current perspectives on their potential candidates.
How to ask?
Ask in a way that allows a teacher to decline comfortably if he or she does not have time to do a good job. For example, "Do you feel you know me well enough, and have enough time, to write a letter of recommendation for me?"
The college essay is your chance to use your voice to add to your college application. Many colleges require the essay as a way to hear from the student directly and to get a sense of who you are in your own words. It's a great opportunity to personalize your application beyond the grades, scores, and other information you've provided and can make a difference at decision time.
EIGHT KEY POINTS Admission Officers look for:
A command of the basics of good writing
A direct answer to the essay question
A strong opening paragraph that captures the reader's interest
A comprehensive argument or narrative -- make your point and stick to it
A style that is comfortable for you and that is appropriate for the subject matter
Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
Correct data -- check your facts, dates and names
Succinctness -- pay attention to the recommended length
Make It Personal:
Often you will be asked to write about a personal experience, an achievement, or a person who has been significant to you. Go beyond the what or the who and dig into the how and why. If you write about a trip or event, describe how this experience affected you and is meaningful to you. If you are writing about a person in your life, be personal and specific, not just sentimental. Explain how or what this person did for you that is important.
Things To Keep In Mind:
Revise, revise, revise! Show, don't tell. Be authentic. Just get started!
College Credit Plus (CCP) was designed to increase dual enrollment opportunities for students to earn college and high school credits at the same time. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a variety of options for Bellbrook students. As required by law, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools will bear all tuition costs for classes taken through public universities. Students choosing to enroll in a participating private college or university may incur limited costs.
There will be an in-person CCP meeting at 6:30 p.m. on February 12, for students interested in participating in the 2026-2027 school year. Students and parents MUST participate in a counseling session prior to participation (CCP Information meeting)!
Interested students must complete the Intent to Participate Google form by April 1! Any student who provides notification by the first day of April may be approved to participate in the program for the next full school year. Any student who provides notification by November 1 may be approved to participate in the program for the next semester or spring term only. After the April 1 and November 1 deadline, you will need special permission from the school superintendent or principal to participate.
Resources:
Is your student college ready? Check out this guide: 28 Skills of a Really Ready Student https://www.ohiohighered.org/content/college_credit_plus_info_students_families *link does not work
CCP Books: Each college has a different process for acquiring your CCP books. Before going online to the bookstore at the college, you should check the BHS CCP book inventory in Mrs. Scohy's office to see if we already have the book.
CCP Transcripts: Seniors, as a reminder any student who took college credit plus courses must request an official transcript from the CCP college to be sent to your future college. For example, any student who took French 1020 through Wright State University will request a transcript at the completion of the course. Click below for the links to request transcripts.
Bellbrook High School is accepting college representative and military recruiters for lunch visits this year. Please contact Kiki Kramer in the counseling office to set up a visit—kiki.kramer@bss.k12.oh.us or call 937-848-3737 ext. 2902.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Form will be available for all families starting Oct 1st this year. You must create an FSA ID by going to this student aid website.
BHS will host a Financial Aid Night on Sep 24th at 6:00pm. A representative from the WSU Financial Aid office will deliver a Financial Aid 101 presentation including updates about the changes to the 26-27 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
An easy checklist to help you navigate the college application, fafsa timeline and scholarship applications. This timeline is specific to Wright State, but it can be used as a general timeline for any college.
To create your FSA ID for the 2026-2027 FAFSA, parents and students will need the following:
1. You and your parents will need an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID to access the FAFSA and sign the form electronically. The FSA ID must be obtained at studentaid.gov before you start the FAFSA, and we recommend applying 3-5 days before you plan on starting the FAFSA.
Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA® Videos – Videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA® form, who is a FAFSA® contributor, and what happens after submitting the form.
Bellbrook High School welcomes military families and understands the challenges you take on as a military member. We try our best to help and accommodate our military families. Your military family liaison at BHS is school counselor Mrs. Khris Scohy. She can be reached at 937-848-3737 ext. 2911 or khris.scohy@bss.k12.oh.us.
Below are links and contacts that military families might find useful:
Military Family Life Counselors
One-on-one counselor to help with personal and education transition issues. Beth Bench is our MFLC at the high school. She is available to meet with students on Fridays.
The Compact Commission deals with military children's challenges and frequent relocations. It allows for uniform treatment as military families transfer between member-state school districts.
Feb 12th - Scheduling Night (your chance to talk to teachers about courses being offered next year)
Mar 11/12 - 9th - 11th scheduling meetings, counselors visit classrooms (11th English, 10th American Studies, 9th World Studies). This is when you’ll get your login information and course selection sheets
Mar 19 - BHS Counselors to BMS for large group scheduling presentation (BHS Counselors will email approved Biology and English Honors students hopefully Mar 20th)
Mar 20 - Deadline for 9th-11th students to input requests, turn-in signed course request form to homeroom teacher
Apr 1 - BHS Counselors to BMS to help input course requests
Scheduling Night: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Department tables set-up in the hallway outside the gym, 5:30 pm - Scheduling Q&A session (8th grade parents highly encouraged to attend), 6:30 pm - CCP meeting.
No schedule changes will be made after the first day of school! Schedules will hopefully be distributed at the end of May. Students who wish to make a schedule change must complete the change before school starts in August!
Here's a complete list of all National/State/Dayton Area scholarships that we have received information on for area scholarships offered.
Local scholarship applications will be available for students on January 16. Students will be emailed a Google form application to complete. Applications are due on February 20.
Anyone wishing to offer a local scholarship for students at BHS can contact Kiki Kramer at 937-848-3737 ext. 2902. Local scholarships are announced at the Senior Awards Ceremony in May.
Bellbrook High School has partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcripts and other credentials securely. You can also use this link to request a copy of your unofficial transcript.
