BCIT MEDFORD NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2017
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
June is upon us and the school year is quickly closing out. Graduation will be here in a blink of an eye, as we complete all the 2016-17 end of the activities. The Medford campus is very busy with awards ceremonies, student showcases and other evening events to celebrate the accomplishments of our student body.
This year we celebrated the students that made the Honor Roll for marking periods one, two and three. The students were provided breakfast, certificates and a BCIT letter for their achievements.
Please visit the Medford Homepage and view the June calendar, as it is packed with important year end events.
Credit Make Up Sessions are in full swing as the two Saturday sessions are June 10th and 17th. The June 17th session will be the last opportunity to make up time for students on non-credit status. Please see your guidance counselor if you have any attendance questions.
Enjoy the beautiful weather and as always feel free to contact the school if you have any questions or concerns regarding your son or daughter's education at BCIT.
Mike Parker
Principal_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Important Academic Information
The end of the year is approaching quickly, please be aware of your son or daughter’s academic progress within their Semester 2 classes. Any failed courses due to attendance or academic failures must be remediated through Keystone or Educere prior to the start of the 2017-2018 school year. Guidance counselors will be sending home registration paperwork after final grades close on June 20th to those students who have failed classes.
Students that will be registered for Algebra I, Algebra II, or Geometry will need to take the PARCC exam this summer. More information regarding testing will be sent at a later date.
We are administering the PSAT test in October 2017 and your son or daughter may be eligible to receive testing accommodations specific to their 504 plan or IEP. This process can take 8 – 12 weeks, if you are interested in applying please contact your son or daughter's guidance counselor or case manager. If approved, these accommodations will apply to the SAT test as well.
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To Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2017:
I would like to take this opportunity to keep you informed of our upcoming events and important information for the remainder of the year. It is difficult to believe that these students who came to us nearly four years ago have grown and matured and will soon be moving on to the next stage of their lives. We wish all of them the best of luck.
The following is a list of upcoming events of which you should be aware:
- June 13th Yearbook signing event for seniors who purchased a yearbook – daytime event
- June 13th Senior Awards Ceremony in our auditorium; students receiving awards will be sent invitations – evening event at 6:30 pm
- June 19th Graduation practice will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. Students will receive caps/gowns at that time.
- June 20th Graduation practice will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m.
- June 21st Graduation practice at 9:00 a.m. Please be aware that if practice has been completed prior to 12:32, the seniors who drive or have rides will be permitted to leave school only IF written permission is given in advance (see enclosed form).
- June 21st Graduation Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in auditorium. Graduates must report to school no later than 6:30 p.m.
Graduation tickets will be distributed to students at practice on June 21st. Each senior will receive a total of six (6) tickets, four white tickets and two gold tickets. The four white tickets will give entrance to the auditorium for the actual graduation ceremony and the two gold tickets will permit entry into the cafeteria where we will telecast the ceremony on multiple screens. Gold ticket holders will not be allowed to enter the auditorium. Unfortunately, no extra tickets are available for either location. Individuals with gold tickets should try to park in the rear parking lot and enter through the back entrance.
Please also be aware that in order to be able to walk at graduation, all obligations must be paid in full by June 9, 2017. There is a district requirement that after April 1, 2017, seniors must pay obligations either in cash or with a money order made payable to Burlington County Institute of Technology. Personal checks are no longer being accepted.
Non-Credit Make-Up sessions are on the following dates for students needing to remediate excessive unexcused absences: 6/6, 6/7, 6/8, 6/10, 6/13, 6/14, 6/15 and 6/17. All sessions during the week are from 3 – 5 p.m. while the Saturday sessions are from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please realize no transportation is provided for the Saturday sessions. Students must sign up at least a day in advance for all sessions they plan to attend.
Students will receive their caps and gowns at practice on June 19th. Please note that you will not receive your cap and gown if you have any outstanding obligations. The package will contain the student’s tassel as well. It is imperative that the students be very careful not to lose this tassel as it is not possible to obtain a replacement. The students will be able to keep these items after graduation. Do not attempt to iron the gowns as an iron will melt a hole in the material. On the evening of graduation, the students will be assigned a room in which to get ready. Staff members will be on hand to assist with caps and gowns and will also assign a red stole to each student. After graduation, the students must return to the same room in which they received their stole. They will hand in their red stole and will then receive the actual envelope containing their diploma. During the Graduation ceremony, the students will only receive the diploma cover. The student will keep this cover as well.
There are certain dress requirements for student attire, there is also an expectation for the students’ behavior during the ceremony. Students will not be allowed to bring any additional items into the auditorium with them. They will be searched for such items prior to processing. Should there be any incidents of undesirable behavior on the stage or during the ceremony, administrative action will be taken and there is the possibility that the student’s diploma will be withheld at the close of the ceremony.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. Please do not lodge requests for any additional tickets or make any special requests in terms of ticket location as ticket-assigning procedures have already been established. The only option for a student to obtain any additional tickets is if another graduate gives a ticket or tickets away to them. If you require any handicapped seating for graduation attendees, you may either have your graduate inform me or contact the school. Doors to the auditorium and cafeteria will open at 7:00 p.m.
Thank you,
Heidi Bouchard
Assistant Principal
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Summer Reading
Department of English Summer Reading Program
Reading throughout the summer builds important literacy strategies and helps students continue to develop as lifelong readers. Since research on adolescent literacy repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choice in motivating students to read, BCIT will be initiating a voluntary summer reading program this year.
Students are encouraged to choose ‘parent-approved’ young adult books to read and write about via online book reviews found by clicking on below link, Submit Book Review Here. Students can visit their local libraries and returning students in grades 10-12 may sign out summer reading books from BCIT school media centers by June 9, 2017. See sites below for popular teen titles and easy online access:
Two credit points will be earned towards the first English test for each book review signed and submitted, regardless of which semester English is scheduled. A maximum of ten points are possible! Students will also earn a Pride card for each review signed/submitted for a special summer reading prize drawing in September.
Book reviews will be open for submission beginning June 25 and will run through September 8. Please note that a parent/guardian’s electronic signature will be required for each book review submitted and students MUST complete all sections to obtain credit.
HAPPY READING!
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Summer Math
Summer 2017 Math Assignment - Extra Credit
As you prepare to enter your next math class, we would like to make sure that you get a head start on your math skills. Throughout the summer, you have an opportunity to complete optional extra credit assignments on Khan Academy.
Khan Academy is a free online math resource to help you with almost any topic in mathematics. We will continue to use Khan Academy throughout the year.
The number of skills you master on Khan Academy will determine the number of extra credit points you will earn on your first test grade in your math class (points vary by course; see individual courses for specific values and limits). Additionally, for every skill you master you will be entered into a drawing for a prize in September through our PRIDE Program (ex. 8 skills mastered = 8 entries into the drawing).
The assignment will open on July 1st and close on September 6th, regardless of which semester you are enrolled in math.
If you have any questions about Khan Academy or the assignment, please email Ms. Rista at jrista@bcit.cc, check the help page, or view the video tutorial at the bottom of this page for clarification on signing up for Khan Academy and enrolling in the correct mission.
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Our Spring Sports Season has come to an end. Recently, our softball and baseball teams participated in the New Jersey State Playoffs. Our baseball team played at Campbell’s Field, it was a great experience for everyone involved!!! We had several student-athletes named to various BCSL All-Star teams, which are listed below.
Baseball:
1) Max Kodat – Freshman – BCSL 1st Team All Independence Division
2) Nolan Mason – Junior – BCSL 1st Team All Independence Division
3) Zachary Stidham – Senior – BCSL 2nd Team All Independence Division
4) Jeffrey Swezey-Tramutola – BCSL 2nd Team All Independence Division
Softball:
1) Tara Girgenti – Junior – BCSL 1st Team All Independence Division
2) Zoey Emmons – Junior – BCSL 1st Team All Independence Division
3) Taylor Martelack – Sophomore – BCSL 2nd Team All Independence Division
4) Natalie Davison – Junior – BCSL 2nd Team All Independence Division
5) Christine Morrill – Senior – BCSL 2nd Team All Independence Division
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You can access all of our sports schedules by going to the BCIT Medford Website Site Shortcuts Medford Campus Sports Calendar select the appropriate schedules click view or just follow the link http://www.burlingtoncountyscholasticleague.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=342&school_id=3
Are you interested in participating in athletics at Medford Tech? The fall season is right around the corner. The school doctor will be at school on 6/6/17 for physicals. You must have a physical that is approved by our school doctor to participate in a sport. If you need a physical please make an appointment with the school nurse. All physical paperwork can be found on the Athletic Director’s website. http://www.bcit.cc/Page/6495
Please check out our online spirit wear store to get your Medford Tech apparel. It can be customized for any academic, career major content area, club/activity or athletic team. The items are shipped directly to your house. Please click HERE to take you directly to the online store.
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BCIT Medford SkillsUSA students competed in various events in Somerset, New Jersey. The results are below. Our two Gold Medal winners will be competing in the National Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. Congratulations and way to go!!!!!!
The winners are as follows:
1. Gold Medal (Mobile Robotics) Jaxson Bonsall
2. Gold Medal (Mobile Robotics) Jacob Titus
3. Bronze Medal (State Pin Design) Julianna Ulrich
4. Bronze Medal (State T-Shirt Design) Emma Wesner
5. Bronze Medal (Carpentry) Ryan Imbrogno
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This year prom was held at Lucien’s Manor. Everyone enjoyed the event and we had a great evening.
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BCIT Launches Drone Curriculum for Engineering/Architecture
Story from BCT Photojournalist Nancy Rokos
Humphrey, an engineering instructor at the school, kept her hands steady on the controller as she slowly navigated a 450 mm drone from its launchpad to a hovering distance over the students' heads. Using the controller, she turned the camera, attached to the bottom of the device, toward the students, who smiled and waved.
By the end of the fall semester next school year, she hopes her students are flying a drone they construct from scratch.
"With technology advancing in our society, it's very important to me that students understand how technology is being used in society, especially the drones - not only in the military, but also brought into the commercial world," Humphrey said.
She is one of about four teachers at BCIT's Westampton and Medford campuses trained to pilot a drone. For the last two months, those teachers, who are the engineering and architecture design technology programs, also have begun adding drone technology into their lessons.
The plan is to fully implement drone technology into both programs and teach students how to build, design and fly them. The students would start in September with the materials needed to build a drone on a work bench. From there, they would figure out how to engineers it and eventually fly it.
By the end of the course, the students will be able to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration's drone pilot certificate, which would allow them to legally operate a drone for commercial or business purposes.
Certified students would have the knowledge to safely fly, and have the proper licensing to avoid trouble with government officials.
"The program will allow the students to produce materials from the schools' 3-D printers to use to make their own drones. They will also be able to test their navigational skills on a simulator to reduce the risk of crashing and breaking the drones," Humphrey said.
Drone skills could be used in a variety of fields, including real estate to shoot aerial photographs of properties and land as well as in delivery services like Amazon, which is looking to deliver packages using drones.
"It's a tool," Humphrey said about drone operating skills. "It's an add-on skill on their resume."
Sophomore Liam Doherty, 15, of Evesham, is looking forward to working with his teacher to gain experience operating drones. He said he would like to work with drones in the future, but not necessarily on the navigational side.
"I'm looking to work with power systems," he said.
Laim said he wants to be part of the team that installs he drone batteries and makes sure they aren't overworked or overheated.
Senior Nicholas Pilawski, 17, said his wish was that the program came to BCIT sooner.
"I've always been a fan of aviation," he said.
The Lumberton resident said he could see himself piloting drones in the future, as he intends to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.
Humphrey said she's excited for the students to be able to gain skills that can be used in the workforce.
"They'll come away with skills in terms of troubleshooting, understanding how electronics is integrated into a mechanical system and also navigational aspect," she said.
"The schools are also looking to computer science as a discipline that could work with the drone curriculum," Humphrey said, "but first teachers will need training."
The teachers now are trained through the first two levels of the drone curriculum. Humphrey said a third level is expected to be added as the curriculum grows and expands.
The BCIT Foundation recently received a $4,000 grant to help expand the use of drones in the pre-engineering program. The money will pay for supplies to construct the drones made from the 3-D printer, as well as auxiliary material;s such as landing pads and items for an obstacle course to test the aircraft.
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Academy of Performing Arts Dance Majors go to NYC!
On Wednesday May 31, the Academy of Performing Arts Dance Majors traveled to New York City to visit the American Ballet Theatre. Students took a 90 minute dance class at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of ABT with Mikhail Ilyin. Mr. Ilyin is a retired soloist with ABT and was also a Principal dance with the Miami City Ballet and Boston Ballet. Students then attended a performance of Giselle at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. Misty Copeland performed the title role.
BCIT Medford 2017 Jaguar Choice Award Winners
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Teen Excellence 2017 Award Winner Amos Koffa
Amos Koffa’s journey to self-acceptance has provided inspiration for powerful poetry.
A senior at the Burlington County Institute of Technology in Medford, Amos is using his award-winning words to bring awareness to social injustices and to advocate for the LGBT community.
In his Teen Excellence essay, Amos said he discovered a passion for equal-rights activism while attending an international summer camp at Yale University that explored topics in gender and sexuality issues.
“We had to determine the best way to get people to understand that LGBT rights are human rights,” he wrote. “I personally discovered that my strongest method of communication was through performance poetry.”
Through the camp, Amos had the opportunity to perform at the Yale Schubert Theater in front of an audience of more than 600 peers.
“Their reaction to my performance motivated me to do things like this for my school,” he said.
According to BCIT English teacher Eleanor Kaplan Nebbia, who nominated Amos for Teen Excellence, he has worked three years to bring poetry competitions to the school. A member of BCIT’s Interact Club, Amos is currently organizing a spoken word show scheduled to be held in June, which he hopes will bring more awareness to issues related to the LGBT community.
“Amos Koffa is a one-of-a-kind young man,” Nebbia said.
A Burlington City resident, Amos has participated in the NAACP’s ACT-SO humanities program, served as a volunteer for the Louder Than a Bomb poetry slam in Camden, and had his work nationally recognized by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
This year, he was New Jersey’s champion in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition. A local and county winner in the past, he recently performed at the program’s national competition with 52 other U.S. state and territory winners.
“Watching Amos perform his selected poems by memory, with dramatic presentation, has been one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my career,” Nebbia wrote.
“It is never easy being different, especially in high school, and yet Amos has managed to embrace his individuality and has triumphed as a leader.”
Age: 18
Parents: Sedia Koffa
Hobbies: LGBTQ activist; studying history; spoken word poetry
Favorite music: Beyonce; Rihanna; Nicki Minaj; Ariana Grande
Favorite food: French fries with cheese and ketchup
Favorite sport: Gymnastics
Last book read: "The Normal Heart," a play by Larry Kramer
Favorite website: YouTube
Person most admired: Alan Turing
Plans for next year: Rutgers University
Career goals: Social worker and spoken word artist
Story by: Kristen Coppock: 609-871-8073; email: kcoppock@calkins.com; Twitter: @kcoppockbct
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BCIT Successful Graduates of the Year
On Thursday, April 7, 2017, the Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) Westampton, NJ Campus located on 695 Woodlane Road, hosted the Annual Spring Program Advisory Committee Dinner, at which Roy Ruby (Westampton class of 1988) and Darius Holmes (Medford class of 2012) were named 2017 BCIT Successful Graduates of the Year.
Roy Ruby has achieved much success in the architecture field after graduating from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science Architecture degree. Roy coaches in community athletic programs to mentor young people. Roy currently coaches boys and girls recreational basketball teams, as well as the South Jersey High School Jazz Boys basketball team for the past eight years. Roy has worked for Ryebread Architects in Mt. Holly for 28 years!
Darius Holmes graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina A&T State University, where he excelled in many honors programs and organizations. Upon graduation, Darius began working for CME Associates, an engineering firm. Darius plans on adding real estate sales to his credentials in the near future.
In addition to the conferral of the awards, at the end of the dinner the 200 attendees representing local business and industry met with district administrators and instructors to provide an evaluation of career programs and curriculum. Part of the discussions focused on the past, present and future opportunities for the respective programs.
Program Advisory Committees provide invaluable guidance in identifying and expanding the use of new technologies, comparing career curriculum with current and future career competencies, skill proficiencies, and advise on labor market needs and trends. The contributions and commitment of program advisory committees is reflected in BCIT’s most recent graduating class, in which 71% continued their education beyond high school, including enrollment in post-secondary technical schools, colleges and universities, and nursing schools—all while earning an aggregate of over $9 million in scholarships. The program advisory committees are vital to maintaining state-of-the-art curricula in a time of continuous change.
Committees are composed of well-informed, knowledgeable and dedicated students, parents, teachers, and industry leaders who recognize and serve the best interests of the students at BCIT. For more information about BCIT’s Program Advisory Committees, please contact Laura Geltch, Program & Community Coordinator at (609) 267-4226, Ext. 8205.
Photo:
Mr. Matt Persichetti, Instructor, Architecture & Design Technology, Darius Holmes, and Dr. Bonsall
BURLINGTON COUNTY PRINCIPALS & SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION
29TH ANNUAL ACADEMIC AWARDS EVENT
CONGRATULATIONS TO BCIT MEDFORD STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Grade 12 Samantha Stiehl
Grade 11 Amanda Wells
Grade 10 Annaliesa Williams
MEDFORD CAMPUS ENGINEERING STUDENTS WIN BIG IN THEIR WINTER VEX ROBOTICS COMPETITION!
Youth Art Contest: BCIT Medford students win big
Desaree Vaughan, senior in Entertainment Technologies, won "Best in Show" for her black and white sign language drawing of the word "Story". Jenna Blancha won "Honorable Mention" for her cardboard sneaker sculpture that is painted like a night sky. Desaree received a beautiful 100 piece art kit as her prize and Jenna received a drawing pad.
Overall, ten BCIT students participated, and represented the most students in the 10-12th grade category.
Students pictured: Shaniya Wilson, Crystal Johnson, Julianna Ulrich, Allie Nash & Tionna Watson
Barnes Foundation Field Trip
BCIT Medford students visited the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia this past Wednesday where they were able to explore the private collection of Albert Barnes, one of the most renowned collectors of art in the world. His ensembles is a unique quality that allows viewers to create connections between the variety of works on display. The top students were invited to enjoy a fun and enriching day of experiencing art outside the classroom.