BCIT Medford Newsletter
July 2015
WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS
Welcome Back...
It is that time of year again where we begin to plan and prepare for the upcoming school year. To our new students to the BCIT family, we would like to welcome you to the world of vocational education and congratulate you on selecting BCIT. To our returning students, it is time to re-charge your batteries, and to prepare yourself for another successful school year.
As always BCIT will be implementing new and innovative programs to the Medford Campus. This school year the Performing Arts and Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology Academies will be opening. The Performing Arts Academy will provide students the opportunity to study Drama, Dance, Instrumental and Vocal Music in our new state of art facility. The Medford campus has created a new “Tech Lounge” for students to work wirelessly in a fun and energetic learning environment. This lounge will allow students to work on assignments, complete digital projects, and receive support from the assigned staff members throughout the school day. Be sure to ask your child about the new Tech Lounge when school starts!!!
Parents and students are reminded to always visit the BCIT Medford and District web page for updated BCIT information. The Medford One Book...One School Summer Literacy Project and the 9th Grade Math Summer Program is located on the Important Links section of the Medford homepage. If you have any questions regarding either program, please contact the school at 609-654-0200.
Students are reminded that it is never too late to get involved in the all the different programs and activities that BCIT Medford has to offer. Please visit the STUDENT LIFE section of the web page to see a full listing of the clubs and athletics that are available to our student body. Get the most out of your high school experience and GET INVOLVED!!!
The BCIT family would like to thank you for allowing us to help shape and mold your child’s future as we strive to create productive and successful citizens. Enjoy the remainder of you summer and we look forward seeing everyone in September.
Thank you,
Mike Parker
Principal BCIT Medford
Guidance info:
PARCC Link: http://www.state.nj.us/education/assessment/
BCIT MEDFORD GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
Student Scheduling Information:
Student schedules will be available in the Genesis Parent Portal in mid to late August. Please contact the Guidance Department at 609-654-0200 ext. 8423 if you need access to the Genesis Parent Portal. Students will receive their schedules in Homeroom on the first day of school. Changes to student schedules after the start of the school year will only be considered for the following reasons:
· A data or statistical error in the schedule, i.e., two subjects in one period, no lunch, wrong grade level for English, etc.
· To meet graduation requirements or mandated program requirements.
· If student failed with scheduled teacher in the previous year and another teacher is available. Where necessary, such changes will be made at counselor discretion, and only after extensive review of the circumstances.
· Improper program/level placement, i.e., student is not in the course(s) as indicated on the course request form.
In all cases, except a clerical or data error, parental permission or parental awareness is necessary in writing before any change can be made. No course may be dropped after the first interim report is issued. Students may not transfer out of any class after four (4) weeks from the beginning of semester course and after nine (9) weeks from the beginning of a full year course.
Testing Information
Student-Athlete Information
Any senior student-athlete wishing to compete in the NCAA Division I or II must complete an application through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Log on to www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org to register. You must complete this process to receive any type of athletic scholarship money! Student athletes are reminded to send their SAT and ACT test scores to the Eligibility Center by entering the code “9999” in the box when registering for the tests. Any senior student-athlete wishing to compete in the NAIA level must register through the NAIA Eligibility Center. Log on to www.collegesportsinfo.org to register. You must complete this process to receive any type of athletic scholarship money!
Financial Aid Information
Looking for national scholarships? Complete the registration at www.fastweb.com to receive email notifications of scholarship programs.
Visit www.meritaid.com to find merit-based scholarship opportunities from colleges before you apply. This website can help students with merit-based scholarships from colleges that reflect your accomplishments and interests.
Another good resource for researching scholarships is www.finaid.org .
Paper FAFSAs will no longer be delivered in bulk to high schools. Students are able to obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov for faster processing. A PDF version of the FAFSA is also available for download at www. studentaid.ed.gov.
The US Department of Education sponsors www.studentaid.ed.gov, which provides helpful information on preparing for college, types of financial aid, determining who is eligible for financial aid, how to apply for aid with the FAFSA, and information on repaying your loans.
BCIT is Going Paperless
Important Opening Information for the 2015-2016 school year will be available in 3 areas:
Genesis Parent Portal, BCIT website, and student homerooms.
Please review the check list below to be sure all information is reviewed and updated.
The following page will have instructions on how to sign into Genesis Parent Portal.
* You should have received your Genesis password over the summer. If you have not, please contact Kate Geib at Ext. 8418
Important Information
Any address change must be submitted to Guidance. This is the only way to ensure proper busing information is submitted to transportation. Updating the Emergency Card your child will receive in homeroom will not change your address in Genesis.
Schedules will not be mailed out. They will be available in Genesis to view by the end of August.
Schedules will also be available in homeroom on the first day of school.
Parent Portal
New and Re-exploring Students
New students and re-exploring students will cycle through four chosen exploratories according to the schedule below. We encourage you to work your very best so you have the greatest opportunity to be placed in the Career Major of your choice. Students will receive an evaluation after each exploratory that will be a part of the exploratory ranking.
If you have any questions about the process please contact the guidance office.
SCHOOL TO WORK
SUMMER READING
9th GRADE MATH ASSIGNMENT
SCHOOL LUNCHES
2015-2016 prices for student breakfast is $2.00 and student lunch will be $3.25.
Information for Free and Reduced Lunch will be in distribution in homeroom.
Fall Sports
Fall Coaching Staff:
· Boys Soccer Mr. Caton dcaton@bcit.cc
· Girls Soccer Ms. P. Allen pallen@bcit.cc
· Cross Country Mr. Bodnar jbodnar@bcit.cc
· Field Hockey Ms. Canfield mcanfield@bcit.cc
Physical Exams
The State of New Jersey requires that all students must pass a licensed physician’s or licensed nurse practitioners physical examination prior to participation in any sport. Physical exams are valid for 365 days. Student-athletes must submit a completed physical examination packet to the Nurse’s Office at least 1 week prior to the start of the sports season they intend to participate in. Only the “Preparticipation Physical Evaluation” forms, approved by the NJ Department of Education, will be accepted. Students may not participate until the school physician has approved their physical exam. If a physical exam was completed more than 90 days prior to the start of the sports season a Seasonal Update Form must be completed and submitted to the Nurse’s Office.
Physical exams are being offered for incoming freshman by appointment only on the dates listed below. Students can make an appointment at either campus location. To schedule an appointment please call 609-267-4226 ext. 8240.
o Monday, August 3rd @ BCIT-Westampton campus from 8:30 am- 2:30 pm
o Tuesday, August 4th @ BCIT-Medford campus from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Student Activity Organizations
CTE UPDATE
Art, Advertising & Design had their first student Art Showcase in May. Student displayed their various pieces of art for students, staff, and special invited guests from the county.
Auto Body students performed work on many county and municipal vehicles honing their skills as they gave back to the community.
Auto Mechanics will be offering the new NATEF certifications to our students this year. We are very excited about the changes which will benefit our students. Car Craft Magazine featured the Buick race car the students have been completing in the May/June issue.
Building Trades students built the substage for the Pippin musical. During the 2015-16 school year, Building Trades students will collaborate with students from Electrical Construction and HVAC/R to complete a structure in the common projects area.
Computer Science will be evaluating the certifications offered to the students and assessing if changes are necessary based on industry feedback.
Cosmetology had a successful year with all senior students receiving their state license.
Culinary senior students prepared a celebratory meal for their parents in June. The event was an enormous success.
Drafting students assisted with the design and development of an obstacle course for Rovi, an electric wheelchair manufacturer, to take to tradeshows. Additionally, students helped with design upgrade to Hampton Lakes Volunteer Firehouse.
Electrical Construction students will collaborate with students from Building Trades and HVAC/R to complete a structure in the common projects area.
Health Occupations students successfully completed their clinical experience for their CAN certification.
HVAC/R students will collaborate with students from Electrical Construction and Building Trades to complete a structure in the common projects area.
Law & Public Safety students started the Color Guard Team this year and performed at graduation as well as other school functions.
Performing Arts is preparing to open as an academy for the 2015-16. The academy will offer Drama, Dance, Vocal, and Instrumental.
Pre-Engineering is preparing to open as an academy for the 2015-16. Students will be transitioning from the Project Lead the Way Program into the Electronic and Computer Engineering Academy.
Sports Medicine had a successful year with all senior students receiving their American Fitness Professionals Association Personal Trainer Certification.
TV/DMP students were very busy throughout the year taping various shows and events as well as producing promotional material for the district.
Veterinary Technology implemented the Certified Veterinary Assistant certification during the 2014-15 school year. The transition smoothly and the students performed very well.
Welding Instructor, Mr. Joseph Lloyd, was Teacher of the Year for the BCIT-Medford Campus. Through his hard work and dedication, all of his students are prepared to enter the workforce and become successful welders.