BCIT Brief
School Community Newsletter, November 2014, Edition #2
Edited by Mrs. Laura Geltch, Coordinator of Program and Community
BCIT About Us
Email: lgeltch@bcit.cc
Website: www.bcit.cc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burlington-County-Institute-of-Technology/194099172381
Where are we going? What's the Vision? by Dr. Christopher M. Manno, Superintendent of Schools
The answer to the question, "What is the Vision?" for any new leader is a double-edged sword. It's one that has plagued leaders in interviews and early addresses in any organization. Without a Vision, the organization is rudderless; people are left with no image of success. To the contrary, a Vision that is too vivid or rigid may discount important cultural or traditional qualities of the organization that are critical when formulating a Vision. Such a Vision may be based on an incomplete understanding of the organization, important data or trends, or other needed information. So, formulating an early Vision is risky business, but nonetheless very necessary. It must be done thoughtfully and carefully. An initial Vision must be broad and sweeping - one that resonates with all members of the organization. The fine-grained details must be developed over time, based on a continuing understanding of the organization.
Thus - to become the premier regional academic and career/technical educational institution serving high school and adult students, which is the driving force for workforce and economic development in our region - is certainly a CTE Vision that we can all agree upon. It's the very definition of CTE itself.
When I entered the BCIT school community formally on January 2, 2014, I presented the Board of Education with a detailed Transition Plan. The key objectives of the plan included:
- Develop positive relationships and familiarity with individuals, constituent groups, and organized groups within the District.
- Understand operating procedures and functions of the Board and District.
- Understand issues critical to individuals, constituent groups, and organized groups within the District.
- Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data and report to Board on findings.
- Report findings to the Board of Education with corresponding recommendations for action.
In May, 2014, I presented a 100-day report to the Board of Education, which can be found on my BCIT webpage. My report concluded some key needs:
- Evaluate and restructure the BCIT Leadership team to serve current needs and requirements.
- Improve branding and marketing for the district.
- Provide extensive training on NJ State Statute, Administrative Code, District Policy and Regulation for administrators and appropriate staff; and, to create Standard Operating Procedures for areas in need of immediate compliance.
- Conduct full curriculum review.
- Conduct a full staff-load analysis.
- Implement revised safety and security protocols. Establish Safety and Security Task Forces, thus improving and establishing relationships with police, fire, EMS, and County Emergency Management officials.
- Ensure compliance with TEACHNJ and AchieveNJ, the new Teacher and Principal Evaluation and Tenure requirements.
- Evaluate and refine the BCIT Adult School program.
- Evaluate and improve the BCIT hiring process.
Specific actions that have been undertaken to achieve these objectives can be found in the 100-day report on my webpage; and, much more work has been accomplished since then. Refinements in the administrative structure have occurred to include a shared Business Administrative Position and shared positions for Curriculum and Instruction, Safety and Security, Technology, Program and Community Relations, Transportation, and Food Services. Additional shared positions are planned. The personnel hiring process has been revamped and streamlined to ensure compliance with Statute, Code, Policy and Certification requirements. New District Policies and Regulations were adopted in December 2013 under the leadership of Dr. Lucas. We have been working diligently to train key staff on the policies and regulations, and effectively implement such.
A detailed marketing plan has been developed, which includes effective past practices, as well as new programs and initiatives. A detailed staff-load analysis reveals appropriate staffing levels in both schools with some room for adjustment to accommodate for new programs, specifically three new Academy-type programs in the Performing Arts, Agriscience, and Engineering. See this link to our various new program brochures. Dr. Bonsall, Assistant Supt. for C/I has been working to evaluate course curricula and identify areas of opportunity for improvement. Admissions criteria and processes are being carefully evaluated and revamped.
A significant deterrent for parent choice of BCIT for their students has been the lack of an Advanced Placement Program. This will be remedied in 2015-16 with the addition of an AP program for all students, but specifically to support the new Academy program curricula.
With new leadership for our Adult School Program, the program is now thriving. With adjustments to course pricing, improved advertising, and refined business and operational practices, enrollment is significantly up, new market-appropriate courses are being designed and offered, and apprenticeships have increased from zero in 2013-14 to over 30 this school year. Under Dr. Chris Nagy's leadership, connections and partnerships with business and industry are developing daily.
Of the most challenging and difficult changes in practice have been refinements, changes and improvements to business practices to comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to which we are bound by Statute, Code, Policy and Regulation. New Standard Operating Procedures have been developed and implemented. We understand that these procedures constitute a clear break in many cases from past practice, and represent significant challenges for those tasked with implementing these procedures. We appreciate everyone's patience as we work to ensure our compliance with critical requirements, and protect our valuable assets and resources.
Finally, we are preparing for a comprehensive State monitoring under the Quality Single Accountability Continuum, or QSAC. With the above changes which occurred fairly quickly, we are cautiously optimistic for a positive monitoring result. There are certainly some areas that simply can't be fixed overnight; however, we are instituting the structures to resolve any issues or concerns.
In summary, BCIT is going places. We have a compelling Vision for BCIT as a premier County educational institution driving workforce and economic development, and propelling students to higher education and continued career training. This is our Worthwhile Work! As I have toured the schools, visited classrooms, talked with stakeholders, and visited Discovery Nights and other events, I am more convinced than ever that we have the right team with the commitment to realize this Vision.
Dr. Christopher M. Manno, Superintendent of Schools
CTE: Promoting College and Career Readiness for over a century!
Skills USA - BCIT Medford
BCIT Medford Luncheon
BCIT Westampton Gourmet Breakfast
BCIT Adult Division, Apprenticeships and Customized Business Training
Found in the largest County in the State of New Jersey, the Burlington County Institute of Technology Adult Division is a public, non-profit post-secondary institution. The BCIT Adult Education division offers more than 50 courses each semester, and is expanding course offerings in new and emergent fields that support the State’s targeted industry sectors while promoting employment and skill development. In addition to courses that provide certification, there are skill building and introductory courses.
Related technical instruction to support apprenticeships is also expanding under the coordination of the Burlington County Apprentice Coordinator. There are hundreds of apprenticeships that are approved by the Department of Labor. BCIT is continuing to customize the learning and apprenticeship options for in-demand targeted industries such as Welding, HVAC/R, Electrical, Plumbing and Fabrication, Manufacturing and Technology. BCIT has over 30 students enrolled in apprenticeship programs and is anticipated to add many more as the value of apprenticeships is learned. The Adult Division also supports customized training for businesses, apprenticeships and customized coursework. BCIT is a valuable resource for the underemployed, unemployed, veterans who wish to leverage the GI Bill for training, those returning to the workforce, college graduates who are looking to expand their skill base, career changers or an opportunity to continue the coursework completed in high school to name a few. BCIT is an active partner with Burlington County College and the Corporate College division where college credits are offered for many BCIT programs.
The website has recently been updated, but there is more to follow. The Spring Catalogue of courses is posted, as is more information for apprenticeships and customized business training. There is now a place for employers to request the placement of job openings to be of service to our community. More information can be obtained by visiting the website at www.bcit.cc or by contacting Dr. Christopher Nagy, BCIT Adult Division Principal and Burlington County Apprentice Coordinator at cnagy@bcit.cc or 609-267-4226 ext. 8330.
A Successful Discovery Night
Thanks to everyone's hard work and efforts, it was a huge success, bringing in a record number of student applications!
Please mark your calendars for our second Discovery Night on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 (snow date: February 26).
Discovery Night: BCIT Medford
Discovery Night: BCIT Westampton
BCIT Education Association
BCIT Medford wins 1st Place in Medford's Halloween Parade on October 25!
Entertainment Technologies Career Major Narrative, by Danielle Hartman
Lights! Camera! Action!
In Entertainment Technologies, there is never a dull moment. Picture this: students adjusting sound, lights, and microphones to capture the perfect clip, others working diligently to create a mashup of music, taking known or original soundtracks and shaping them into something unique, something entirely their own. Still more students working on the back end, manipulating film and live editing, using Photoshop and Final Cut to create projects that are unique and distinctive.
At BCIT’s Westampton Campus, students learn all of this and much more. In our state-of-the-art TV studio, control room, audio studio, and iMac lab, Entertainment Technology students learn how to use all of the hardware and software necessary to gain employment in the industry.
Ask student Andrew Lewis, a sophomore, what he loves about entertainment technologies, “We don’t need to go on YouTube and copy somebody else’s work, we can make music and make people feel great, like they’re at a concert or something. I want to do that.” Junior Avery Johnson concurs, “It’s really cool when you can make something, and you see everybody’s face light up. You can control emotions with something you made.”
These skills didn’t come easy. As a freshman, Avery cried when faced with her first music mashup. She needed to walk away from the endeavor. Now, Avery vies with other students to create the best projects possible. Staff members Mrs. Sprague and Mr. Johnston foster competition, posting all projects online so that students can be inspired by their classmates’ work. “This is what it’s like in the real world,” Andrew states, “in industry, it’s all about competition.”
Both students highly recommend their career major. Andrew testifies, “Creative people can’t have boundaries. You have to be free. If you have a true passion for anything in our class: music, TV, video, or animation, you should be here. You can do great things in this shop.” However, competition is fierce to gain entry into this sought after program, so interested candidates need to work hard during exploratory to secure a placement.
BCIT Adult Education Program Advisory Board Meeting
Book Club at BCIT!
Trick or Treaters from BCIT Westampton's Early Childhood Center visit the Adult Education office!
BCIT Scheduled for State Monitoring
Nutcracker Ballet
Friday, Dec 19, 2014, 07:00 PM
BCIT Medford, 2 Performances: 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. on 12/19/14
New Emergency Closing/Delayed Opening Procedures
In the event of a campus emergency or inclement weather, staff members will be contacted via email, phone message, and text message. In addition, all will hear a recorded message on our main phone line, and we will post a Special Alert Message on our website.
Staff Members, Help us Contact You.
Have you moved? Have you changed your phone number or email address? Please make sure to update your information with BCIT Personnel. A TEST Emergency Notification Message was sent on November 19, to ensure everyone's information is up-to-date and you will receive our future notifications.
Students will be contacted using information stored in Genesis, our electronic student database. Parents should be reminded to ensure their contact information is up-to-date. Any changes should be reported to the main office of the student's school.
NEW REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES REGARDING VISITORS TO SCHOOLS AND OUTSIDE PRESENTERS
Visitors with Facial Coverings
Our policy and regulation on school visitors has been revised. Here are the key changes.
To ensure pupil safety, no minor student shall be permitted to leave a school in the company of a visitor who has not been identified via government issued photo identification as the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or authorized in writing signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s), permitting the visitor to act on their behalf. In the event that the parent, guardian or visitor wears a facial covering it shall be removed for identification purposes. However, if the facial covering is a garment worn for religious or cultural reasons, the parent, guardian, or visitor shall address with the Principal an appropriate accommodation.
Outside Presenters
Outside presenters are regularly invited into the schools to provide valuable school assembly programs, class presentations, or other presentations for students. All outside presenters shall require Principal and Board of Education approval per the attached Presenter Approval Form. All outside presenters shall be required to sign the attached Presenter Contract. As some students may not have parental permission to be photographed, outside presenters may not photograph or take video of student(s) for any reason.
The Presenter Approval Form and Contract can be found on the Staff Intranet under Staff Information at the link, http://www.bcit.cc/Page/5861.
Addition re Identification badges to Policy #3270 - Professional Responsibilities and Policy #7440 - Security
In order to maintain a secure environment, and so that authorized personnel may be readily recognized, all personnel are required to display their Board of Education issued identification badge, on their person, at all times when present in the buildings or on school grounds, or in attendance at school functions. Personnel not in possession of their Board-issued identification badge shall receive one reminder from their immediate supervisor. Continued non-compliance shall be considered insubordination, and shall be reported to the Superintendent of Schools.
Revisions to BCIT's Electronic Device Policy
Cellular phones and other devices may be used appropriately and respectfully during non-instructional times (before school, after school, during lunch, in common areas, passing times, and at school sponsored events). Use of cellular phones or other personal electronic devices is strictly prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms. Additionally, students are not permitted to use headphones covering both ears, and should only use a single ear bud if they choose a listening device. This allows emergency announcements to be heard.
Teachers have the discretion to allow the purposeful use of personal electronic devices in support of curriculum learning objectives, but should never allow them to cause a distraction or a disruption in the instructional process. Students shall not use cellular phones or other electronic devices in any way that may cause a teacher or staff member to question whether the student may be cheating on tests or academic work or violating copyright policy.
Students ARE NOT permitted to accept phone calls at any time during school hours.
If parents need to contact a student during the school day, they are requested to contact the school office for assistance. If students need to make a phone call during the school day, they must use a school phone, which are made available to students with appropriate permission.
In order to preserve the privacy of students and staff, taking photographs and/or videotaping is prohibited during school hours, except in circumstances where permission is granted by a teacher or administrator for instructional purposes, such as student presentations, demonstrations, or projects.
Students bringing cellular telephones or electronic devices to school do so at their own risk. Burlington County Institute of Technology School District will not assume any liability for any lost, stolen or damaged cellular telephones and/or any other electronic devices either in school or in their possession. Any unauthorized use of electronic devices or noncompliance with these guidelines will result in disciplinary consequences.
Revisions to BCIT Students Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy and Regulation, #5600
We are revising our students Discipline policy and regulation to include the following. Until such time as these are approved by the Board of Education, they are considered Administrative Regulation in effect immediately:
Processing of Parental Appeals to Disciplinary Actions
Parental appeals related to student discipline shall be processed in an orderly manner according to the following procedures:
All parental concerns related to student discipline must first be addressed with the person of origin (i.e. classroom teacher).
Should the matter not be resolved at this level, appeals are to be directed, in writing to the building administrator in charge of student discipline.
Should the matter not be resolved at this level, the parent must submit the appeal of discipline in writing to the building principal, explaining the rationale for the appeal. Upon receipt of this appeal, the principal will conduct an investigation and will promptly report his/her findings to the parent(s)/guardians(s).
Should the matter not be resolved at the building level, the parent may appeal the principal’s determination in writing to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall review the process utilized to investigate the disciplinary matter and the conclusions and dispositions drawn in order to ensure compliance and adherence with N.J. State Statute, Administrative Code, and District Policy and Regulation, as well as the reasonableness of the principal’s conclusions. Upon receipt of this letter of appeal, the superintendent or designee will conduct such review into the matter and will promptly report his/her findings to the parent(s)/guardian(s). The superintendent's or designee’s decision is binding for all short-term disciplinary decisions ranging from reprimands to suspensions of students from school for up to ten days.
For long-term suspensions (suspensions of greater than ten school days), parents shall have the right to appeal the matter to the Board of Education.
Parents may appeal the Superintendent’s or Board of Education’s decision to the New Jersey Commissioner of Education.
During the course of an appeal investigation, the disciplinary consequence stands as dispensed and students are expected to fulfill the requirements of the consequence. Therefore, it may be the case that the consequences are fulfilled prior to the disposition of the matter.
Physical Altercations and Assaults:
- In cases of assault on another student or a staff member, the Principal or his/her designee shall, based on his/her judgment of the severity of the assault, notify the police of the assault and in such cases the District may pursue charges against the offender.
- Violations related to physical altercations shall be cumulative throughout a student's time in a particular school.
- The following consequences shall be in effect for physical altercations:
circumstances
Second offense - 7 day suspension from school with mandatory parent/guardian and student conference with the Principal prior to re-entry to school; counseling as appropriate; other conditions of re-entry may be identified based on circumstances
Third offense - 10 day suspension from school with mandatory parent/guardian and student conference with the Superintendent prior to re-entry to school; counseling as appropriate; psychiatric evaluation determining that the student is not a danger to self or
others may be required as a condition of re-entry; other conditions of re-entry may be identified based on circumstances.
Fourth offense - minimum 10-day suspension from school with mandatory parent-guardian and student hearing before the Board; suspension may be extended by the Board upon recommendation of the Superintendent; other conditions for re-entry to school may
be identified based on circumstances; alternate placement may be considered.
In all cases, the length of suspensions may be extended or lessened, based on the administrator’s judgement of the severity of the incident.
The following sections shall also be added to our Discipline regulation:
Substance Abuse
In accordance with statute and code, penalties shall be assigned for use, possession and distribution of proscribed substances and drug paraphernalia. The penalties shall be graded according to the severity of the offense. Infractions shall be reported to the local law enforcement agency in accordance with the district's memorandum of agreement.
Confidentiality shall be protected in accordance with federal and state law.
Weapons Offenses
Any pupil who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for possession of a firearm or a crime while armed with a firearm or found knowingly in possession of a firearm on any school property or on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function shall be immediately removed from the school's regular education program for a period of not less than one calendar year. The chief school administrator may modify this suspension on a case-by-case basis. Each pupil so removed shall be placed in an alternative educational program or on home instruction, and shall be entitled to a hearing before the board. The hearing shall take place no later than 30 days following the day the pupil is removed from the regular education program and shall be closed to the public. The principal shall be responsible for the removal of such students and shall immediately report the student to the chief school administrator. The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of a possible violation of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. The chief school administrator shall determine at the end of the year whether the student is prepared to return to the regular education program, in accordance with procedures established by the Commissioner of Education.
Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
The board of education expects pupils to treat each other with civility and respect, and will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying. Like other disruptive or violent behaviors, this conduct interferes with a pupil's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment. The board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying against any pupil.
Important Parent/Community Letters or Information from Dr. Manno
Staff ONLY: Letters, Memos, or Information from Dr. Manno
BCIT 2014-2015 Refrigerator Calendar
This is a District Calendar, for staff, student, parent/guardian reference. The Website Calendar is to be used for school events, i.e.: meetings, trainings, activities, sports, etc.