BCIT Brief
December 2015, Edition #13
Editor: Mrs. Laura Geltch, District Program and Community Coordinator
A Message from your Superintendent
Dear School Community:
The holiday season is so often filled with hustle and bustle. It becomes easy to forget to pause and reflect on our blessings. This is a time of year to express thanks to those who make our communities and our lives better. Let us all join in thanking our Board of Education and the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders for their continued support for our schools.
There are so many important members of our school community who each and every day do worthwhile work on behalf of our students and families. Thank you to the teachers, staff members, and administrators who work diligently with and on behalf of our children. Thank you to our families for your support and involvement in our schools. Thank you to those who care for our facilities, provide our students meals, and safely transport them every day. Thank you to the police, fire, and emergency services agencies who keep our communities safe and secure. Thank you to those who participate in service organizations and give of their time to help others. Thank you to members of our Armed Forces and their families for their sacrifice and service to our Country. And most importantly, thank you to our students who work hard every day to learn, and to become better citizens and human beings. Every day, we witness countless examples of our students’ resilience and strength. They provide hope for the future.
On behalf of the Freeholders, Board of Education, administration, and our entire staff, best wishes to everyone for a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and prosperity in the New Year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Manno,
Superintendent of Schools
A letter from Dr. Nagy, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, BCSSSD & BCIT
Dear BCIT Community,
In a recent class I attended for an applied positive psychology certification, I could not help but be touched by a YouTube clip that captured how some ordinary people became extraordinary and changed the world (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPoGb8ZQtVg). After watching the brief video clip, it brought me back to think about what we do in education, and in particular, what we do for our special and exceptional children – take the ordinary, provide love, care, teach life skills, and watch them develop over time to be extraordinary and unique.
In the midst of this holiday season, it is a good time to exercise gratitude, be thankful for our blessings (including our children and their exceptionalities), challenges and opportunities while taking time to look back on the progress made during the first part of this school year, and afterward, anticipate the future growth that our children will experience with the help of a strong partnership with home and school.
On behalf of the Special Services administrators and staff, I wish all of you a Happy Holiday and a memorable New Year with an eye toward the infinite possibilities before us in 2016.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Nagy
Assistant Superintendent, Special Education
A letter from the BCIT Adult Education Principal, Patrick Cruet
Dear BCIT Community Members,
Happy Holidays! As we approach our Winter Break, I would like to first take this opportunity to wish each of you and your families a most happy, healthy holiday season! I hope that you will have a chance to relax and enjoy some special times with your family and friends. 2015 may be nearly over, but BCIT Adult Education is already thinking about 2016!
Registration for Adult Education has opened for the Spring term, which begins in February. Some classes are filling fast so register early! Unsure of what course or program to take? Check out one of our Career Exploration events, which provides you the opportunity to see our course offerings, visit the trade shops and classrooms, and ask any questions you may have about our programs. Check out our website for more information about our career exploration events. If you are unable to make one of the dates listed, please call the Adult Education office and we will assist you with your career options.
Are you interested in an Apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are a paid job. Someone who is new to the field (the apprentice) learns the skills needed for a job. Master craftsmen, who are experts in their field, train apprentices. They share skills and knowledge to help the apprentice become an expert, too. An apprenticeship is also a school. Apprenticeships include classroom lessons ensuring the apprentice masters all aspects of the job. BCIT Adult Education continues to assist apprenticeships and sponsors with their needs. If you are interested in registering for the apprenticeship program or sponsorship, please contact the BCIT Adult Education office.
Please visit our website regularly for updates and to keep informed. The website is a great communication hub for our Adult Education community. Where else but BCIT Adult Education can you have the opportunity to complete a “Career in a Year” or less, in a majority of our programs!
Happy Holidays from BCIT Adult Education!
Sincerely,
Patrick Cruet
BCIT Adult Education Principal
BCIT Adult Education Career Exploration Fairs - FREE!
Congratulations to our 2015-16 BCIT Medford Teachers of the Year!
Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Holly Murrenburke
Assistant Teacher of the Year: Mr. James Say
Educational Service Professional: Mr. Jeff Pensabene
Congratulations to our 2015-16 BCIT Westampton Teachers of the Year!
Teacher of the Year: Ms. Monique Jenkins
Assistant Teacher of the Year: Ms. Ann Taylor
Educational Service Professional: Mrs. Kiesha Fitzgerald
Vocational students among top performers in the state!
BCIT/BCSSSD Board of Education Policies & Regulations
The following policies and regulations have been approved by the Board of Education. Please review and reference pertinent policies as applicable.
Policies/RegulationsExhibit #3 (These items are available on the website.)
2nd Reading
5756 Transgender Students
R8505.01 Nutrition and Feeding Safety Protocols (BCSSSD Only)
R8505.02 Nutrition and Feeding Questionnaire (BCSSSD Only)
5339 Screening for Dyslexia
R2431.5 Athletic Practice Competition Adm Walk Through Process
R3125.2 Substitute Coverage SOP (BCSSSD Only)
1st Reading
8550 Outstanding Food Service Charges
R3224.1 Evaluation Rubric of Principals, Vice Principals and Assistant Principals Revised
3322/4322 Staff Member’s Use of Cellular Telephones
Policies/Regulations Exhibit #1 (These items are available on the website.) Revised
9541 Student Teachers/Interns
1st Reading
2510.1 Use of Movies and/or Videos for Classroom Instruction R2510.1 Use of Movies and/or Videos for Classroom Instruction R8500.1 Serv Safe
2nd Reading
8550 Outstanding Food Service Charges
R3224.1 Evaluation Rubric of Principals, Vice Principals and Assistant Principals
November 2015:
2nd Reading
2510.1 Use of Movies and/or Videos for Classroom Instruction
R2510.1 Use of Movies and/or Videos for Classroom Instruction
R8500.1 Serv Safe
Applying to BCIT is now a snap with InfoSnap!
Dr. Erin Conti
Coordinator of Admissions & Recruiting
Congratulations to BCIT November Students of the Month!
Grade 9 - Shalaya Wright
Grade 10 - Amanda Wells
Grade 11 - Lauren Guest
Grade 12 - McKaela Greathouse
BCIT Westampton Campus
Grade 9 - Maria Moreno Garcia
Grade 10 – Danielle Ambrose
Grade 11 – Erika Arevalo Ullaguari
Grade 12 – Mercedes Hill
Augustus Gyamfi- Student/Athlete
Jeremiah Dussintyl- Most Improved
Early Childhood Education at BCIT, by Danielle Hartman
The biggest thing BCIT-West seniors Charu Parker and Kathryn Valme want you to know about their program, Early Childhood Education, is that it is much harder than one would think. Charu reflects, “We aren’t sitting around playing games and coloring. We are actual teachers writing lesson plans and incorporating standards.” Both girls are animated, and have the warm, effusive personality that draws young learners in, captivating imaginations and sparking interest.
Charu values her real-world experience, the experience that BCIT affords her through the pre-school program. She plans on furthering her experience by attending UNC Wilmington with a major in education or child psychology. Kathryn fell in love with childcare during exploratory. Her original plan was to take law or health occupations, but after spending some time with the young learners, she knew that this shop was for her. Kathryn plans to combine two of her passions, teaching and biology, at a four-year college. Though she would like to spend some time with research, eventually, she sees herself teaching.
Kathryn and Charu would like to team up in the future, once they have some experience, to open their own school. They are interested in opening a Montessori community school in an urban setting. “It will be unique;” said Kathryn, “we will help the community, give back, and make a difference.” Adds Charu, “It will take time. We’ll have to start off small, but we can do it.” Judging from their passion and energy, I believe they can.
BCIT Westampton hosts Parent/Child STEAM night: Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Please RSVP Danielle Hartman at dhartman@bcit.cc or (609) 267-4226 x8294
Tuesday, January 26, 2016, 6:30 p.m. in the Art room, F601.
Early Childhood Holiday Celebration!
BCIT Supports the Troops!
The BCIT Medford community collected entertainment, toiletries, and food items for "Operation Yellow Ribbon". All donations will be shipped overseas to our soldiers in time for the holidays.
Thank you to everyone who donated!
BCIT Medford welcomes new instruments to the Academy of Performing Arts Instrumental and Vocal Music program!
Mr. Nikolidakis, Vocal Teacher
Ms. Turowski, Instrumental Teacher
Mr. Parker,BCIT Medford Principal
County Superintendents visit BCIT Westampton
Mr. Joe Venuto, BCIT Westampton Principal
Mr. Peter Shulman (NJDOE)
Mr. Howard Lerner(Bergen)
Dr. Christopher M. Manno, Superintendent
Mr. John Dolan (Essex)
Ms. Mariyah Thompson (student)
Mr. Samuel Ringel (student)
BCIT Medford Student on the Today Show!
BCIT Entertainment Technologies freshmen, Felix Agosto, is in the running to win a contest on the Today show! Felix's father heads an organization to help less fortunate inner city kids learn the game of football through flag football. Felix, works with his dad, taking pictures for the organization. NFL films made a documentary about them and it will be aired in full at a later date. There was a clip on the Today show on December 11th (like below). If Felix and his dad are chosen, they will win a trip to the Super Bowl!
A note from Mrs. Agosto:
Just wanted to share this link with you all, Felix was just aired on the Today Show this morning, he will also be on the Today Show Jan 8. The full documentary will air in February, I will provide details and the video as soon as we get it. If they win this contest, he will be going to the Super Bowl!!! More to come!
BCIT Westampton student wins Seton Hall Scholarship!
Diahann McRoy entered the Seton Hall Competition by submitting her original business idea, describing an innovative idea. Diahann was selected as a finalists and presented on Friday November 20, 2015. Judges were successful alumni entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and business faculty. Congratulations Diahann McRoy!
Haines Family Foundation provides state-of-the-art SimSpray unit!
BCIT Foundation happily announced a Haines Family Foundation grant, covering the cost of a $25,000 instructional unit that simulates the act of spraying paint on auto body parts. The equipment will be housed at Medford, where a similar unit for welding instruction is already in use.
SimSpray is a complete unit that simulates most aspects of the complex process of auto body painting. The weight of the paint wand is similar to an actual paint wand, the sounds mimic an actual paint sprayer, and the simulation helmet’s visuals make the user feel like a car panel is propped right in front of him or her. One important factor is missing: paint. While SimSpray imitates the process, it does not require a continual supply of costly, chemical-based material.
Today’s teens are raised on high-tech video games; this SimSpray until will appeal to them. They are already familiar with its touch-screen panel; they are intrigued by its simulation headgear; and they are challenged to improve when they see their detailed “score” at the end of each experience-rich round.
The Haines Family Foundation, a local organization with roots in Burlington County’s cranberry production, has been a steady supporter of BCIT. This grant is the latest to support the school with education-based technology. The SimSpray is expected to arrive at BCIT Medford in February 2016.
“Learn about this grant and others at www.bcit.cc/foundation”
BCIT Medford Art on Display: Mrs. Willey's Class
View art in our district main office (December) and Burlington County Human Services Building, Basement Bistro (January).
TRIBUTE BRICKS make great Birthday, Holiday and Graduation gifts!
Engraved bricks can mark a memory, honor a loved one, or commemorate a special occasion. They are placed within existing walkways near the front entrances of either Medford or Westampton campus, reflecting the legacy of BCIT.
Bricks can be ordered in two sizes, plus a mini replica to keep at home. Details and the order form are on the web pages of the BCIT Foundation. Orders placed by December 17, 2015, will be installed after the spring thaw.
Let us know if you'd like a personalized certificate to present for an occasion! Call the BCIT Foundation at (609) 267-4226, ext. 8335.
Thank you for your support,
Director, BCIT Foundation
12 Angry Jurors
Twelve Angry Jurors
Dec. 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec 11, 2015, 07:00 PM
BCIT (Burlington County Institite of Technology): Medford Campus, Hawkin Road, Medford, NJ, United States
Parent Focus Group with Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Manno
April 2016 - more information to come.
BCIT Summer Camp 2016
Registration for our 2016 BCIT Summer Camp opens February 1, 2016. Register early! Our camps fill up fast.
Camp dates for Summer 2016:
July 11-15
July 18-22
July 25-29
BCIT Performing Arts Summer Camp Comments
"I learned a lot about acting and singing and I enjoyed working with instructors and learing the performance numbers".
"Had fun practicing with friends after camp".
Do you have a story to share?
Our students and staff are unique and truly outstanding Burlington County community members. It would be my pleasure to share student, family, and parent stories with our school's community.
Please contact me if you would like to share your story.
Thank you,
Program & Community Coordinator
BCIT
Burlington County Alternative School hosts Parent/Community Network Events
Financial Aid Information Session
http://bcsssd.k12.nj.us/cms/lib07/NJ01000535/Centricity/Domain/281/BCAS.FinancialAid.SUSAN.pdf
Minding Your Mind: Erasing the Stigma of Mental Health Issues
BCIT 2015-2016 School Calendar
Like us on Facebook!
Parent/Student Tips:
How to create a home for homework:
2ndFloor.org Youth Helpline
In NJ, youth have an anonymous and confidential helpline to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-888-222-2228 to speak with someone who will listen attentively and compassionately to any issues you are facing.
ANY CALL, ANY TIME - we are always here and ready to help.
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, 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.
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.